AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > November > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGifted freshmen rekindle dreams at Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
The last time Georgia Tech had two freshmen this talented, nothing good came of it. Chris Bosh and Jarrett Jack arrived at the Flats and saw a season of vast promise go utterly flat. The Jackets of 2002-03 wound up in the no-account NIT and Bosh wound up leaving after one collegiate season, and to this day Paul Hewitt rues the missed opportunity.
“That team,” he said Thursday after his latest team beat Georgia State 103-74, “was good enough to do some great things.”
So is this team, which is similarly headed by two freshmen of immense gifts. Javaris Crittenton is a point guard on the exalted order of Jack, only more polished offensively. Thaddeus Young is more a small forward than Bosh, who was primarily a post player, but Young is like Bosh in that he scores almost effortlessly. For the Jackets to go places this season, the rookies have to light the way.
But there’s more to it than that. Hewitt learned as much four years ago, and he’s teaching the lesson now. Two freshmen can’t take a team anywhere worthwhile if the veterans aren’t willing to ride along. Meaning: No griping about the ballyhooed new guys getting all the ink and all the shots.
“Our shot selection was a little curious in the second half tonight,” Hewitt said, and at first this sounded like a demanding coach looking for nits to pick. (Tech did, after all, lead by 28 at halftime and by 41 with 10 minutes left.) But then Hewitt summoned a darker memory.
Dec. 15, 2002: Tech was playing Tennessee in Philips Arena and had the game all but won. Inside the final 10 seconds a Jackets player took a rebound and, with Bosh and Jack open down the floor, “held onto the ball so he could get fouled,” Hewitt said.
Asked to identify the player, Hewitt declined. But it will come as no surprise to anyone who watched that season disintegrate that the player was Ed Nelson, who had such issues with Bosh that he transferred to Connecticut even after Bosh had declared for the NBA.
Nelson held the ball, got fouled, missed a pair. Tech lost on a last-second heave from midcourt. “That Tennessee game sunk the season,” Hewitt said.
Nothing of the sort has happened to these Jackets, not that the first three games were any measure. Said Young: “The games we’re playing now, we’re supposed to win. I’m looking forward to the games where we’re underdogs, games against Duke and North Carolina, to see what ACC and NCAA basketball is like.”
Chances are, Young will be pleased by what he finds. He and Crittenton can play for anybody, against anybody. What’s needed is for some incumbents to accept lesser (but still essential) roles. What’s needed is for juniors Ra’Sean Dickey and Anthony Morrow, to pick two names, not to worry about scoring points but about winning games.
“When we first came in, there was some disagreement with each other,” said Young, speaking of the reception by the older Jackets. “But we’ve found out we had to play together. Or we could have been upset [tonight].”
The Jackets weren’t upset Thursday. They played together quite nicely. Crittenton scored all 18 of his points in the first half and contented himself with distribution thereafter. Young scored 12 second-half points on only five second-half shots.
“They make plays that are almost indefensible,” said GSU coach Michael Perry. And then: “This [Tech] team is as good or better than the team that went to the [2004] Final Four.”
That team was led by Jack but was without Bosh (and, not incidentally, without Nelson). That team had less talent than its immediate predecessor but a much happier mesh. If these Jackets can find anything approximating that sort of internal bliss, they’ll be playing deep into March. And not in the no-account NIT.
Permalink | Comments (37) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
Comments
By Anthony Serna
November 17, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
Good early season feel-good article. This team is immensely talented, but more importantly balanced, unlike last year. They have the luxury to kind of stay under the radar until they record their first giant killer win. However, the cupcake games don’t challenge “chemistry.” When times get tough, we’ll see if this squad has the glue to hold together tight. Maui will provide the first test. I think they roll over Purdue, beat Memphis by 6, and take out an overrated UCLA team by 10.
By Bill H.
November 17, 2006 03:16 AM | Link to this
I agree with article, but Coach Hewitt needs to allow players to get into the flow of the game and not substitute every ten seconds. He has a tendency to overthink the game and not let his players play.
By Tech 83
November 17, 2006 05:22 AM | Link to this
I was there last night. You just get a gut feeling you’re seeing something special-like you did in 03-04. This is a special group this year.
By Ben Edwards
November 17, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this
Mark, you are wrong about the Tennessee loss at Philips. I was there. Tennessee was out of timeouts. GT was up by one at the foul line w/ less than 2 seconds to play. I am 99% sure that it was BJ Elder who was shooting the free throws. BJ missed the first free throw. EVERYONE was screaming for BJ to intentionally miss the free throw & force Tenn to launch a shot from 80 feet! Hewitt and the rest of the coaches never told BJ to try to miss the shot! He tried to make it and did to put us up two. They inbounded to half court & made a lucky shot. I blame that ALL on Hewitt!! He has to tell his player to miss that shot! I am excited for this team. We have looked VERY strong the first 4 outings and I am ready to see what we can do out in Maui! Go Jackets!!
By Kudzu
November 17, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
J. Smith (in the paint) is a mad man. He’s the difference maker. He roams around at will looking for put backs, slams, steals, double teams…he’s physcial and not afraid to mix it up…just what we need with a lot of young guys.
Peacock was never on my radar, guy looks strong, where did he come from?
Dickey, off the bench, perfect. Scorer, muscle.
This team is 10 deep. Remember the Cremins days, we had 7 players in the rotation and we’d worry when one would get into foul trouble.
It’s all sweet right now. Coach, make em play good hard defense.
Let’s go Jackets!
This team will go far. A few bumps along the way, but they will be playing well into March :).
By chuck
November 17, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
We continue our legacy as “point guard U”. but this strength has often led to our downfall when the star PG’s leave after a year or two for the NBA and we don’t have adequate depth at this position to maintain continuity in our program. We have to stop the cycle of one good year followed by mediocrity. But hey - Let’s enjoy this season!
By Techball man
November 17, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
I was there last night and I have seen all the games this season including the scrimmage. I will say this right now. There is no comparison to any Tech team in the past 20 years to this team offensively. This is a very , very talented team and I am quite positive Tech fans are not use to seeing teams that can put 8 legit offensive stars on the court. We are use to McHenry, A great defesive player that offered almost nothing offensively. This team is well suited for Hewitt in that he just needs to get them to play really good defense because they are unstoppable on the offensive side of the court. Yes, I know we will see when the compitition starts in Maui. My guess , we blow Purdue out by 25 or more, Memphis will be decided by the team that plays defense. We will role over UCLA, they are over rated, Memphis is under rated, we are the most underrated team in America.
By Bob
November 17, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
Cremins - 7 man - give me break we had 5 man rotation most years and sometimes we would go 6 - the 7th generally was not good option
By Jim O
November 17, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Ben is correct, unfortunately BJ missed the first and made the second. All he had to do was hit the rim but evidently wasn’t told to do so. Coaches learn.
Chuck is also on the money, but hopefully in the past. We should have had a PG to replace Jack and would have if the recruit from Texas hadn’t signed with the Yankees. We do have a good PG coming in next year to fill in when JC goes pro.
Cremins downfall was that he spent most of his energy recruiting the best of the best, and GT can’t get those guys every year like NC or Duke. So when one comes and leaves after a year, we are screwed. Much better to build around top 100 players and get lucky enough to land a top 10. Our final four team was built around a bunch of good players but not McDonald AA’s.
Go to Maui, have a ball, and win baby win!
By Gordon
November 17, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
The teams looks good, but we’ve been here before. Let’s not get too excited yet. Having said that, any team where players like Bell, Aminu, and Diaw get no playing time are really deep and talented. There are 3 guys coming in next year, Sheehan (a redshirt this year) will be back, and we only lose West and maybe Young. Where the heck are all these guys going to play? I guess it’s a nice problem to have, but expect some transfers.
By ArkyTech
November 17, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
Ben’s right about the Tennessee game. There was 0.5 seconds left and the only way we LOSE the game is if Elder MAKES the free throw - I was screaming at my computer here in Arkansas!
Chuck, you won’t have to worry about point guard for a while. Tech’s already signed one of the top point guards in next year’s class.
This is the first time that Hewitt has had 1)Multiple outside shooting threats with Thaddeus, Javaris, Clinch and Morrow, and 2)Depth covering three classes. This bodes well both for this year and the future. There shouldn’t be a need to rebuild anytime soon.
Go Jackets!
By Mark Bradley
November 17, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this
I’m not wrong about the Nelson free throws, which came with 3.7 seconds left. (Elder’s came with 0.5 remaining.) The point Hewitt was trying to make last night was that a player held the ball when he should have passed it to open teammates. And Hewitt admitted again last night that he should have Elder miss the second free throw but chose instead not to confuse his player. If you’re interested in reading the Associated Press account of the game, here’s the link: http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121502aaa.html
By ArkyTech
November 17, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
OK, Mark, we have to cut you some slack. It WAS Nelson who apparently held rebound and missed 2 FT’s with 3.7 left vs. TN. Elder was fouled on an inbound after that.
By Nobody
November 17, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
Ben…he’s right and wrong. With 3.7 seconds left, Nelson did miss 2 free throws with GT up by 3. We fouled UT, they made the first and tried to miss the second on purpose but made it. Then BJ got fouled…
By Gordon Pfeiffer
November 17, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
The guy no one is mentioning here is Faye. He can also shoot and has a 7 foot wingspan. He brings high energy, and is exactly the type of player that can give this team a lift off the bench. He is this team’s Clarence Moore.
ArkyTech is right about the recruiting classes. Hewitt has finally “leveled out” the talent so we shouldn’t have a big falloff like we did last year or the second year Hewitt was here. No more “freshman” teams or teams like last year where someone isn’t playing their natural position. We’ll be better some years than others, but he should always something at every spot for the forseeable future. Next year’s class looks great, and the class behind that has the #1 player in the nation in that class and two stud centers. WOW! As I said earlier, you could field a decent team with they guys who won’t get playing time.
Hewitt’s best recruit since he has been here is Carlton Young, the assistant who is helping get this talent here.
By GOLDEN CHILD
November 17, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Hey arki. Don’t forget Mo. Faye. These guys aren’t afraid to cover any position either.
By chuck
November 17, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
My “point” was that we need more depth at PG. JC is the real deal, but he will be gone next year and we can’t always rely on an incoming freshman to handle this critical position alone. Even if Miller proves to be a star, who will his backup be next year (DBell is not the answer)? We obviously need to keep recruiting the top point guards, but we should also have “quality” depth that will stick around for a while. Giving the #1 a breather, foul trouble, and injury are among the reasons we need a solid #2 PG.
By Jon
November 17, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it funny how Dawg fans don’t crash the party on the Tech basketball boards? They don’t have much to say…
By MB_the_trouble_maker
November 17, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
The bigger question is why is MB choosing to make his article about that comment and then leave out the tidbit in between about Elder. He read the transcript and omitted it.
Pretty transparent sour grapes.
Sorry UGA sucks this year Mark but deal with it without trying to cause trouble…like hey maybe we should write articles about Richt going to the UofM or FSU, he has ties to both schools, in fact we could make it a series of articles…and maybe another on how Richt’s transfer if it happened would confirm the rise of the ACC and the fall off evident in the SEC…we could start with how tired Richt is of the ongoing squabble between the UGA pres & Dooley, and how its affecting the team…and there grades…or graduation rates
nah that would just be gloating…
Mark you’ve got enough issues with your own school, trying to stir up potential issues in someone elses program…
By Gordo1
November 17, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Chuck, Matt Causey would be his backup if JC left next year. Besides, we got two top 100 PGs two years in a row. How can you do better than that to build PG depth? Hewitt realized the problem last year. It looks like he has sure learned the lesson. Next year we could potentially have JC, Miller, Causey, and Diaw/Bell all as PG options. Diaw and Bell may not be starter quality PGs, but as 4th and 5th string PGs, they’re not too shabby. That’s pretty darn deep. Oh, and if you don’t know who Causey is, he is good…very good.
By the flats
November 17, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
This team is truly AWESOME! Nice job coach, and team!
The only improvement would be freethrows; they shot 50% from free throw line vs. 54% from 3pt. Maybe Tech can ask that their FTs be taken as contested jumpers from 3pt range.
It is a good time to be a jacket! Go Tech vs. Duke and vs. Purdue!
By The Flats
November 17, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
This team is AWESOME! Great job coach Hewitt and team!
The only thing to improve on is freethrows. 50%FT vs. 54% 3pt range. Maybe we can ask that our free throws are taken as contested jumpers from 3pt range.
It is truly a great time to be a Yellow Jacket fan! Tech will roll over Duke tomorrow big time, and over Purdue on Mon.!
By ben
November 17, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
Although I love Hewitt, I think he missed the mark on his one year with Bosh. He should have revolved the team around him like Marbury. The thing the final four team had that talent won’t overcome is toughness, both physical and mental. Bynum and Jack were off the charts, Lewis and McHenry knew their roles, and even Luke took a beating from the opposition and the press but kept on trying. Chemistry and toughness are hard to teach. The NBA is littered with players that have neither.
By Reggie Bawl
November 17, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
I say to you that we WILL find a way to lose this game for Tech as I want a perfect record against UGA when my eligibility ends.
Its 0 and 4 and show me to the door!
By Chuck
November 17, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
I think that all to often we look back at an event and in hindsite give it too much importance. The Tennessee game was a nightmare, but in a season of 30 games it would be the height of speculation to say that is why the season fell apart and that the action of Nelson was motovated by some inner agenda. It simply does not work that way in a hotly contested game. As to this year, so far so good, but I have been here before and am awaiting the first knee, ankle, foot or grade point average that will put the season in the toilet. I was in San Antonio and although I have a measured skepticism as stated above, am day-dreaming of home games in March.
By Mr C.
November 17, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Great blog!!! I think the season holds much promise baring any injury. However, the free throw menance has to be fixed. For some reason, the team has been unable to fix the free throw woes for the past 3 yrs. If there is a downfall this year, it might be the free throw. It’s been an issue for the past couple of years. Any reason why Paul can’t look outside the current coaching staff(like Mark Price) to help the kids with their free throw woes.
Just throwing it out there.
By ben
November 17, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
Poor free throw shooting has become all too common in college and pros because fundementals no longer matter both to players and marketers as much as high flying dunks. Shooting percentages are down as well. Mid-range jump shots are almost non-existent. The reason I like college ball more is that the coaches can at least still kick their a* and MAKE them play defense.
By legendaryhoopsjonesman
November 17, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
who IS Matt Causey? Not on my radar screen and i generally keep up so please enlighten us
By scott
November 17, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
how come you never hear uga fans talk about anything but football?
By scott
November 17, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
GT SPORTS ON TOP BABY
By scott
November 17, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
BECAUSE THEY SUCK IN 90% OF THERE SPORTS
By scott
November 17, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
BECAUSE THEY SUCK IN 90% OF THERE SPORTS
By scott
November 17, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
UGA STANDS FOR U GRAD. AUTO.
By scott
November 17, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
Y
By Gordon
November 17, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Chuck,
Home games in March means you’re playing in the NIT. Here’s hoping we’re playing neutral court games in late March!
By GTMike
November 17, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
Matt Causey went to highschool in Ga and was rated a top 100 player back in 2003. He initially went to Georgetown, then transferred to North Georgia College. For more info see:
http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/causey_matt00.html
By DecaturTechFan
November 17, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this
If Dickey and Jeremis come to play every night, we will win the whole damn thing. those two are MONSTERS under the boards when they play in sync. Go Jackets!