By Jamie L. Freedman
The GW Colonials launched their 2009-10 season with four straight victories, capped by a 65-50 win last night over Princeton. Freshman guard Lasan Kromah made national headlines for a series of strong performances throughout the week, earning the Atlantic 10 Co-Rookie of the Week award. In the team’s home opener Nov. 21, Kromah scored 21 points, including four three-pointers in a span of two minutes, leading the Colonials to a 94-51 romp over the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.
It is an impressive start to this “rebuilding year” for the Colonials, who added six talented freshmen to the team’s roster this fall. The newcomers join longtime team leaders junior guard Travis King and senior forward Damian Hollis, who leads the returning players in both scoring and rebounds.
“It’s a terrific way to start the season and a tribute to the commitment and focus of this team,” says Coach Karl Hobbs, who is in his ninth year at the Colonials’ helm. “They are a very cohesive group with great depth, terrific chemistry and synergy, and a real sense of commitment to each other both on and off the court. What is particularly refreshing is that every player has made some sort of impact during these first few games—whether through a key rebound, shot, pass or free throw.”
The Colonials’ freshmen, who constitute the largest recruiting class of Coach Hobbs’ GW tenure, add a new dimension to the team. “They bring a level of energy, innocence and enthusiasm, which is key this year as we strive to reestablish our style of play and our brand,” says the coach. “They are all very versatile players who compete with a great deal of intensity and pride and add something special to the team.”
Coach Hobbs lauds Travis King and Damian Hollis for their leadership. “Travis understands the big picture and has been a tremendous leader in this program,” he says. “Damian is the team’s most experienced player and a calming influence out there on the court when things are getting hectic.”
Praising the cohesiveness of this year’s team, Mr. Hollis says, “For the first time, I feel like we are one big family. I almost feel like a dad to some of the new players! They bring energy, personality and intensity to the team both on and off the court, and I enjoy being around them. We all want to win, and I’m going to give all I can to the team this year to make it happen.”
Coach Hobbs says that the reenergized team has rekindled his excitement about coaching. “It’s going to be a fun ride this year,” he says. “I am enthusiastic about this team and motivated because we are back to playing a fun, fast style of basketball—the type I enjoy coaching and fans enjoy watching. We are heading in the right direction, and I’m really looking forward to the journey.”