Get ready for a shocker: George Washington University Men's Basketball is back, and they're not just playing – they're aiming for the top! After years of turmoil, false starts, and even a name change, the program is buzzing with a level of excitement we haven't seen in nearly a decade. We're talking about a team poised to be the most competitive since their 2015-16 NIT Championship run, which boasted three future NBA stars. But can they live up to the hype?
The Atlantic 10 (A-10) preseason poll has GW ranked fourth – their highest position since that memorable 2015-2016 season. What's even more impressive? Four players earned spots on the preseason All-Conference teams: senior center Rafael Castro (First Team), Duquesne transfer guard Tre Dinkins III (Second Team), junior guard Trey Autry (Third Team), and redshirt-sophomore guard Christian Jones (Third Team). Only VCU can boast a similar level of representation.
So, what's fueling this resurgence? A significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) budget – comparable to some of the A-10's elite programs – and increased support from University President Ellen Granberg and Athletic Director Michael Lipitz. This combination has allowed GW to build a roster that should contend for the A-10 crown.
The first crucial move was retention. Castro, coming off an All-Conference Second Team and All-Defensive Team selection, decided to return after averaging an impressive 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds. He's already being mentioned as a potential A-10 Player of the Year candidate. Autry and Jones, forming one of the most exciting young guard duos in the country last year, are also back, along with promising sophomore guard Ty Bevins. This level of returning talent is almost unheard of for a mid-major program.
But here's where it gets controversial... The most significant return might be someone who didn't even play last season: redshirt junior forward Garrett Johnson. After a stellar redshirt-freshman year (13.4 points per game, 40.3% from three), his season was tragically cut short due to complications from a tumor in his left hip. Then, to add insult to injury, he tore his ACL over the summer. Can he return to his previous form? Many are wondering if he'll be the same player.
To bolster the roster further, GW landed one of the most highly-regarded transfer classes in the nation, earning praise from outlets like CBS Sports and The Athletic.
Dinkins, a graduate transfer from conference rival Duquesne, led the Dukes with 12.9 points per game last season. He's expected to play a significant role for GW, potentially as the starting point guard or a dynamic scorer off the bench. GW also added Hofstra transfer Jean Aranguren, a junior guard from Venezuela. Aranguren is a stat-sheet stuffer, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while playing top-tier defense.
Looking at the frontcourt, Bubu Benjamin, a 6'7" junior forward from Tarleton State, is projected to start at the three. His blend of size, shooting, and athleticism makes him a potentially major mismatch problem for A-10 opponents. He averaged 13.9 points per game while shooting 38.0% from three. Tyrone Marshall Jr., a grad transfer from Western Kentucky, brings valuable NCAA Tournament experience, including a 21-point performance against Marquette in the first round of the 2024 tournament. Luke Hunger, a high-major transfer from Northwestern, is expected to be Castro's primary backup at center but could also play the four in larger lineups.
And this is the part most people miss... With all this talent, the biggest challenge for the coaching staff will be figuring out the optimal starting lineup and rotations. Sources indicate that GW's recent scrimmage against Temple was primarily focused on experimenting with different combinations and assessing player fit.
Right now, Castro is the only guaranteed starter. Jones, Autry, Dinkins, Aranguren, Benjamin, Johnson, Marshall, and Hunger all have strong arguments to join him, presenting head coach Chris Caputo and his staff with some tough decisions.
Caputo could reward Jones and Autry for their loyalty with starting roles. Alternatively, Dinkins and Aranguren, who both averaged more points and started for their previous teams, could get the nod. While Johnson possesses immense talent, Caputo might choose to ease him back into the lineup off the bench. Benjamin and Marshall could start at either the three or four, or come off the bench, depending on Johnson's health. Hunger, while likely the backup center, could even start some games at the four alongside Castro, similar to Sean Hansen's role last season.
Johnson's health is arguably the biggest question mark surrounding GW this season, but early signs are encouraging. He's been cleared for all basketball activities. While sources say he played just "OK" in the scrimmage against Temple, he's reportedly been "playing like his old self" in practice.
GW has several opportunities to boost its resume during non-conference play. They'll face South Florida in a neutral-site game at Mohegan Sun on November 8. The Cayman Islands Classic MTE features matchups against McNeese State, Middle Tennessee, and Murray State. On December 13, they'll travel to Sunrise, FL, to play reigning national champion Florida in the Orange Bowl Classic. If South Florida and McNeese can become top-100 NET teams, those games will be Quad 2 opportunities. Florida will almost certainly be a Quad 1 game.
The first real test comes in an exhibition game against Georgetown. The Hoyas are ranked just one spot behind GW in the preseason KenPom rankings, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup.
Looking at the A-10 landscape, GW is clearly among the top-tier programs, alongside VCU, Saint Louis, Dayton, and Loyola Chicago. If Caputo and his staff can make the right adjustments, identify the most effective lineups, and maximize their depth, this GW team has a genuine shot at making a deep run in March.
So, what do you think? Is this the year GW finally breaks through? Will Garrett Johnson return to his previous form? And which lineup combinations do you think will be most successful? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
