Georgetown Has Another Fab Freshman

Othella Harrington is the talked-about Georgetown freshman, but Duane Spencer is another to watch.

“Duane is an exciting player also,” Coach John Thompson said. “Both are outstanding players. They’ve just got to mature and grow older with experience in college basketball.”

Harrington is a pure post player. Spencer is also 6 feet 10, but he is more versatile.

“Duane can play every position on the court, including (point guard),” Thompson said. “He’s very capable. He handles the ball exceptionally well for somebody his size and shoots well.

“He’s very mobile and handles the ball well. He’s sensible in handling the ball. Most big men, when you say they can handle the ball, it means they can bring it from the end line to half court. Duane can set up the offense.”

While Harrington was leading Murrah High of Jackson, Miss., to consecutive state championships, Spencer was next door in Louisiana, leading New Orleans Cohen High to back-to-back state titles. He averaged 27.6 points, 13.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 4.2 blocks.

One of the differences between Harrington and Spencer is that Spencer has a lot further to go to grow into his frame. He weighs only 195 pounds. But as he gets bigger and stronger, Spencer probably will be mentioned in the same breath with Harrington more and more.