SHUT DOWN: Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber Will Have Season-Ending Foot Surgery

New fan focus is NBA Draft vs. stay and recover (NIL)

Georgetown Hoyas fans received difficult news recently as freshman standout Thomas Sorber suffered a left foot injury that was previously referred to as “turf toe.” It has since been reported that Sorber will be shut down for the season to have surgery on his foot. This is a significant blow to the team, who was looking forward to getting healthy to make a late season run in the BIG EAST Tournament and more. The Hoyas will have to navigate an uphill battle for the remainder of the season without their star center. Looking ahead, questions loom regarding the NBA Draft, NIL, and Georgetown’s future.

There is no denying that Sorber has been a key player for the Hoyas, averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. His presence is especially missed for rim protection. Sorber was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week seven times this season.

In the February 8 win against Seton Hall, Sorber recorded his eighth double-double of the year with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Without Sorber, the Hoyas struggled mightily in a February 15 loss to Butler. Coach Ed Cooley acknowledged the impact of Sorber’s absence on rim protection. In the game where Sorber went down with his lower leg injury, he had 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field in just 12 minutes.

The Hoyas aren’t left without any stars as Micah Peavy has been named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll multiple times recently. Peavy averaged 25.0 ppg on 44.2% (19-43) shooting to go along with 9.5 rpg, 5.5 apg and 5.0 spg in the win over Providence and loss at Creighton.

In Omaha, Jayden Epps has been looking healthier and led three Hoyas in double figures with a game-best 22 points on 8-14 shooting from the field (4-7 3PT). Malik Mack scored 15 points on four made field goals, including a pair of threes, to go along with three assists and two blocks.

While the team will undoubtedly miss Sorber’s contributions, Coach Cooley emphasized the need for other players to step up in his absence.

Fans should take it game by game and root hard for the team as they adjust and fight through this and any other of the many injury challenges they’ve seen this season.

Reports of recovery for this type of surgery are estimated at 4-6 weeks. Looking beyond the immediate impact of Sorber’s injury, there’s a looming question about his future: Will Thomas Sorber stay at Georgetown or declare for the NBA draft?

The NBA Early Entry Deadline is April 26, 2025 (8+ weeks from today). The 2025 NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for May 11-18 in Chicago (10+ weeks from today). For a league that has become skeptical of drafting big men with injuries—looking at you, Joel Embiid—that is a tight turnaround for recovery, but could be done.

Of course he should dip his toe (pun intended) into the draft waters and get acquainted with the NBA general managers. There should be little doubt that the GMs will love Sorber’s energy, politeness, and enthusiasm as much as Ed Cooley and the Georgetown supporters do.

Still, the decision to enter the NBA draft is complex, with several factors at play:

• Projected Draft Position: A player’s draft stock heavily influences their decision.
• Team Interest and Development History: The specific teams that are interested, and their track record in developing players, are crucial.
• Guaranteed Money: First-round picks come with guaranteed money over multiple years, while second-round picks do not.

There could be other ideas ay play, including adding another summer and two semesters of college credits if one is aiming for a degree eventually. Likewise, proximity to medical teams and/or family could be important, but in this NIL era, money is likely driving many of the decisions.

The guaranteed money for first round picks (rookie scale) can vary significantly:

• 30th pick: Approximately $4.1 million guaranteed over two years.
• 20th pick: Approximately $5.6 million guaranteed over two years.
• 14th pick: Approximately $7.5 million guaranteed over two years.
• 10th pick: Approximately $9.3 million guaranteed over two years.
• 4th pick: Approximately $15.5 million guaranteed over two years.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have changed the financial landscape for college athletes. If fans don’t accelerate the bidding, we can estimate Sorber to earn about $1 to 1.5 million (or more) in NIL next year. If Sorber improved his draft stock from 30th to 14th pick, taking the NIL deal and staying another year might be worth it.

Jumping from 20th pick ($2.7-2.9MM each of two years) to the 10th pick ($4.5-4.8MM each of two years) or higher (4th pick at $7.6-7.9MM each of two years) could be extremely lucrative.

When the NBA calls, it’s likely best to answer it. There’s a lot of risk in staying anywhere.

However, the potential for significant earnings through NIL creates a bit more of balancing act. Players must weigh the benefits of staying in college, developing their skills, and increasing their draft stock against the guaranteed money and immediate professional opportunity of entering the NBA. But it’s still the NBA.

While the initial contract is important, longevity in the NBA is key to long-term financial success. That second contract is where the generational wealth is. Health and availability are thought to be vital for such a relationship.

This is all to say that a decision to stay another year in college, focus on development, and ensuring full recovery from injury could be the best path to maximizing NBA career length and earnings for some players. Or not.

Some scouting reports suggest Sorber has the potential to be a first-round pick, with one source even mentioning lottery potential. However, other scouting reports temper expectations, projecting him as a potential second-round pick. Idiots.

One scout described Sorber as a “strong, mobile big man [who] is having a solid freshman season, and his ability to make plays in the paint could enable him to project to be a solid rotational big man at the NBA level.”

Strengths highlighted in scouting reports include:

• Finishing around the basket
• Scoring on the move
• Playmaking
• Rebounding
• Shot blocking

Areas for improvement include:

• Face-up game
• Low post moves
• Shooting range
• Consistency and focus
• Overall athleticism

Scouts have noted Sorber’s ability as a playmaking big man. Sorber’s passing is effective, and he consistently executes plays. He can make sharp passes after receiving the ball on pick-and-pop setups and post-ups. It’s not just that he’s capable, but that he is also demonstrating consistent execution. His court vision is intriguing for someone who did not turn 19 until Christmas Day. Likewise, fans have seen maturity in his defensive leadership.

On the other hand, in January, scouts have noted that Georgetown had played mostly Quad-IV games and only a few Quad-I games. In the Quad-I game against West Virginia, Sorber struggled with foul trouble.

Sorber had improved in that department against BIG EAST competition, but consistency should certainly be a point of emphasis in summer training for him. Sorber is averaging 13.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, and 2.2 blocks in 13 conference games, which is competitive with other conference bigs but shows there is room for improvement.

Sorber has a lot to think about, but Ed Cooley has the right perspective and guidance. Keeping Sorber happy and having a long-term relationship with an NBA big would pay dividends for Cooley and Georgetown. Make sure he comes back for a weekend or two of Kenner League every summer.

Whatever Sorber decides this spring, Georgetown fans will be watching closely and hoping for the best. Sorber finding the right road to get healthy and have long-term success should be the paramount wish for any GU fan.

In the meantime, the Hoyas face a difficult road ahead without their star freshman. With the Hoyas fan support, the team will aim to finish the season strong, enjoy the progress, and build a foundation for future success.

Get well, soon, Thomas! Hoya Saxa.