Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Fresh Faces

reggie cameronryan williams

For the first time in at least two years, Georgetown can no longer be described as “young.” Still, the two rookies who join the Hoyas this fall — junior transfer junior center Josh Smith, having played one and a half seasons at UCLA, doesn’t quite count — have generated excitement even before taking the court.

Power forward Reggie Cameron was a recruiting triumph for Head Coach John Thompson III in the class of 2013. Ranked by ESPN as the 63rd best player in the class and16th among power forwards, Cameron made waves at this summer’s Kenner League for his impressive shooting.

A solid perimeter shooter is a necessity for the Blue and Gray this season, with sharpshooters Otto Porter and junior forward Greg Whittington departed for the NBA and out with a torn ACL, respectively.

The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Cameron will also provide more useful length for the Hoyas, especially on the wing. In particular, he will likely be able to force defenders in the post out onto the perimeter, potentially opening up the lane.

“[Cameron’s] a fantastic shooter, as we all probably know,” senior guard Markel Starks said. “He’s getting there … and honestly, he’s caught on faster than I did my freshman year.”

A native of Paterson, N.J., Cameron transferred to Hudson Catholic for his final three years of high school, when he averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game as a senior. Given the hype, it’s not surprising that Thompson is tamping down expectations.

“He’s a freshman. He’s trying to find his way right now,” Thompson said. “But he’s got a pretty good feel for the game.”

However, if Cameron can improve his rebounding and become better at creating open shots, he could quickly become part of the rotation. And if he can knock down some of his trademark long treys, he’ll surely have Verizon Center on its feet.

Amid all the hype about Cameron, the addition of a walk-on could easily get lost in the mix. But sophomore guard Riyan Williams is no ordinary walk-on.

The son of Georgetown legend Reggie Williams, the younger Williams was a late addition to the roster; in fact, he wasn’t even on the roster handed out to reporters at the Hoyas’ media day. Rumors that he was preparing to join the team, however, had been spreading since the summer, when Williams turned in several weekends of solid performances at the Kenner League.

In an interview with 247Sports over the summer, Williams said that he had wanted to walk on for Georgetown since he played for his father at local Archbishop Carroll High School. Faced with a squeezed roster, Thompson III reportedly advised Williams to work on his grades in preparation for a potential spot on the team as a sophomore.

The younger Williams certainly has big shoes to fill. His father dropped 19 points in the 1984 national championship his freshman season and was honored as the Big East player of the year after leading the Hoyas to the Elite Eight in 1987. He went on to a 10-year career in the NBA.

Fans shouldn’t expect much playing time for the sophomore, who won’t be travelling with the team, but his arrival is an intriguing next chapter for a family already steeped in Georgetown lore.

On a team full of experienced players, Cameron and Williams won’t grab the spotlight. But hopefully, they can at least grab a few rebounds.

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