WATCH: Fanta Catches Up With Cooley Ahead of Orlando

Your Georgetown Hoyas have started the 2025-26 campaign with a 5-0 record, marking the program’s best opening to a season since 2017-18. While long-time supporters know to temper their expectations after a decade of frustration, head coach Ed Cooley offered several comments in his recent discussion with John Fanta that suggest a genuine culture shift is taking hold on the Hilltop.

Here are 10 quotes from Ed Cooley that give the Georgetown faithful reason to believe this year might be different:

1. On the team’s growing identity

“I think the DMV area sees a product on the floor that they can be proud of, that are playing together, that are playing with a purpose, that are playing on a mission.”

2. On the roster’s improved depth

“I love our depth so there’s not a large drop off or there’s not a big difference between player 1 through 13.”

3. On the competitive nature of the group

“I would say the competitive edge of the group has been so inspiring to me.”

4. On the specific type of players recruited for this season

“Players who can play for us… play with an identity of toughness, of physicality, of speed, of strength, of length.”

5. On the “IT factor” of transfer KJ Lewis

“He’s just a person who has an it factor when he plays… he impacts winning he’s not just about scoring.”

6. On the infectious energy Lewis brings to the locker room

“I think anytime one of your better players on your team is an energy giver that resonates through coaching that resonates with the rest of your players.”

7. On the high ceiling of point guard Malik Mack

“The game is slowing down to Malik… we still haven’t seen the best Malik… no not at all.”

8. On the crucial alignment between coach and point guard—sound familiar?

“Coach can’t have a bad day, your best player can’t have a bad day, and your point guard can’t have a bad day. If those three are aligned you’re going to be in a situation where you’re going to find yourself competing for wins every single game.”

9. On the organizational buy-in needed for long-term success

“When you have total buy-in… I think that’s when you allow your programs to grow and they build the identity that’s going to sustain success.”

10. On the mindset heading into the ESPN Events Invitational

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play against all those teams that are off to an incredible start… it is our goal to try to play Friday night.”