Ebuka Anyaorah, formerly a player with the Dawgs basketball squad was selected as "Newcomer of the Year" by the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference.
Anyaorah transferred to the McClellan Junior College Highlanders last year.
EA
Showing posts with label Ebuka Anyaorah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ebuka Anyaorah. Show all posts
Friday, March 4, 2011
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Gerald Robinson, Jr., Article
Good work from the ABH.
I'm excited to see what Robinson brings to the table. I think that just having another ball-handler to go against the press will help a lot. Ricky McPhee was a solid shooter, but he wasn't the kind of guy that out-quicked a defensive player in a press. As a result, teams just muscled up on Dustin Ware and made him work all game. At the end of the contest, Ware didn't have much left in the tank.
From all indications, Robinson can handle the ball, get to the basket, and play solid defense. I really liked the descriptions given by Thompkins and Leslie, though I would imagine that the comparison to Devan Downey is a bit of a stretch. We'll see.
Even with Robinson, Georgia is still really thin at the guard position, and under-sized to boot. It did not help to lose McPhee to graduation and Mayfield and Anyaorah to transfer, all in the same off-season. Hopefully, Leslie can successfully move from the 3 position to the 2, and Thornton can hold down the 3.
Robinson will have to play a lot. I expect that he and Dustin Ware will be on the floor together to start the year, and Thornton will come off of the bench very early in the game.
Fox has some tools to work with. He'll need all of the guys to begin the year ready to play. We have no margin for error, but lots of reason for optimism.
I'm excited to see what Robinson brings to the table. I think that just having another ball-handler to go against the press will help a lot. Ricky McPhee was a solid shooter, but he wasn't the kind of guy that out-quicked a defensive player in a press. As a result, teams just muscled up on Dustin Ware and made him work all game. At the end of the contest, Ware didn't have much left in the tank.
From all indications, Robinson can handle the ball, get to the basket, and play solid defense. I really liked the descriptions given by Thompkins and Leslie, though I would imagine that the comparison to Devan Downey is a bit of a stretch. We'll see.
Even with Robinson, Georgia is still really thin at the guard position, and under-sized to boot. It did not help to lose McPhee to graduation and Mayfield and Anyaorah to transfer, all in the same off-season. Hopefully, Leslie can successfully move from the 3 position to the 2, and Thornton can hold down the 3.
Robinson will have to play a lot. I expect that he and Dustin Ware will be on the floor together to start the year, and Thornton will come off of the bench very early in the game.
Fox has some tools to work with. He'll need all of the guys to begin the year ready to play. We have no margin for error, but lots of reason for optimism.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Thornton to Georgia
That's my take on it. It's a prediction, not a promise.
I've stayed away from writing in the Blog for a good bit. Main reason? Work schedule. But there was also the matter of recruiting. I wanted to post something more on recruiting, but I was so discouraged that I felt I might harm the process.
So now that Thornton has already made up his mind, I feel like I'm free to post whatever I want. But wonder of wonders, my opinion has changed. Where as I was pretty sure two weeks ago that we were going to miss out on Polee and Thornton, now my Spidey senses are telling me that Thornton will commit to UGA.
That means that I can keep my more critical post to myself.
If UGA can in fact suit up Leslie, Thompkins, Gerald Robinson, Thornton and Price, we will have a powerful enough line-up to compete head to head with the powers in the SEC East-- especially when the second unit can be selected from players like Dustin Ware, Chris Barnes, Donte Williams, and Ebuka Anyaorah. Fox will have a strong enough bench to be able to insert players into the line-up based on favorable match-ups.
I have made my prediction, and it is the only result that could possibly make sense. Recruits want to play now-- not maybe, possibly, dependent upon a successful appeal. Thornton won't commit to Georgia Tech or UNC. Alabama doesn't have any more tradition than UGA in basketball. They have a new coach, just like Georgia. No reason for Thornton to commit to an out-of-state school.
Texas has more recent success than Georgia, but they are farthest away. If the relatives want to be able to see young Marcus Thornton play, it looks like UGA is the only reasonable option.
I'm optimistic, and I'm calling Thornton to UGA.
I've stayed away from writing in the Blog for a good bit. Main reason? Work schedule. But there was also the matter of recruiting. I wanted to post something more on recruiting, but I was so discouraged that I felt I might harm the process.
So now that Thornton has already made up his mind, I feel like I'm free to post whatever I want. But wonder of wonders, my opinion has changed. Where as I was pretty sure two weeks ago that we were going to miss out on Polee and Thornton, now my Spidey senses are telling me that Thornton will commit to UGA.
That means that I can keep my more critical post to myself.
If UGA can in fact suit up Leslie, Thompkins, Gerald Robinson, Thornton and Price, we will have a powerful enough line-up to compete head to head with the powers in the SEC East-- especially when the second unit can be selected from players like Dustin Ware, Chris Barnes, Donte Williams, and Ebuka Anyaorah. Fox will have a strong enough bench to be able to insert players into the line-up based on favorable match-ups.
I have made my prediction, and it is the only result that could possibly make sense. Recruits want to play now-- not maybe, possibly, dependent upon a successful appeal. Thornton won't commit to Georgia Tech or UNC. Alabama doesn't have any more tradition than UGA in basketball. They have a new coach, just like Georgia. No reason for Thornton to commit to an out-of-state school.
Texas has more recent success than Georgia, but they are farthest away. If the relatives want to be able to see young Marcus Thornton play, it looks like UGA is the only reasonable option.
I'm optimistic, and I'm calling Thornton to UGA.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Dawgs win against Florida
It's great to beat Florida in any sport. I felt at the beginning of the year that Georgia should handle Florida pretty well, so the blow-out we suffered down there was a big disappointment. Glad we got the W when we faced them at home.
I was distracted from the game, and I missed a lot of the second half. As a result, I'll post a link to a recap and confine my comments to the part that I actually saw.
The best news from the game, besides the win, was that Georgia got contributions from up and down the roster. I was particularly glad to see Anyaorah and Mayfield play well.
If I'm Mark Fox, I sit Demario Mayfield down and I have him watch film of the high-scoring guard down at South Florida, Dominique Jones. Jones was the first player I thought of when I saw Mayfield take the ball to the hoop and get the three point play.
I know that some fans suggested earlier in the year that since Mayfield played in a smaller high school classification, he shouldn't be expected to help the team. However, if he can get confidence, Mayfield might really be valuable in giving McPhee a rest in the upcoming game against Kentucky and the SEC Tournament.
Anyaorah can do a lot already. His legs seem to be in good shape. My one concern with his game is that his elbows flare out too wide on his shot. If he learns to square up to the basket and keep his arm locked in tight, his shooting percentage will go up.
Great win for the Dawgs. Congrats to the team and Coach Fox.
I was distracted from the game, and I missed a lot of the second half. As a result, I'll post a link to a recap and confine my comments to the part that I actually saw.
The best news from the game, besides the win, was that Georgia got contributions from up and down the roster. I was particularly glad to see Anyaorah and Mayfield play well.
If I'm Mark Fox, I sit Demario Mayfield down and I have him watch film of the high-scoring guard down at South Florida, Dominique Jones. Jones was the first player I thought of when I saw Mayfield take the ball to the hoop and get the three point play.
I know that some fans suggested earlier in the year that since Mayfield played in a smaller high school classification, he shouldn't be expected to help the team. However, if he can get confidence, Mayfield might really be valuable in giving McPhee a rest in the upcoming game against Kentucky and the SEC Tournament.
Anyaorah can do a lot already. His legs seem to be in good shape. My one concern with his game is that his elbows flare out too wide on his shot. If he learns to square up to the basket and keep his arm locked in tight, his shooting percentage will go up.
Great win for the Dawgs. Congrats to the team and Coach Fox.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thompkins has an ankle sprain
He's still able to show magnificent footwork.
Like what Ebuka Anyaorah is doing. He was the second-leading high school scorer in Gwinnett County, behind Trey Thompkins. Anyaorah's playing career in college had a set-back due to his surgery, but he's getting his legs back underneath him.
Like what Ebuka Anyaorah is doing. He was the second-leading high school scorer in Gwinnett County, behind Trey Thompkins. Anyaorah's playing career in college had a set-back due to his surgery, but he's getting his legs back underneath him.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Seven Superlatives from the UT Game
Travis Leslie got the Player of the Week award from the SEC. Great accomplishment.
Based on my review, however, there were some other guys out there whose contributions to the game and atmosphere deserve some sort of acknowledgement. So here, for all to see, or at least the five readers of the Blog (thanks, Mom) are my Seven Superlatives.
1. Most Likely to Succeed in MMA
Sorry Herschel, but Ajax gets the nod here. Jackson smoothly transitioned from a tussel underneath the hoop into an over the shoulder arm bar on Wayne Chism. The referee wisely jumped in to give Jackson the victory by submission.
2. Hop Along Cassidy Award: Trey Thompkins
What Travis Leslie lacks in demonstratives, Thompkins makes up. After he hit his three-pointer against UT, Thompkins rode the bronco back down the court.
3. Rocky Award
Whoever that Dude is in the stands.
'Nuff said.
4. All-Orange trophy: Bruce Pearl.
He wears orange. It may have been my cable system, but against Georgia, he even looked orange. Great that he won't be taking to the stairs, thanking all the UT fans, in the Steg any time soon.
5. Shimmy, Shimmy: Ebuka Anyaorah
Anyaorah got the bounce on the three-point attempt. He jumped up and shimmied down the court.
Pearl went ballistic afterwards. Had something to do with the clock, apparently, but his team wasn't going to win anyway. Pearl's reaction did make Ebuka's shot that much more enjoyable.
6. Most Likely to Break the Backboard
Jeremy Price. Scott Howard was spot on when he evoked Darrell Dawkins after the Jeremy Price first half thunder dunk.
Price gets some points taken off for having his shot blocked in the second half by Bruce Pearl's son. Very un-Dawkins like, that part.
7. Most Likely to Make us Barf
Peanut Butter Boy. Dude got his own write-up from ESPN. I thought sure he was a UT fan, with all that stuff smeared on, but he's all ours. Yuck.
Based on my review, however, there were some other guys out there whose contributions to the game and atmosphere deserve some sort of acknowledgement. So here, for all to see, or at least the five readers of the Blog (thanks, Mom) are my Seven Superlatives.
1. Most Likely to Succeed in MMA
Sorry Herschel, but Ajax gets the nod here. Jackson smoothly transitioned from a tussel underneath the hoop into an over the shoulder arm bar on Wayne Chism. The referee wisely jumped in to give Jackson the victory by submission.
2. Hop Along Cassidy Award: Trey Thompkins
What Travis Leslie lacks in demonstratives, Thompkins makes up. After he hit his three-pointer against UT, Thompkins rode the bronco back down the court.
3. Rocky Award
Whoever that Dude is in the stands.
'Nuff said.
4. All-Orange trophy: Bruce Pearl.
He wears orange. It may have been my cable system, but against Georgia, he even looked orange. Great that he won't be taking to the stairs, thanking all the UT fans, in the Steg any time soon.
5. Shimmy, Shimmy: Ebuka Anyaorah
Anyaorah got the bounce on the three-point attempt. He jumped up and shimmied down the court.
Pearl went ballistic afterwards. Had something to do with the clock, apparently, but his team wasn't going to win anyway. Pearl's reaction did make Ebuka's shot that much more enjoyable.
6. Most Likely to Break the Backboard
Jeremy Price. Scott Howard was spot on when he evoked Darrell Dawkins after the Jeremy Price first half thunder dunk.
Price gets some points taken off for having his shot blocked in the second half by Bruce Pearl's son. Very un-Dawkins like, that part.
7. Most Likely to Make us Barf
Peanut Butter Boy. Dude got his own write-up from ESPN. I thought sure he was a UT fan, with all that stuff smeared on, but he's all ours. Yuck.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Feeling a Dawgs Win
Dustin Ware will have to play the game of his life. He'll have to keep Bobby Maze out of the paint. And on offense, he has to make good decisions with the ball and help us keep it a half-court game.
The other guys have to step up, too. Does Ebuka have a jumpshot or two in him? Can Drazen spell Travis Leslie?
If we can out-physical their bigs, get Wayne Chism in foul trouble, then I think we win. Hopefully, their guards will come out cold. We're well-rested and fresh, and we need the victory more than they do.
Besides, we already whipped UT once this week. If we can can beat Pat Summitt, Bruce Pearl ought to be easy. We're on a roll, here. Let's keep it going.
Dawgs by a whopping 8 points. 68 to 60. I'm calling it.
The other guys have to step up, too. Does Ebuka have a jumpshot or two in him? Can Drazen spell Travis Leslie?
If we can out-physical their bigs, get Wayne Chism in foul trouble, then I think we win. Hopefully, their guards will come out cold. We're well-rested and fresh, and we need the victory more than they do.
Besides, we already whipped UT once this week. If we can can beat Pat Summitt, Bruce Pearl ought to be easy. We're on a roll, here. Let's keep it going.
Dawgs by a whopping 8 points. 68 to 60. I'm calling it.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
UGA vs. Kentucky: Could Winner Take All?
Not to put too much pressure on the Dawgs, but this Saturday's game at Rupp could be huge.
At the beginning of the season, everyone was picking the Dawgs to end up last in the SEC East. Georgia was understandably seen as being much weaker than the 5 other teams in the division.
But not even the best prognosticators could have foreseen the variety of on-court and off-court issues that have affected the opposition. As the SEC kicks off the first conference games this weekend, I think the pundits would agree that Georgia's prospects are much brighter, based on the following:
1. Volunteer Orange Sing Memphis Blues
UT is still figuring out what to do about the problems that have ensnared a few of their key players. Just a few hours after the team played Memphis, a car with Tyler Smith, Cameron Tatum, Melvin Goins, and Brian Williams, was pulled over. The smell of marijuana and the presence of two revolvers under the seat meant trouble for the group.
Law enforcement is still working its way through the investigation, but in the meantime, the four players involved have been suspended indefinitely. Even if Coach Pearl were tempted to give his guys a slap on the wrist, he can hardly do so, now that the police and UT's athletic director are closely involved. Given the bad press that UT's football players have generated, I expect that the four hoops players will not see the court this year.
Make no mistake about it, the 6 scholarship players that Pearl still has at his disposal can all play. And he has some walk-ons to help him fill out his bench. But Pearl's margin for error is now extremely thin. He certainly cannot afford much in the way of injuries, foul trouble, or off shooting nights from the members of his squad. And his style of play will definitely be affected. Can UT commit to run a full-court press all game long, all season long? I don't think so. Without the press, UT struggles to put points on the board.
2. Downey, Dominique and Dismissal in Columbia
As good as South Carolina looked last year, the Gamecocks could end up as lunch this season for the other teams in the SEC. Devan Downey seems to be in a bit of a slump. He's still averaging 18 points per game, but he is shooting right at 40 percent from the floor, and has just as many turnovers as assists.
Dominique Archie, an inside player who had been averaging 14 points per game, was injured last month and has had to have season-ending surgery. Now, just this week, Coach Horn has dismissed Mike Holmes from the team. As the attached article states, Holmes was averaging 11 points and 5 boards per game. South Carolina will still be a team to be reckoned with, but their record as they enter conference play is a rather pedestrian 9 and 5, and without Archie and Holmes, other SEC teams should be able to wear them down in the post.
3. Vandy Plays Beneath Potential
Vanderbilt will be good, and they have defeated Missouri and Depaul in Nashville. However, Vandy will always have a pretty decent record at home, based on the unusual sight lines in their gym.
The Commodores have an up and coming team, but they have lost already this season to Western Kentucky and to Illinois, a team that Georgia beat.
4. Can Florida's Guards Shoot?
Florida is still out there. They hit a lucky three-quarter court shot to beat N.C. State and go to 11 and 3 on the year. However, they have looked less than impressive. UF is last in the league in 3-point shooting, and 10th in the league in field goal percentage.
5. Georgia has the Mojo
Has anyone else noticed? We haven't won every game, and our record is about where it was last year. But, knock on wood, we haven't had a single key injury, suspension, or legal issue this season.
Ebuka Anyaorah was out all last year to allow him to recover from surgery on his shins. His legs are holding up, and he even has some explosiveness going to the rim.
Albert Jackson's broken hand healed up just in time to start the season. Chris Barnes seems to have suffered no ill effects from his wrist surgery last year. Jeremy Price recovered well from the ankle surgery he had before last year. Howard Thompkins, who had a stress fracture in his foot and a sprained knee just before last year's season started, has recovered completely and due to his playing time with FIBA over the summer and his ability to participate in fall workouts, he's in the best shape of his life.
Everyone else in the division seems to be breaking down, just when our players are finally all healthy at the same time.
Could it be that the perennial "UGA basketball snake-bite" has finally latched onto someone else?
6. UK
So that leaves Kentucky. UK is undefeated. They're as good or better as everyone expected.
Are they be primed for an upset? John Wall has had some cramping problems. Perhaps the Dawgs will GATA (Get After That Asp), and Calipari's squad will feel the fangs of defeat on Saturday.
How could it happen?
I would use the same strategy against them that we used against Tech. Pack the lane and make their guards prove they can shoot from outside.
Unlike the Georgia Tech game, the Dawgs will have to rebound like crazy and limit their second shots. If McPhee and Ware get hot from the outside, and our big men play their post guys even, UGA might escape with the W.
Not to get too far ahead of ourselves here, but win against UK and the Dawgs might then have the momentum to go on a streak against the other teams in the SEC East.
I know all of this sounds unlikely, but we just beat the #17 team in the country, and I'm greedy. We have the mojo. Let's take it one game at a time, leave it all out on the court on Saturday, and see what happens.
I'm ready for more basketball. Go Dawgs! Shock the world and win at Kentucky!
At the beginning of the season, everyone was picking the Dawgs to end up last in the SEC East. Georgia was understandably seen as being much weaker than the 5 other teams in the division.
But not even the best prognosticators could have foreseen the variety of on-court and off-court issues that have affected the opposition. As the SEC kicks off the first conference games this weekend, I think the pundits would agree that Georgia's prospects are much brighter, based on the following:
1. Volunteer Orange Sing Memphis Blues
UT is still figuring out what to do about the problems that have ensnared a few of their key players. Just a few hours after the team played Memphis, a car with Tyler Smith, Cameron Tatum, Melvin Goins, and Brian Williams, was pulled over. The smell of marijuana and the presence of two revolvers under the seat meant trouble for the group.
Law enforcement is still working its way through the investigation, but in the meantime, the four players involved have been suspended indefinitely. Even if Coach Pearl were tempted to give his guys a slap on the wrist, he can hardly do so, now that the police and UT's athletic director are closely involved. Given the bad press that UT's football players have generated, I expect that the four hoops players will not see the court this year.
Make no mistake about it, the 6 scholarship players that Pearl still has at his disposal can all play. And he has some walk-ons to help him fill out his bench. But Pearl's margin for error is now extremely thin. He certainly cannot afford much in the way of injuries, foul trouble, or off shooting nights from the members of his squad. And his style of play will definitely be affected. Can UT commit to run a full-court press all game long, all season long? I don't think so. Without the press, UT struggles to put points on the board.
2. Downey, Dominique and Dismissal in Columbia
As good as South Carolina looked last year, the Gamecocks could end up as lunch this season for the other teams in the SEC. Devan Downey seems to be in a bit of a slump. He's still averaging 18 points per game, but he is shooting right at 40 percent from the floor, and has just as many turnovers as assists.
Dominique Archie, an inside player who had been averaging 14 points per game, was injured last month and has had to have season-ending surgery. Now, just this week, Coach Horn has dismissed Mike Holmes from the team. As the attached article states, Holmes was averaging 11 points and 5 boards per game. South Carolina will still be a team to be reckoned with, but their record as they enter conference play is a rather pedestrian 9 and 5, and without Archie and Holmes, other SEC teams should be able to wear them down in the post.
3. Vandy Plays Beneath Potential
Vanderbilt will be good, and they have defeated Missouri and Depaul in Nashville. However, Vandy will always have a pretty decent record at home, based on the unusual sight lines in their gym.
The Commodores have an up and coming team, but they have lost already this season to Western Kentucky and to Illinois, a team that Georgia beat.
4. Can Florida's Guards Shoot?
Florida is still out there. They hit a lucky three-quarter court shot to beat N.C. State and go to 11 and 3 on the year. However, they have looked less than impressive. UF is last in the league in 3-point shooting, and 10th in the league in field goal percentage.
5. Georgia has the Mojo
Has anyone else noticed? We haven't won every game, and our record is about where it was last year. But, knock on wood, we haven't had a single key injury, suspension, or legal issue this season.
Ebuka Anyaorah was out all last year to allow him to recover from surgery on his shins. His legs are holding up, and he even has some explosiveness going to the rim.
Albert Jackson's broken hand healed up just in time to start the season. Chris Barnes seems to have suffered no ill effects from his wrist surgery last year. Jeremy Price recovered well from the ankle surgery he had before last year. Howard Thompkins, who had a stress fracture in his foot and a sprained knee just before last year's season started, has recovered completely and due to his playing time with FIBA over the summer and his ability to participate in fall workouts, he's in the best shape of his life.
Everyone else in the division seems to be breaking down, just when our players are finally all healthy at the same time.
Could it be that the perennial "UGA basketball snake-bite" has finally latched onto someone else?
6. UK
So that leaves Kentucky. UK is undefeated. They're as good or better as everyone expected.
Are they be primed for an upset? John Wall has had some cramping problems. Perhaps the Dawgs will GATA (Get After That Asp), and Calipari's squad will feel the fangs of defeat on Saturday.
How could it happen?
I would use the same strategy against them that we used against Tech. Pack the lane and make their guards prove they can shoot from outside.
Unlike the Georgia Tech game, the Dawgs will have to rebound like crazy and limit their second shots. If McPhee and Ware get hot from the outside, and our big men play their post guys even, UGA might escape with the W.
Not to get too far ahead of ourselves here, but win against UK and the Dawgs might then have the momentum to go on a streak against the other teams in the SEC East.
I know all of this sounds unlikely, but we just beat the #17 team in the country, and I'm greedy. We have the mojo. Let's take it one game at a time, leave it all out on the court on Saturday, and see what happens.
I'm ready for more basketball. Go Dawgs! Shock the world and win at Kentucky!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Just Like Football, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap
Dawgs beat Tech. Kudos to Coach Fox.
I thought Dustin Ware and Howard Thompkins had incredible games. Ricky McPhee knocked down clutch shots. Huge win for the Dawgs.
Everybody stepped up and played their roles. Jeremy Price had nice minutes and a couple of key rebounds. Travis Leslie gave us steals, blocked shots and a few highlights.
Great game.
I thought Dustin Ware and Howard Thompkins had incredible games. Ricky McPhee knocked down clutch shots. Huge win for the Dawgs.
Everybody stepped up and played their roles. Jeremy Price had nice minutes and a couple of key rebounds. Travis Leslie gave us steals, blocked shots and a few highlights.
Great game.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Georgia wins by 3
I'll take it.
Final score: 67 to 64.
We're 3 and 2 on the season. The SEC East is always tough, so we'll need to win as many of the non-conference games as we can.
We'll work some of the kinks out. Can Dustin Ware or Ebuka Anyaorah provide us with another outside shooter? The answer to that question is pretty much the key to the season.
Final score: 67 to 64.
We're 3 and 2 on the season. The SEC East is always tough, so we'll need to win as many of the non-conference games as we can.
We'll work some of the kinks out. Can Dustin Ware or Ebuka Anyaorah provide us with another outside shooter? The answer to that question is pretty much the key to the season.
Friday, November 13, 2009
I Got a New Attitude
While I'm at it, using songs as titles for my posts, (I assume that most readers caught the John Lennon reference in my last post), I decided to throw some Patti Labelle in there.
Labelle's "New Attitude" song might be the theme for Georgia's year. We don't have too many new players to speak of, but our coach has given us a new perspective and approach to the game, and that might be enough to get us some wins.
Attitude
I will say that I like the line-up, if it's correct. Putting Jeremy Price in there with Chris Barnes and Trey Thompkins will give our starting five some height. We won't be as quick on the perimeter, since Dustin Ware will be paired with Travis Leslie in the backcourt. I'm not sure how long we will stay with the new look, especially if we have trouble advancing the ball. But we shouldn't be outrebounded.
I'd like to see Ebuka Anyaorah be the first person off the bench, followed by Drazen Zlovaric.
Should be fun.
Georgia vs. the New Orleans Privateers. Tonight!
Labelle's "New Attitude" song might be the theme for Georgia's year. We don't have too many new players to speak of, but our coach has given us a new perspective and approach to the game, and that might be enough to get us some wins.
Attitude
I will say that I like the line-up, if it's correct. Putting Jeremy Price in there with Chris Barnes and Trey Thompkins will give our starting five some height. We won't be as quick on the perimeter, since Dustin Ware will be paired with Travis Leslie in the backcourt. I'm not sure how long we will stay with the new look, especially if we have trouble advancing the ball. But we shouldn't be outrebounded.
I'd like to see Ebuka Anyaorah be the first person off the bench, followed by Drazen Zlovaric.
Should be fun.
Georgia vs. the New Orleans Privateers. Tonight!
Monday, November 9, 2009
SEC East Hoops Preview
From the Daily Gamecock.
I would assume from the words of the article that the writer thinks that USC will come in 4th in the SEC East.
Not a whole lot new in this preview. Everybody's preview has UK first. Tennessee deserves its general position as second in the pre-season rankings. Beyond that, though, it's anybody's guess.
Vanderbilt will be really good this year. Florida has Coach Donovan, a newly eligible transfer at center, and a scoring guard who will put up big numbers. South Carolina was strong last year and could surprise, even in an SEC East that is much tougher.
Georgia is generally ranked last in all the previews. It's hard to argue otherwise, since no one knows how Georgia will perform. We were in the cellar last year, and though we all may want to put Georgia in some other spot, in fairness to the process we'd have to have a reason to do so.
The Daily Gamecock's writers point out that Coach Fox brought on Vince Williams, an under-sized point guard. Other than that, Fox is going to battle with players that Felton recruited. True, Ebuka Anyaorah was injured last year, and since this is his first season playing, he could be seen as a new player. But the point remains that most of the other teams in the division brought in some pretty talented freshmen, and Georgia's class was not highly ranked at all.
I disagree with the writer's contention that Vince Williams and Demario Mayfield have to contribute a lot. They have to be at least serviceable for Georgia to win, but the key to this season are Thompkins, Ware and Leslie. If the big three play up to potential, Georgia can be competitive.
With that said, I have no argument with the preview's ranking having UGA as last. I certainly hope we do better.
Preview
I would assume from the words of the article that the writer thinks that USC will come in 4th in the SEC East.
Not a whole lot new in this preview. Everybody's preview has UK first. Tennessee deserves its general position as second in the pre-season rankings. Beyond that, though, it's anybody's guess.
Vanderbilt will be really good this year. Florida has Coach Donovan, a newly eligible transfer at center, and a scoring guard who will put up big numbers. South Carolina was strong last year and could surprise, even in an SEC East that is much tougher.
Georgia is generally ranked last in all the previews. It's hard to argue otherwise, since no one knows how Georgia will perform. We were in the cellar last year, and though we all may want to put Georgia in some other spot, in fairness to the process we'd have to have a reason to do so.
The Daily Gamecock's writers point out that Coach Fox brought on Vince Williams, an under-sized point guard. Other than that, Fox is going to battle with players that Felton recruited. True, Ebuka Anyaorah was injured last year, and since this is his first season playing, he could be seen as a new player. But the point remains that most of the other teams in the division brought in some pretty talented freshmen, and Georgia's class was not highly ranked at all.
I disagree with the writer's contention that Vince Williams and Demario Mayfield have to contribute a lot. They have to be at least serviceable for Georgia to win, but the key to this season are Thompkins, Ware and Leslie. If the big three play up to potential, Georgia can be competitive.
With that said, I have no argument with the preview's ranking having UGA as last. I certainly hope we do better.
Preview
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
"Go Hard or Go Home"
Can he bring the intensity that Georgia needs on offense and defense?
Will he be able to score the ball from deep? Will he take the ball to the basket?
Will his surgically repaired legs hold up for the season? Can he learn the offense? Does he still have good athleticism? Can he compete with SEC talent?
Anyaorah
Will he be able to score the ball from deep? Will he take the ball to the basket?
Will his surgically repaired legs hold up for the season? Can he learn the offense? Does he still have good athleticism? Can he compete with SEC talent?
Anyaorah
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Trae Bien!
Looks like the Dawgs are in very good shape for the recruitment of Trae Golden.
Golden Opportunity
The Dawgs will have some options at the guard position if Trae comes to town in 2010.
Vincent Williams will be a sophomore and Dustin Ware, a junior. They should be slotted to hold down the the point guard position. Trae would play some point, as would Gerald Robinson, the transfer who will be initially eligible that season.
Robinson and Golden could slide over to the shooting guard position. Ebuka Anyaorah, assuming he fully recovers from last season's surgery, will be available at the 2-guard, as will Demario Mayfield.
Sounds like we should have some guys who can distribute and some who can score. The question remains: are they good enough to play well against SEC competition?
Golden Opportunity
The Dawgs will have some options at the guard position if Trae comes to town in 2010.
Vincent Williams will be a sophomore and Dustin Ware, a junior. They should be slotted to hold down the the point guard position. Trae would play some point, as would Gerald Robinson, the transfer who will be initially eligible that season.
Robinson and Golden could slide over to the shooting guard position. Ebuka Anyaorah, assuming he fully recovers from last season's surgery, will be available at the 2-guard, as will Demario Mayfield.
Sounds like we should have some guys who can distribute and some who can score. The question remains: are they good enough to play well against SEC competition?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Ebuka Anyaorah Laments Injuries
Man, it's tough to play basketball, enjoy the game, and go down hard with an injury.
Ebuka Anyaorah never experienced the thrill of victory in a Georgia uniform. But he has known the agony of the feet.
Anyaorah hurt his leg early in the season, and went through a lot of painful rehabilitation before recently being able to join the team for practice sessions. The Gwinnett Daily Post gives an update on how Anyaorah is doing.
Anyaorah
Ebuka Anyaorah never experienced the thrill of victory in a Georgia uniform. But he has known the agony of the feet.
Anyaorah hurt his leg early in the season, and went through a lot of painful rehabilitation before recently being able to join the team for practice sessions. The Gwinnett Daily Post gives an update on how Anyaorah is doing.
Anyaorah
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Dawgs lose by 9 to UT.
I'm disappointed in the loss. Really disappointed because a win over the #15 team in the nation would have meant so much. And we all but had it. Not satisfied with "almost," but neither can I deny the fact that our level of basketball is much, much better.
Bottom line? We missed lots of free throws. That's the biggest issue. When we really needed them, we didn't sink'em. We shot over 70% for the game. That's a mark of a good team. But the mark of a top 20 team is converting from the charity stripe with the game on the line. We didn't do that, and until we do, we won't be an elite SEC team, beating teams like #15 UT.
Swansey missed a couple of jumpers that were about in the basket before coming back out. He played much better, though, and so did Dustin Ware. Somehow we've got to get Zac to shoot better than 37%, and he needs to be automatic from the line.
3 Key plays, the first one was the difference to the game:
Tyler Smith misses a free throw, we box out, jump to get it, but it hangs up on the rim and then falls off. They get the offensive rebound and pass it out to Tatum for a three.
Leslie misses a free throw, they get the rebound, push it up the floor and score.
We turn the ball over on the in-bounds lob to Price, they get the run-out and score.
Need of the hour?A 2-guard who can slash the ball to the rim and shoot jumpshots.
If Ebuka can play, then you don't try to preserve his redshirt. If he's recovered from the off-season surgery, then play him during the SEC stretch. If Anyaorah cannot go, then I guess Travis Leslie will have to be the guy.
But UT drove the ball to the hoop late in the game and converted, and we tried jumpshots that didn't work.
I am more patient than most, and I am enjoying seeing the kids get better. Let's get some victories in the SEC.
Bottom line? We missed lots of free throws. That's the biggest issue. When we really needed them, we didn't sink'em. We shot over 70% for the game. That's a mark of a good team. But the mark of a top 20 team is converting from the charity stripe with the game on the line. We didn't do that, and until we do, we won't be an elite SEC team, beating teams like #15 UT.
Swansey missed a couple of jumpers that were about in the basket before coming back out. He played much better, though, and so did Dustin Ware. Somehow we've got to get Zac to shoot better than 37%, and he needs to be automatic from the line.
3 Key plays, the first one was the difference to the game:
Tyler Smith misses a free throw, we box out, jump to get it, but it hangs up on the rim and then falls off. They get the offensive rebound and pass it out to Tatum for a three.
Leslie misses a free throw, they get the rebound, push it up the floor and score.
We turn the ball over on the in-bounds lob to Price, they get the run-out and score.
Need of the hour?A 2-guard who can slash the ball to the rim and shoot jumpshots.
If Ebuka can play, then you don't try to preserve his redshirt. If he's recovered from the off-season surgery, then play him during the SEC stretch. If Anyaorah cannot go, then I guess Travis Leslie will have to be the guy.
But UT drove the ball to the hoop late in the game and converted, and we tried jumpshots that didn't work.
I am more patient than most, and I am enjoying seeing the kids get better. Let's get some victories in the SEC.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Dawgs lose to Missouri
The game turned out about like I expected it, with a couple of exceptions:
Georgia played much better than I thought, and
Georgia played much worse than I thought.
Much better? Yep. Terrance Woodbury was on his game. Career high in points for him, with 27. Really good looking stroke. I thought he would be rusty coming off of his ankle sprain, but not so.
Georgia shot over 50 percent from the field. Nice offensive movement, most of the time. Georgia shot over 40 percent from behind the arc.
Trey Thompkins does a really nice job for a freshman. He doesn't have much lift, but he can rebound, block shots, and of course, shoot the basketball. He was a nice complement to Woodbury. Thompkins ended the day with 18 points.
We outrebounded them, 39 to 27.
Much worse? Unfortunately, the turnovers were just killers. Was it 23? I thought it was 27 turnovers. Anyway, we just gave them the ball over and over. Unforced errors.
And Zac Swansey and Dustin Ware didn't have their best games. Jeremy Price looked good in spots, but he is not a reliable ball-handler when he gets it away from the basket. Corey Butler didn't give us much, and neither did Troy Brewer.
I suppose that Coach Felton laments the fact that Billy Humphrey and Ebuka Anyaorah aren't available to be called on. They definitely would help our issues at guard. Billy could play some point guard, bringing the ball up the floor. He was not a "create your own shot" kind of guy, but we didn't need much in the way of a slasher. We needed someone with a reliable jumpshot who would not throw the ball away in the clutch.
Oh well. Losing by 7 to a very talented Missouri team is not the worst result in the world, but I would have loved for Georgia to have cut down on turnovers and gotten the win.
Georgia played much better than I thought, and
Georgia played much worse than I thought.
Much better? Yep. Terrance Woodbury was on his game. Career high in points for him, with 27. Really good looking stroke. I thought he would be rusty coming off of his ankle sprain, but not so.
Georgia shot over 50 percent from the field. Nice offensive movement, most of the time. Georgia shot over 40 percent from behind the arc.
Trey Thompkins does a really nice job for a freshman. He doesn't have much lift, but he can rebound, block shots, and of course, shoot the basketball. He was a nice complement to Woodbury. Thompkins ended the day with 18 points.
We outrebounded them, 39 to 27.
Much worse? Unfortunately, the turnovers were just killers. Was it 23? I thought it was 27 turnovers. Anyway, we just gave them the ball over and over. Unforced errors.
And Zac Swansey and Dustin Ware didn't have their best games. Jeremy Price looked good in spots, but he is not a reliable ball-handler when he gets it away from the basket. Corey Butler didn't give us much, and neither did Troy Brewer.
I suppose that Coach Felton laments the fact that Billy Humphrey and Ebuka Anyaorah aren't available to be called on. They definitely would help our issues at guard. Billy could play some point guard, bringing the ball up the floor. He was not a "create your own shot" kind of guy, but we didn't need much in the way of a slasher. We needed someone with a reliable jumpshot who would not throw the ball away in the clutch.
Oh well. Losing by 7 to a very talented Missouri team is not the worst result in the world, but I would have loved for Georgia to have cut down on turnovers and gotten the win.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
AJC Article Reports on Injuries to the Dawgs
The UGA basketball team has been hit hard by injury. It seems as if the bad luck the football team has been experiencing is leaking over to hit the basketball squad.
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution has reported the following:
Ebuka Anyaorah is out for the year after having recent surgery for a stress fracture. Anyaorah had been counted on to replace some of Billy Humphrey's scoring. Now it looks like he will be red-shirted.
Howard Thompkins has a sprained knee. He had suffered a stress fracture in his foot earlier in the year. His injury will keep him out at least another week.
Jeremy Price had off-season surgery on his ankle. Chris Barnes had off-season surgery on his wrist. Both forwards are expected to practice with the team.
Georgia will hold its first official practice on Friday.
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution has reported the following:
Ebuka Anyaorah is out for the year after having recent surgery for a stress fracture. Anyaorah had been counted on to replace some of Billy Humphrey's scoring. Now it looks like he will be red-shirted.
Howard Thompkins has a sprained knee. He had suffered a stress fracture in his foot earlier in the year. His injury will keep him out at least another week.
Jeremy Price had off-season surgery on his ankle. Chris Barnes had off-season surgery on his wrist. Both forwards are expected to practice with the team.
Georgia will hold its first official practice on Friday.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
New Roster up at Official Website
http://www.georgiadogs.com/SportSelect.dbml?ATCLID=1556674&DB_OEM_ID=8800&SPID=3593&SPSID=46709
Doesn't have the freshmen bio's yet, though.
So as a service to UGA hoops fans, here is my filler information until the freshmen get their due recognition.
Travis Leslie:
Nickname: "T-Bird."
High School Career: Led Columbia High School to AAAA championship. Averaged 21 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks per game. Named AAAA State Player of the Year. Number 11 ranked player in the state, according to Rivals.com. Chose Georgia over Georgia Tech, Clemson and others.
Outlook: High flier. Will be counted on for major minutes at either the scoring guard or small forward position.
Ebuka Anyaorah
Nickname: Unknown, but I vote for "EA Sports." Okay. Bad choice. Somebody, rescue me, here.
High School Career: Scored 1,459 points during his career at North Gwinnett High School. Second in Gwinnett County in scoring (behind Howard Thompkins) with a 26.3 points per game average in AAAAA, the state's toughest classification. Also garnered 8 rebounds per contest. Anyaorah twice shot 7 three-pointers in one game. Named to first team all-state for AAAAA.
Outlook: Shooter and defender with great potential. Big-time athleticism as well. With the loss of Billy Humphrey, Anyaorah will be counted on to log minutes at the shooting guard position.
Drazen Zlovaric:
Nickname: Unknown
High School Career: Varied. Due to the fact that Zlovaric is from a foreign country, he was required to attend more than one school to remain in the U.S. Last school was Patterson of North Carolina. Also played at Sagemont of Florida and in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Outlook: Shooter and a leaper at 6' 9". May figure into the mix at either small forward or scoring guard.
Dustin Ware:
Nickname: Unknown
High School Career: Played at North Cobb Christian. Led his team to back-to-back championships in the GISA. Also led NCC to national championship of the NACA tournament, where he was named the MVP.
Outlook: Will play a lot at point guard. Reliable shooter from deep. One of just two point guards on the roster, Ware will have to play well during his freshman year for UGA to compete against the SEC's guard-heavy line-ups and pressure packages.
Howard Thompkins
Nickname: "Trey"
High School Career: Averaged 30 points a game his senior year. Thompkins played his junior year for Oak Hill Academy, the number one ranked high school basketball in the country that year. Thompkins led Wesleyan High to the AA State Championship. Chose Georgia over offers from Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Florida and UNC. Ranked as the #30 overall recruit in the country by Rivals.com
Outlook: Scoring power forward. Possible minutes at the small forward position. Will be counted on to play a lot.
Doesn't have the freshmen bio's yet, though.
So as a service to UGA hoops fans, here is my filler information until the freshmen get their due recognition.
Travis Leslie:
Nickname: "T-Bird."
High School Career: Led Columbia High School to AAAA championship. Averaged 21 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks per game. Named AAAA State Player of the Year. Number 11 ranked player in the state, according to Rivals.com. Chose Georgia over Georgia Tech, Clemson and others.
Outlook: High flier. Will be counted on for major minutes at either the scoring guard or small forward position.
Ebuka Anyaorah
Nickname: Unknown, but I vote for "EA Sports." Okay. Bad choice. Somebody, rescue me, here.
High School Career: Scored 1,459 points during his career at North Gwinnett High School. Second in Gwinnett County in scoring (behind Howard Thompkins) with a 26.3 points per game average in AAAAA, the state's toughest classification. Also garnered 8 rebounds per contest. Anyaorah twice shot 7 three-pointers in one game. Named to first team all-state for AAAAA.
Outlook: Shooter and defender with great potential. Big-time athleticism as well. With the loss of Billy Humphrey, Anyaorah will be counted on to log minutes at the shooting guard position.
Drazen Zlovaric:
Nickname: Unknown
High School Career: Varied. Due to the fact that Zlovaric is from a foreign country, he was required to attend more than one school to remain in the U.S. Last school was Patterson of North Carolina. Also played at Sagemont of Florida and in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Outlook: Shooter and a leaper at 6' 9". May figure into the mix at either small forward or scoring guard.
Dustin Ware:
Nickname: Unknown
High School Career: Played at North Cobb Christian. Led his team to back-to-back championships in the GISA. Also led NCC to national championship of the NACA tournament, where he was named the MVP.
Outlook: Will play a lot at point guard. Reliable shooter from deep. One of just two point guards on the roster, Ware will have to play well during his freshman year for UGA to compete against the SEC's guard-heavy line-ups and pressure packages.
Howard Thompkins
Nickname: "Trey"
High School Career: Averaged 30 points a game his senior year. Thompkins played his junior year for Oak Hill Academy, the number one ranked high school basketball in the country that year. Thompkins led Wesleyan High to the AA State Championship. Chose Georgia over offers from Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Florida and UNC. Ranked as the #30 overall recruit in the country by Rivals.com
Outlook: Scoring power forward. Possible minutes at the small forward position. Will be counted on to play a lot.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
It is possible to find a diamond
Hard to say just how so many coaches missed on Stephen Curry.
http://www.roanoke.com/sports/college/wb/171380
You would think that with his blood lines, a big-time SEC coach would have found him and offered a scholarship. But look at his list of offers. Not too many suitors.
http://uga.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=42633
So, I am posting this information for Ricky McPhee, and Troy Brewer, and Ebuka Anyaorah. You guys will be relied upon, in whole or in part, to handle the shooting guard responsibilities.
Go out there and make a name for yourselves. It can happen.
http://www.roanoke.com/sports/college/wb/171380
You would think that with his blood lines, a big-time SEC coach would have found him and offered a scholarship. But look at his list of offers. Not too many suitors.
http://uga.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=42633
So, I am posting this information for Ricky McPhee, and Troy Brewer, and Ebuka Anyaorah. You guys will be relied upon, in whole or in part, to handle the shooting guard responsibilities.
Go out there and make a name for yourselves. It can happen.
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