Okay, I couldn't resist that title for my post. It's the same one as last year about this time.
This one was a game for the ages, too. Just like the football game battled out between Richt and Johnson.
Fantastic back and forth action. They started out the game shooting lights out. I was surprised that Hewitt chose not to utilize his press. I remember once that Tech just destroyed Georgia with B.J. Elder and crew, and though I don't recall which year it was, I do remember that the key to their victory was Hewitt's defensive pressure.
It wasn't the blow-out I expected, but we scored right about where I thought we would. We need to hit our free throws, though. Gerald Robinson has to be money at the end of the game.
Good heads up time-out by Trey Thompkins. He had picked up his dribble and was stuck against the in-bounds line with his body twisted away from his pivot foot. Everyone was covered and he was off-balance. That play could have easily resulted in a critical turnover. Instead we kept the ball and were able to win the game at the end.
Showing posts with label Paul Hewitt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Hewitt. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Not Feeling Good about the Game Against Tech
It will be a blow-out either way. They either press us to death and we wilt because they have more depth at guard, or we push them around inside and Trey and JP have field days.
Shumpert can score. We'll have to control him. Brian Oliver can shoot it, and Udofia can get streaky. Jason Morris had a nice outing off the bench last game for them, and Glen Rice goes to the hoop pretty effectively.
My prediction: I just can't bring myself to pick Tech over UGA, even if it is at their place and the home team almost always wins in this series.
I'm saying 75 to 62, UGA over Tech.
Tip-off is in 10 minutes. Go Dawgs!
Shumpert can score. We'll have to control him. Brian Oliver can shoot it, and Udofia can get streaky. Jason Morris had a nice outing off the bench last game for them, and Glen Rice goes to the hoop pretty effectively.
My prediction: I just can't bring myself to pick Tech over UGA, even if it is at their place and the home team almost always wins in this series.
I'm saying 75 to 62, UGA over Tech.
Tip-off is in 10 minutes. Go Dawgs!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tech Crushed By Kennesaw State
Wow! Just stunning. And funny, too.
I read that the Kennesaw players were sitting on the bench laughing with 4 minutes left in the game. The Kennesaw State fans didn't even rush the court.
Wow...
I read that the Kennesaw players were sitting on the bench laughing with 4 minutes left in the game. The Kennesaw State fans didn't even rush the court.
Wow...
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sounds like Royal to Tech
Maybe I'm too pessimistic here, but that's my read.
If Royal does sign with Tech, it will be unfortunate for us and for him, in my opinion. Tech will get drubbed in the ACC this season. Lawal, Favors and Peacock won't be around, and Tech's offense isn't fluid enough to take advantage of schemes to create easy buckets. Maybe Hewitt can craft his team into a pressing and trapping unit. He'll have to do something, because as it stands now, Tech doesn't have the athletes to compete in the post.
From a recruitment angle, Hewitt has the advantage of talking about the way things used to be. Fox, as a relatively new hire at UGA, doesn't. Hewitt can talk about getting guys to the pro's. He won't have any to go this year, though, and Fox will likely have two first-rounders.
At any rate, if the recruiting of Royal were happening next fall, instead of this one, Coach Fox would have a much easier time.
The key for Julian Royal is not the "used to be" of five or six years ago, but what will happen next season and the year after that. Which team can develop and showcase his skills better. Royal should take a hard look at how the Fox offense creates opportunities for Trey Thompkins, who like Royal is a multi-skilled power forward.
Tech runs a pick-and-roll offense, essentially hoping that their big men can cut to the basket or create something from the perimeter. If you are a big man with vastly superior size or leaping ability, you can do alright. A better fit for Royal is the triangle offense, which will give him back-door cuts, isolations on the block, high post and elbow jump-shots.
AJC article
Royal will have a lot to consider in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, somebody please get Coach Fox some tools other than a sheet of paper and a sharpie.
It's tough to read the following quote: “It’s kind of funny, when Georgia Tech came in there, they had an IPad and were hooking things up to the TV set for a fancy presentation … very slick and high tech,” said the elder Royal. “Georgia didn’t have all of that, but it was OK. They got more into X’s and O’s … [Fox] literally brought out a sheet of paper and a Sharpie, and started going through plays.”
I disagree with Mr. Royal. It's not kind of funny. It's kind of embarassing.
I know, each coach has to have a style with which they are comfortable. And I'm sure that the Royal family was very gracious. They have watched the triangle offense in person, and there are probably a lot of other aspects to the Fox recruiting pitch that were rolled out at the in-home and when Royal was in Athens on his official visit.
However, when it comes to deal-closing time, when it's your key opportunity to make a lasting impression, when families invite you into their home to make your best shot, recruits and their families shouldn't be forced to play tic-tac-toe.
If Royal does sign with Tech, it will be unfortunate for us and for him, in my opinion. Tech will get drubbed in the ACC this season. Lawal, Favors and Peacock won't be around, and Tech's offense isn't fluid enough to take advantage of schemes to create easy buckets. Maybe Hewitt can craft his team into a pressing and trapping unit. He'll have to do something, because as it stands now, Tech doesn't have the athletes to compete in the post.
From a recruitment angle, Hewitt has the advantage of talking about the way things used to be. Fox, as a relatively new hire at UGA, doesn't. Hewitt can talk about getting guys to the pro's. He won't have any to go this year, though, and Fox will likely have two first-rounders.
At any rate, if the recruiting of Royal were happening next fall, instead of this one, Coach Fox would have a much easier time.
The key for Julian Royal is not the "used to be" of five or six years ago, but what will happen next season and the year after that. Which team can develop and showcase his skills better. Royal should take a hard look at how the Fox offense creates opportunities for Trey Thompkins, who like Royal is a multi-skilled power forward.
Tech runs a pick-and-roll offense, essentially hoping that their big men can cut to the basket or create something from the perimeter. If you are a big man with vastly superior size or leaping ability, you can do alright. A better fit for Royal is the triangle offense, which will give him back-door cuts, isolations on the block, high post and elbow jump-shots.
AJC article
Royal will have a lot to consider in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, somebody please get Coach Fox some tools other than a sheet of paper and a sharpie.
It's tough to read the following quote: “It’s kind of funny, when Georgia Tech came in there, they had an IPad and were hooking things up to the TV set for a fancy presentation … very slick and high tech,” said the elder Royal. “Georgia didn’t have all of that, but it was OK. They got more into X’s and O’s … [Fox] literally brought out a sheet of paper and a Sharpie, and started going through plays.”
I disagree with Mr. Royal. It's not kind of funny. It's kind of embarassing.
I know, each coach has to have a style with which they are comfortable. And I'm sure that the Royal family was very gracious. They have watched the triangle offense in person, and there are probably a lot of other aspects to the Fox recruiting pitch that were rolled out at the in-home and when Royal was in Athens on his official visit.
However, when it comes to deal-closing time, when it's your key opportunity to make a lasting impression, when families invite you into their home to make your best shot, recruits and their families shouldn't be forced to play tic-tac-toe.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Julian Royal Recruitment
Good article from the AJC. Hate to say it, but from the sound of things, Georgia Tech seems to have an edge. Paul Hewitt is at least the sentimental favorite.
I did like it that when speaking of UGA, Julian Royal's dad said that "we've been fortunate to be there for a few games last year." The Royal family vehicle knows how to get to Athens. Although Tech is no doubt closer for the family, distance won't be an issue.
Fox will have to do a great job to reel Royal in, convince him that UGA is the best place to spend the next four years. I definitely think that the two programs are heading in opposite directions. Georgia should have a very good year, and Tech will likely underperform.
Where do you think Royal ends up?
I did like it that when speaking of UGA, Julian Royal's dad said that "we've been fortunate to be there for a few games last year." The Royal family vehicle knows how to get to Athens. Although Tech is no doubt closer for the family, distance won't be an issue.
Fox will have to do a great job to reel Royal in, convince him that UGA is the best place to spend the next four years. I definitely think that the two programs are heading in opposite directions. Georgia should have a very good year, and Tech will likely underperform.
Where do you think Royal ends up?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Nick Jacobs
The AJC article about Nick Jacobs has created a buzz. Can it be that UGA has a chance to reel in the top big man in Georgia? I think it will happen. Here's why:
1) Family Relationship
David Jacobs is Nick's cousin, as the AJC states. What the article does not explain is the depth of the affection that David has for his alma mater. After David's stroke, the Bulldawg nation really stepped up to show concern for Jacobs. As Coach Richt said when Jacobs came back to the team to help the freshmen, "He [Jacobs] loves Georgia, he loves the coaches and players..." During the balance of the football season of 2001, David Pollack used to write #99, Jacobs' number, on his wristband before every game.
Nick and David have a family relationship. But the prospect for Nick Jacobs' commitment to UGA is strengthened by the fact that David Jacobs and coaches and fans at UGA also have a family relationship. David can tell his cousin Nick that without a doubt, he will be in good hands if he commits to Georgia.
2) Playing Time
Both Chris Barnes and Jeremy Price are slated to complete their eligibility this year. Many projections have Howard Thompkins foregoing his last year and heading to the pro's. Georgia will be thin in the post position. If Jacobs comes to Georgia, he will get plenty of playing time.
3) Momentum
Just as Georgia Tech managed to bring in top players year after year, recruiting is all about the big Mo. Well, Paul Hewitt has from all indications lost it. In fact, Hewitt's success in snagging Derrick Favors could mark the end of an era. Favors is gone after one year, and Jacobs wants to blaze his own path, which will probably mean that he comes to UGA. When Jacobs commits to Georgia, it will make other high school coaches and their players take note, creating more momentum for the Dawgs.
As I look toward the heavens, the stars are aligned over Athens. The Marcus Thornton commitment was like a gift from above, coming to us from Constellation Oliverpurnellius. Throw in Nick Marshall, Kentavious Caldwell, and an exciting brand of basketball in 2010, and Jacobs will in all likelihood choose UGA.
What do you think?
1) Family Relationship
David Jacobs is Nick's cousin, as the AJC states. What the article does not explain is the depth of the affection that David has for his alma mater. After David's stroke, the Bulldawg nation really stepped up to show concern for Jacobs. As Coach Richt said when Jacobs came back to the team to help the freshmen, "He [Jacobs] loves Georgia, he loves the coaches and players..." During the balance of the football season of 2001, David Pollack used to write #99, Jacobs' number, on his wristband before every game.
Nick and David have a family relationship. But the prospect for Nick Jacobs' commitment to UGA is strengthened by the fact that David Jacobs and coaches and fans at UGA also have a family relationship. David can tell his cousin Nick that without a doubt, he will be in good hands if he commits to Georgia.
2) Playing Time
Both Chris Barnes and Jeremy Price are slated to complete their eligibility this year. Many projections have Howard Thompkins foregoing his last year and heading to the pro's. Georgia will be thin in the post position. If Jacobs comes to Georgia, he will get plenty of playing time.
3) Momentum
Just as Georgia Tech managed to bring in top players year after year, recruiting is all about the big Mo. Well, Paul Hewitt has from all indications lost it. In fact, Hewitt's success in snagging Derrick Favors could mark the end of an era. Favors is gone after one year, and Jacobs wants to blaze his own path, which will probably mean that he comes to UGA. When Jacobs commits to Georgia, it will make other high school coaches and their players take note, creating more momentum for the Dawgs.
As I look toward the heavens, the stars are aligned over Athens. The Marcus Thornton commitment was like a gift from above, coming to us from Constellation Oliverpurnellius. Throw in Nick Marshall, Kentavious Caldwell, and an exciting brand of basketball in 2010, and Jacobs will in all likelihood choose UGA.
What do you think?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tech is in Trouble
No NCAA issues. Nothing like that. I just don't see where the points will come from on their roster.
Add the numbers up. If the Rivals information is correct, you get a returning squad that scores around 35 points per game. Based on highest scorers from last year, Paul Hewitt's 2010 starting line-up will feature Mfon Udofia at point, Iman Shumpert at the shooting guard, and Brian Oliver on the wing. I guess this group could all of the sudden catch fire from the outside, but it's not likely. None of those guys shot over 39 percent from the floor last year, and that was with teams sagging off to cover Tech's bigs.
Most years it's just not an issue. The NBA draft passes and Tech still looks pretty good on paper. Not so for 2010. Favors and Lawal are gone. Zach Peacock graduated and so did Brad Sheehan. They can't figure to just pound the ball into the post.
Hewitt normally compensates through recruiting. If he loses a player or two through one and done's, he has been able to reasonably restock his roster with other high-level recruits. However, this year Tech brought in just one basketball recruit, a guard, and zero signees from the Rivals top 75 basketball players.
So who will make up Tech's front line? Most likely Daniel Miller (a former Felton signee who went to Tech after Mark Fox was hired) and Kammeon Holsey (a red-shirt who is coming off of a torn acl). No offense to these guys, but neither one strikes any fear into my heart.
Hewitt can conceivably go to a small line-up, but if he goes over .500 this year with what he has to work with, he will have done his finest coaching work in years.
Add the numbers up. If the Rivals information is correct, you get a returning squad that scores around 35 points per game. Based on highest scorers from last year, Paul Hewitt's 2010 starting line-up will feature Mfon Udofia at point, Iman Shumpert at the shooting guard, and Brian Oliver on the wing. I guess this group could all of the sudden catch fire from the outside, but it's not likely. None of those guys shot over 39 percent from the floor last year, and that was with teams sagging off to cover Tech's bigs.
Most years it's just not an issue. The NBA draft passes and Tech still looks pretty good on paper. Not so for 2010. Favors and Lawal are gone. Zach Peacock graduated and so did Brad Sheehan. They can't figure to just pound the ball into the post.
Hewitt normally compensates through recruiting. If he loses a player or two through one and done's, he has been able to reasonably restock his roster with other high-level recruits. However, this year Tech brought in just one basketball recruit, a guard, and zero signees from the Rivals top 75 basketball players.
So who will make up Tech's front line? Most likely Daniel Miller (a former Felton signee who went to Tech after Mark Fox was hired) and Kammeon Holsey (a red-shirt who is coming off of a torn acl). No offense to these guys, but neither one strikes any fear into my heart.
Hewitt can conceivably go to a small line-up, but if he goes over .500 this year with what he has to work with, he will have done his finest coaching work in years.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Quite the Irony
Or so it seems to me.
The New Jersey Nets have recently announced that former UGA coach Dennis Felton will be on the team's coaching staff for the summer league. Part of Coach Felton's duties will be to prepare the Nets' top draftee Derrick Favors for the rigors of the NBA.
So, Felton will get to coach Favors after all.
Felton's failure to attract Favors to Athens was the deciding factor that led to the coaching change in Athens (Who knows? Perhaps if Tech under-performs this year, Hewitt's failure to keep Favors in Atlanta could lead to a change in Atlanta).
Interesting.
The New Jersey Nets have recently announced that former UGA coach Dennis Felton will be on the team's coaching staff for the summer league. Part of Coach Felton's duties will be to prepare the Nets' top draftee Derrick Favors for the rigors of the NBA.
So, Felton will get to coach Favors after all.
Felton's failure to attract Favors to Athens was the deciding factor that led to the coaching change in Athens (Who knows? Perhaps if Tech under-performs this year, Hewitt's failure to keep Favors in Atlanta could lead to a change in Atlanta).
Interesting.
Friday, April 9, 2010
More on Thornton
Anyone else agree with my Al Horford comparison? As a matter of fact, based on the video, I'm not sure Horford was as talented at the same stage.
I know I'm out on a limb here, probably all by myself, but if you look at the way Thornton handles the ball, goes to his right or left, keeps his head up while dribbling, shoots the ball from the free throw line, moves his feet on defense, and has good hands, I think you'd have to agree that he's a rare player. Doesn't have the size of Horford, but Horford never would be considered for the three position. Thornton looks to have enough skill to pull it off.
Thornton also has a little bit of "Alonzo Gee" (formerly of Univ. of Alabama) talent.
In my opinion, the difference in going to Tech vs. going to Georgia is that Coach Fox can develop Thornton into a serious player at the three position. I'm biased, of course, but I think that the offense that Hewitt uses, the pick and roll motion, is not the best system for a guy with Thornton's skills.
As a matter of fact, one could seriously argue that Georgia Tech is on its way down. Lawal, Favors and Peacock leaving. Controversy with Hewitt. They have some players left, but they won't be able to just feed it to the post and hope that Lawal scores.
Thornton is the kind of player that UGA should compete for and win.
Go Dawgs!
I know I'm out on a limb here, probably all by myself, but if you look at the way Thornton handles the ball, goes to his right or left, keeps his head up while dribbling, shoots the ball from the free throw line, moves his feet on defense, and has good hands, I think you'd have to agree that he's a rare player. Doesn't have the size of Horford, but Horford never would be considered for the three position. Thornton looks to have enough skill to pull it off.
Thornton also has a little bit of "Alonzo Gee" (formerly of Univ. of Alabama) talent.
In my opinion, the difference in going to Tech vs. going to Georgia is that Coach Fox can develop Thornton into a serious player at the three position. I'm biased, of course, but I think that the offense that Hewitt uses, the pick and roll motion, is not the best system for a guy with Thornton's skills.
As a matter of fact, one could seriously argue that Georgia Tech is on its way down. Lawal, Favors and Peacock leaving. Controversy with Hewitt. They have some players left, but they won't be able to just feed it to the post and hope that Lawal scores.
Thornton is the kind of player that UGA should compete for and win.
Go Dawgs!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tech Loses to FSU
Ugly game. The ref's let 'em play. That part was not so bad. The part that was hard to take was the shooting. The first half was brutal. Neither team could make a bucket.
I don't understand what is wrong with Georgia Tech. Lawal and Favors should be dominating. Hewitt needs to set a fire under these guys.
Maybe Coach Hewitt isn't getting the job done. I still think it's early in the season to say that Tech won't be competitive. They'll clearly do better than their 2 and 14 ACC mark from last season.
So far, Hewitt is 8 and 2 on the season. But they did not look good against Mercer, and the game against Arkansas Pine Bluff sounded a lot closer than it should have been. Tech is now 0 and 1 in the ACC in this short season, and things will not get easier. UNC and Duke are still out there. Wake Forest is tough. NC State might give Tech a hard time. If Tech can't beat FSU at home, I don't see where the victories are to be had.
Well, while Tech is playing badly, let's hope that they continue to do so, and the Dawgs can find a way to beat them in Athens on January 5.
I don't understand what is wrong with Georgia Tech. Lawal and Favors should be dominating. Hewitt needs to set a fire under these guys.
Maybe Coach Hewitt isn't getting the job done. I still think it's early in the season to say that Tech won't be competitive. They'll clearly do better than their 2 and 14 ACC mark from last season.
So far, Hewitt is 8 and 2 on the season. But they did not look good against Mercer, and the game against Arkansas Pine Bluff sounded a lot closer than it should have been. Tech is now 0 and 1 in the ACC in this short season, and things will not get easier. UNC and Duke are still out there. Wake Forest is tough. NC State might give Tech a hard time. If Tech can't beat FSU at home, I don't see where the victories are to be had.
Well, while Tech is playing badly, let's hope that they continue to do so, and the Dawgs can find a way to beat them in Athens on January 5.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Back to the Future
Gani Lawal decides to return to Georgia Tech to play for the 2009/2010 season.
His decision will make Tech a real powerhouse next year. You have to figure that Favors will start at center. Lawal would then hold down the power forward spot. I like Mfon Udofia as the starting point guard, which would give Coach Hewitt lots of options for the small forward and shooting guard slots.
Lawal's return also means that Tech is full for scholarship players, I think. This makes it less likely that Noel Johnson will end up at Tech, and more likely that he will end up some place like LSU.
Life is good for Tech basketball. Not so good at Georgia. But if Fox can prove to be a good offensive coach, the team has enough players left over from last year to compete.
His decision will make Tech a real powerhouse next year. You have to figure that Favors will start at center. Lawal would then hold down the power forward spot. I like Mfon Udofia as the starting point guard, which would give Coach Hewitt lots of options for the small forward and shooting guard slots.
Lawal's return also means that Tech is full for scholarship players, I think. This makes it less likely that Noel Johnson will end up at Tech, and more likely that he will end up some place like LSU.
Life is good for Tech basketball. Not so good at Georgia. But if Fox can prove to be a good offensive coach, the team has enough players left over from last year to compete.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Twin Futility
You know, I thought that both coaches would have much better years than they are having. You can blame injuries, but the fact is that both teams are struggling.
Georgia and Georgia Tech both have 9 and 10 records. Both are winless in the conference. Georgia lost to Mississippi State by 6 points. Tech lost to Clemson.
The one major difference between the two teams is that Tech has a top-notch signing class coming in. And recruiting is a distinction that makes a difference, because it's the reason why Coach Hewitt likely will be around next year and Coach Felton probably won't.
There's no joy in watching either team play. Georgia continues to lose. And even though Georgia Tech is losing, they will be much better next year, assuming Favors honors his commitment to Coach Hewitt.
Georgia and Georgia Tech both have 9 and 10 records. Both are winless in the conference. Georgia lost to Mississippi State by 6 points. Tech lost to Clemson.
The one major difference between the two teams is that Tech has a top-notch signing class coming in. And recruiting is a distinction that makes a difference, because it's the reason why Coach Hewitt likely will be around next year and Coach Felton probably won't.
There's no joy in watching either team play. Georgia continues to lose. And even though Georgia Tech is losing, they will be much better next year, assuming Favors honors his commitment to Coach Hewitt.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Lessons in Futility
Both Georgia and Georgia Tech are sporting 9 and 9 records. Both teams are winless in their conferences.
Georgia Tech's lesson was that when you are a bad team, you'd better recruit well. Tech got just one recruit last year, as I recall. The upside of it was that they were able to stockpile scholarships and emerge with the crowning jewel of 2009.
Georgia had a pretty decent signing class for 2008. Ware and Leslie and Thompkins have all played pretty well so far. Not great, but they show potential. Zlovaric and Anyaorah haven't had much of a chance to prove their athletic prowess.
In any case, Georgia did fairly well in 2008, but they were limited in scholarships for 2009, and therefore, they passed on some guys that in other years they would have hotly pursued.
In any case, college basketball in the state of Georgia is pretty bad right now. I don't know what Georgia will take away from this season. I hope the lesson is that when a team is tired and unmotivated and losing, you give them a break to refocus.
And when the next conference game rolled around that next weekend, Georgia played with purpose and poise and ability and emerged with the victory. It was a new season and Georgia started on another, longer, magic run.
Georgia Tech's lesson was that when you are a bad team, you'd better recruit well. Tech got just one recruit last year, as I recall. The upside of it was that they were able to stockpile scholarships and emerge with the crowning jewel of 2009.
Georgia had a pretty decent signing class for 2008. Ware and Leslie and Thompkins have all played pretty well so far. Not great, but they show potential. Zlovaric and Anyaorah haven't had much of a chance to prove their athletic prowess.
In any case, Georgia did fairly well in 2008, but they were limited in scholarships for 2009, and therefore, they passed on some guys that in other years they would have hotly pursued.
In any case, college basketball in the state of Georgia is pretty bad right now. I don't know what Georgia will take away from this season. I hope the lesson is that when a team is tired and unmotivated and losing, you give them a break to refocus.
And when the next conference game rolled around that next weekend, Georgia played with purpose and poise and ability and emerged with the victory. It was a new season and Georgia started on another, longer, magic run.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Favors to Tech
Well, this was a momentous decision for him. I'm sure he's glad it's over.
Favors said that he made his mind up last week, so it sounds to me that as I mentioned earlier, it was the Georgia loss to Georgia Tech that was the deciding factor.
With that said, there are a lot of "woulda, coulda, shoulda's." I thought it did not help things to have Terrance Shannon and Favors come to campus, and from what I could tell, before either one could leave Athens, accept a commitment from someone else. Nothing against the other guy, of course, but if we had a chance for a "two-fer," we should have kept it open for a while.
There is a lot in recruiting that is behind the scenes and not reported in the media, so most of my notions are pure speculation. But speculation and rumors and the back and forth of teenagers making decisions is why recruiting is such a fun and fascinating part of the sports scene.
If I'm Dennis Felton, then I put the Favors situation behind me. As much as possible. I read on a message board that Felton did not sign a single player from the 2009 Rivals 150, despite the fact that 11 of the 150 were from Georgia.
The only thing that will take some of the sting off of tonight is to beat Vandy. After that, just keep winning.
I would also pump up the effort at getting a high quality shooting guard. I have one in mind, but I'm not sure if he's a fit for the program.
We lost out on Favors. May have lost a lot more. We'll see how this all plays out.
Favors said that he made his mind up last week, so it sounds to me that as I mentioned earlier, it was the Georgia loss to Georgia Tech that was the deciding factor.
With that said, there are a lot of "woulda, coulda, shoulda's." I thought it did not help things to have Terrance Shannon and Favors come to campus, and from what I could tell, before either one could leave Athens, accept a commitment from someone else. Nothing against the other guy, of course, but if we had a chance for a "two-fer," we should have kept it open for a while.
There is a lot in recruiting that is behind the scenes and not reported in the media, so most of my notions are pure speculation. But speculation and rumors and the back and forth of teenagers making decisions is why recruiting is such a fun and fascinating part of the sports scene.
If I'm Dennis Felton, then I put the Favors situation behind me. As much as possible. I read on a message board that Felton did not sign a single player from the 2009 Rivals 150, despite the fact that 11 of the 150 were from Georgia.
The only thing that will take some of the sting off of tonight is to beat Vandy. After that, just keep winning.
I would also pump up the effort at getting a high quality shooting guard. I have one in mind, but I'm not sure if he's a fit for the program.
We lost out on Favors. May have lost a lot more. We'll see how this all plays out.
Well, the announcement has come out.
Derrick Favors will make his college choice today.
So, I'll make my own announcement. I'm calling Favors to Tech.
It's where I've been expecting him to go for months now. I didn't want to post my inclination on this forum or on any message board, because I didn't want anyone else to read my comments and possibly be influenced.
For that same reason, I was reluctant earlier this week to post the video of Favors playing against McEachern. Since this Blog is about Georgia basketball, and not Tech, I felt it might be a tough pill to swallow, if even for no one else but me, if I talked too much about Favors, only to see him sign with UGA's rival.
I am posting my comments now, because Favors said that he has made up his mind.
If I am correct and Favors announces his commitment to Tech, then you have to tip your hat to the other guys. We gave it our best shot within the rules.
And we had our chances. Could have really pushed for Mfon Udofia. Should have beaten Tech at their place this year. Might not have changed things, but when we lost the lead at Tech in the second half, we lost our biggest opportunity to state our case in front of Favors that Felton is the better coach.
One guy on the Rivals message board mentioned that after the Tech game, Favors was down with Udofia and others behind the Tech bench, trading high-fives with the guys. If true, and I have no reason to doubt the account, then Favors' emotions are with Tech. He wants them to win, and next year, he'll be helping.
Either way, whether Georgia or Georgia Tech (doubt that it would be N.C. State), congratulations to Favors. Great kid. Got his head on straight. The same to Coach Reddick for handling the situation with class.
As much as I dislike the phrase, the fact is that as of today Hewitt's seat will be a lot cooler, and Felton's a lot hotter.
So, I'll make my own announcement. I'm calling Favors to Tech.
It's where I've been expecting him to go for months now. I didn't want to post my inclination on this forum or on any message board, because I didn't want anyone else to read my comments and possibly be influenced.
For that same reason, I was reluctant earlier this week to post the video of Favors playing against McEachern. Since this Blog is about Georgia basketball, and not Tech, I felt it might be a tough pill to swallow, if even for no one else but me, if I talked too much about Favors, only to see him sign with UGA's rival.
I am posting my comments now, because Favors said that he has made up his mind.
If I am correct and Favors announces his commitment to Tech, then you have to tip your hat to the other guys. We gave it our best shot within the rules.
And we had our chances. Could have really pushed for Mfon Udofia. Should have beaten Tech at their place this year. Might not have changed things, but when we lost the lead at Tech in the second half, we lost our biggest opportunity to state our case in front of Favors that Felton is the better coach.
One guy on the Rivals message board mentioned that after the Tech game, Favors was down with Udofia and others behind the Tech bench, trading high-fives with the guys. If true, and I have no reason to doubt the account, then Favors' emotions are with Tech. He wants them to win, and next year, he'll be helping.
Either way, whether Georgia or Georgia Tech (doubt that it would be N.C. State), congratulations to Favors. Great kid. Got his head on straight. The same to Coach Reddick for handling the situation with class.
As much as I dislike the phrase, the fact is that as of today Hewitt's seat will be a lot cooler, and Felton's a lot hotter.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Georgia goes up against Tech
Hard to overstate the importance of this game. It's for bragging rights. Perhaps the "Derrick Favors Sweepstakes." It gives the winner some momentum going into the tough conference games.
Since Georgia lost this year in football, losing in basketball would be a tough pill to swallow. I'm sure all of their fans would besiege the Georgia-related message boards. It's important to win this game.
The tough part is that the game is at Tech's place, and the home team normally wins in this series. Of course, that would make it that much sweeter if Georgia does pull it out.
All the Marbles?
Since Georgia lost this year in football, losing in basketball would be a tough pill to swallow. I'm sure all of their fans would besiege the Georgia-related message boards. It's important to win this game.
The tough part is that the game is at Tech's place, and the home team normally wins in this series. Of course, that would make it that much sweeter if Georgia does pull it out.
All the Marbles?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Defense will be Tough for Tech
Well, Georgia Tech has lost D'Andre Bell for the season, and possibly for his career. Bell was diving for a loose ball when his head collided with another teammate's leg. Bell was later diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spine, for which surgery will be required.
Bell was second on the team in steals, behind only post player, Jeremis Smith. Since Smith graduated last year, and Bell will not play this year, Tech is not expected to be as good defensively as last year. Bell is a strong, aggressive, perimeter player, so Tech will have to find someone else to step up, and Clinch and Shumpert are the guys who will likely have to move from a more offensive focus to concentrate on defense.
Bell may come back next year. If he does, I'm not sure how that will affect scholarship numbers for Tech. You have to pull for the young guy, and hope he makes it through his surgery with flying colors.
Bell was second on the team in steals, behind only post player, Jeremis Smith. Since Smith graduated last year, and Bell will not play this year, Tech is not expected to be as good defensively as last year. Bell is a strong, aggressive, perimeter player, so Tech will have to find someone else to step up, and Clinch and Shumpert are the guys who will likely have to move from a more offensive focus to concentrate on defense.
Bell may come back next year. If he does, I'm not sure how that will affect scholarship numbers for Tech. You have to pull for the young guy, and hope he makes it through his surgery with flying colors.
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