Here on the Hilltop, there exists a legend – a legend deeply embedded in historical tradition, triumph and glory; a tradition so rich, it transcends the countless banners and retired jerseys that attempt to memorialize it; a tradition so extraordinary, it continues to grow each and every game.

Yes, this is the legend of Georgetown basketball. From Ewing to Monroe, Thompson to Thompson, and Syracuse beatdown to Syracuse beatdown, it is safe to say that basketball is one of the defining characteristics that make up the Hoya identity. Personally, I’m just waiting for the day they institute basketball as a major.

Yet there also exists another legend on the Hilltop. Less renowned? Definitely. But less important? Absolutely not.

Although the legend of Yates basketball certainly does not receive the same dazzling public image as its McDonough/Verizon counterpart, it serves an equally integral role in life at Georgetown.

Pickup basketball – the term alone sounds impure. Dirty. Perhaps a tainted version of organized competitive basketball. I think it’s safe to bet that these adjectives aren’t getting too many scholarship offers, as nobody really wants them on their team. After three semesters of engaging in grueling, competitive and spirited basketball games at the dingy little gym out in the boondocks of campus, I could not find any words to be more fitting.

These impurities are what have allowed Yates basketball to develop into a unique conglomeration of diverse basketball upbringings, skill sets and unorthodox styles of play that is in one sense imperfect, but in another sense completely and unquestionably beautiful.

On any given afternoon, one can generally find Yates chock-full of basketball-minded competitors immersed in battle. Some play on occasion. Some play nearly every day. Regardless, they always compete.

“Playing basketball is key to my Georgetown experience,” Justin Kwan (MSB ’13) said. Kwan, a regular at Yates, can generally be found lurking at the three-point line, ready to assault opponents with his impeccable sharp-shooting ability. Though only a freshman, Kwan has found a home on the court.

“I have developed many friendships with strangers that I have met on the court,” Kwan said. “As you play more and more at Yates, I believe that you find that you gradually will become more comfortable with the people you play with.”

In turn, it seems as if this sense of community among ballplayers has helped Kwan elevate his game.

“That increases team communication, which increases the level of competition.”

Though many generally do not find themselves facing off against the likes of Syracuse, Villanova and Duke, the level of play at Yates is of extremely high quality. In fact, it is not completely unheard of for a former Hoya to show off his skills. I have played on the same team as Tyler Crawford, a key contributor during the Hoyas’ 2007 Final Four run.

“I would classify a typical game at Yates to be more intense than a regular game elsewhere because of the amount of skilled players that participate,” Kwan said. “Also, many skilled athletes that are even on Division-I sports teams participate in Yates games, which drastically increases the level of competition . The level of competition at Yates forces you to step up your game.”

Lowell Karr (MSB ’11) echoes Kwan’s statement.

“The games are competitive, have a high level of play and, most importantly, are fun.”

Uniquely, basketball at Yates is not necessarily confined to the undergrad population. While some may notice their opponent on the stir-fry line at Leo’s an hour after playing, graduate students, hospital employees and other industrious members of the Georgetown community make up a significant portion of the pickup demographic. Playing with a more diverse and often more experienced collection of players only enhances the experience.

Added Karr, “Whether they are undergrads, grad students or staff, we all know or recognize each other and are very friendly off the court.”

In many ways, basketball at Yates has heavily contributed to the hoops-crazy atmosphere here in Hoyaville. For instance, you may see the very same player who swatted your shot yesterday two rows up from you at Verizon Center – face painted and cheering wildly for the Hoyas. Through Yates, basketball at Georgetown has developed into something much greater than the game itself. It has developed into a culture.

Ultimately, basketball has helped improve the Georgetown experience for a significant amount of students.

“Basketball was a big factor in my choosing Georgetown, and it has made my experience here all the better,” Kwan said.

Without Yates, the Hilltop would lose a crucial component of its identity, both individually and collectively.

Karr sums it up well.

“I would be a different person,” he said.

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