In another era, perhaps, Tyler Crawford would have been considered the kind of player who, with limited statistics, might have considered a transfer. That wasn't the player, or man, that Tyler Crawford would become.

"I love this place, I mean, I look at all the guys that's been here before me," said Crawford. "I'm a part of something bigger than me."

Crawford was the only guard recruited in what would be Craig Esherick's last recruiting class. Signed in November 2003, Crawford's mix of scoring and rebounding prowess (16 points, 12 rebounds) proved promising to the up-tempo offense envisioned by the then-Georgetown coach. When John Thompson III arrived in April 2004, the offensive strategy changed overnight. With freshman guard Matt Causey already having transferred, Crawford worked to develop his talents as a reserve guard during the two seasons when Ashanti Cook (2002-06) started each of the next 65 games.

Crawford was set as the starting guard for the 2006-07 season opener against Hartford. Shortly thereafter, Crawford missed four games to what were called flu-like symptoms, and when he returned to play in mid December, freshman Jessie Sapp had taken over the starting spot. Sapp started the next 70 games thereafter.

It was a frustrating two years for the senior guard, whose family and friends have traveled across the nation to see Georgetown games in which he may get couple of minutes of play, or none at all. He shot 50% from two point range and 39 percent from three in 29 games last season, but averaged less than five minutes per game in Big East play.

Coach John Thompson III understood the role Crawford has developed on the team, calling the two- time captain the "heart and soul" of the club. As his college career wound to a close, Crawford came up big in a number of recent games--a basket here, an assist there--that have piloted the Hoyas to the 2008 Big East regular season title.

No competitive player likes sitting on the bench, but it takes a level of maturity to understand it and learn from it. "I'm cool with whatever Coach thinks is best for this team," Crawford said. "Sitting on the bench watching and getting the team involved, or me playing forty minutes, you see what Coach has done each year we've gotten better."