Center, Thompson have a unique relationship There are certain ways Georgetown coach John Thompson III and Hoyas senior center Henry Sims demonstrate their particular brand of chemistry.
One: Rare outward frustration. Though Thompson excels at staying even-keeled, when Sims committed an offensive foul in the second half of the Hoyas’ season-opening win over Savannah State, Thompson slammed down his towel onto the bench.
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| Maui Invitational | ||||
| Georgetown vs. | ||||
| No. 12 Kansas | ||||
| Where » | Lahaina Civic Center, | Lahaina, Hawaii | ||
| When » | Monday, 11:50 p.m. | |||
| TV » | ESPN | |||
Two: Subtle smirks and grins. Sims could barely contain himself as he stared at the floor, standing behind Thompson at the news conference podium as Thompson, with a similar smirk, fielded questions about Sims’ career-best 19-point performance against the Tigers, including a defensive rebound and basket immediately after his foul.
Sims has grown accustomed to the tough love, but he’s determined to prove that his own hard work has also paved the way for a breakout final year as much as Thompson’s prodding.
“He’s been like that for a while,” Sims said. “It definitely has helped me grow a lot, and I’m starting to get why he’s so hard on me. I understand everything better. But I think the attitude that he has is just permanent. It’s not going anywhere. It’s just the way we are together.”
Sims followed 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks in the Hoyas’ opener with eight points and seven rebounds against UNC Greensboro. Neither of those teams have close to the caliber frontcourt that Georgetown (2-0) will face against No. 12 Kansas (1-1) in its first of three games at the EA Sports Maui Invitational.
Thompson acknowledges he’s never given Sims a pass. He also knows it’s not Sims’ point production but effort and hustle that will make the difference against Jayhawks power forward Thomas Robinson (14.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg).
“Most of my college career I hated my coach, and I love the man to death right now,” Thompson said of former Princeton coach Pete Carrill. “I realized later that almost everything he said to me — and I thought he was crazy — he was right, and I was wrong. Now, Henry and I do not have the same relationship I had with Coach Carrill. But it’s not about not being hard on people just because they don’t want you to.”
The players see it, too, as Sims has moved away from lower-percentage jump shots and turnover-prone passes. But he remains confident in his ability to pass out of a double team and convert the low-post opportunities that come his way.
“Coach is very consistent with everybody, but he sort of has a special thing that he does with Henry,” Hoyas sophomore forward Nate Lubick said. “You’ve seen it already this year. Henry’s bought into it. He’s playing really well and working really hard.”
Sims, who joined Georgetown in the shadow of classmate Greg Monroe, said he’s benefitted from having the ear of Monroe and Roy Hibbert, who have both been around frequently due to the NBA lockout, as well as former Hoyas center Othella Harrington.
“Coaches don’t spot everything,” Sims said. “Players playing with you and at the next level can see it and talk to you, and it’s coming from a genuine place.”
