George Mason Basketball: Luke Hancock will transfer to Louisville

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Luke Hancock will transfer to Louisville

Well most fans saw this coming and now it is official that Luke Hancock will transfer to Louisville. Hancock anchored the starting lineup last season and was a vital part of the team's success. Now that they are down two starters instead of just one you have to wonder if this is still a Top 30 team entering into the 2011-2012 season. With this latest departure next year's squad currently doesn't have a player who averaged more than 1.7 assists a game. Paul Hewitt will need a point guard to step up because the flow on offense for this team will be very different than what we saw last year.

Sherrod Wright's return helps fill the scoring void left by Hancock's departure but he doesn't handle the ball as well. Vertrail Vaughns could end up seeing the most increase in minutes as a result of this transfer and could find himself handling the ball a lot. Hewitt might lean on the front court players more as they are going to be the team's strength heading into next season. The addition of Erik Copes helps give them depth in there and might provide better opportunities and second chances for the guards.

This latest news just adds to the number of question marks heading into next season. The new coaching staff still has a lot of talent to work with but the expectations of a CAA title in their first season might be a little less in reach.

108 Comments:

Scottranda said...: Bit nervious about all the changes and still think this team is going to be a winner! I look forward to seeing a new look and see coach Hewitts brand of basketball.; 8:52 PM
Scottranda said...: Correction - Nervous; 8:55 PM
Jmckend1 said...: Not nervous. There are guys who can fill the void talent wise, but it's going to be a question of which underclassman matures before the season to be able to be a leader. I see Bryon Allen getting more minutes and Gray coming off the bench. Probably also see Arledge having a bigger role. One more scholarship available to get a badass in the door, which I think they will do with all of the other coaching changes this year.; 9:25 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Luke did nothing but represent the university well and I wish him well at Louisville.; 9:51 PM
Emjay613 said...: I wish him luck, but I think Louisville is a big mistake for him. Lets be honest he can't go left, he's not willing to shot a three without a ton of time to get the shot off, and he's not a good defender. A lot of things he gets away with in the CAA he won't be able to in the Big East. I don't believe he'll ever be more than a role player at best for the Cardinals. With that said if Louisville came calling I would go to.; 9:58 PM
Taylormade703 said...: It's not like Louisville is a Carolina or UCLA in basketball.; 10:14 PM
ByGeorge06 said...: Big mistake big mistake Hancock! Kids dream about being a starter on D1 level and Mason offers a great program to start that dream. I really thought you had the chance to be the next Gordon Heyward. Mid-major is where deceptively athletic kids can succeed. Throwing yourself in a crowd of athletic kids and you can be easily forgotten. That being said, I wish you good luck because I think you going to need it!; 10:35 PM
Gio said...: Well this sucks. We get Copes in and lose one of our key players from last year. Just don't understand why he would do that now. Is he even gonna be starting at Louisville? Say what you will but this team will miss his talents. He's a great ball handles, passer and good scorer on a given game day. Someone's gonna have to step up and fast.; 11:59 PM
out1aw said...: Hancock is going to do great in the Big East. He's got the size and athletic ability along with the smarts to play the game against anyone in the country. He'll play big minutes in both his jr and sr year under Rick Patino. This is a no brainer move for him. He's a smart kid, who will have experience under two great coaches. Basketball, coaching, Wall Street, his future is bright. One more thing, don't mistake a slow release as a weakness. The guy hesitates all the time. This is how he becomes a triple threat. He finds someone wide open many times by delaying his shot. He waits for a defender to drop his back down low then bam! Assist down low, or head fake then fake pass followed by a shot. This is what makes his game so great, so efficient. I hate to see someone mistake his greatest strength as a weakness. He'll do just fine in the Big East. The guy plays with his head first. I guess a lot of people just don't understand his game. Do you realy think that anyone could get away with delaying their shot for so long? The guy is a difficult read. good bye Luke Hancock. i hope you hit a 3 pointer to knock Miami out of the tournament.; 12:42 AM
Jjlkj said...: It's not that Luke was that great. He isn't, but he was one of the solid more senior players. I would rather take Hewitt and the changes rather than Larranaga and Hancock. Hewitt will be a better recruiter and Luke is only an above average mid major player who was spiraling downward at the end of last season. Good rid dens to the publicity obsessed Larranaga and overrated Luke who will likely fall from relevance. Go Hewitt and Go Mason!; 1:01 AM
Matt said...: I put this up yesterday on the Copes page.

This is not a major surprise as this off season saw Florida and Louisville lose all of their assistant. Petino got his son back on his staff then went and got Luke's coach from Hargrove Milt. Acad. For Luke: I still don't really get it, he will have a year (he doesn't have to sit because Coach L left) and then Louiseville will bring some blue chip that will likely eclipse him in his senior year. He's a better fit for our school. I'm not sure I understand why he felt like he wouldn't fit with Hewitt. Yes he got some extra love form Coach L but he also contributed. For us: Some people thought this was going to be a hit from a ball handling perspective-I don't think so, neither Luke not Andre should be the PG. Some people this would be bad for team leadership-I have a hard time believing Pearson won't be the Cam of this year. It is loss because he would drive and racked up assists but I also think we expect Sherrod to be the same kind of player. Maybe Sherrod's progress made Luke think as well. Sorry to see Luke go, good luck, I hope it's not a bust! Pearson will need fire power from Andre, Sherrod and Johnny will have to continue to develop and were doing to have to see more from Morrison on both ends, more consistency from Vertrial and sophmores and freshman need to bring it.; 8:33 AM
GMURULES said...: Emjay613, could not agree more with your post. Great kid, great attitude. CAA, he was a cut above, but in Big East, I don't see more than role player either. I think this move is no a wise one for him, but I am not in his shoes. God's speed to him and his family.; 9:53 AM
Rmjank said...: The writing on the wall is now that we are a team with voids to fill with less experienced players. That of course means we need some of our younger players to step up, but even moreso I think it puts the onus on Hewitt to step up his coaching game. The book on him seems to be "great recruiter, not so great coach on the floor." We have been spoiled down through the years with Larranaga's coaching talents, so any bad coaching move by Hewitt will likely draw heat from the fans, but I'm hoping he can come through with good game plans for the younger guys especially. Or else rely on his assistant coaches!
Re Luke: Something about the way he drives the lane and sets up his shots always reminded me of Adam Morrison. Morrison met his "talent waterloo" in the pros. Luke might meet his in the Big East (where deceptively fast may not be enough -- you gotta be plain old fast), but I actually think his court smarts will keep him a productive player (just ask Villanova!). But Louisville has a lot of players turning junior and senior this year -- if Luke isn't careful he may find he gets noticably less playing time there.
I will root for Luke and for Coach L. But if neither are successful, the sting won't be there. The worst sting is from their departures and is hopefully a thing of the past now.; 11:07 AM
Ross_williams1 said...: I agree with your comments about the high quality of the talent pool at Louisville and the Big East. Hanncock could easily become a little fish in a big pond. I hope for his sake that he can rise to the challenge.; 11:16 AM
Taylormade703 said...: I hope he does well, too. It'll be tough in the Big East. He's a class guy.; 11:52 AM
c hirsch said...: I don't think that is right. Everything I am seeing says he has to sit out a year.; 12:57 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Guess it's time for a new graphic at the top of the page...; 12:59 PM
Taylormade703 said...: I thought he had to sit out as well. That probably isn't the worst thing for Luke, as his shoulder is messed up to begin with.; 1:01 PM
Matt said...: Does anyone know if Luke sits out, I thought because of the coaching change he is not held. If he does loose a year it makes the decsision even crazier because he gives up a year when he could have had a great one to come and hopefully another solid one in two years.; 1:27 PM
Matt said...: Does anyone know if Luke sits out, I thought because of the coaching change he is not held. If he does loose a year it makes the decsision even crazier because he gives up a year when he could have had a great one to come and hopefully another solid one in two years.; 1:27 PM
Matt Cerilli said...: If you squint really hard it looks like Thomas Armistead.; 3:27 PM
Charlie T said...: Whatever the reason I doubt he made this move on his own . He was a fun player to watch and he did have his moments. Good basketball IQ,a bit slow on defense and not the strongest player on the court, he made up for a lot by doing the right thing more often then not. He did get caught up in leaving his feet with nowhere or nobody to go to but he worked on that. Someone or something got into his head but whatever ,if he plays hard,studies hard and keeps his head he will be fine. As for us it really is time to move on. I look for a great season and would love to see a team in October that feels they have something to prove and players that will fight for minutes but will embrace teamwork.; 3:46 PM
CN said...: "Deceptively athletic" ahhh, I remember that quote from the Bracketbuster game when the color analyst (LaPhonso Ellis?) uttered the same phrase. Soon after, Hancock drove the lane for a dunk and Ellis explained that the play was a perfect example of his deceptive athleticism! I'll miss Hancock, he would have been a good guy to throw alley-oop lobs to Copes & Morrison...; 4:19 PM
CN said...: Yeah, Hancock definitely has to redshirt, since he's staying in I-A. Had he went to/from a I-AA school, he could play right away. Obviously, GMU is NOT a I-AA, not so sure about Louisville ;-*)

Maybe his jacked up shoulder played a big decision for him to transfer. I thought I heard he had surgery on it, so now, Hancock can take his time w/ the rehad, instead of tryin to rush back by October. No longer GMU's problem. Let's find another diamond in the rough w/ Hancock's scholarship...; 4:23 PM
CN said...: Hancock has to sit out, since he's staying in I-A. Had he transferred to/from I-AA or lower, he could play right away. Copes doesn't have to sit, b/c he hasn't even played a game in I-A, so that's the difference in their situations. Regardless of a player's reason for leaving, he must sit out one year when transferring between I-A schools.; 4:26 PM
c hirsch said...: Why can't he still have a great year after sitting out a season? Didn't hurt Seth Curry at Duke. Also, lose.; 4:35 PM
c hirsch said...: That masthead is a curse, whoever is on it leaves us early.; 4:35 PM
CN said...: It's going to be a tough year with the coaching changes anyway. Even though Hancock would have been great to have on the team, he initiated the termination of his services on the team, so if he no longer wanted to be a Patriot, fine, good luck and good bye.

Now, Coach Hewitt can find someone who fits his specific mold, even though it's late into the recruiting season. It would have been very difficult to duplicate last year's success with all factors remaining constant. However, with an all-new coaching staff, it's probably close to impossible, so this is a season of transition & trials to see what works best.

I hope this team succeeds with the parts already in place, I'll be rooting regardless.; 4:44 PM
Donald said...: wrong. you are still blinded by the Nova 3 pointer. His complete lack of defense will help him keep the bench warm in the bluegrass; 4:46 PM
Masongreenandgold said...: Interesting how Hancock is built up to be such a hero based on his Villanova game, when the stats suggest he is a player who was not consistent and may have folded under the pressure of the season. Keep in mind his 10+ point average is the result of doing about 14+ points in the beginning of these season and much less during the end of the season. He averaged about 7.5 points during his last 10 games at Mason including his 18-point Villanova triumph. He was also inconsistent with steals and assists at the end of the season. stronger older player sucks but something needed to change here if George Mason was going to move forward and losing Luke is the lesser of two evils. Larranaga could not recruit players even with the help of the F4 legacy and I think a lot of that had to do with his stuffy arrogant personality. . 7 points a game won't cut it in the Big East, Luke. Enjoy your fifteen minutes now cause the big boys will drown out your mediocre talents. Looking forward to the changes and think Mason will ultimately come out ahead.; 5:09 PM
Patotobin said...: My summary of the talent we have.
Pearson: A monster CAA kinda guy. He’s going to have a great year if we can get the ball past half-court.
Acorn: He’s a solid free throw shooter who can be deadly from behind the arc.
Morrison: He’s a complete offensive liability without someone else setting him up for his points. He’s loaded with energy on defense, and brings a certain swagger to the floor. Is it contagious? I think so.
Williams: He needs an alarm clock attached to his chest. I liked what I saw down the stretch last year but it’s just not enough. I mean, as an impact player, you can’t wake-up every now and then. I think someone should be hired to kick him in the butt right before he comes into each game.
Bennet: I think we’ve seen what this guy can do; very little. He just doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere. I like his effort, but it’s just not enough. I wish he was in the VCU starting line-up.
Arledge: He’s a giant puppy that just needs to be set loose; I gotta see what he’s made of. He looks like he’s going to be in foul trouble at the start of every game, that’s never a good sign.
Wright: His freshman year I saw him have a tough time adjusting to the college level. He did however appear to find a way to get it done sometimes. I hope we see the latter of the two when he returns. Our season will probably depend on it.
Vaughns: I love this guy as a spark plug, but I have little confidence in him as a starter. I just don’t see him as a guy who can run our offense, or break a press, or hit key foul shot down the stretch of a big game, or any game for that matter. As a point G. you gotta be able to hit those foul shots. His freshman year he was a turnover machine. His sophomore year he shot great from behind the arc. I hope he can return and produce the same as last year, 50% from 3 point land ain’t half bad. Actually, it is half bad… literally.
Allen: I loved this guy at first, but what happened to him? I can’t blame him, he just… sat and sat and sat some more. I’m very curious. I don’t know, but I think this guy could be our gem next year in the back court. Maybe it’s wishful thinking.
Grey, Edwards, Copes: Haven’t got a clue yet.; 5:47 PM
out1aw said...: this is paotobin, I don't know why i've changed names, it's just happening. I know how much i'm loved on this board, and i want to feel that same old love, so give it to me. How off am i on these summaries?; 5:54 PM
Ross_williams1 said...: This team has the talent to go pretty far next year and I don't think we give enough credit to team development in the off season, especially our rising sophmores. The unknown for me is the coaching staff. Can Hewitt and Co. coach? To me he is the factor that makes or breaks next season.; 6:10 PM
Mason Guy said...: We love you pat/outlaw.

So Luke turned to the evil empire. Nah, seriously, best of luck to him. Looks like Hewitt has already signed a Seton Hall xfer for the scholarship. Well someone will have to step up, I hope the fans keep up the interest and support. Go Pats!; 6:52 PM
out1aw said...: The guy is one of the most efficient players in all of college basketball. What does that have to do with the Nova game? That shot drove a lot of Hancock haters crazy.; 8:17 PM
Jmckend1 said...: Who did he sign?; 9:12 PM
Mason Guy said...: http://www.southorangejuice.com/2011/5/23/2186305/seton-hall-basketball-anali-okoloji-to-george-mason
Anali Okoloji. Wing/forward with a jumper and good ball handling skills. Will have 3 years eligibility after sitting a year.; 9:22 PM
Guest said...: Anali Okoloji - Welcome to Mason!!!; 9:27 PM
Jmckend1 said...: Forget Luke. This guy is a monster with a perimeter game. Too bad he has to sit, but at least he'll have a year to learn with Houston.; 9:38 PM
Gio said...: This kid is niiice!! I feel like we almost owe the CAA an apology cuz Okologi is gonna dominate when he plays. Definitely a player who will make a bigger impact than Luke in my opinion because of his size and versatility. Well done Hewitt, well done!; 10:41 PM
Gio said...: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXMq3OElKU; 10:42 PM
Taylormade703 said...: I saw a youtube video of him. He looks real good. Couple of questions: When was it announced he was coming to Mason? How many years of eligibility does he have left? How soon can he play (I assume he will have to sit out a year)?; 11:30 PM
Greg Johnson said...: Hewitt always has good guards and I think he's gonna coach Bryan Allen up really well.
my projected starting 5: Allen, DJ, Sherrod, Pearson, Mike Mo
which will still be best in CAA.; 11:54 PM
Taylormade703 said...: DJ is Cornelius, right? I've never heard that nickname before. Just wanted to make sure.; 12:02 AM
Jmckend1 said...: I preferred Acorn to DJ myself. Must be a Full House reference. Anyways, I hope Bennett steps up his game a bit next year cuz the rotation is still -1 man now.; 6:34 AM
Matt said...: It's not that he can't its that he has a greater risk of being buried by new talent. Curry is a much better shooting talent and he sat his sophomore year and then had two to go. I think it's diferent.; 8:33 AM
out1aw said...: I'm not impressed by Okologi (at this point). He's gonna have to fill Pearson's shoes (they're big).; 9:17 AM
Matt said...: Video o Anali, granted it's one game but there is a lot of versatility dribbling, driving, shooting, using his body, dishing. Hopefully it bodes well. Apparently he was unhappy with playing time at SH.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXMq3OElKU; 9:25 AM
Donald said...: I'm saying that the 3 pointer blinds people into thinking he is WAY better than he is.; 12:04 PM
LessTypeMoreRead said...: Pearson is a 4. Okologi is a 3. How in the hell does he have to fill Pearson's shoes? As for Andre being called DJ, it stands for Dre Jr.

I honestly would be shocked if Taylormade, Jmckend and out1aw even knew what sport was being discussed on this site....; 12:13 PM
Taylormade703 said...: I could read my basketball resume, but I really don't care if you understand that much.; 12:23 PM
out1aw said...: I have a five point plan for you.
One, and try to stay with me here, RECRUITRECON.COM has him listed as a 3/4. Two (the number that comes right after one), you should learn proper grammar; you're destroying the King’s English. Three (you should be getting the hang of it now), when speaking to the locals it is proper etiquette to know and speak the native tongue. Four, I'm sure I speak for Taylormade and Jmckend; it's Acorn around here. Now sit down! Five, you stand corrected.; 1:52 PM
Greg Johnson said...: Yeah, I went to a practice where everyone called him that and I got in the habit. His facebook name is Callmedj Cornelius. haha; 2:14 PM
Livinghisway said...: I wish Luke lots of luck? Because it's obvious Coach Hewitt has no loyalty of respect for the players that are currently there. He didn't think twice about finding a replacement for Whack, before even talking to him about why is was leaving. He is already setting up the team to be HIS choice players....Seems he hasn't learned from being at Georgia Tech. The team has to have a cohesiveness and respect for each other, along with their athletic ability.; 5:03 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Hewitt has done nothing but try to improve this program, which is what he should be doing. It's amazing, I assume you know his daily schedule, too. Since he got the job a couple of weeks ago what is *one* thing he has done that has not been in the best interest of George Mason?; 8:23 PM
Taylormade703 said...: I meant "read YOU my..." Typing on an iPhones is tricky.; 10:41 PM
Yessssir said...: Not to start anything, but I am a Mason student who is a friend of Andre's and I worked around the Basketball team a lot this past season and I have never heard any teammate, friend, or family member refer to him as Acorn in any way shape or form. I don't know why anyone would give someone such a terrible abbreviated name. It's usually DJ or Dre. There's a bit of inside information. On a side note however, I saw the post about the potential starting lineup for next season. Is anyone sure about Sherrod at the 3? The one thing Luke's departure did was take away our only consistent option at the small forward. Sherrod moving to the 3 would take away the potential size advantage he would have at the 2. I think Sherrod would put in 15+ a game at the 2 with a smaller defender on him that he could just shoot over, however maybe a bigger/slower defender will open up his ability to drive and dish or finish at the rim. Either way I hope the lineup has balance and he can become our 2nd scoring option behind Pearson.; 11:49 AM
out1aw said...: Thanks for that insight Yessssir.
I'm not aware what he eats for breakfast, and i don't claim to know what his favorite color is. What i do know, is he's called ACorn around here, so it is... so it shall be.; 12:37 PM
BatMason said...: Post links; 6:55 PM
BatMason said...: Oko's less than 2ppg/rpg is nothing to bet the farm on. I know he's a freshman, but we lost Luke, who was kid tested and mother approved, for another untested big man. We needed another seasoned ball handler or pray someone steps up and assists in controlling the offense.; 7:05 PM
BatMason said...: Copes followed his daddy to Mason and now Hancock's following his to Louisville. Irony is a B.; 7:07 PM
Just Greg said...: Understand about the need for cohesiveness and I think Hewitt may be able to do that. I get the sense Hewitt didn't want to overpromise Luke positioning based on seniority or favoritism, the way Larranaga did. And all that "cohesiveness" was getting Mason nowhere with a heaping pile of above average midmajor players that can't travel too far into the talented NCAA contest. Warm fuzzy Sunday dinners at Coach L's house are not going to do anything for Mason and that's been proved. We finally have a guy who can recruit some big boys and has already brought in a top fish Larranaga never would have. Think it's great Larranaga has been replaced; think it would have been better if we got a top recruiter several years ago. Even VCU has outrecruited us. Time to end the favoritism and meaningless rambling about how players need to love each other. What we need is serious talent who can be warriors and that is much more likely to come from Hewitt than Larranaga.; 12:52 PM
out1aw said...: By big fish, do you mean great player, or great potential player? Because recruiting in the CAA is a different game than in the ACC. Coach L. has some monster recruits on his resume'. If we were to have played Georgia Tech every year, one home and one away, we'd have held our own against Tech for the last decade. I would be willing to bet you that Coach Hewit out recruited Coach L. by the numbers, but not by the final outcome, which is most important. It's a team sport, and although I’m not a big fan of coach L. right now, nobody knew this better than him. All college coaches have their pets by the way. If you ever want to know who the pet is; it’s the one that makes them rich.; 1:43 PM
Livinghisway said...: I agree but, that was my point...He had talent and let it get away.; 1:43 PM
Just Greg said...: I do think Copes is great potential. We'll have to see how he plays. Don't think Larranaga did well recruiting with the F4 legacy. If we're talking CAA recruiting, even VCU, did far better than Mason, which is sad. Not really buying into the argument that CAA requires different players. Talent is talent. George Mason had less than it should have due to Larranaga's weak recruiting. Now at least the train will move out of the gate and we can have a shot at something better. Larranaga staying would have just meant that many more years of players like Luke that are good at Mason but not in the grand NCAA scheme.; 1:47 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Don't be mad at Larranaga. It's not like he just said "peace out GMU!" He left the program 1000 times better than how he got it. If you told me 14 years ago that we would have an ACC coach at Mason, a coach who has been to the title game and the college coach of the player who is argueably the Eastern Conference Finals MVP I'd say you were crazy! We're in a *slightly* better place than the Westhead/Nestor days (note heavy sarcasm). Now let's name it "Coach Larranaga Court" already.; 1:49 PM
Ross_williams1 said...: I have no way of knowing for sure but I have the feeling that Hanncock had made up his mind a while ago to leave Mason, that this school was a stepping stone for him. He now will have the chance to show case his talent at Louisville on the national stage. If true, I don't fault him for that. I wish him well.; 2:17 PM
Rmjank said...: Just Greg, I think you greatly underestimate Coach L's team unity, especially when you say it got us "nowhere." Really? As for "talent is talent" I don't know where you've been looking, but every year over the past few years I've looked at the scouting ratings for our players and we are always top notch in the CAA. And don't say Maynor and Sanders because they came in before the "F4 effect." That said, I am impressed by what Hewitt has done so far, a little concerned that he seemed to have the trigger ready on Okologi the moment Luke left, and so a bit worried what the team cohesiveness factor will be. I would much prefer a good team approach than a bunch of guys who look good in slam dunk competitions but can't win the important games. I'm not saying that's what we will have, praying against it in fact. Just worried about how well the coaching staff will do when it comes down to X and O's and game play.; 5:11 PM
out1aw said...: Why does everyone think this guy is such a great recruiter? I mean... i hope he is, but he hasn't shown it. And no, one and done recruiting is never going to happen here at Mason. Great recruiting is not, i recruited this guy and that guy. It's about winning year after year after year. I don't want to beat our new coach down without giving him a chance, but he hasn't proven that he knows how to build a team and replace the old parts with new ones, that's recruting. Once he does that, yes... he's a great recruiter. Coach L. has done that. I give credit where credit is due, that trader (smiling) knew how to recruit.; 8:30 PM
Matt Cerilli said...: traitor* had to call you out since you always call out others haha ;); 8:59 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Larranaga is far from a traitor. Not even close. There is not one thing Larranaga did that is even remotely being a traitor. He changed jobs. Who on this board has never changed jobs?; 9:26 PM
Scottranda said...: out1aw, how many GMU games have you attended and who would have chosen as coach after Laranaga left?; 10:23 PM
Scottranda said...: Correction: out1aw, how many GMU games have you attended and who would you have chosen to coach after Laranaga left?; 10:25 PM
out1aw said...: For debate purposes, I could say that smiling right after "trader" was a little tongue and cheek, but I’d be lying. Got me. Although I must say, I only did that once... I think. And by the way Matt, you should start your sentences with a capital letter and always end them with a period (kidding). I hate when people proof read text messages, e-mails, etc... that's probably why I did it. Someone must have gotten on my nerves with that one. So i guess what i'm saying is, thanks for getting on my nerves. :); 11:55 PM
out1aw said...: I've been watching Mason games since, well... back in the men's gym before the Patriot center existed. I got much more interested when they started playing in the Patriot center though. I think it was the same year the Chicago Bears won the super bowl. Although i have not had season tickets until 2006, i might as well have, because i attended the same amount of games. I make it to just about all of them depending on weather, kid’s sick, work etc... Who would i have chosen to replace Coach L.? Wow, you're setting me up... yes? O.K, i'd have chosen Anthony Grant, If he'd take about a million to leave Alabama. I'd like nothing more than to pound VCU in the CAA tournament with one of their own on our bench. We're a stepping stone; most schools are. I'd like to see us move to the ACC one day, but... we're two or three more final fours away from that happening. I must say though, with more and more games being played on tv now... i might stay home next year if Hewit stinks up our program.; 12:51 AM
Vagthree said...: Louisville has Mickey D All Americans and Luke is going there! Luke is an average player at best....Luke was better off going to Holloywood because all he is going to be at Louisville is a ROLE player. The kid(Luke) hits a game winning shot against Villanova now he thinks he is ready for the Big Time. The dream is over...wake the hell up; 10:07 AM
Rmjank said...: Go ahead and doubt him. He wants you to.; 10:36 AM
Just Greg said...: I don't feel like I know much about this Seton Hall grad or why Hewitt hired him in such a mad rush? The press seems to have treated the transfer as a non-event, and all I really know about this guy is he didn't get much playing time at Seton Hall, which certainly doesn't sound like a grand recommendation. Was there really a value to using up a scholarship this fast for him? Maybe so, but I sure would like to know more.; 11:00 AM
Matt said...: I don't really understand the intensity of this comment. I agree that I think he may just end up getting lost but people need to also remmeber that his high school coach is with Louisville now and there is obviously a connection there. I don't think this has to do with one shot and I don't think his time at Mason has to do with one shot either, he was agressive and a good assist man. Everyone has the right to explore opportunities, I wish he stayed, I think he talented is better served here but he may have other reasons for going as well. To each his own good luck.; 11:53 AM
Matt said...: My guess is this not a rush decision. Coaches are well aware of the talents of many players they don't get into their schools. Hewitt has worked with the U19 team so that gives him additional exposure. Luke's announcement to explore other schools was like a day after Hewitt was in town-only a fool would not be prepared for "what if this player leaves". As far as a freshman not getting a lot of minutes, that's been the story here too. Doesn't mean he'll be great but I'm pretty sure its not a wild reach either!; 2:56 PM
BatMason said...: Someone made an interesting comment about Luke eventually coaching (can't remember who). Luke could definitely start, especially if he puts in a lot of work, learns their system and gains a couple lbs. in his time off next year. Luke seems like a very smart guy who probably posseses the leadership and motivational qualities of a coach. This is just speculation, but if he wants to stay within basketball as a coach or a club player in a foreign league, wouldn't it be better for his resume to have strong experience in two conferences at two top 25 teams? This is just speculation a. that he is even considering this and b. because I have no formal D1 hoops playing or coaching experience, but it's something to think about. Believe me I was stung like a kid throwing rocks at a hornets nest regarding Luke's departure, but maybe it makes more sense for his big picture, even though he single handedly cast big doubts over this years team with his departure, so I think he (and everyone else) should be ready for a good dose of Mason fanbase bitterness directed towards his way because he knew a. what he was leaving and b. what situation his departure would leave us in, but ultimately he had to look out for #1 and I can respect that. But if somehow a polar bear's chance in hell comes to pass and we square up against Louisville in a tourney game, I will be rooting hard as hell against Mr. Hancock and tow, even though he'll probably just piss me off and pull some clutch pass or block or shot or board that'll change the momentum. That's what we lost with Luke, a lot of versatiltity and a guy who can rally the troops and change momentum. He's like a damn 36 piece swiss army knife out there.; 7:03 PM
Taylormade703 said...: I could see Luke coaching. Learning from arueably the best (or one of) mid-major coach of all time in Larranaga then learning from Pitino will be a huge plus.; 8:21 PM
Brentrg said...: I know you are a busy man "GMU HOOPS," but we gotta get rid of the Luke Hancock picture at the top of this blog. It makes me sick... I still can't figure out why he transferred. I wish he could do an interview and state it. That stuff about "Louisville being a better place to start a coaching career is just ridiculous. I think he is much more worried about going back to the NCAA tourney, meeting girls, and finding his favorite bar! There had to be something with him not getting along with his teammates.

So I have been reading up on Copes and I am getting excited. I think he will play a lot next year and really bring a dimension we have not had before. They say he has soft hands and is a great put back guy off the glass. He'll work on his post game and jump shot. I read in one game his senior year he had DOUBLE digit blocks!! I love it.; 12:23 PM
thesammy said...: I heard that Hancock's old high school coach is now an assistant coach at Louisville. That probably influenced his decision. It like how Copes came here from GW with his uncle.; 3:35 PM
out1aw said...: Can i say it? R; 8:54 PM
Taylormade703 said...: For the picture at the top, I vote we either take Luke off and put on Cornelius or Hewitt *or* go old school with a montage of George Evans, Kenny Sanders and Carlos Yates!; 10:02 PM
dsntsn said...: How about Paul Westhead, Carlos Yates and HanCOCK in a montage..... the all time loser, killed in a crack deal, and left to another program (wasn't Luke's last shot the game winner against Villanova lol)...all variations on a theme.; 2:46 AM
out1aw said...: I’ve got a funny feeling that this isn’t a democracy. If it were, I’d vote for a picture of George Mason contemplating, and above his head a caption that reads “Washington? Jefferson? Hancock? They were all teacher’s pets.”; 10:51 AM
Vagthree said...: We have a hell of team that can make some noise. We must move forward and look to the future, which is bright and now we have our team in place let us focus on the task at hand and that is winning the CAA regular season and conference title. March of 2012 will be special and no disrespect towards Luke....Good Luck.; 3:00 PM
out1aw said...: This is sarcasm.; 3:51 PM
BatMason said...: I agree with you on one point, Luke may just be relocating to get his rounds in at another sorority...and hey who among us wouldn't consider that in our decision making...haha. But, I think you'd be a little off to assume that playing under Coach L and Pitino wouldn't create an advantage for someone getting into a career as highly competitive as hoops coaching. Luke racked up a lot of honors in the CAA, and if he puts in the work in Louisville he may add a few more feathers to his cap. We speculated before that possibly Luke's decision was made to transfer because he's a business school major, but that got blown out of the water because Louisville isn't even in the top 100 business schools (according to the 2011 businessweek-bloomberg rankings), I know because I follow this stuff for my own education.
It's probably a combination of what you mentioned, a young guy wanting to change his scenery, and possibly(because I don't know for sure) the chance to improve(or diversify, however you want to look at it), his hoops resume which would undoubtedly help him later on if coaching was an option.; 1:57 AM
BatMason said...: I'd check your hubris. We need Wright, Acorn and one more PG or SG off the bench to handle the ball and perimeter, balancing out our offense (and this is an unkown). If that doesn't happen we may end up looking like a bunch of donks who out-body in the post, but have less firepower to spread the floor. We also have a coach who has been scrutinized for his game plan (or lack of), and his ability to mold the pieces together into a cohesive unit. In short, I don't think this will be any cakewalk, but I can't wait for the first home game, after a few of those I'll have a better idea of how this is going to play out.; 2:09 AM
Brentrg said...: Yea, I agree that it would be a good move to goto Louisville IF he was really interested in coaching or what have you, but what has made any of us think that he wants to go into coaching or is so concerned about being in the best "career" situation? If all we know is that he is a business major, i'm not sure why we are jumping to these conclusions. Many people are business majors, but don't ever use it! I just wish Luke would do an interview stating his reasons. And if he keeps quiet, it makes much more sense that he doesn't want to talk about "bad" relationships or problems with the team, than it does about not wanting to talk about better future career opps. I just feel like he punked us and isn't even willing to come out and be honest about things. I could be wrong as maybe he has made it known, but I don't see it anywhere.

Either way, I will always remember some of his dunks and alley-oops. So long sucka and bring on the new year! I really think that because we have had so much more talent than years past, some of these younger guys who have more talent than Luke did will be able to develop. Luke was smart... i'll give him that and oh, don't forget "sneaky athletic!"; 9:56 AM
Vagthree said...: Sarcasm....not! It's time to move forward and show some respect for a guy(luke) who gave GMU 110% evevthough I still consider Luke an average D1 player. Moving forward and no time to look back.; 10:58 AM
Taylormade703 said...: I'm disappointed with all the Luke-hating on this board. He transferred schools - that's it. Rather than being mad at Luke for transferring we should be happy that he was in Fairfax for 2 years. Who are we to judge him? I wish Luke the best of luck in the future, as I'm sure everybody else does. It's not like he was ever not a classy person or got in trouble or caused embarrassment to the university. Let's not be bitter. We're George Mason people, we're better than that.; 11:29 AM
Bmcevoy08 said...: Hancock was a glue guy. This is a huge loss.; 12:23 PM
Keith292 said...: He also only averaged 2 mins a game bro.; 2:05 PM
Brentrg said...: I'm not hating on him, I just wish if he was going to leave he would at least tip his hat as to why he was leaving. It's one thing if a guy transfers (like Whaack) who isn't getting enough pt, or what have you, but Luke was going to be THE team leader and had everything going for him. I just feel like he punked us cause he just got up and left a great.... not good.... a great situation with out saying anything to the fans or media.

He seems to be a classy guy and I was looking forward to rooting for him a few more years in green and gold, and now I will continue to root for him in Louisville (although I have NO respect for Petino) It was his decision and I wish him the best, but man to just pat him on the back, say nice job, and send him on his way as a fan wouldn't be the truth. No one is happy he is leaving. We are FANS and we have a right to express our views, in good taste.; 3:10 PM
Scottranda said...: GMU, Hoops please have mercy and change the masthead ASAP! This will let us blogers to move on to next season speculation! I have a feeling this will be a new era for the program and a evolution into a higher level program is upon us.; 4:35 PM
out1aw said...: Not until 101 comments, patience is a virtue.; 6:15 PM
Dsntsn said...: Let's really go "old school"....how about Andre' Gaddy , Evans, Yates and Sanders.; 8:11 PM
BatMason said...: point taken; 10:48 PM
BatMason said...: I wondered why Oko's transfer didn't make a ripple in the local media...; 10:54 PM
BatMason said...: I can relate to the bitter taste in the mouth over Hancock's departure. I mean, he had Mason Nation in the palm of his hands. But, maybe he felt like Hewitt wasn't the answer. Hancock seems to be a classy and well liked guy, so maybe he knew a few in or around the Hetwitt regime...and didn't like what he heard. GaTech doesn't seem to have the highest of respects for Hewitt's game plan. There's more a reason to it than he 'just decided to transfer schools'. I also wish him well in Lville, but, if he would have remained a go-to guy in Hewitt's program (which obviously we'll never know) he would be gambling a lot; like I mentioned the fans and the DMV area were eating out of his hands. I hope he can duplicate his success in Lville, but it's a gamble he took, and it'd be interesting to know the reason he took it.; 11:04 PM
BatMason said...: put Copes on the jaunt; 11:05 PM
Ross_williams1 said...: You bring up a good point. If he did not like the set up under Hewitt, I wonder how life will be under Petino? I hope he can step up his game.; 8:56 AM
Dsntsn said...: Sneaky athletic=White; 9:38 AM
Taylormade703 said...: That's what I'm talking about! Andre Gaddy! That's really going back in the day. He was early 80s, if I remember right. Maybe late 70s, I'm not sure.; 1:22 PM

Luke Hancock will transfer to Louisville

George Mason Basketball

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Luke Hancock will transfer to Louisville

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