Could Georgia Get the Steg Rocking Again? Five Keys

2012/2013 could be a turn-around season for the Dawgs. A lot has to go right, of course, but Fox has enough to work with to take the Dawgs from next-to-last in the SEC to next-to-first. Here are five keys to bring the crowd and the emotion back to Stegeman Coliseum.

1) KCP has to increase his shooting percentage. He's shooting under 40 percent from the field, and below 70 percent from the line. I've talked about his shooting form a few times. If he can be consistent in doing the small things, his percentage should go up. Putting him back at his natural position should help him get out on the fast break more consistently, which will lead to easier buckets.

2) Marcus Thornton has to come back healthy. We haven't seen what Thornton can do. If he can get back to 100 percent, the Dawgs will be able to play a much more exciting brand of basketball.

3) Bigs will have to defend and rebound like crazy. We don't need a ton of points from the inside players, but we do need them to do the dirty work.

4) One of the new guys has to perform. Between Charles Mann, Kenny Gaines and Brandon Morris, Georgia has brought in real talent. In my mind, Charles Mann is the key because he will be running the point.

5) We have to avoid injuries, suspensions, and off-the-court problems.

If UGA can use this early season trip to Italy, the associated 10 extra practice sessions, and the three games against European competition to get off to a good start, maybe this year will be special.

Dawgs Exploit Home Court Advantage

Shaquille O'Neal Announces Retirement

Shaq recently announced that he will retire after the 2009/2010 season. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if he changes his mind, but that's beside the point.

I mention it here because Shaq was part of one of the greatest moments in Georgia basketball history. He was on a loaded LSU team that featured O'Neal, 7' 0" center Stanley Roberts, and a fantastic shooting guard, Chris Jackson.

But that season, the magic belonged to Georgia. Georgia won its only regular season SEC title in 1990, when Alec Kessler, Rod Cole and Neville Austin led the team to victory over LSU. Neville Austin provided the final margin of victory with two free throws late. Alec Kessler scored 30 points. Georgia won the game 86 to 85.