In the past few years, neither the Georgetown University men’s nor women’s basketball teams have reached the NCAA tournament. Attendance at men’s home games during the 2023-24 season matched these disappointing results, averaging 6,755 — a far cry from the Hoyas’ golden era from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Attendance at women’s home games last year was more promising than previous seasons, averaging about 800, driven by the Hoyas’ surge down the stretch all the way to the championship game at the Big East Women’s Basketball Tournament.
However, new personnel — players and coaches — on both teams have raised the Georgetown community’s excitement ahead of the 2024-25 season. Second-year men’s basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley, in particular, has been on a mission to persuade students to show out in full force for every game. His team has coordinated outreach events like their Family Weekend meet-and-greet, made a concerted effort to establish stronger relationships with local media and offered droves of ticket promos in collaboration with the women’s team.
Women’s basketball head coach Darnell Haney, entering his second season with the Hoyas but first full one as their coach, has been working to reach out to students; the team will hope to draw more student attendees to their free games at McDonough Arena on campus.
Ahead of the season, these outreach efforts have students and graduates feeling an upswing of momentum.
After years covering both basketball programs as a sportswriter and editor for The Hoya, Carrie McDonald (CAS ’24) said she is excited to attend Hoya games as a fan.
“Since I still live in D.C., I will definitely be attending as many games as possible; it’s a wonderful way to show support for former classmates and stay connected to the Georgetown community after graduating,” McDonald wrote to The Hoya.
Mikey Hassner (SFS ’28), a trumpet player in Georgetown’s Pep Band, said he is extremely optimistic for the Hoyas to succeed — particularly after other Georgetown sports teams, especially the football team, have overperformed this season.
“I have big hopes for Georgetown Basketball this season and I’m excited to see what it looks like to have everyone in attendance cheering on our nation’s fiercest basketball program,” Hassner wrote to The Hoya. “I expect a physical brand of basketball that morally and physically defeats opponents complemented by the slashing and shooting ability I know we have.”
Hassner said he is particularly excited to see how both Cooley’s and Haney’s leadership develops in their second years.
“It’s time for Georgetown Hoops to seize the day once more and fulfill the potential we all know they have,” Hassner wrote. “I trust our coaches with all my heart and let me just say — if nobody got me, I know Cooley and Haney got me, and that’s all I need as a fan.”
Han Li (CAS ’27) said he anticipates a big turnaround in the season ahead.
“Last year was a season with high expectations and unmet potential,” Li told The Hoya. “I’m excited to see what Coach Cooley and the new arrivals to the team can revitalize Hoya basketball and pick up some more wins.”
McDonald said she is cautiously optimistic about the men’s team and excited about the women’s team, particularly after their late-season run to the Big East championship game.
“Coach Cooley has brought in some strong recruits, and I fully expect this year to be the team’s most successful since they won the Big East tournament my freshman year,” McDonald wrote. “Georgetown women’s basketball had its best season in recent memory last year, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year.”
McDonald predicted individual success for the Hoyas’ women’s team, picking graduate guard Kelsey Ransom and Haney to appear on end-of-season awards lists.
Hassner said he hopes both teams win national championships this season and looks forward to seeing students support the team.
“I will be at every single game (women’s and men’s) as a trumpet player in the band and I hope our community can show out as well, because what’s better than music and a show?” Hassner wrote.