Sports Columnists

By Connie Lingous

March 19, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Good column Terence. GTU basketball is in good hands, we can rest assured.

By yellowblood

March 19, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

This team should be awesome next year. Young and Crittedon are not NBA ready and should stay. Tech should go to 11 or 12 wins in the ACC but remember there will be UNC, VA, and MD in the conference and it will be as tough as ever.

By Me

March 19, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

TERENCE: YOU SUCK

By Mr. C

March 19, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to say that a coach that has been in the NCAA tournament 4 out of 7 times is in trouble. The problem i think most people have is that Hewitt team most of the time look like they don’t understand the fundamentals of basketball. Simple things like inbounding the ball or setting a pick are funamentals that every college team should be able to execute. Maybe Hewitt needs to shuffle his assistants and go back to the fundamentals.

I think he needs to reevaluate how he does his recruiting. You need more mario west and guys that can shoot the ball. Guys that might not be that atheletic but understands the game of basketball. I think we will find out what Hewitt’s team is made of next year. You can’t have 1 win on the road in 2 years. Only time will tell!!!

By a tech guy

March 20, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

i like this one terrance, well thought out, looks like your tired of just moving the meter and would like to think for a change.

By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.

March 20, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

I support Hewitt and will always be a hardcore jackets fan. Maybe we can bring in some more experienced assistant coaches to help hewitt. We lost to a unlv team that was underestimated. I hope crinnenton stays cause hes from atL and has the heart and desire to be a jacket, young i dont care either way because he took to many stupid shots. Next year WE will be the senior led team thats full of passion….Go GT!!!

By Head Bee

March 20, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

When Paul showed up at Tech, I was led to believe that he was one of the finest young coaches in the country. That pill is becoming increasingly harder to swallow, however, when I see almost every other ACC team on the floor chasing lose balls, getting on the offensive boards, moving without the basketball, and sticking their man defensively. These fundamentals are essential to success at this level, and aside from the Final Four group, Paul’s teams haven’t shown the ability to perform these essential tasks. Our players MUST play with energy. Watching Ra’Sean Dickey play is a lot like watching my grandmother play. Slow and boring. This team doesn’t seem to care.

I think the junior class this year was spoiled by having great leaders ahead of them when they first got on campus. Guys like Jack, Elder, McHenry, and Bynum led the way for Morrow, Dickey, and J. Smith, so they never had to step up and grow spines. Now, when we need them, they’re incapable.

Paul has got to recruit better, not necessarily getting better players but getting guys with great character and maturity who will chase the lose ball and play with energy. Watching Roy Williams’ teams bust their butts for 40 minutes makes me want a coach like that who brings in those types of players: Kids who care and are passionate about the game and the team.

Paul should be on borrowed time until he proves that his teams can bust their butts and finish games. Talent doesn’t mean a damn thing if the players don’t play with heart and determination.

By Greg

March 20, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

I was disappointed with Tech season too. I dont really think you can say that a team that win from 11-12 wins to 20 wins underacheived. They should be better next year with continuity and playing together. While the constant rotation does create positive matchups in specific situations, at times I think it hinders players from getting into rhythm. I think Dickey should play more if for no other reason than he does have low post offense. A lot of games he would play far too little minutes, at least he does give you someone with a low post game, which can help create shots for Critendon, Young and Morrow. I am sure Peacock will be a decent player and maybe he plays harder on the defensive end, but I would rather see Dickey in the game than Peacock who several times ends up takes jump shots anyway. I hope the two freshman return, but Crittendon is more important than Young. If you lose Young, u still have Morrow, Faye, Bell, and Gani Lawai coming in next year. Hopefully the team will grow and challenge for an ACC title and go much further in the tournament next year.

By Mitzubushi

March 20, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

I’m still trying to figure out what it was that made Moore, Mark Bradley and Hewitt feel this was such a gifted, talented team.

How many All-Americans or even first team all-ACC players did they have? The answer my friend is not blowing in the wind, but ZERO

All I saw was a group of big, hard-fouling, not-especially-bright guys with not much of a plan.

How that translates into “talented”—you tell me.

By surfrider

March 20, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

Yes there is some talent but it still does’nt compare to Cremins first 15 years or so. What place did we finish the regular ACC season? What’s the highest place regular season finish we have had during Hewitt’s tenure? Have we won an ACC title? How many times have we been to the NCAA’s and outside the one great year how many NCAA games have we won? The next question is why can’t we recruit A Salley, Joseph, Dalrymple, Hammonds, of course Price and Anderson, etc..were great but we do have Critt. And Matt Harpring type would help too. What we need are some team players with talent to go with Hewitt’s coaching style and defensive philosophy.

By buzzgt

March 20, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

MAYBE NEXT YEAR ALWAYS MAYBE NEXT YEAR GEORGIA TECH LOOKED BAD FRIDAY MY DAUGHTER KNOWS LITTLE ABOUT B/BALL AND EVEN SHE SAID THEY STUNK IT UP THEY PLAYED LIKE THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS WITH NO BASKETS DONT ALWAYS WIN WITH STARS ????????

By Mike

March 20, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this

There is a difference between athleticism and basketball talent. This team had great athleticism, but it rarely showed basketball talent. I disagree with those comments that say these guys did not bust their butts. I believe they gave their all, as much as any other group I watched. Playing hard was not the issue, but playing smart was.

I do feel the syle of basketball was simply hard to watch. It was rarely graceful and pretty, and basketball savvy teams often make the game look easy. We had the hustle and the athleticism to run over other teams and other guys, but not the basketball savvy to make the right judgement, to make the proper pass at the proper time, etc etc

I do not fault effort, or dedication. And although I think this team “should have” been able to accomplish more, I don’t understand things well enough to say how or why they didn’t. I do hope JC and TY come back, as both look very athletic (which will get them drafted) but totally not ready for prime time.

By WFC

March 20, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this

Good article. Thoughtful. I’m a Paul Hewitt fan. GT was “off and on” competitive this year and things look better for next year. Two things seem to need changing: recruiting philosophy and attention to half-court offense. Too many similar players and not enough role players. Hewitt does understand this: he started McHenry on the final four team. But where was the back-up point guard (Frasor of UNC comes to mind)? Losing Clinch hurt a lot. He was the only good shooter who could get his shot off the dribble. Too many “long and athletics” and too few guys who understould the game. Too much time spent on “individual work” and not enough time on team offense. Repetition is how team offense becomes “second nature.” See NC State. They played together.

By class of '75

March 20, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

in response to surfrider, Cremins was and still is a great coach, but remember George Felton was the recruiter who brought the talent to Tech. Cremins and Felton molded them together, boy those were the days!!

By GT80

March 20, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

The loss of assistant coach Dean Keener was a bigger loss than most people know. I have no doubt that Paul will get it right next year and with Clinch back, and new players Causey and Storrs we will have more perimeter shooters to free up the middle and help JC (if he stays) with the ballhandling chores. Remember in ‘05, when we brought back almost the same team that went to the Finals in ‘04, there were 2 guys missing from the previous year, Marvin Lewis and Clarence Moore, both good outside shooters. Having 2 extra guys who can fill it from the wings just opens up your offense and allows penetration from your guards like Jack did and like Crit will do. I can’t wait til next year. I’ll be paying my Tech Fund contribution and getting my seats for a fantastic year.

By What is GTU?

March 20, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe someone on this board referred to Georgia Tech as “GTU”!

By GT

March 20, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

GT80 is right on. You know Paul Hewitt is a good coach getting better; Kruger has been a great college coach for a while. He went to the final four with Florida before basketball was in at Florida and there was still some punch in the college game. Tech didn’t lose to some mid major school like we did a few times with Bobby C. in the day. A positive atmosphere might keep a few of these freshmen from jumping ship and I don’t think there is a one among us that doesn’t think we will be in the thick of it next year if that happens. We are getting our one all American high school player a year plus some very good talent. This is a major program that no one wants to play. Things ain’t perfect but 80% of the country has it worse. I think a few more years of coaching and Paul will have it up to 90%.

By Die- hard Techster

March 20, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

With two Mcdonald’s All americans,a host of upper classmen,experience as an advantage,and a deep bench, I’m certainly not blaming the players. All these other programs are playin freshmen and gettin major results.With these two freshmen (Crittenton an Young)debating whether to go pro or stay,I’m not sure they would be All Americans when they leave this program after a couple of years.Truth be told, sometimes you have to be careful what you ask for.Some coaches can manage major talent and some are not use to havin’major talent.It’s funny that all of a sudden Alade Aminu started gettin’ major minutes.Maybe he’s gettin minutes because his younger brother(Norcross) will be a high school All American next year and Hewitt doesn’t want to lose that recruit.There is a lot going on at this program,but it ain’t winning.

By Tech Fan

March 20, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Why is it that when a shot goes up by the opposing team that not 1 GT player puts their but down, keeps their body between the off. player and the basket, and blocks out Do the coaches try to be so sophisticated that they overlook the obvious. I didn’t see 1 person against UNLV do this. Block out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By noah

March 20, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

I think the reason R.Dickey seems disinterested, and mentally checks out of the flow of the game. Is that he wants the ball more and maybe a few plays run for him. But some of the blame has to go to Dickey, he stands around alot instead moving. More passes come your way when you are moving without the ball. GO GT

By SlimG

March 20, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Look. Tech was at least a piece away if not two. If u don’t understand that, u never played competitively. Missed the big guy inside and a reliable shooter. JC had to score way too much and on the defensive end, nobody feared driving to the goal. With what he had, B+ coaching job would be accurate by most understanding standards. Hope everyone learned some lessons.

By Kieran36

March 20, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Nah I think Hewitt did an ok job. They made the tournament and won 20 games. Next year if everybody stays (which they should then the expectations will be much higher.

By techaholic

March 20, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I like Coach Hewitt BUT I believe he is responsible for his teams lack of positive consistency and development. The buck stops with the coach.

When you have the kind of talent he’s gotten over the last few years and he’s been a part of the program for 7 years - you don’t expect the kind of ups and downs this program has had.

No more excuses - time to get the program on positive footing and in the Top 25 consistently!

By Ty

March 20, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Didn’t read all the comments, so this will likely be redundant (but, what I read seemed pretty thoughtful…nice change for a blog on the AJC these days).

Put me in the camp that thinks Hewitt is the guy, but what we are lacking is the ‘game savvy over-achiever’ to keep the team on the floor focused. Lots of talent on this team (and I think Young, Critt, et. al. will learn they can’t ‘out-athelete’ the competition and must ‘out-hussle’ and ‘out-think’ them to succeed).

Look at the glory teams of Tech’s past and you’ll find that common denominator….Price, Dalyrimple, Harpring, Jack, Bynum. Most of these guys were not ‘all-everything’ athletes, but out-worked most (and kept the game plan in focus).

I’m confident looking forward to next year that “now that they’ve seen it doesn’t work” to try and just play disciplined team-play some of the time. The key will be one of the gang stepping up to take the leadership role!

By GT55

March 20, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Its time to block out Mr. Hewitt Good job Coach Joseph and Lady Jackets.

By ben

March 20, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Greg, did you really say that Dickey should play more? You’re really a Dawg fan trying to mess with us, right? If Peacock, Aminu and the redshirt freshman don’t suck up all of Dickey’s minutes next year, then we are bound for a troubling season again.

By burdell68

March 20, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Read Bill Simmons Page 2 on ESPN.com for another take on Hewitt and GT’s effort against UNLV. He calls our offense “the clogged toilet” among other things. It’s the motionless offense.We went to the final 2 because of McHenry and Bynum and some incredible luck. We do not guard the in bounds,box out on rebounds,come out to guard the 3,run a fast break,shoot free throws or look like we have ever scouted a team. Boston College ran the same base line play 4 times in a row. When I went to the Nashville NCAA game against Louisville, The Louisville people kept asking me “what the hell is his substitution pattern:”? I think Hewitt substituted something like 90 times to Pitino’s 40. No wonder there is no consistency on either end of the floor. Hewitt needs to get his head in the game and make some changes in assistants,scouting and practicing basics or just go on to the Knicks.

By Steven

March 20, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Anyone who says it took incredible luck for Georgia Tech to reach in the Final Four in ‘04 really has no clue what they are talking about. We went to the Final Four by getting out to early leads and playing good enough defense to hold our opponents at bay. How often did we trail in the second halves of those first five games? Not very often..and not at all against Oklahoma State. It was always the other team desperately scrapping to make a comeback and coming up short.

Hewitt is not a great in-game coach by any means, but his substitution patterns are about keeping players fresh so that there is always energy on defense. Some coaches opt to substitute less, which leads to more fluidity on offense but can take away from a team’s defensive effort. It’s all in coaching philosophies and if you can’t understand that then just go watch the Knicks.

By nhe

March 20, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

15 scholarship players next year:

Lawal a pt. guard from Memphis (name?) Storrs Critt AY Dickey Morrow Smith Fay Bell Aminu Peacock Causey Sheehan Clinch

That’s not counting Paco Diaw, who I assume won’t be on scholarship…Don’t we only get 12 or 13 scholarships? So 2 or 3 of these guys won’t be back……..assuming that AY and JC stay (big if)…..I think that Dickey and Peacock are out….Sheehan and Aminu are better post players, and Faye can sub in at the 5 as needed - he just needs a little work…..even if JC and AY are gone, I don’t expect Dickey back, or Peacock to play much……the post is where the biggest change needs to happen.

By Billy Packer's Hair Gel

March 20, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

To the big dope who spelled Javaris Crittenton’s name “crinnenton”:

Thanks alot buddy! now crinnenton is gone for sure! “paul hewinn” is not going to be happy about this.

Are you the guy who held up the “John Rocker, you are a ignerent Redneck” poster at Shea Stadium several years back?

By GaTech Faithful

March 20, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Yet again, we will have to wait til next year. Its always next year with GT. Sad, but true. Next year we will be beat uga in football, next year we will win an ACC & NCAA tournament game, next year we will be better. Hopefully this bodes true for next year. And i like our chances in both sports, but I think Hewitt needs to take most of the blame for this debacle to end the season. How you lose to a Wake Forest team who was said to be the DORMAT OF THE ACC by our commentator during our game is beyond me! And THEN to come out playing like we did in the Big Dance…i mean if you dont get up for that game, what game do you get up for?! I question our teams coaching, passion, and knowledge of the game at the end of a season where we could have done a lot more. If anyone forgot, we will have Clinch back next year, i think we missed him sorely. Hopefully next years freshmen come to play and play with passion!! Here’s to a better ‘07-‘08 season!

By gtbaltfan

March 20, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Tech lost to a UNLV team that was 18th in the Sagarin ratings and 10th in the RPI. They easily could have been a 3 or 4 seed. Yet to read all these comments, you would think Tech lost to North Fulton High School. (I know, I’m dating myself.)The bottom line is that GT came back from the adversity of losing Clinch at the beginning of the ACC schedule, started off 2-6, yet finished 8-8 in front of Duke and made it to the dance. Sure, they had some bad losses, some mental lapses, some flawed defensive performances, etc. So did a lot of teams. I hope the team stays intact. I truly think Young and Crit need another year and with Clinch back, some great freshmen coming on board and another year’s experience, I think Tech will be a national power next year. All of the disjointed negativity that appears in these blogs casts a pall on a good b’ball program that is going to be better. How ‘bout cutting PH, and the players some slack and be glad we’re not 150th in the RPI with an 11-17 record and last place finish in the ACC (like last year)Every team can’t be in the top 25 and in fact there are 300 D-1 schools right now who aren’t. Be happy for what you’ve got, be glad we have a bright outlook for next year and GO JACKETS !!!.

By T-Bone

March 20, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

To all of you Hewitt haters out there: GET A LIFE AND LEARN ABOUT THE GAME OF BASKETBALL! This team underachieved, no question, but the players have to play the games. When they cut, screened, and moved on offense, Tech looked great (ex: UNC #2, BC). When they stood around and watched each other, they looked terrible. Translation: those are NOT coaching errors. The biggest problem this year was chemistry. The Final Four team had talent, but it also had QUALITY depth and guys who played well together. Also, don’t underestimate the loss of Lewis Clinch. He was Tech’s BEST offensive player. He was “replaced” by Anthony Morrow, who is simply a standstill shooter. I truly believe that the team would be better without Thaddeus Young. It’s just one less offensive player to worry about. The one concession I will make to the Hewitt condemners is his substitution patterns. He’s always subbed a lot, but this year there were too many different players on the court. Not only do players need time to get in rhythm, but units on the floor need that time as well. Bottom line: Hewitt IS a good coach, and this program needs one or two years of consistency before it blossoms. We don’t need 10-12 guys who can play, just 8-10.

By Jae

March 20, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

I sometimes wonder how many games some of these “expert” commentators have actually watched. I read a lot of comments that say we didn’t hustle, we weren’t really talented, and Hewitt can’t coach. I ask again…what games did you actually watch?

It’s always disappointing when you lose in the first round. I was hoping for at least one win, but we choked pretty bad. That said, this season was not a disappointment. We won eight more games, finished in the top half of the ACC, and made it to the NCAA tournament, all of which we should be proud of.

I think most of our problems stemmed solely from inexperience. We were led by a freshman point guard, although very talented, it took time for Javaris to become acclimated with the level of competition in college and particularly the ACC. Once he did, however, he was averaging over 20 points per game towards the end of the season, and had a career high 11 assists in the final home game against BC. The pressure of the tournament (both, actually), probably just got into his head, and he made some freshman mistakes at the end of both games. Mistakes happen, and he’ll be a better player for it next year, wherever he may be.

As for Thad Young, he is exceptionally talented, but also seemed lost on the court at times. But likewise, as the season progressed, he came into his own, especially in leading us to a vistory over North Carolina.

These guys, along with the likes of Dickey, Morrow, Clinch, Peacock, Faye, Smith, Bell, Aminu, and the incoming freshmen, can lead us to more wins and farther in the tournament. There really is only one thing they all need to improve on, and I don’t think any one mentioned it:

Free throws!

I can think of three games we would have won if we had just made 75% of our free throws - @Clemson, Wake Forest, and UNLV…three very big games for us.

But with everything said and done, I thought our team did exceptionally well. I enjoyed every game I went to (eight of them, all wins… coincidence?) and every game I watched or listened to (all of them except UNLV, which I game-casted while in Nicaragua). And I enjoyed every minute of it.

Go Tech!

By ga_tech_92

March 20, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Nice article Terence. I agree with most of the posts. Next year will be interesting, as they all are ;)

By TexasWreck

March 20, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Again, the team improved from 11-17 to 20-12 in a single season AFTER losing the leading scorer to grades and having only one senior. Plenty to look forward to, even if a player or two goes professional. BTW, no one on that team is ready for the NBA. Go Coach Hewitt, go Jackets.

By Tech5043

March 20, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Tech fans, Rebel fan here. Since the game last Friday I’ve really become interested in the Yellow Jackets. I think its because of the way the game unfolded and how you guys came up a little short in a game in which neither team played their best basketball. Sometimes it just works out that way, and as I mentioned before, its important to not beat yourselves up too badly. That said, I totally agree with that the “little things” make all the difference. When something goes wrong it is irresponsible to ignore it, regardless how petty it seems to be. I read an article that entire Rebel team came down on a freshman teammate for falling asleep in class. Seems petty but it says a lot about leadership. It may be ok to blow an assignment on defense as long as it doesn’t happen again. When a player is having problems guarding his man on defense, Coach Kruger runs an excessive motion offense to exhaust his man on the other end making his assignment a lot easier down the stretch. This is why the beginning of the UNLV/GT game seemed so strange. Later, down the stretch when players are tired they’re more likely to make mental mistakes. Coach Hewitt tried to counter that strategy with constant substitutions, but it was too late…the Yellow Jackets were out sync and had lost track of the game plan. Just little things. Coach Hewitt is fine; the players are fine, but they need to find ways to win if things aren’t going their way. When you’re not shooting the ball well, you gotta find another way to win. That means clamp down on fundamentals and out-hustle your opponent! They will get it right if you guys give them a chance. Don’t be so hard on the program or next year they’ll have nothing to play for. I like your team and I’ll be routing for you in the future. Beat those Dukies!!!

By tetontom

March 20, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Head Bee - You said it all!!!!!!!!!

By gtbaltfan

March 20, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Hey, Rebel Fan (Tech5043)Thanks for the kind, insightful comments. It’s a pleasant change of pace when fans from different programs can exchange ideas without degenerating into name calling and mud slinging. GT lost to a good b’ball team and as the lowest seed to make the sweet 16, UNLV is the closest thing to a Cinderella team still Dancin’. Thay have my vote. GO Rebs!!

By scooter11

March 20, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Hey, gtbaltfan: I PLAYED at North Fulton back in the ‘60’s (am I dating myself?). Had a couple of pretty good teams back then that might have given the Jackets a run for their money;) Teams even included Whack’s boy. We WERE the Bulldogs, and our colors WERE Red and Black.

By gtbaltfan

March 20, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Hey, scooter 11, I graduated from NFHS, class of ‘64. Julia Hyder was in my class. I played f’ball but not b’ball. We had a pretty good hoops team my senior year with Bubba wyche, Bill Naylor, Rick Decker, Bobby McDowell, John Andrews and johnny Merritt, among others. How bout them Dawgs. Been livin’ in Baltimore since finishing Tech in 1970. (Right, the six year plan.)

Gchurch@milesstockbridge.com

By GT_NC

March 20, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

that’s the thing. If I had a dime for all the times I’ve said “wait til next year” during the Hewitt era, I would buy the AJC and sell it off to the Florida Gators.

I like Hewitt but I am ready to win NOW. Call me spoiled…..

By yvon joseph

March 20, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

sat right behind the bench and witcnessed hewitt get OUTCOACHED by kruger…sad seeing J crittenden look so helpless in the 1st half..coach H’s job is to have the players CONFIDENT and PREPARED once tipoff happens. HEWITT WAY OVERRATED…he put dickey in the game even though he was sitting right in front of him elbow on knee and head in hand…Dickey goes in and immediately drops a EASY run-out for a layup..Blame it on Coach for NOT recognizing which palyers are READY

By Terence Moore

March 20, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

WHITE POWER!!!

By Terence Moore

March 20, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

Yassa Masa Sir! I’ll bend over and let you horse f*ck me! Yassa!

By Steve

March 20, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I agree with those who say that Hewitt is not the greatest coach around. Our offense doesn’t have any movement, and our defense allows too much penetration with no defensive backup down deep. However, I believe a lot of our problems this year were due to inexperence.

However, there is hope. Hewitt is the first to admit that he has faults and is determined to improve. Compare this to Chan Gailey who says that it’s not his fault and blames his players for the team’s short comings. Think about that.