Note: This is part of an ongoing series of player previews of the 2009-10 Hoyas.
Georgetown’s upcoming season will depend on increased contributions from every player on its roster, perhaps none more so than sophomore center Henry Sims.
Sims arrived on the Hilltop last year with much hype. He measured 6’10″ with a much longer wingspan, and seemed synonymous with the tantalizing attribute of “upside.” Unfortunately, Sims largely did not deliver, averaging 1.9 points on 40% shooting, along with 1.7 rebounds and .6 blocks. More problematically, his contributions did not improve appreciably as the season went on, whether based on really complicated statistical formulae (compare also here and here), simple eyewitness accounts, or a review of his game log. This, despite evidence that the Hoyas performed much better when Sims was on the court than when Vaughn was (although plus-minus can be misleading, particularly given the Greg Monroe Effect).
Sims did show some promise – a “flash” would be an overstatement – in the final few games, taking advantage of increased minutes to chip in four points and three and a half rebounds per game. However, Sims often appeared passive and lost during his freshman campaign. He was not assertive on the boards or on defense, and confined himself to wide-open finishes on offense. Sims did contribute the occasional spectacular dunk – leaving this poster both ecstatic and confused as to when, exactly, Sims had entered the game – only to just as suddenly recede into on-court obscurity.
Reports from the Kenner League reveal that Sims had an uneven summer campaign but showed signs of improvement. He thrived on quick hits, dump-downs, and offensive put-backs. He showed some brilliance, netting 30 points in one game and 15 in another. On the other hand, disturbingly familiar derivations of “unassertive” and “lost” appear throughout summaries of Sims’ summer play.
Thus, Sims’ performance this year will depend as much on his attitude as on his ability. The Hoyas will need Sims and Julian Vaughn (preview to come) to flank Greg Monroe (ditto) in the post. Sims’ profile suggests that he has packed on a few pounds since last year, bulk that will be needed in crashing the boards, particularly given the Hoyas’ struggle in that department last year. Sims will also be counted on to finish open opportunities near the basket, created by double-teams of and high-post feeds from Monroe, and off of penetrations by Chris Wright and Austin Freeman. Given the paucity of Hoya bigs, Sims will have plenty of opportunity to succeed. His ability to do so will be a bellwether for the Hoyas’ success.
