This past Saturday was the first opportunity for us fans to see the newest Hoyas in uniform. Due to circumstances, be it ineligibility or the game situation, we only go to see two of the freshman on the floor. Let’s see how they fared.

For those of you hoping for a stand-out night from one of the Hoyas newcomers, you will have to wait. Austin Freeman was the first of the freshmen to get minutes, coming in at the 12:58 mark in the first half, and had a un-outstanding first appearance, going 1 for 4, 0 for 3 from beyond the arc, in 12 minutes of action. He was the only Hoya outside of the starters to get on the scoring sheet, though, making a nice 18 foot jumper midway through the second half. Freeman had a fine outing in other aspects, getting a few key rebounds, and playing nice defense. Chris Wright, the only other freshman to play in the season opener, played just eight minutes, and missed his only shot attempt.

It is too early to judge the freshmen, of course. Obviously, neither had a spectacular night. But, to put things in perspective, in last year’s season opener, first time Hoyas DaJuan Summers and Patrick Ewing Jr. had similar nights. Summers played 10 minutes, and went 0-1, whereas Ewing Jr. played eight minutes with only one rebound.

Despite the minimal impact, there was one play that gave Hoyas fans a glimpse of what is to come. Following a steal by Jeremiah Rivers, Wright found Freeman on the left baseline. Freeman pump-faked, took a dribble inside the three point line and nailed the jumper. As these players mature and get more comfortable in the offense, I get the feeling Freeman and Wright will be teaming up for a few more baskets. And that will be well worth the wait.