Ed Cooley expressed his disappointment regarding Thomas Sorber not being named Freshman of the Year, stating, “Shame on the coaches.” This remark came after Georgetown’s 71-67 defeat to DePaul in the Big East Tournament’s opening round. Cooley’s frustration stemmed not only from the loss but also from what he saw as a lack of acknowledgment for Sorber’s potential impact on the team. While many in the coaching community respect Cooley’s abilities, he felt that the recognition of Sorber’s talent was unjustly overlooked.
During the postgame press conference, Cooley passionately advocated for Sorber, who narrowly missed out on the Freshman of the Year title to UConn’s Liam McNeeley. Both players had impressive seasons, each earning Freshman of the Week honors seven times. However, Sorber’s season-ending foot injury in mid-February limited his contributions. Cooley firmly believes that when healthy, Sorber ranks among the most influential players in college basketball, irrespective of age or team performance.
Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 255 pounds, Sorber was a highly sought-after four-star recruit, ranked as the No. 43 player in the 2024 recruiting cycle. His commitment to Georgetown marked a significant achievement for Cooley, as Sorber became one of the highest-rated recruits to join the program in 25 years. This class, which ranked 12th nationally, showcased Sorber as the only Hoya signee among the top 50 prospects, highlighting the potential he brings to the team.
Cooley wishes that his peers recognized Sorber’s talent in the same light he does. He stated, “Again, I’m praying my big boy comes back, because if he does, this room will look blue and gray,” emphasizing the impact Sorber could have on the team’s future. With that, Cooley’s frustration culminated as he pounded his fist on the table, stood up, and left the media room, signaling the depth of his emotions regarding the situation.
