Georgetown Hoyas set up for success with the addition of D’Ante Bass
WASHINGTON – Coming off an impressive 2020 campaign in which the Hoyas finished 13-13, and took home their first conference championship in over 15 years (2006-07). Doing so much as to advance into the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015. Many were still concerned if this was simply just a fluke, or if the Hoyas were here to stay. However, after landing one of the top recruits in the country, D’Ante Bass, it appears that Georgetown has finally regained it’s footing, and re-established themselves amongst the class of the Big East Conference.
Primarily known for his highlight-reel finishes, and balanced style of play, the Savannah, Georgia product has been making waves in the area for years. In fact, the blisteringly athletic combo forward first caught the attention of local basketball fans as an 8th-grader for the renowned Bethesda Academy.
Despite a variety of offers from around the country, most notably Georgia, South Carolina, Xavier, and Virginia Tech. It was widely believed that Bass would stay closer to home, and opt to go with one of the well-established SEC programs. But realizing the rising potential in Washington D.C., D’Ante Bass saw Georgetown as the best option for him to make the jump to the next level. With the 6’7” forward noting the positive interaction with head coach Patrick Ewing, and the school’s incredible reputation as his primary reasons for choosing to become a Hoya. Something that Bass’ emphasized recently with Savannah Morning News;
“[Coach Patrick Ewing] is really down to earth… He talked to my mom and to coach (Aaron) Clark and they both liked him a lot, too… They’ve seen me play a lot with my AAU team (the Atlanta Celtics), where I was playing power forward. I think I impressed coach Ewing with my dribbling and shooting ability. I’m going to be playing guard at the next level, so that’s what I’m focusing on… Georgetown has a great reputation academically, and that’s important to us.”
Prior to Bass’s commitment to Georgetown University, he saw immense success with Windsor Forest High School in Savannah. Where he averaged 16.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game last year as a junior. And in his sophomore season, he helped lead the Knights to the Class 3A semi-finals. Where they suffered a crushing loss to the eventual champion Cross Creek. Something D’Ante is hoping to make up for in his final high school campaign in 2021.
He’s also been turning heads as of late with his exceptional play on the AAU circuit playing for the Atlanta Celtics, who recently won the ‘Battle of Georgia’ Tournament. Celtics’ head coach, Corey Smith, in particular spoke on the young forward’s tremendous potential moving forward;
“I’ve coached D’Ante the last two years and he’s a great player and a great teammate… He loves the game, and is always laughing and joking. He’s still being a kid out there, but he knows when to be serious. He plays above the rim, and his potential is through the roof.”
Maturity, athleticism, and high basketball IQ are all resounding aspects of D’Ante’s game that a variety of coaches and scouts have made note of. All of which should not only help him excel at the collegiate level on the court, but off the court as well.
Georgetown in particular has historically been well-regarded not only for their success on the hardwood. But also for generating players that have excelled both academically, and athletically. Producing NBA legends such as Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning, and Allen Iverson, to name a few.
With the Hoyas likely bidding farewell to some of their more instrumental wing players after this year, like senior guards Donald Carey, and Kaiden Rice. Bass seems to be well-positioned to make an immediate impact with coach Ewing’s squad next season.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
