AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > January > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPerhaps a turning point for Jackets, Hewitt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
They are still winless in the ACC and 7-9 overall, even if you count narrow losses to North Carolina and Kansas as moral victories, which Paul Hewitt doesn’t.
“It’s a tired song,” he said late Wednesday night. “We still believe we can make something out of this season. We’re trying to get to the NCAA tournament, but we’re 0-3.”
It was the right thing for the Georgia Tech coach to say, even if the Yellow Jackets had just played their best game of the season in defeat. Their performance in an 83-82 loss to North Carolina projected something other than disaster this season.
These have not been fun times for Hewitt. He took Tech to unexpected heights in 2004, exciting the masses and raising the expectation level in the process. The Jackets hadn’t won an NCAA tournament game in seven years. Then they won five, reaching the national finals.
But coaches will tell you the only thing more difficult then elevating a program is keeping it there. Tech’s one tournament win in three seasons since might’ve satisfied the masses before, but not now. That, combined with this year’s dreadful start, seemingly has worn on Hewitt. The losses of Javaris Crittendon and Thaddeus Young to the NBA hit the team harder than he expected, or at least publicly projected. With each defeat, Hewitt has become increasingly sensitive to perceived criticism. It all bubbled over on a sportstalk radio show Wednesday morning, when he vented frustrations on the team’s flagship station (790 The Zone). He countered perceptions that the program was on a slide with statistics. He made some bizarre reference to several coaches being offered the Tech job before he was, effectively saying people shouldn’t expect so much at little old Georgia Tech. Hewitt also said the media has been overly critical and connected that with this newspaper’s declining circulation figures. It’s believed to be the first time a coach connected readership habits with his team’s situation at point guard.
“It was a stupid thing to do,” Hewitt said of his radio comments. “Everybody has a job to do. Your job is to sell papers. My job is to win games.”
The latter comment still suggested some disconnect, as if there’s an agenda to attack Hewitt or the Tech program. The coach denies such paranoia.
Then came this: “If somebody wants to make the case that we’re not doing the job this year, that’s fine. I have no problem with that. But if you’re trying to make the case that we haven’t been getting it done here in general, that’s unfair.”
It hasn’t been easy. But maybe Wednesday’s game will signal a turnaround.
The Jackets ran step for step with the nation’s best team, only to fall by a point. The same team that suffered losses to UNC-Greensboro and Winthrop took the now 18-0 Tar Heels down to the final second.
A moral victory?
“No,” he said. “There are no moral victories, although I do take some positives out of this.”
The Tar Heels won their first 17 games by an average of 22 points. The Jackets entered the night as the only team in the ACC with an overall losing record (7-8) and had only one victory in their last four games, that over Presbyterian. That Tech nearly pulled the upset of the upset leads to one obvious conclusion: UNC-Chapel Hill isn’t nearly as intimidating as UNC-Greensboro.
Actually, Tech has made a habit of this. Carolina had dropped four straight in Alexander Memorial Coliseum, including 84-77 last season, when the Tar Heels reached the NCAA East Regional final before losing to Georgetown (their last loss).
Nothing else suggested there would be much in the way of drama Wednesday. But the Jackets ran with the Heels from the opening tip. They had been averaging 76 points per game, but had matched that with seven minutes left Wednesday.
“We showed we can run with the fastest team in the country,” Hewitt said.
Trailing 54-49 early in the second half, Tech went on a 14-2 run to take a 63-56 lead. But the Heels’ depth eventually took over, they went to the free-throw line 26 times (making 20) to the Jackets’ 10 (making eight).
“We’re hanging around,” Hewitt said. “But Saturday has to be a turning point for this team.”
Tech faces Virginia Tech. If it’s a real victory and not a moral one, a coach won’t have to be on the defensive so much.
Permalink | Comments (68) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Tech / ACC
Comments
By AlabamaRamblinwreck
January 17, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
I have become increasingly critical of Coach Hewitt, but I must say his team played very hard tonight. It is very important for me to see this every game, win or lose. I thought Moe Miller made a big step in his maturation process at point guard, and Lawal is going to be awesome. Jeremis gave a great effort, and Zach Peacock showed some great moves in the post.
I still wish our offensive sets looked more organized, and that we would not look so confused on that end of the floor on so many possessions, but I think we must allow the Coach more time. If there is not tremendous improvement by next year, I would definitely support a coaching change.
Go Jackets.
By Ghost of Cumberland
January 17, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
With the constant whining of Hewitt on the bench and the goon tactics of Jeremis Smith, it was not that easy to cheer for Tech tonight. Just how many times did Smith hit the Carolina big man in the face? Does anyone really believe that was by accident?
Oh well..if you can’t beat ‘em, beat em.
By OG-T
January 17, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
It’s still a loss. I’m actually relieved P-Hew said this is not a ‘moral victory’. Sad truth is, seems like another mortal loss.
However, I am discouraged by the thought that our ‘turning point’ is hopefully going to come 17 games into the season. For crying out loud.
Sad to see ESPN graphic with Tech at bottom with ONLY losing record. It’s embarrassing to wear my colors.
If this 1-point victory is look at by some as a reason to grant the coaching staff some leash because we were ‘close’ — consider this, during our magical Final Four run, we went down to the wire in our opening round game against the University of Northern Iowa. Imagine if we had lost that game. Would you feel the same way about P-Hew and extending him leash?
I was encouraged by Mo Miller’s growth, Jeremis Smith’s new found stroke at the FT line, and Lawal’s unorthodox, flailing post play that befuddles orthodox defense-men.
OG-T.
By Bubba Redneck
January 17, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
Yo Jeff, very fair article by you. That’s rare!
By John
January 17, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this
Perhaps? Please! We’re not 7-9 (0-3 in the ACC) and in dead last place in the conference for nothing. Plan on us losing and losing and losing. I didn’t even watch it on TV last night as most of us are over this coach. Just like we were with Gailey. Empty seats will begin to increase, season ticket purchase will begin to decrease and it will only get worse. Heck, losing by 1 pt last night is 100 times worse then losing by 20. A loss is a loss! No matter how anyone tries to sugar-coat it. What a joke.
By Bo
January 17, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this
What a shame - we haven’t looked this good all year. Like the Hawks, the Jackets are suffering royally at the point guard position. Give us a PG the caliber UNC’s Lawson, and this team would have 12 wins already. There does appear to be hope, though. Miller has shown encouraging signs that he could be a legit ACC PG. I predict great things for Lawal too, so the future isn’t all bleak. Still, we’re looking at 3-4 ACC wins max in ‘08.
By GT90
January 17, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
I’ve been concerned in recent seasons about bad shot selection, inconsistent defensive effort, bad passing & movement on offense, and turnovers. We did much better in all of these respects against the #1 team in the country Wed night. If we can sustain that against lesser teams, we finish the ACC slate a lot better than we thought…but the obvious problem is that we need to KEEP doing that, and we haven’t been consistent enough. Thus I’m concerned about coaching but still want to give Hewitt more time to succeed…but I’m not how I’ll feel if we can’t improve significantly in the next year or two at most. Better point guard play certainly can help cure a lot of ills.
As frustrating as this season has been, the potential is there to salvage something: Miller continues to improve, Causey made several nice plays and was tough for a smallish 6’-ish guy. Lawal looked great inside before fouling out. Smith played his heart out again. A’Mo had a solid game but Clinch had an uncharacteristically quiet scoring night.
I couldn’t disagree more with Ghost of Cumberland’s comments about Jeremis Smith. He and Tyler did play a tough physical game but respected each other…although sometimes I want to hate on Psycho T as much as anyone. If you’re going to complain about Smith’s style of play but give Tyler a complete pass, I cannot even begin to take you seriously. Roy Williams actually approached Jeremis after the game and TOLD him “You’re one of my favorite players”. Explain THAT if Jeremis is doing anything remotely goon-like. Like Hansbrough, Smith is a strong tough player who gets physical inside. It’s part of the game.
By the way, if you do want to see a goon play. (When got home after the game, I checked out the TiVo): That no-call on the blatant, aggressive hip-check by Ginyard — when he fouled Peacock with 1:57 left — was COMPLETE crap. Absolutely horrible no-call. Both announcers pointed out the play and opined that Hewitt had a right to be p** off about it.
By TarHeel Jimmy
January 17, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
For God’s sake, you guys lost to UGA.
Tech Sucks!
By Dave In Tampa
January 17, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Tough loss Jackets. This Dawg was pulling for ya. It will turn around for your team. They really played well last night.
Don’t get so cocky TarHeel Jimmy. Your team will find a way to choke down the road. I don’t recall you being on these same Blogs during football season. Then again with that so-called football team you guys have I’d pull for the basketball team as well. CPJ will have a field day against you guys next year.
By CG
January 17, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Tech plays the #1 team in the country, yet still can’t fill up their little dump of an arena. It was 50/50 Carolina fans in their last night. Nice turnout for an ACC school.
Hewitt has become a major whiner. Now he’s throwing Tech and its fans under the bus by saying that “he was the 7th or 8th choice for a coach” and “expectations are too high.” What a joke.
Let alone, we have to listen to be the only ACC coach that gripes and moans about having to play the ACC-Big 10 matchup every year. “Oh, woes us, we have to play Indiana.” Shut up already!
Now prepare to get blown out by VT Saturday.
By JustMe
January 17, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Everyone must keep in mind that today’s Tech basketball team really did start from scratch. Losing 2 players unexpectedly left a big hole in the team that the players and the coach didn’t expect. Yes, months have passed since they ‘left’, but usually coaches have more advanced notice to either recruit to fill that hole or at least alter plays.
I was very proud of how hard the team played last night. The young players showed a lot of heart and talent….. that bodes well for our future.
My expectations is that Tech makes the NIT - that would be a success IMHO.
By mart
January 17, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
This article could’ve written itself. Lousy team barely loses to good team, “perhaps it can be a springboard to better things.” Fans (or sportwriters) shouldn’t celebrate Tech barely losing to UNC, they should worry about them losing to Elon. I assume this article was meant solely for the fill-up-the-space website, and won’t make into the actual newspaper.
By TDone
January 17, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
To CG, whoever you are…why the frustration? If you were not at the game last night, SHUT UP!
By jgheels2003
January 17, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
To the Tech fan complaining about the Ginyard clearout under that basket….Tech did the EXACT same thing to Hansbrough at midcourt earlier in the game and no call was made their either.
By gt45
January 17, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
I really liked what I saw last night. We finally looked like we played loose. There wasn’t alot of standing around and thinking going on, for a change. If we can continue this mindset, and score like we did, we still have a solid chance at a good season. As for Hewitt, some say he whines, but I see him fighting for his team, something I haven’t seen much of in the past. We definitely had a lot of no-calls last night, but might have lost the game on the inbound attempts.
By GoldArchie
January 17, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
I’m convinced there are many “Tech Fans” on this blog who are nothing but UGA fans in sheep clothing. Impersonating a Tech fan for a blog comment is a new low for UGA fans.
Good game last night, keep getting better, PH is a great coach who gets frustrated with losing just like the rest of us. Talk to anyone who actually knows an ounce about roundball and they will tell you PH is a good coach with a good system and all out class. Tech should be glad to have him. He can obviously recruit well, maybe too well, and give him a tenure of Cremins and we will see brighter days ahead. Don’t even try to compare PH to CG, it shows your complete ignorance.
By Tech75
January 17, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Ask yourself: What was different about this game? Why were they so much more motivated last night, as opposed to other games?
The only reason we were able to keep it anywhere close was because Roy Williams figured he could beat us so easily that he really didn’t have a game plan (“just go out and play Carolina ball”). Had Carolina played a half-court strategy, they’d have beaten us by 30 or more, because we can’t play in a half-court set without looking like a bunch of half-wits.
We still have way too many silly turnovers. Probably 50% of our turnovers were just silly, unforced errors. Still getting trapped by half-effort double-teams, still dribbling right into defenders (playing out of control). The one thing I did NOT see a lot of was the stupendously idiotic passes and turnovers Miller was making even last week.
The test will be if they can play with this passion and effort against lesser teams. Easy to get up for Top 5 teams… evidence has shown that is not the case otherwise - and that goes to COACHING and LEADERSHIP.
By JG 66
January 17, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Paul Hewitt is a class guy and a good coach. My only criticisms are learn how to use his timeouts and develop an in-bounds play his team can run with success. Great effort last night, keep up the intensity.
By Scooter
January 17, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Point guard is the most important part of a good team. Remember when Jarret Jack left early? Tech struggled at point guard and as a team. Crittinton and young leaving early really hurt. They are least a top 15 team in the country with them. And you can,t forget what R. Dickey would have meant in the middle. They,re young and talented. It,s hard to judge Hewitt fairly this year. Next years a different story. One thing that does bother me though is Jeramis Smith playing away from the basket at times and shooting jump shots and treys. His game is power basketball around the goal. Hewitt if J. Smith is caught away from the basket, bench him. Guys you all played with great intensity last night, something you haven,t done much of this year. Keep it up. Who knows you still could make the NCAA field. It,s up to you. G—o-o-o-o-o Tech.
By GOJA
January 17, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Hansborough is the biggest flopper I have ever seen. What is even more pathetic is the fact that the officials continue to give this guy the calls. If you truly watched the game last nite, no way in h@#$ you can say that it was evenly-called. Clearly Hewitt and Jacket fans alike are tired of seeing incredible efforts like last night fall victim to poor officiating. The stats don’t lie…look at the FT’s attempted in both the NC and Kansas game, both played at home…nuff said.
Need to give Hewitt time to rebuild, Tech has been crushed by 1 and Done’s leaving early to sit on the bench in the NBA. I suggest passing on the McD’s All-Americans and work on building a team.
By RAMBLE ON!
January 17, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
You know it’s the middle of Jan. when you hear Hewitt say “we can still make something out of this season”.
But let’s give him a chance; he’s only had eight years.
The players fought hard, to bad we turned the ball over on about 6 inbound plays, nothing fundamental about that.
How come all the other teams get 3 more time outs than we do?
By stings to lose
January 17, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Hard to be critical.
By Tech75
January 17, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Anyone still thinking about the NCAAs must still think it’s July instead of January.
Now, Tech would literally have to run the table or win the ACC tournament.
Not gonna happen. Would love to see it, not gonna happen.
By Dennis
January 17, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Here is a big part of his problem. We are 0-4, not 0-3, because you count the daggum UGAG game. When are the Tech coaches going to recognize that the fan base places importance on that. ACC and UGAG matter. When I here him and his team say that the other team wanted it more, that should never be said.
By CG
January 17, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
To TDone…I’m frustrated because I’m a Heels fan whose team played down to their competition last night. Oh, and I was at the game last night, along with the other 3-4 thousand UNC fans in there.
I just think it’s a joke that there were so many empty seats in the “Thrilla Dome” last night when you’re playing the #1 team in the Country on Nat’l TV.
You should be the ones tired of hearing Hewitt whine about everything.
And to all the Techies complaining about the refs, give me a break. Apparently they decided not to call traveling on your end of the court last night either. At least 4 or 5 traveling calls were not made.
Hansbrough goes to the free throw line so much because he takes it to the hole getting triple teamed almost every time he gets it in the paint and gets hacked. Heck, he took an elbow to the face last night and nothing was called.
It’s not coincidence he had several scratches on his face and was bleeding on two occasions.
By Eric
January 17, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
To those talking about firing Hewitt I have 2 words. Shut Up!!! Hewitt’s only real crime is recruiting too many 1 & done guys. If Bosh comes back for his Sophomore year do you think a team that made it to the Final game wouldn’t have won it? If Javaris Crittenton would have stayed like most people thought he would this Tech team would be a serious National contender. Mo Miller played great last night and look how they ran against the #1 team in the country. Patience is a virtue folks. Hewitt can coach. IF they suck next year with Shumpert & Miller in the backcourt then start worrying. Until then shut up with the fire Hewitt talk.
By Eric
January 17, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
To those talking about firing Hewitt I have 2 words. Shut Up!!! Hewitt’s only real crime is recruiting too many 1 & done guys. If Bosh comes back for his Sophomore year do you think a team that made it to the Final game wouldn’t have won it? If Javaris Crittenton would have stayed like most people thought he would this Tech team would be a serious National contender. Mo Miller played great last night and look how they ran against the #1 team in the country. Patience is a virtue folks. Hewitt can coach. IF they suck next year with Shumpert & Miller in the backcourt then start worrying. Until then shut up with the fire Hewitt talk.
By SavTechIE
January 17, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Sorry some of you didn’t watch the game. TECH’s team played their hearts out and in many ways beat some of the country’s most sought after players. The final score doesn’t say everything. GO TECH.
By SavTechIE
January 17, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Sorry some of you didn’t watch the game. TECH’s team played their hearts out and in many ways beat some of the country’s most sought after players. The final score doesn’t say everything. GO TECH.
By GT FAN
January 17, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
If Hewett, the last 2 minutes, had been coaching instead of whining about calls, GT might have won the game. I still love my team but believe its time for Paul to go. Its just like football we need a change Now. Yes, several coaches were offered the job before Hewett but they didn’t want to work for a AD that just wanted to get by. 50/50 seasons for Mr.Blaine.(SP) 0-3 and 7-8- ” We’re just hanging around” PH said. Yea, He’s just hanging around, time for him to hang out somewhere else. Fire Hewett.
By RAMBLE ON!
January 17, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
CG Most of us are sick of hearing Hewitt whine about everything…as a fan, it’s hard to watch the terrible basketball he has put on the floor.
It’s like your football program, know what I mean?
By BSTINGS
January 17, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
The commonality between Hewitt and Gailey is that they prepare and coach to the level of their next opponent….Hewitt’s a good guy but it’s time for him to hit the exit trail ……
By sports report
January 17, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
ERIC> “HEWETT CAN COACH”…..SINCE WHEN?What games have you been watching?
By RAMBLE ON!
January 17, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Eric
FIRE HEWITT
yes it was a good hard fought game. We’ve only play two good games this year, Kansas and UNC. Guess what?
we lost.
By John
January 17, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Hewitt stinks and the team does too. geesh - one motivated showing out of 16 games and all of a sudden you think we are the best team in the country! We will lose many more games. We didn’t lose to UNC Greenboro and Winthrop because we are a great team. We may have gotten a bit better but guess what….so has everyone else. We will end up dead last in the ACC. Maybe you all that are SO excited can come back then and blog again - I’d love to read what you have to say.
By CB
January 17, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Eric, put down the crack pipe you are smoking immediately. If, if, if, if means nothing. Do you think we are the only school impacted by players leaving early for the NBA? Give me a break! The fact is he didn’t even make the tournament when Bosh was here. Why would his players stay? They have nothing to gain. They are part of an inept offense where they are substituted every three minutes.
By fes
January 17, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
To those that say that the game wasn’t fairly called/officiated, you are nuts. They let them play all night without stoppages of play. If they had called all the fouls, the GT big guys would have been out by halftime. There were lots of no-calls for both teams. Keep your heads up Techies…your team played well despite having no point guard. As a lifelong Heel, I was worried most of the game. Your intensity and tenaciousness was commendable. Go Heels! (and Thrashers)
By The Voice of Truth
January 17, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Hewitt can coach guys….he really can. It’s pretty damn tough to hit “restart” on a program every year when you have top players leave for the pros.
My only complaint with Hewitt is that he hasn’t learned how to get his existing players to step up when the big-time recruits leave. Jarrett Jack, Javaris Crittenton, and Austin Jackson have had a major impact on this team in the last few years. In case ya hadn’t noticed, PG play in the ACC is paramount to a successful season.
Hewitt may be on a shorter rope than he was 3 years ago, but Radakovich won’t can him yet. He hasn’t been consistently inconsistent to the degree that Gailey was or even to a degree that warrants getting fired. He has to figure out how to get this team to play at the level that they played at last night EVERY NIGHT. Emotion and intensity can win you ball games. If you don’t have any, you should expect to get beat.
As for CG, go to hell man. If/when it snows in Atlanta, people freak out. Traffic was horrendous last night and there have been numerous reports that a lot of fans didn’t make it because of the weather. You and your #1 team got all you could handle last night. UNC will have a rough go if they don’t get a lot better. Duke can’t wait to play them. Shove it up your butt.
By GTFB90
January 17, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
If Hewitt could coach, GT would have won the game last night. In our last two possessions we simply gave the ball to a player and the other players watched and hoped he scored. There was no offensive strategy. That’s bad coaching.
I used to be Hewitt’s biggest fan, but it has become quite clear that he cannot coach. It’s time for a change.
By Concerned
January 17, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
This is his 8th year at Tech…and after this season, he will have a winning conference record once…nice job.
By JDHeels
January 17, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Y’all crack me up. You’re all nuts if you don’t see the “moral victory” in this loss. Coaches aren’t supposed to claim moral victories, so I’m not at all surprised that Hewitt takes that position. GT’s dealing with unexpected losses of players to the pros, injuries, etc. Any coach will struggle more under those circumstances. But I’m tired of Joe fan failing to see beyond a loss b/c it’s somehow more acceptable (or manly?) to say, “there’s no such thing as a moral victory”. Granted it doesn’t change the win/loss column, but if y’all don’t see through this loss to what YOUR team is capable of…you’re lost. Why don’t the players bring that effort against UNC-G or Winthrop for crying out loud?
By JB Tarheel Fan
January 17, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe the Tech fans that can’t see what a great game Tech played. In this league losing one player can be devastating, but two?
With respect to the refs … it was a Tech Home Game and called that way. If it was called close Tech gets destroyed. It was rough! No complaints. Ginyard did take a bit of a hip shot, but in the realm of how the game was called it was minor contact. Hansbrough could go to the line twice as much, just look at the pictures and the blood. He’s a man and can take it. If you can dish it out then take it as well. Tech dished out and got some back. It wasn’t an even trade, but you learn to live with it. Oh, if you want to look at fouls, Danny Green’s charge at the end of the game … the Tech player’s feet weren’t even on the floor at the contact. Give me a break!
By WPinAZ
January 17, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
We did play well last night. Best effort I’ve seen this season. I still say we’re out coached nightly, but that’s old news now. The one positive thing I took from this game is that MO MILLER CAN PLAY AT THIS LEVEL. I see him getting more confident and if PH would just turn him loose and let him be the player who was the Tennessee player of the year his senior year of high school, the entire team would be better off. If he would just be a bit more SELFISH with his own game, and TAKE HIS SHOT WITHOUT HESITATION when he’s open, he might just BLOW UP! All great players have a bit of selfishness to their game. When he stops playing tentatively, he’ll be seen as one of the best pg’s in the ACC.
By Frontman
January 17, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Coach Hewitt is definitely on the hot seat. If Radakovich would fire Chan Gailey, what makes you think that Coach Hewitt is in a better situation? Other than the 2004 championship game, this team has done nothing since he has been here. And, is it just me, or does it feel like Jeremis Smith and Anthony Morrow have been here for about 8 years of continual less-than-mediocrity?
By doc
January 17, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
I thought it was a good ACC game, watching it from NC. Everyone makes decent points, but get off the “officals made us lose” stuff. The Heels played no defense underneath, hence no fouls. Tech shot 21 3 pointers to 10 for Carolina, and Tyler got more shots than the two big guys for tech combined. That’s how you get to the line, not shooting jump shots. And I missed hwere he bloodied his own face. I WAS surprised Ginyard didn’t get a foul, but also Danny Green got hosed on his “charge” when we had a 3 point lead. If you want them to call ALL the fouls, then bring it on, we still win 75% to 70% as a team from th eline. You folks ought to lighten up on the coach…if Lawson had gone pro we’d have Q as our starting point guard. Losing his #1 PG isn’t the coach’s fault. I’ve been to games in the 90’s down there in Atlanta and it’s always a tough place for Carolina to play. Good game for Tech and don’t give up on your young team. And yes, we hope to have a football team one day as well.
By john
January 17, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
For those of you that are delusional, I will bring you back to reality.
Atlantic Coast Conference Standings Conf All
North Carolina (1) 3-0 18-0
Boston Coll. 3-0 12-4
Duke (7) 2-0 14-1
Clemson (24) 2-1 14-3
Virginia Tech 2-1 11-6
Miami (FL) (21) 1-1 14-2
Wake Forest 1-2 11-5
Florida St. 1-2 12-6
Maryland 1-2 11-7
N.C. State 0-2 11-5
Virginia 0-2 10-5
Georgia Tech 0-3 7-9
By RAMBLE ON!
January 17, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Listening to this Radio Show with Hewitt is making me sick to my stomach.
He’s living on another planet.
By sports report
January 17, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Bet on it, Hewetts last year is 2008. Radakovich is a winner and he will get his own man.
By phil ruff
January 17, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
‘Ghost of Cumberland’ is right on about the goon tactics. Does Hewitt instruct his players to hit, hold and elbow Hansbrough? Where were the officials down there in Atlants. I hope Tyler loses it some night and takes some jerks head off.
By phil ruff
January 17, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
‘Ghost of Cumberland’ is right on about the goon tactics. Does Hewitt instruct his players to hit, hold and elbow Hansbrough? Where were the officials down there in Atlanta?. I hope Tyler loses it some night and takes some jerks head off.
By Frontman
January 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
doc,
Who says we’re young? Our lineup last night was older than yours. You start no seniors; we start two. We had 6 upperclassmen (Juniors and Seniors) play last night; you had 4. The only place where we were younger was that we played two freshmen and you guys played one. Hewitt’s been pulling this “Look how young and inexperienced we are” crap ever since the senior-laden team that underachieved in 2005 left. Coach, you’re older than Carolina, and they’re ranked #1 in the country and you stink. I hate to say that, but that’s the way it is. Why is it that every year about this time we always seem to be talking about a must-win game for GT? Because Coach Hewitt’s teams always start the ACC campaigns by losing 2 or more games. This same old, same old song-and-dance is really getting tiresome.
By Livin' Da Vida Loca
January 17, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
On one play last night, Jeremis Smith went up for a shot, then brought his arms straight down into the face of Hansbrough. That’s what caused the cut and blood.
Certainly not a basketball move. Certainly deliberate. Certainly a Paul Hewitt recruit.
GT 90 you are living in a fantasy world if you thought that was incidental contact.
By Tech75
January 17, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
This should not even be a debate.
The current and past records speak for themselves.
My bottom line: out of 17 games, acceptable effort in only 3.
In my book, if motivation and effort were not an issue we would probably be 12-4 instead of 7-9.
No motivation, no leadership = new coach.
NEXT!
By RAMBLE ON!
January 17, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
On the radio show, Hewitt said it was a FACT the he was the eighth coach interviewed.
He was also telling us that it’s a FACT that FOX News leans right in it’s coverage (for some reason), skipping over how CNN is as far left as Sean Penn.
My question to Hewitt is what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
To me, it looks like we needed to interview more than 8 because apparently that’s not enough to make a well informed decision.
…stand by for your race card coming soon.
By Roy
January 17, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
In the third paragraph, “the only thing more difficult then elevating a program,” should be “the only thing more difficult THAN elevating a program.”
That whole then/than thing can be tricky, eh?
By Billy
January 17, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I get so tired of hearing about the “unexpected” losses of Crittenton and Young. Young was one of the top-5 prospects in the country coming out of H.S. Of course he was going to leave! And so was Crittenton. I don’t care if every other coach is going after the one-and-done guys. Teams with depth, like Duke, UNC, and Kansas can get away with that. And it sounds like Hewitt took lessons from his old boss, Dave Braine, with the comments about expectations being too high at GT.
By fill ruff
January 17, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
IF TH “takes off a head?”, he can sit out a few games. That what you want??? (sounds like a tarsqueel to me)
By John
January 17, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I just watched the recording of the game. We scored 6 points in the last 5 minutes of the game! Real good!
By GT Fan Jeff
January 17, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
First things first. GT played a GREAT game last night against UNC, and I did not honestly think this team was capable of a performance like that. Now, to the issue of Paul Hewitt. I am not going to try and get into the debate about Paul Hewitt’s coaching ability. However, I do have two concerns about PH. Number 1 is the LACK OF RESULTS that Hewitt has gotten since 2004 with above average (in my opinion) talent. I was spoiled by Bobby Cremins’ early success at GT, and did not give him much credit for his coaching ability during his last 4-5 years at GT. I now believe BC was a BETTER coach at GT than PH will ever be. Second, PH seems to be more concerned now with talk radio and AJC columns than with coaching his “young” team on how play better FUNDAMENTAL basketball. In short, I think it is time for Radakovich to give PH the same expectations he gave Chan Gailey, and to take the same action if those expectations are not met.
By Bk Hawk
January 17, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
I agree Jeff GT Fan: There is no debate, If GT expects to ever get better Paul Hewett has to go.
By John
January 17, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
A GREAT game? Are you on something? When I watched I was embarrassed. I saw Causey dribble all the way down the court real fast on one possesion, only to lose the ball out of bounds. On another, I saw one of our players throw up an airball. And, I only watched the last 5 minutes which were brutal. We scored, see above, all of 6 points! No, this wasn’t great. They never look like they feel comfortable on the court or know what they are doing. To call a timeout near the end only to take hurried, silly attempt at a shot that gets easily blocked is NOT great basketaball.
By ben
January 17, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Hansborough is a classic Utah Jazz flopper. He must have fallen to the ground 100 times last night( acting as though he’d been knocked ). Good for Jeremis. If that is what it takes to get this team going, so be it. There was a spark last night. Just a spark, but after living in the dark all year, I’ll take it.
By Braves Fan 79
January 18, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
All i gotta say is…..im a REAL TECH fan…have been since 1990 when as a little kid i watched them go to the final 4 and give that great UNLV team all they could handle! There have been many years not 2 belive in the program anymore… (anyone remember the tony atkins years)… But pple this team has TALENT! If a pt guard steps up and plays to just 80% of what we would of gotten from Crinnenton ….this would be a top 30 team in the nation… there will be better years ahead…and very soon as long as LAWAL stays… I think Hewitt is a Great overall coach…but i wish wed get a special assistant coach just to coach the offense!
Maybe we need better assistants…maybe thats the problem.
By GT90
January 18, 2008 4:50 AM | Link to this
I think the officiating complaints on both sides are a little overblown. (I’ll never believe that UNC or Duke will get jobbed much by the refs. Get real!) That being said, I simply pointed out ONE no-call as I saw it live and on TiVo: BOTH announcers acknowledged Ginyard’s hip check. Sometimes a player makes hard contact in the heat of the moment, so I’ll admit I assumed too much in the previous post and will retract any assumption about a ‘goon’ play. It simply was a very bad NO CALL that BOTH announcers mentioned as a hip check. But there were calls that went both ways, as is often the case. There were tough held-ball/foul and travelling calls which could or should have been called, but that happens both ways in a LOT of games. Be a little more objective.
I actually appreciated that for the most part the refs let the teams play a good, hard game without it turning into a foul-call festival. The final result sucks for me, but I thought it was a great game in general…just wished that last shot had fallen.
And BTW despite our inconsistency in recent years, before UNC escaped with this close win, GT had beaten them 4 times in a row at GT, and the last two times we’ve played in the ACC tournament. Sure UNC has won several in a row in Chapel Hill, but in the last 7 years we’ve won all 6 games we’ve played EVERYWHERE ELSE. Sure you’re great this year so far, but be a little more realistic about our recent history before you slam GT so much.
By GT90
January 18, 2008 5:09 AM | Link to this
Nice post, Braves Fan 79! I have more concerns about Hewitt and how some things are going, but I still think some things have a chance to get better and I want them to…I want to give him a chance. Like many of us have said, if Miller (or anyone else) grows into the PG we need, that will go a long way. And I sure like what I’m seeing from Miller lately. Obviously, we really need to keep it up starting on Sat and beat VT.
BTW in that same era as the UNLV game: Beating LSU with Shaq, Chris Jackson, AND Stanley Roberts, 94-91 in the NCAA tourney…sweet! And UNLV’s next game after that…well, one thing that Tech and UNC fans can agree on: Watching Duke lose a Nat’l Championship game by 30 is pretty sweet!
(To me, Duke in basketball is like FSU in football: As much as I pull for the ACC when they go ooc, I can’t normally pull for Dook in basketball or the Criminoles in football. Unless they are playing UGA…)
By Richard
January 18, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I too have become a bit skeptical of Hewitt in the last two years, but there is something to take from this game. The fact that we were playing with the best team in the country for all 40 minutes, leading most of the way and having a chance to win at the end shows me that there is obviously a tremendous amount of talent on this team. That speaks very highly of Hewitt’s recruiting ability.
So I dont necessarily think firing Hewitt is the answer. We’ve seen great success on his part, and we know that the game plan he wants to run can work. (By the way, I’m sick of hearing people complain about how Hewitt substitutes too much. He did it even more during the 2004 season and look how that worked). It’s not like Chan Gailey who was supposedly an offensive guru that couldn’t put together a top 90 offense in 6 years.
Really, I think his assistans may be a bit lacking. There doesn’t seem to be a good X’s and O’s guy there, and the conditioning has been awful over the past three years.
By GT80
January 18, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Hey RAMBLE ON (and others), you keep saying how Hewitt has never been better than 9-7 in the ACC and ONLY made it to the NCAA tourney 4 of the 7 seasons, well where do you think we should be finishing in the ACC? Look, Cremins was great and we loved him, he put GT BBall on the map, but guess what, he finished better than 8-8 THREE times in 19 years. He had a great run of 9 straight NCAA appearances but overall made it 10 times in 19 years. Other than Duke and UNC, what school in the ACC consistently finishes with 10, 11 & 12 win seasons? Nobody. Maryland is close, but guess what, they’ve only done it half the time Gary Williams has been there.
If you folks haven’t noticed, the ACC is a tough conference and usually has 2 or 3 teams in the top 10 in the nation. And in case you aren’t aware, GT is not the easiest program to recruit for. The fact that Hewitt has had only one bad year since he’s been at GT and has been able to bring in multiple 5 start recruits is pretty good. Of course we all want our team to win big, make it to the NCAA every year and be a top 10 program, but that’s not realistic.
Again I ask, what do you expect from our program?
If we have 2 or 3 seasons in a row where we go 4-12 and miss the NCAA then yes, Hewitt should go, because we SHOULD be a team that competes every game and every year with the top echelon of the ACC and the NCAA. I admit that this years team has been a disappointment but we lost 3 NBA caliber players and our two best players seem to be our freshmen. I see a team that is finally growing up and I expect better performances the rest of the season.
And if you thought that was “terrible basketball” Wednesday night you don’t know what good basketball is. I hated losing that game because the effort to win was there and we could have won with one made shot at the end. But it was a damn exciting game.
Better follow it up with more of the same tomorrow.
By College Fan
January 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
The real truth is that high profile freshmen come in at Tech and take the minimum amount of class hours Fall semester and make next to no academic effort and are still ok to play basketball beginning that semester.
They then can go on academic probation Spring semester, during which time the basketball season ends and the kids jump to the NBA without even ending the semester in school.
The Institute got it’s little star freshman bump to win games and the kids jump to the NBA, when they would have flunked out if they hadn’t.
That is why the “academic integrity” story of GT is such puking crap. Tech uses one year basketball athletes worse than any other school in the country and should hang their head in shame.
That is the story that the AJC SHOULD write about.
The president of Tech should be the first to go, and the rest of the administration should follow.
Cremmins started it at Tech and made an art form out of it. So Tech put his name on the basketball court floor.