Wright commits to Hoyas

Georgetown’s backcourt combination of the future was consummated yesterday when local blue-chip point guard Chris Wright joined DeMatha shooting guard Austin Freeman by pledging his services to coach John Thompson III.

“I’ve still got some high school business to take care of on the court, but I’m very excited about coming to Georgetown and our prospects for the [2007-08] season,” said Wright, a 6-foot, 190-pound senior at St. Johns who has led the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference in scoring each of the last two seasons. “One of the many attractions to Georgetown was I think we’re going to have a chance to win the national championship my freshman year.”

Wright, who is listed by Rivals.com as the sixth-best prep point guard in the country, reneged on a commitment to N.C. State last spring after the dismissal of Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek. He selected the Hoyas over N.C. State and Pittsburgh after paring a list of more than 25 offers to three finalists.

Though Wright averaged 22.7 points as a sophomore and 21.8 points last season as a junior, his stock dropped somewhat after an extended bout with mononucleosis this summer limited his impact at some of the elite camps. But few analysts question his ability to be an impact player at the highest college level.

“Chris is probably underrated because of the mono,” PrepStars hoops guru Rob Harrington said. “Obviously, he’s an excellent overall talent, but I think what separates him from most of the elite point guards is his mentality and basketball IQ. He won’t be the quickest guard in the Big East by a long shot, but he’s light years ahead of most guys when it comes to understanding the game. He sees the game like a pure point should. Don’t get me wrong, he can score, and score in bunches when he gets it going. But he never forces his game, and he’s willing to defer to those around him. I think that’s what makes him a perfect fit for Georgetown, particularly with a scoring machine like Freeman beside him.”

Freeman, who became the first DeMatha player to commit to Georgetown in 35 years last fall, is ranked by Rivals as the No. 9 prep player in the nation and second-best shooting guard. The 6-4, 205-pound guard averaged 19.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Stags last season while shooting nearly 50 percent from 3-point range.