Who is the Georgetown University men’s basketball all-time leading scorer? A few names might come to mind. Perhaps generational post-scoring talent Dikembe Mutombo? Nope. Or star of the 1984-85 NCAA champion squad, Patrick Ewing? Not quite. What about Georgetown’s most influential basketball star Allen Iverson? Still no. 

The correct answer would even surprise the most devoted Hoya fan: Eric “Sleepy” Floyd (if you knew that, go treat yourself to a Chicken Madness). From 1979 to 1982, Floyd racked up an unbeaten record while on the men’s basketball team, netting a whopping 2,304 points. 

As Coach Cooley works to build our team — one of the youngest in college basketball — it is important to recognize and build upon our strong historical foundation. Georgetown’s athletics department must take the necessary steps to finally recognize an unfairly neglected Georgetown basketball history figure.

Born in Gastonia, N.C., “Sleepy” Floyd earned his famous nickname after a spectator at his fourth-grade baseball game shouted, “Get that kid out of the game. He’s sleeping!”

Though his nickname was “Sleepy,” his career was anything but. After high school, Georgetown sought out Floyd. With the number 21 on his back, he ended up playing for four seasons under famed coach John Thompson Jr. while averaging just north of 17 points per game. 

“Sleepy” led the team in scoring every year he played, earning himself All-Big East honors three times and All-American honors twice. In his final season, he guided the Hoyas all the way to the NCAA championship game, where they lost by only one point. After his time at Georgetown, he went on to have an impressive 13-year NBA career playing for the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. Ultimately, his successful career on Georgetown’s basketball team and beyond provides current Hoyas with a motivational target.

Right before Georgetown’s first game of this season, I approached the merchandise van parked outside McDonough Arena. Grasping the opportunity to combine my Hoya pride and support for my hometown Golden State Warriors, I asked the two men behind the counter whether they had any jerseys with Floyd’s name on the back. Neither of them had ever heard of “Sleepy.” Ouch.

I began investigating to see if anyone had even heard of Floyd, let alone knew where I could find his jersey. I visited the bookstore, checked on the merchandise website and asked around the Thompson Athletic Center. Tragically, it seems that Floyd has been entirely wiped off the Georgetown basketball map. It’s time for this to change.

Today, Floyd lives in his hometown of Gastonia, coaching junior varsity basketball, sporting his killer smile and working philanthropically around the nation. Floyd’s commitment to social justice and his lifetime accomplishments exemplify Hoya values, and Georgetown graduates like him should be celebrated as role models. Through Floyd’s story, our redeveloping basketball program has a chance to learn about an extremely talented and impactful Hoya — a model for the vast potential of their future. 

I urge the athletics department to inject a healthy dose of “Sleepy” Floyd into the Georgetown bloodstream. I’ll admit that seeing fellow Hoyas flaunt Floyd jerseys would bring a massive smile to my face. But beyond my personal interests, I truly believe there is value to be found in embracing the success stories of Georgetown’s sports history — they provide joy and inspiration for future generations.

Everyone can see that Georgetown is a Mutombo, Ewing and Iverson school. But it’s a Floyd school too, and we can’t forget that. Until the university makes a concerted effort, a deserving face will be missing from the Georgetown basketball Mount Rushmore. Our athletics department should give one of our greats a commemorative night by honoring him at an upcoming basketball game. They should start selling his jersey and give him the recognition his hard work deserves!

Hoya Saxa!

Michael Hassner is a first-year in the School of Foreign Service.