The Vault Files: Chris Caputo
George Washington's Head Coach Discusses Promising Start to the 2024-25 Season
- By Nathan Mook and Tom Harkness -
In our latest edition of The Vault Files, Chris Caputo, head coach of the George Washington Revolutionaries, sits down with Nathan Mook of The Vault Network.
As Caputo enters the second half of his third season at the helm, the Revolutionaries are off to a 12-3 start for the 2024-25 campaign. The team has posted a 1-1 record in conference play, narrowly losing to Richmond in the league opener (66-61) before bouncing back with a dominant 82-62 victory over Dayton this past Saturday.
A strong conference showing is essential this season after a brutal 2023-24 campaign. George Washington began the year 14-3 overall (3-1 in A10), but a disastrous second half saw them drop 13 of their final 14 games. They finished with a 15-17 overall record and a 4-14 mark in league play, which put them in the A10's cellar. This time, Caputo’s new-look squad will build on the solid foundation laid by a strong non-conference start to begin the 2024-25 campaign.
The Revolutionaries' resilience is perhaps the most remarkable element of this year’s success. Caputo's group has remained competitive despite the offseason departures of key players such as program legend James Bishop IV (graduation) and 2022-23 A10 Rookie of the Year Max Edwards (transfer to Duquesne), and a devastating ACL injury to redshirt sophomore forward Garrett Johnson. The team has adapted without skipping a beat despite being left with significant voids.
Several key contributors have stepped up. Delaware transfer Gerald Drumgoole Jr. (14.3 PPG, 38.3% 3PT) has provided a significant boost, Providence import Rafael Castro (9.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 65.8% FG) has anchored the frontcourt, and former William & Mary guard Trey Moss (8.1 PPG) has also made an impact. Meanwhile, the continued development of young guards like Christian Jones (8.4 PPG, 50% FG, 43.9% 3PT), Jacoi Hutchinson (8.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3 APG), and Trey Autry (8.9 PPG, 51.2% FG, 43.4% 3PT) has been a crucial element of the team’s overall growth.
And, of course, Darren Buchanan Jr. (15.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG) has been a standout. His All-Conference level play has been a consistent force for the Revolutionaries throughout the season.
Looking ahead, George Washington has much to be excited about. The team has an opportunity to further build momentum with a critical road matchup against Rhode Island (12-2, 1-1 A10) on Wednesday night. A victory would mark their second consecutive win over a prominent Atlantic 10 opponent and solidify the program’s upward trajectory.
For more from Caputo, click the link below for the complete interview: