Ed Cooley’s Frustration Boils Over in Postgame Press Conference
The 2023-24 college basketball season has been a rollercoaster for Georgetown head coach Ed Cooley, and his frustration reached a boiling point following the Hoyas’ 71-67 loss to DePaul in the opening round of the Big East Tournament. Cooley’s postgame press conference quickly became a passionate stump speech, not for himself, but for his injured star center, Thomas Sorber, who he believes was snubbed by the league’s coaches in the Freshman of the Year voting. Cooley’s discontent wasn’t just about the loss; it was about what he perceived as a lack of respect for Sorber, a player he believes was instrumental in shaping Georgetown’s season despite being sidelined with a season-ending injury.
A Snub That Stirred the Pot: Cooley’s Case for Thomas Sorber
Cooley made no effort to hide his disappointment with the Big East coaches’ decision to name UConn’s Liam McNeeley as Freshman of the Year over Sorber. Both players were named Big East Freshman of the Week seven times this season, but Sorber’s season was cut short due to a foot injury that required surgery. Cooley argued that Sorber’s impact on the game was undeniable, even in the limited time he played. "When you lose someone who, in my humble opinion, should have at the bare minimum been the Rookie of the Year, it’s difficult to overcome," Cooley said. He emphasized that Sorber’s recognition wasn’t just about individual accolades but about respecting the contributions of a player who, despite his youth, had already made a significant mark on the league.
The Rise and Fall of Thomas Sorber: A Star Cut Short
Thomas Sorber was supposed to be the cornerstone of Georgetown’s resurgence under Coach Cooley. As a four-star recruit and the No. 43 overall player in the 2024 recruiting cycle, Sorber was the kind of talent that once defined Georgetown basketball. He made an immediate impact, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in his collegiate debut against Lehigh, followed by 25 points and nine rebounds in a win over Fairfield. Sorber went on to average 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game before his season was halted by injury. His performance earned him third-team All-Big East honors and a spot on the league’s All-Freshman Team, but Cooley believed he deserved even more.
The Future of Georgetown Rests on Sorber’s Decision
Cooley’s passion for Sorber wasn’t just about the past; it was about the future. He made it clear that he was praying Sorber would return for his sophomore season, and if he does, Cooley has no doubt that Sorber will be a dominant force in the Big East. "He will be the Big East Player of the Year. He will be a first-team All-American. He will be a lottery pick," Cooley declared. However, Sorber, like many talented underclassmen, will have to decide whether to return to school or enter the NBA Draft. With nearly every mock draft projecting him as a potential first-round pick, the decision won’t be easy. But Cooley’s hope is that Sorber will give Georgetown one more year to build on the foundation they started this season.
A Program’s Hope and the Bigger Picture
The bigger picture for Georgetown is clear: Thomas Sorber’s return could be the catalyst for a turnaround. The Hoyas’ recruiting class this season, headlined by Sorber, ranked 12th nationally and second in the Big East behind UConn. But Sorber’s injury and the team’s struggles this season have left Georgetown at a crossroads. If Sorber returns, the Hoyas could become a formidable force in the Big East, especially if other key players also return. Cooley’s passion and belief in Sorber are not just about one player; they’re about restoring Georgetown to its former glory. The Hoyas once dominated college basketball, and Cooley is banking on Sorber to help bring back those days.
A Message to the League: Recognizing Talent and Building Legacies
Cooley’s impassioned plea for Sorber wasn’t just about individual recognition; it was about the integrity of the process. He called out the league’s coaches for what he perceived as a failure to acknowledge Sorber’s contributions. "Shame on our coaches for not recognizing that. Seriously, shame on the coaches because that kid more than earned it, more than deserved it," Cooley said. His frustration was a reminder that college basketball, for all its beauty, is also a business where talent is often measured by more than just stats. Cooley’s message was clear: recognize the players who deserve it, and maybe, just maybe, that recognition can be the spark that ignites a program’s resurgence.
In the end, Cooley’s exit from the press conference, fist pounded on the table, was a testament to his belief in Sorber and his vision for Georgetown’s future. Whether Sorber returns or not, Cooley’s passion has sent a clear message: Georgetown is ready to fight for its place in the Big East, and Thomas Sorber is the key to unlocking that potential.
