Dawgs beat Auburn by 1 last night. Huge win for the team. Proud of the guys.
Here are my 10 Take-Aways:
1. J.J. Frazier is the Man!
31 points, with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Hit 5 of 9 three-pointers. Clutch game on senior night. Averaged 31 points a game in our last four contests. He's the biggest little man in the country.
Loved the quote from Coach Avery Johnson at Alabama, who, at 5' 11", just an inch taller than J.J., and also left-handed, played for 15 years in the NBA. Speaking of Frazier, Coach Johnson remarked, "He's the chef for the team. He cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the Georgia Bulldogs."
Frazier has stated that he has sought to vindicate Mark Fox for giving him a scholarship. And lest we forget, Fox gave Frazier second and third chances, after J.J. got arrested for driving without a license in March of 2014, and driving with a suspended license in August of 2015.
Well, I had my doubts, too, about how effective J.J. would be at finishing at the rim against SEC competition. Had my doubts about whether he fully appreciated the opportunity to play basketball for the University of Georgia. Thought he had some potential, but also saw that he shot 35 percent from the floor and 66 percent from the line (same percentage as center, Donte Williams) his freshman year.
No one doubts much about J.J. any longer. He's improved as a basketball player and matured as a man. Frazier loves Fox, loves to compete, and loves the University of Georgia. Bravo, J.J.!
2. Mark Fox is UGA's Coach
I posted previously that if Fox could pick up wins in more than half of our remaining games, he would be rightfully credited with doing his best coaching, and most assuredly would be back next year. The Dawgs have gone 3 for 3 since.
Sure, there are those who would give the credit for the victories solely to J.J., but Fox correctly noted that for the Dawgs to have a chance to win after Yante Maten went down, UGA would have to play differently against each team. We have, and we have won.
3. Tyree Crump is pretty good
Didn't get to see the game on t.v., but the Box Score tells a compelling story. Crump went 2 of 3 from behind the arc, and 2 of 2 from inside it. He beat his man off the dribble in one of the highlights, and converted off the glass.
I have pushed for Fox to play Crump more. Don't see how Fox can keep him on the bench with the production Crump is giving.
4. Jordan Harris is okay
Not "okay" as a player, but "okay" as in reference to his health. Fox had commented that Harris has had a chip in a bone, but he refused to say which bone, when the injury occurred, or for how long Jordan would be out.
Well, lo and behold, Harris played last night. Hit a three, and converted two opportunities from the line. His health is apparently fine, and even more mysteriously, he's not playing like a guy coming off an injury.
What went on? We may never know. All I can say is that Jordan Harris is okay.
5. Georgia is not just Yante Maten
E'torrion Wilridge has picked up all the minutes from Yante's absence. I don't think I've ever credited Fox for a personnel decision, but I'll do it now. Playing Wilridge makes better sense than starting Mike Edwards. Nothing against Mike, but Wilridge is able to defend better against quicker players, and we need to save Edwards as a guy who can give us "big man" minutes, in case Derek Ogbeide gets in foul trouble.
6. Derek Ogbeide is a horse
Dude had 10 points and 15 boards last night. Can't even remember when a Georgia player last got 15 rebounds.
7. Dynamic Duo still not seen
J.J. has played his best basketball while Yante has been out. He has carried the team because he's had to do it.
Early in the season, it was Yante having the huge games, and J.J.'s shooting seemed off. Remember that Kansas game from back in November? Georgia had a chance for a huge statement win. Yante had 30 points and was killing them on the inside. Kansas went to a zone and the Dawgs fell behind and lost by 11.
If J.J. had played big in that game, we would have destroyed Kansas. However, Frazier fizzled. He played 33 minutes, but never really got on track, achieving just 2 points and 3 turnovers, going 1 for 10 for the floor and 0 for 6 from behind the arc.
Or take our first game against Kentucky. The Dawgs lost in overtime at Rupp. Yante went 8 of 15. J.J. went 8 of 21. Not a terrible game, but had J.J. played up to his standards, Georgia would have taken that game.
When the Cats came to Athens, J.J. played huge. Scored 35 points on 11 for 22 shooting. Problem? Yante had gone down earlier in the game with a knee injury.
Don't know if Yante can come back this season, or if he does, how effective he will be. If J.J. and Yante both play dynamically, we can beat anybody in the country.
8. Everybody Else
Georgia got contributions from up and down in the roster. Sure we've got a Dynamic Duo, but it's great to see we've got a Justice League, too. I mentioned Crump, Harris and Ogbeide already. Juwan Parker didn't shoot that well, going 4 for 12 from the field, but he grabbed 8 rebounds.
9. Momentum
Georgia finally seems to have it. Momemtum and even karma seems to be trending our way.
Didn't expect to be able to say that when Yante got hurt in a freak accident. Everything that could go wrong was seeming to happen.
However, after the overtime loss at Florida, the overtime loss at Kentucky, and the clock debacle at Texas A&M, we're actually coming out ahead in close games. We won by 1 at Tennessee, by 2 against LSU, by 5 at Alabama, and by 1 against Auburn. We're 5 out of our last 6.
Who's to say that we couldn't go into Arkansas and win? If so, Georgia would have huge momentum going into the SEC Tournament.
10. NCAA Tournament
The win at Auburn and the victories accomplished in this stretch run all strengthen the possibilities of Georgia going to the NCAA Tournament. If we win the SEC Tournament, of course, then we punch our own ticket to the Big Dance. But if we fall short of the SEC tourney title, there's still a slim chance of an at-large bid.
Win at Arkansas, and get a couple of victories in the SEC Tournament, then perhaps the NCAA Selection Committee will look at all the above: J.J. Frazier as one of the most exciting players in America. A recovering Yante Maten. Other guys doing just enough in support. Momentum. Playing Kentucky, Kansas and Florida and giving them all they could handle. Overcoming the odds.
Sure, we're an underdog, but what better feeling is there than seeing a Cinderella dance? Than seeing an underdog win? Than the Dynamic Duo and the Justice League vanquishing their foes at the end?
I'm a hoops fan. Hope you are, too. Go Dawgs, beat Arkansas!!!
Showing posts with label E'Torrion Wilridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E'Torrion Wilridge. Show all posts
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Apologies, Kudos, and Credit
My apologies to the timekeeper down at Texas A&M. From all I understand after reading the statement from the SEC, it was not the timekeeper's fault, but rather a malfunction of equipment.
Kudos to UF Basketball Coach Mike White
After Florida lost a close game to Vanderbilt, Coach White said that he "put (his player) in a difficult situation. It's my fault."
Has Coach Fox ever said anything similar? I could have missed it, of course, but humility stands out to me.
Fox has to shoulder some of the blame for UGA's late game collapse. How could you not put Turtle Jackson in? Jordan Harris is not a good ball-handler. If you have Wilridge in the game, then sub in Jackson for Geno.
Credit goes to Turtle Jackson for the good game. Instead of launching three-pointers, Jackson took the ball to the basket and shot a mid-range jumper, things I have wanted him to do. He went 2 for 2 from the floor in the contest.
Kudos to UF Basketball Coach Mike White
After Florida lost a close game to Vanderbilt, Coach White said that he "put (his player) in a difficult situation. It's my fault."
Has Coach Fox ever said anything similar? I could have missed it, of course, but humility stands out to me.
Fox has to shoulder some of the blame for UGA's late game collapse. How could you not put Turtle Jackson in? Jordan Harris is not a good ball-handler. If you have Wilridge in the game, then sub in Jackson for Geno.
Credit goes to Turtle Jackson for the good game. Instead of launching three-pointers, Jackson took the ball to the basket and shot a mid-range jumper, things I have wanted him to do. He went 2 for 2 from the floor in the contest.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Lost in all the Commotion
over the poor substitution patterns was this fact:
The Dawgs starters and key reserves had a pretty good outing against Oakland. I was particularly pleased that Juwan Parker seems to have his springs back. He shot 5 for 11 from the field, and 5 of 5 from the line, for 15 points, which was by far his best performance of the year.
J.J. had 18 points in the first half, if memory serves me. He was on target until Fox pulled him. When Oakland took the lead in the second half, he went iso-J.J., and started missing from long distance. The point is that J.J. found his touch, at least for a half.
Yante Maten didn't score much, and fouled out without hitting double figures, but Dawgs fans already know what he can do.
Derek Ogbeide is on a bit of a roll. Had a double-double for the game, 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting, and 12 rebounds. Will be a bit harder as he is matched with bigger players during the conference portion of the season, but Ogbeide is a force in the paint.
Turtle Jackson did a good job at the point. He looked fantastic, in fact, except for that air-ball three-pointer he shot when the Dawgs were trying to catch up late in the game. Still think he needs to work on his mechanics and focus on locking his elbow in tight and going straight up with his shot. Firing across his body will lead to bad misses to the left or the right.
In any case, Jackson had 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting. He was 2 of 4 from behind the arc, and had zero turnovers. That's great work for a back-up point guard.
Jordan Harris scored 9 points. Still turns the ball over too much. He needs to focus on scoring when he drives the ball. He is still getting used to added muscle, so as the season goes on, he will get better and better.
Mike Edwards had 4 points and 6 boards. Tyree Crump was only given one minute of PT.
Diatta, KPG, Kessler, and Wilridge did not play well. Thirty minutes between them, and zero points.
Bottom line: If J.J. follows the Oakland game with regained scoring ability, Yante has his normal outing, and Jordan, Derek, Juwan, Mike and Turtle keep giving solid contributions, Georgia may overcome the Fox crazy substitutions and still win its share of SEC games.
The Dawgs starters and key reserves had a pretty good outing against Oakland. I was particularly pleased that Juwan Parker seems to have his springs back. He shot 5 for 11 from the field, and 5 of 5 from the line, for 15 points, which was by far his best performance of the year.
J.J. had 18 points in the first half, if memory serves me. He was on target until Fox pulled him. When Oakland took the lead in the second half, he went iso-J.J., and started missing from long distance. The point is that J.J. found his touch, at least for a half.
Yante Maten didn't score much, and fouled out without hitting double figures, but Dawgs fans already know what he can do.
Derek Ogbeide is on a bit of a roll. Had a double-double for the game, 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting, and 12 rebounds. Will be a bit harder as he is matched with bigger players during the conference portion of the season, but Ogbeide is a force in the paint.
Turtle Jackson did a good job at the point. He looked fantastic, in fact, except for that air-ball three-pointer he shot when the Dawgs were trying to catch up late in the game. Still think he needs to work on his mechanics and focus on locking his elbow in tight and going straight up with his shot. Firing across his body will lead to bad misses to the left or the right.
In any case, Jackson had 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting. He was 2 of 4 from behind the arc, and had zero turnovers. That's great work for a back-up point guard.
Jordan Harris scored 9 points. Still turns the ball over too much. He needs to focus on scoring when he drives the ball. He is still getting used to added muscle, so as the season goes on, he will get better and better.
Mike Edwards had 4 points and 6 boards. Tyree Crump was only given one minute of PT.
Diatta, KPG, Kessler, and Wilridge did not play well. Thirty minutes between them, and zero points.
Bottom line: If J.J. follows the Oakland game with regained scoring ability, Yante has his normal outing, and Jordan, Derek, Juwan, Mike and Turtle keep giving solid contributions, Georgia may overcome the Fox crazy substitutions and still win its share of SEC games.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Watched what I could of the live practice
Enjoyed seeing Jarvis Hayes again. Good to have the interviews, but I would have preferred to see the team do more drills. It was much more "Media Day" than "Live Stream of Practice." Guess we won't know about much about how the guys look until the exhibition game.
With that said, here are a few observations:
Kenny Gaines looks thicker. Without seeing him move around, it's hard to tell if he's put on good weight, or whether he has gained weight because he hasn't been able to participate fully in conditioning drills.
Juwan Parker has a brace on his leg. Likely means he won't play much at the beginning of the year.
Fox has Turtle Jackson learning the point. Great to be three-deep at the point guard position, especially in light of the two recruits scheduled to come in next year, but it makes me wonder what we will do this year if Kenny and Juwan don't heal completely. I guess that by learning the point, Jackson should be able to know where the two-guard is supposed to go, so it stands to reason that he could play the shooting guard position if needed.
E'Torrion Wilridge does indeed have a nice stroke. Elbow is locked in tight and good follow-through.
Derek Ogbeide is a man in the post. Once again, I am reminded of Cordy Glenn, a guy who got better and better every year on the O-line for the football Dawgs. It's rare to get a stocky guy who also plays above the rim. Jeremy Price and Takais Brown were two former Dawgs hoops players who had the beef, but lacked the explosiveness. Chris Barnes of a few years ago is probably the best comparison.
Fox seems to think that Kenny Paul Geno took a significant step forward in the off-season. KPG is such a "tweener" that I really don't expect him to get a lot of minutes. He can jump and has a fairly reasonable shooting motion if he gets his feet set. However, he doesn't seem big enough for the power forward position, nor quick enough for the wing. If he scores 5 points a night, I would be surprised. I would love to be wrong.
They are referring to Mike Edwards as being 6' 10". Is that right? Whether he's 6' 9" or 10", if he runs the floor like they say he can, he will be a load for other teams to handle this year.
Looking forward to the season.
With that said, here are a few observations:
Kenny Gaines looks thicker. Without seeing him move around, it's hard to tell if he's put on good weight, or whether he has gained weight because he hasn't been able to participate fully in conditioning drills.
Juwan Parker has a brace on his leg. Likely means he won't play much at the beginning of the year.
Fox has Turtle Jackson learning the point. Great to be three-deep at the point guard position, especially in light of the two recruits scheduled to come in next year, but it makes me wonder what we will do this year if Kenny and Juwan don't heal completely. I guess that by learning the point, Jackson should be able to know where the two-guard is supposed to go, so it stands to reason that he could play the shooting guard position if needed.
E'Torrion Wilridge does indeed have a nice stroke. Elbow is locked in tight and good follow-through.
Derek Ogbeide is a man in the post. Once again, I am reminded of Cordy Glenn, a guy who got better and better every year on the O-line for the football Dawgs. It's rare to get a stocky guy who also plays above the rim. Jeremy Price and Takais Brown were two former Dawgs hoops players who had the beef, but lacked the explosiveness. Chris Barnes of a few years ago is probably the best comparison.
Fox seems to think that Kenny Paul Geno took a significant step forward in the off-season. KPG is such a "tweener" that I really don't expect him to get a lot of minutes. He can jump and has a fairly reasonable shooting motion if he gets his feet set. However, he doesn't seem big enough for the power forward position, nor quick enough for the wing. If he scores 5 points a night, I would be surprised. I would love to be wrong.
They are referring to Mike Edwards as being 6' 10". Is that right? Whether he's 6' 9" or 10", if he runs the floor like they say he can, he will be a load for other teams to handle this year.
Looking forward to the season.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Interesting Pieces
1, News Articles
Good to see some news about the basketball Dawgs. GeorgiaDogs.com has a video featuring Houston Kessler. Here's the one on Kenny Gaines.
There's more out on the Web. If you haven't checked it out already, you should visit the Dawgs' Twitter page.
2. Roster
I'm about as curious as anyone on how Fox will develop and use his players. Sure, Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines (if healthy) will lead the charge this season. Yante Maten, as the only post with significant experience, will start.
But will we get anything from Osahen Iduwe this year? How about Mike Edwards? Derek Ogbeide? How much will Turtle Jackson play? Where will J.J. Frazier get his playing time?
The 3-position has been a mystery for Georgia since Brandon Morris left. Does Wilridge have the talent to lock it down? Will Fox go big with Edwards? Is Juwan Parker recovered from surgery enough to give us minutes? How about KPG? Did he work hard enough during the off-season to contribute on the wing?
3. Recruiting
UGA commits Tyree Crump and Jordan Harris can play. Who else will we bring in? I figure we need at least one big, but Fox may have different ideas. How many spots will we have, anyway?
As I said, lots of interesting pieces.
Getting excited about basketball.
Good to see some news about the basketball Dawgs. GeorgiaDogs.com has a video featuring Houston Kessler. Here's the one on Kenny Gaines.
There's more out on the Web. If you haven't checked it out already, you should visit the Dawgs' Twitter page.
2. Roster
I'm about as curious as anyone on how Fox will develop and use his players. Sure, Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines (if healthy) will lead the charge this season. Yante Maten, as the only post with significant experience, will start.
But will we get anything from Osahen Iduwe this year? How about Mike Edwards? Derek Ogbeide? How much will Turtle Jackson play? Where will J.J. Frazier get his playing time?
The 3-position has been a mystery for Georgia since Brandon Morris left. Does Wilridge have the talent to lock it down? Will Fox go big with Edwards? Is Juwan Parker recovered from surgery enough to give us minutes? How about KPG? Did he work hard enough during the off-season to contribute on the wing?
3. Recruiting
UGA commits Tyree Crump and Jordan Harris can play. Who else will we bring in? I figure we need at least one big, but Fox may have different ideas. How many spots will we have, anyway?
As I said, lots of interesting pieces.
Getting excited about basketball.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Georgia Ranked 10th out of 14 in SEC Basketball Recruiting
The author ranks Kentucky as number 1 and LSU number 2. I'd probably agree with him that they have the top two classes, though I might reverse the order.
For numbers 3 through 6, he has Texas A&M, Florida, Mississippi State and Auburn. Then he ranks South Carolina, Arkansas, and Vandy ahead of Georgia. Maybe. Maybe not.
Article
Of course the author is biased, and Georgia's class might be overlooked because Turtle Jackson and E'Torrion Wilridge had knee injuries that impacted their play. I'm just enjoying the discussion. The bigger point is that the SEC has brought in real coaching talent and big-time recruits in the off-season.
Sure hope Big Mike and Derek are ready to play. Should be a fun year.
For numbers 3 through 6, he has Texas A&M, Florida, Mississippi State and Auburn. Then he ranks South Carolina, Arkansas, and Vandy ahead of Georgia. Maybe. Maybe not.
Of course the author is biased, and Georgia's class might be overlooked because Turtle Jackson and E'Torrion Wilridge had knee injuries that impacted their play. I'm just enjoying the discussion. The bigger point is that the SEC has brought in real coaching talent and big-time recruits in the off-season.
Sure hope Big Mike and Derek are ready to play. Should be a fun year.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Tevin Mack Speaks Recruiting
Says he doesn't have a top five. UGA has been talking to him. Plans on visiting UGA, South Carolina and Texas.
Watch the video linked below. But in case the link ever is taken down, here are a few tidbits:
Mack wants to go somewhere where the coaching staff is stable, and where he gets to play right away.
He knows he can score the ball, but he wants to work on defense and rebounding, getting stronger and being more explosive in his leaping ability.
Also says that his mother is heavily involved with the decision, although his college choice is ultimately his decision. Lots of teams talking to him, but he has five actual offers on the table.
Sounds to me like Texas is in first place (relationship with Shaka Smart), then South Carolina (hometown hero possibility), then UGA (close to home, can play right away).
If I'm Ms. Mack, I wouldn't want my son playing for Coach Martin. He's in a bit of a hot seat situation, Even if he weren't, Martin is an in your face screamer. South Carolina's version of Andy Landers. Some guys need that, but I wouldn't entrust my son to that kind of treatment.
In UGA's favor, we really don't have a wing on the roster. Fact is, we haven't had a scoring wing in a long, long time. Only guy that comes to mind right now is Jarvis Hayes.
For the present, Georgia can make do with hybrid 3/4 guys, like Wilridge and Geno, or we can stick out there a combo guard, like Mann and Parker (assuming Parker comes back healthy). Bottom line is that if Tevin Mack comes to Athens, he starts right away.
Mack's eyes must light up a bit when he considers UGA. We're offensively challenged. We need a maker. When we have guys that can score the ball, we can get them to the League. Don't remember anybody recent from South Carolina who has made it.
Interview with WISTV
Part Two
We're in the mix, but can we close?
Watch the video linked below. But in case the link ever is taken down, here are a few tidbits:
Mack wants to go somewhere where the coaching staff is stable, and where he gets to play right away.
He knows he can score the ball, but he wants to work on defense and rebounding, getting stronger and being more explosive in his leaping ability.
Also says that his mother is heavily involved with the decision, although his college choice is ultimately his decision. Lots of teams talking to him, but he has five actual offers on the table.
Sounds to me like Texas is in first place (relationship with Shaka Smart), then South Carolina (hometown hero possibility), then UGA (close to home, can play right away).
If I'm Ms. Mack, I wouldn't want my son playing for Coach Martin. He's in a bit of a hot seat situation, Even if he weren't, Martin is an in your face screamer. South Carolina's version of Andy Landers. Some guys need that, but I wouldn't entrust my son to that kind of treatment.
In UGA's favor, we really don't have a wing on the roster. Fact is, we haven't had a scoring wing in a long, long time. Only guy that comes to mind right now is Jarvis Hayes.
For the present, Georgia can make do with hybrid 3/4 guys, like Wilridge and Geno, or we can stick out there a combo guard, like Mann and Parker (assuming Parker comes back healthy). Bottom line is that if Tevin Mack comes to Athens, he starts right away.
Mack's eyes must light up a bit when he considers UGA. We're offensively challenged. We need a maker. When we have guys that can score the ball, we can get them to the League. Don't remember anybody recent from South Carolina who has made it.
Interview with WISTV
Part Two
We're in the mix, but can we close?
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Ten Reasons Georgia Basketball is Trending Up
Georgia basketball is trending up. Here's why:
1. Overall Win Record
Had a maddening overtime defeat to LSU, and I hate losing to Georgia Tech, but if we win at South Carolina, UGA will be 15 and 5, a very strong showing through the first 20 games.
2. RPI
In the 20's according to the various sites. Still plenty of ball to be played, but as for now, our schedule strength and win-loss record project that we should easily qualify for the NCAA tourney this year.
3. Competitive in the SEC
Georgia is now 5 and 2 in the SEC, ranked 2nd place in the Conference.
We don't have a stable of big guys like Kentucky, but no one else in the country does. Meanwhile, we match up pretty well with the rest of the teams in the SEC.
4. Handling Adversity
Brandon Morris was arrested, then dismissed from the team before the season started. Kenny Gaines was sick when the year began, then injured shortly thereafter. Kenny Paul Geno got injured and is likely lost for the year. Cameron Forte got sick. Marcus Thornton battled and overcame knee problems over the last couple of years. Yante Maten got hit by a car. Wow.
The team could have folded under pressure. Instead, Fox has adjusted his rotation, and UGA has made it work.
5. No new off-court issues
Sure, the guys aren't perfect, but the current squad has avoided the kinds of missteps that could distract from team performance and derail the season.
6. Win Streak
Georgia has won 5 in a row with a winnable game at South Carolina up next.
7. Balanced Scoring
The game at Mississippi State was an anomaly. No one played well except J.J. Frazier (and he was exceptional). The Vandy game was more typical. Although Charles Mann did not have a good outing, everybody else played well enough, and the Dawgs got the win.
And that's the UGA recipe for success. All five starters currently average double-figures in scoring. Really helps UGA win a game when multiple guys can step up and get a bucket when we need it.
8. Free Throw Shooting
Georgia shoots a lot of free throws. Part of that is because Charles Mann always attacks the rim. Georgia attempted 25 foul shots against Vandy and made 23. Now, we haven't been hitting that percentage (92%) every game, but if we keep going to the line and shooting a decent percentage, we can win more often than not.
9. 2015 Recruiting
We missed on some targets this year. Malik Beasley, a two-guard out of Alpharetta, was supposedly going to commit. Instead went with Florida State. High-scoring wing Tevin Mack was predicted to UGA by some web sites. Ended up choosing VCU, if I remember correctly. We didn't get Georgia high school big men Daniel Giddens or Doral Moore.
However, unlike previous years, when we didn't get our top level recruits, this time we came back and were able to get next tier guys that can definitely help right away. Georgia signed Turtle Jackson, a big point guard who can score; Derek Ogbeide, an improving post with good athleticism; and E'Torrion Wilridge, an athletic 3/4. If we keep winning, who's to say that we don't have a real shot at Jaylen Brown out at Wheeler High.
10. 2016 Recruiting
If Georgia gets a B or B- so far for 2015 recruiting, we're tracking A+ territory for 2016. Tyree Crump and Jordan Harris committed early. When was the last time that we got pledges from two key recruits almost a full two seasons early?
KCP committed early, but Fox wasn't able to turn that commitment into a magnet for other highly ranked players. Felton recruited the dynamic duo of Lou Williams and Mike Mercer, but Williams never made it to campus, opting instead to go straight to the NBA. As good as Williams and Mercer were, I like Crump and Harris better, because Mercer couldn't really shoot the ball. Harris has Mercer-type athleticism, and he can flat out stroke it.
Fox will have to fight like crazy to keep them, but if he can, Crump and Harris may help UGA bring in a couple of posts.
Georgia basketball is trending up. If we finish the SEC slate with a few victories and complete our recruiting 2015 and 2016 classes with a couple of studs, the bandwagon will be suddenly full. Georgia fans who "always really loved basketball," but were waiting on the side of the road hoping that UGA would somehow get the program rolling in the right direction, might want to jump on now, buy tickets, and support the team.
1. Overall Win Record
Had a maddening overtime defeat to LSU, and I hate losing to Georgia Tech, but if we win at South Carolina, UGA will be 15 and 5, a very strong showing through the first 20 games.
2. RPI
In the 20's according to the various sites. Still plenty of ball to be played, but as for now, our schedule strength and win-loss record project that we should easily qualify for the NCAA tourney this year.
3. Competitive in the SEC
Georgia is now 5 and 2 in the SEC, ranked 2nd place in the Conference.
We don't have a stable of big guys like Kentucky, but no one else in the country does. Meanwhile, we match up pretty well with the rest of the teams in the SEC.
4. Handling Adversity
Brandon Morris was arrested, then dismissed from the team before the season started. Kenny Gaines was sick when the year began, then injured shortly thereafter. Kenny Paul Geno got injured and is likely lost for the year. Cameron Forte got sick. Marcus Thornton battled and overcame knee problems over the last couple of years. Yante Maten got hit by a car. Wow.
The team could have folded under pressure. Instead, Fox has adjusted his rotation, and UGA has made it work.
5. No new off-court issues
Sure, the guys aren't perfect, but the current squad has avoided the kinds of missteps that could distract from team performance and derail the season.
6. Win Streak
Georgia has won 5 in a row with a winnable game at South Carolina up next.
7. Balanced Scoring
The game at Mississippi State was an anomaly. No one played well except J.J. Frazier (and he was exceptional). The Vandy game was more typical. Although Charles Mann did not have a good outing, everybody else played well enough, and the Dawgs got the win.
And that's the UGA recipe for success. All five starters currently average double-figures in scoring. Really helps UGA win a game when multiple guys can step up and get a bucket when we need it.
8. Free Throw Shooting
Georgia shoots a lot of free throws. Part of that is because Charles Mann always attacks the rim. Georgia attempted 25 foul shots against Vandy and made 23. Now, we haven't been hitting that percentage (92%) every game, but if we keep going to the line and shooting a decent percentage, we can win more often than not.
9. 2015 Recruiting
We missed on some targets this year. Malik Beasley, a two-guard out of Alpharetta, was supposedly going to commit. Instead went with Florida State. High-scoring wing Tevin Mack was predicted to UGA by some web sites. Ended up choosing VCU, if I remember correctly. We didn't get Georgia high school big men Daniel Giddens or Doral Moore.
However, unlike previous years, when we didn't get our top level recruits, this time we came back and were able to get next tier guys that can definitely help right away. Georgia signed Turtle Jackson, a big point guard who can score; Derek Ogbeide, an improving post with good athleticism; and E'Torrion Wilridge, an athletic 3/4. If we keep winning, who's to say that we don't have a real shot at Jaylen Brown out at Wheeler High.
10. 2016 Recruiting
If Georgia gets a B or B- so far for 2015 recruiting, we're tracking A+ territory for 2016. Tyree Crump and Jordan Harris committed early. When was the last time that we got pledges from two key recruits almost a full two seasons early?
KCP committed early, but Fox wasn't able to turn that commitment into a magnet for other highly ranked players. Felton recruited the dynamic duo of Lou Williams and Mike Mercer, but Williams never made it to campus, opting instead to go straight to the NBA. As good as Williams and Mercer were, I like Crump and Harris better, because Mercer couldn't really shoot the ball. Harris has Mercer-type athleticism, and he can flat out stroke it.
Fox will have to fight like crazy to keep them, but if he can, Crump and Harris may help UGA bring in a couple of posts.
Georgia basketball is trending up. If we finish the SEC slate with a few victories and complete our recruiting 2015 and 2016 classes with a couple of studs, the bandwagon will be suddenly full. Georgia fans who "always really loved basketball," but were waiting on the side of the road hoping that UGA would somehow get the program rolling in the right direction, might want to jump on now, buy tickets, and support the team.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Wilridge Shows Skill
E'Torrion Wilridge scored 27 points Saturday afternoon to lead Central High to victory in the Young Men's Business League Tournament's championship game.
Wilridge was 5 of 7 from the floor and a fantastic 17 of 23 from the free throw line.
Wilridge was 5 of 7 from the floor and a fantastic 17 of 23 from the free throw line.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Derek Ogbeide
The guy that Ogbeide reminds me most of is not a hoops player. It's Cordy Glenn from UGA's football team a few years back. The first time I saw Glenn, I said, "this guy is going to be a player."
Sure enough, Glenn later starred on the offensive line for Georgia. Cordy is now in the NFL, playing offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
In the same way, I am projecting good things for Ogbeide. He has a large frame, big hands and feet, and for a big man, good athleticism. Catches the ball well. Is a true post player. Doesn't float around on the perimeter.
I liked what I saw of Ogbeide in Pebblebrook's game against Laney of Augusta. Pebblebrook doesn't run many plays, and Ogbeide rarely gets passes. However, in an up and down, guard-oriented game, Ogbeide had 16 points, 18 boards and 7 blocks.
I wouldn't call Ogbeide skilled. Not in the same way that Tony Parker was skilled at the same point in high school. However, if Ogbeide continues to grow physically and athletically, he may end up as the better NBA prospect.
Next year could be a good one for UGA basketball. Charles Mann, J.J. Frazier, and Turtle Jackson playing point; Kenny Gaines and Juwan Parker at the shooting guard spots, Iduwe (here's hoping he bulks up and learns a few moves), Yante Maten, and Ogbeide in the post, and Kenny Paul Geno and E'Torrion Wilridge on the wing. If we somehow bring in Jaylen Brown, that looks like a definite NCAA team to me.
Sure enough, Glenn later starred on the offensive line for Georgia. Cordy is now in the NFL, playing offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
In the same way, I am projecting good things for Ogbeide. He has a large frame, big hands and feet, and for a big man, good athleticism. Catches the ball well. Is a true post player. Doesn't float around on the perimeter.
I liked what I saw of Ogbeide in Pebblebrook's game against Laney of Augusta. Pebblebrook doesn't run many plays, and Ogbeide rarely gets passes. However, in an up and down, guard-oriented game, Ogbeide had 16 points, 18 boards and 7 blocks.
I wouldn't call Ogbeide skilled. Not in the same way that Tony Parker was skilled at the same point in high school. However, if Ogbeide continues to grow physically and athletically, he may end up as the better NBA prospect.
Next year could be a good one for UGA basketball. Charles Mann, J.J. Frazier, and Turtle Jackson playing point; Kenny Gaines and Juwan Parker at the shooting guard spots, Iduwe (here's hoping he bulks up and learns a few moves), Yante Maten, and Ogbeide in the post, and Kenny Paul Geno and E'Torrion Wilridge on the wing. If we somehow bring in Jaylen Brown, that looks like a definite NCAA team to me.
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