GETTING INSIDE
Damian Hollis has been at George Washington for the good times and bad. Now, the senior forward seems intent on finishing his career on a positive note.
Hollis was a freshman in 2006-07 when the Colonials made their third of three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
While it is far too early to project George Washington getting back to the big dance this season, the Colonials are off to an 8-2 start after consecutive losing seasons and Hollis has been playing a starring role with team-leading averages of 15.1 points and 5.0 rebounds.
Hollis showed his leadership skills in an 84-80 victory at East Carolina on Dec. 22 by taking over the game in overtime. He scored nine of the George Washington’s 11 points in the extra period, hitting a three-point shot and six consecutive free throws.
Freshman guard Losan Kromah has made an immediate impact with a 12.1 scoring average, and sophomore point guard Tony Taylor has blossomed into a strong floor leader with good decision-making abilities, as he is averaging 8.9 points and 4.1 rebounds.
Sophomore forward Aaron Ware has 7.3 scoring and 3.6 rebounding averages and his biggest strength is his versatility, as he can play every position on the floor.
George Washington finished last in the conference last season but it eager to start climbing up the standings again.
The Colonials open conference play Jan. 6 against St. Bonaventure after visiting Holy Cross and Harvard, and hosting Howard in non-conference games.
NOTES, QUOTES
• When George Washington notched an 84-80 victory at East Carolina in overtime on Dec. 22, it marked the first meeting between the former Southern Conference rivals since 1973.
• George Washington has won each of its four road games this season and plays its next two on the road, facing Holy Cross on Dec. 28 and Harvard on Dec. 30. The Colonials won only three road games all last season and haven’t won their first four road games in a season since 1947-48.
January At A Glance: George Washington is a young team looking to get better. The Colonials have gotten off to a good start outside the conference and their goal for January is to show they can at least be competitive in the Atlantic 10 after finishing last in the 14-team league last season. Thus, George Washington will look to win some early conference games in order to continue building confidence.
Quote To Note: “He did what seniors are supposed to do. He made the key free throws and they were certainly the difference in the game.”—George Washington coach Karl Hobbs on F Damian Hollis, who went 6-for-6 from the free throw line in overtime against East Carolina.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Season Recap: George Washington has gotten out of the gate with an 8-2 record, wiping away the bitter taste of back-to-back losing seasons and strengthening coach Karl Hobbs’ job security. Forward Damian Hollis has provided senior leadership to a team that was rudderless for much of last season, and sophomore Tony Taylor is taking steps toward becoming an elite point guard.
Player Rotation: Usual starters—F Damian Hollis, F Aaron Ware, C Joseph Katuka, G Tony Taylor, G Lasan Kromah. Key subs—F Hermann Opoku, G Bryan Bynes, F David Pellom, F Dwayne Smith, G Travis King, G Tim Johnson.
Game Review:
Providence 110, George Washington 97
George Washington 73, Towson 69
George Washington 84, East Carolina 80
Game Preview:
At Holy Cross, Monday, Dec. 28
At Harvard, Wednesday, Dec. 30
Vs. Howard, Saturday, Jan. 2
At St. Bonaventure, Wednesday, Jan. 6
Vs. Xavier, Sunday, Jan. 10
In Foucs: George Washington is showing a surprising ability to win on the road for a young team as it is 4-0 away from Washington. The Colonials will get one last chance before Atlantic 10 play begins to test its road mettle, with a two-game trip to the Boston area for non-conference games against Holy Cross and Harvard.
Roster Report:
• G Tony Taylor scored a career-high 20 points, including 17 in the second half, in an 84-80 victory at East Carolina in overtime on Dec. 22. The sophomore had gone seven straight games without scoring in double figures.
• F Dwayne Smith had the biggest moment of his freshman season when his tip-in at the regulation buzzer against East Carolina tied the score, 73-73, and forced overtime. Smith had career highs in minutes (19), points (11) and rebounds (seven) in that game.
• G Tim Johnson started the first five games of the season but the freshman’s playing time has dwindled recently. He played a season-low two minutes against East Carolina, the first time he logged fewer than eight minutes in a game.
