AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > March > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFelton’s Dogs defy all logic
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
There weren’t many Georgia fans in the building, and some of those carried a tuba. But if anything, that probably made this team feel right at home.
Anonymity seems to work for the Bulldogs. So, apparently, do nonsensical story lines, natural disasters and blind, spinning 3-point shots by backup freshman guards.
Functioning on guts and running on fumes, the Bulldogs swept a basketball doubleheader Saturday. They have won more games in 72 hours of this borderline freakish SEC tournament (three) than they did in the final seven weeks of the regular season (two).
“We made history,” said guard Sundiata Gaines.
Yes. And they’re defying logic in the process. They upset Kentucky in overtime 60-56. They returned hours later to dump Mississippi State 64-60. They have landed in the SEC championship game for the first time since 1997, with a chance to go to the NCAA tournament.
I’m not sure what the odds are on today’s game against Arkansas.
Does it matter?
The Bulldogs did more at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum than merely create the college basketball oddity: the day-night doubleheader. They reaffirmed that the program — battered this season by suspensions, injuries, defections and rumors of a head coach possibly being nudged off a cliff by his athletics director — isn’t nearly the mess that many believed.
They have eight scholarship players. Somehow, this formula is working — even among only 100 fans in the first game and 200 in the second. (Wow. They’re getting a following.)
You know what else works for Georgia? Dennis Felton.
If this guy isn’t given a warm embrace by his athletics director, his university and the student body after what has happened in the past few days, then there’s something really funky in the air in Athens.
“He’s been great,” said Georgia senior Dave Bliss. “He’s believed in us the whole time.”
The day started with the win over Kentucky. The less than 100 Georgia fans in attendance were outnumbered by the some 500 blue-clad Kentucky fans, prompting former Auburn coach Sonny Smith to crack: “Kentucky’s known for horse-breeding, but I didn’t know they could get this many family members in a 24-hour period.”
It was announced that the general public would not be allowed into the game. But Kentucky fans don’t take rejection well. Outside the arena, a female security guard surveyed fans trying to talk their way into the Coliseum and said, “There’s going to be a fight out here soon.”
And then: “You know, somebody already offered me $5,000 for my [yellow] jacket [as a disguise to get in].”
Inside the arena, Kentucky fan Gary Riley, who is white, said, “Ramel’s my brother.” The Wildcats’ Ramel Bradley is African- American.
As it turned out, each school was given 400 tickets to distribute as it pleased. The idea was that they would go only to school officials and the like. But the Wildcats made certain their entire allotment was distributed.
What of Georgia’s allotment? Athletics director Damon Evans said only, “My understanding is everybody got the same. But it looked like they had more. Hey, it is what it is.”
It didn’t seem to affect the team.
You expected the Dogs to drag their limbs onto the court for game two. Felton seemed either to be conceding defeat or trying to anger and fire up his own players when he ripped the format following the morning win, saying, in part: “I think everybody understands that this tournament is our only chance to make it to the [NCAA] tournament. I can’t help but feel that when that decision was made, they made it knowing well that they were basically eliminating our chances of winning the [SEC] tournament. …”
Whatever his motives, the Dogs didn’t look dead. They jumped out to a 15-4 lead before Mississippi State realized this wouldn’t be easy and rallied to tie it before the half, 33-all.
The Dogs hung around for most of the second half. Gaines fouled out with 7:18 left for the second time of the day.
But a jumper by Billy Humphrey with a minute remaining gave them a 61-60 lead — and they never fell behind again.
Against Kentucky, Georgia trailed 56-54 with 8.8 seconds left. Following a timeout, backup guard Zac Swansey — who entered the game after Gaines fouled out in regulation — dribbled to the front court, then turned, spun and fired a trey over Kentucky’s best perimeter defender, Ramon Harris, with 1.2 seconds left.
During a timeout, the pubic-address announcer reminded fans not to storm the court. It was kind of funny.
Swansey was supposed to pass to Humphrey, but he thought better of it.
He said later, “It wasn’t a typical SEC tournament game.”
I’m still not sure which of the 97 possibilities he was referring to.
Permalink | Comments (120) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, UGA / SEC
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By jrmdvm1
March 16, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Unbelievable! No quit in “them dawgs”! I’m lovin’ it.
By lawton
March 16, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
the best stretch of basketball the bulldogs have ever played.
By jp
March 16, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
lets go dawgs. Take out them pigs. We absolutely have a shot in this game. We just have to start hot and play a controlled game after that.
By jamminontechfloor
March 16, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
2 in 1 day & making HISTORY on that GT floor, it was a good day 2b a DAWG.
By Mudcat
March 16, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
Arkansas opened as a 6 1/2 pt favorite, but the line quickly shot up to 8 1/2, so it doesn’t look good.
By boots
March 16, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
Who believed in these Dawgs? I didn’t, and I am sorry for it. Evans needs to jump on the bandwagon and settle this Felton coaching issue before the game tomorrow. He and the team deserve the support of the university and the administration after one of the most unlikely sports weekends in UGA history.
This really has been an odd tournament: UGA winning 3 games as the underdawg (2 in overtime), with foul trouble, through a tornado, 2 games in one day (in Alexander Memorial, none the less) and now a chance to cut the nets down in your in-state rival’s home court???? Are you kidding me? Go Dawgs!
By SE GA Lady
March 16, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Is it just me, or did the officials seem just a little too picky? From which conference did they reign?
By JimB
March 16, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
was happy for Georgia as a UK fan - great day - Then I watch Sports Center and they are whining about “having to play two games in a day” (which they ended up winning) - Hey Georgia - you were 4 and 12 during the SEC season - NO WHINNING ALLOWED about how unfair things are! Jeeze - and by the way - you want into the tourney - yeah, you have to play again - against Arkansas - you sounded silly Felton (I know times are tough for you - but no crying about “how hard it is” - it’s just as hard for everyone else - more so, because they actually played during the season as well). |
By insider
March 16, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe Bobby Knight is talkin about George Basketball on ESPN right now. This is unreal. We had the talent all along. We had the game plans. We finally put it together.
By Johnson
March 16, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
A down year in the SEC and a heckuva lotta luck = craziness. Jeez people, give some credit to the players. They are out there for 2 games today, that’s unbelievable. They won those games, Felton didn’t. We have talent. Felton just doesn’t know what to do with it.
What defies logic is all you people who have already forgotten about the losing season and 5 mediocre years under Dennis Felton’s leadership beacase of 3 wins!
By ProudDawg
March 16, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
I can’t say enough of how proud I am of this team! They battled through so much adversity…good Gawd!!!!!Felton should be Obama’s VP!
By Bob Sacamano
March 16, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
Anyone wonder where that idiot Winston is? Seems to me that he likes to talk big, but doesn’t want to show up to eat his crow.
Winston, and all you Dennis Felton haters can kiss my hairy butt!
By PlusSizeModel
March 16, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Screw the regular season results. This run just illustrates that plain desire goes a long way in college basketball. This, and the SEC has some crappy basketball teams.
By richdawg
March 16, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Jim, you try to be a good sport but then go and ruin it. You would be complaining too had UK actualy beaten the 6th seed dawgs. Two games in one day is a lot to ask in this day of college basketball. UK always sour about a loss. Go dawgs.
By Johnson
March 16, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Just wanted to add for those of you not keeping track, that’s 3 wins, all against UNRANKED opponents.
By ProudDawg
March 16, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
I can’t say enough of how proud I am of this team. They battled through sooo much adversity…how bout them Dawgs!Felton should be Obama’s VP. Let’s run the hogs out of town just like we did in 2002 in the Dome!!!
By Wild Cat
March 16, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Congrats Dawgs…..job well done. Have earned a boat load of respect. I have to admit that we were looking past the Dawgs…big mistake…not very fluid team but extremely scrappy…never quit.
We got hosed on the no call at the end of the game…absolutely hosed.
But at the end of the day…we should have not been in the situation that we were in.
Beating Miss State..WOW - I really thought that MSU would pull away in the second half…being a fresher team…but again, these GA Dawgs have heart.
Good luck dawgs…and hope you make the NCAA’s.
By Bill
March 16, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
Jeff, there needs to be a story in the AJC that details exactly how the ticket situation was handled. People aren’t going to talk, but try to dig anyhow. Obviously, the people with the big bucks got in. While the coal miner from Harlan who saved all year to go to the tournament was left outside. Dig on this, Jeff.
By Johnson
March 16, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
* PlusSizeModel*:
Someone who actually realized the SEC is having a down year, and that’s putting it nicely.
Bob Sacamano:
Winston has probably stopped wasting his time on idiots like you who think 3 wins in the tournament erases five years of bad coaching. It’s impossible to get through to illogical people such as yourself. This is how ridiculous you sound: Let’s name Felton SEC coach of the year, give him a 5-year extension, and give him a $1 million/year raise. The man is one of college’s best! Next time you take a sh1t, push extra hard and maybe we’ll all be lucky enough that you’ll crap your brains out.
By Bob Sacamano
March 16, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
Johnson, for you and the idiots like you to claim that Dennis Felton had five years like they were five years that any other school would have is a straight up LIE. It isn’t honest, and it isn’t right. Just be effing honest and say you don’t like Felton. Felton is in his THIRD year as a coach of this team with a REALISTIC chance of competing. The first two years at Georgia DON’T EFFING COUNT you stupid ‘neck. Stop being a liar.
Last year, this team makes the Dance if Mercer doesn’t get hurt. You cannot deny that. If you do, you’re just lying again. This year, the Dawgs have a chance to win the East if Brown and Mercer just do what they’re supposed to do and attend class. You cannot deny that. If you do, you’re just lying some more. So, how again is Felton a bad coach? He’s had some huge injury issues the last two years and he had to rightly kick off the best two players on the team.
Dude, you’re full of crap. You’re an idiot. And you are no member of the Bulldog Nation. As a lawful member of Bulldog Nation, I hereby remove Johnson’s membership in Bulldog Nation. He is irrational. He is unintelligent. He’s a man after Michael Adams heart. He is not a DGD.
By Bob Sacamano
March 16, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
JOHNSON, YOU’RE SO FULL OF S—T!!!
THAT’S THREE WINS IN A ROW AGAINST OPPONENTS WHO WILL BE IN THE DANCE NEXT WEEK, WHY DON’T YOU SAY THAT YOU STUPID @$$?
GET THE HELL OFF OF THIS BOARD. YOU ARE NOT A BULLDOG FAN, YOU ARE AN IDIOT. YOU’RE ONE OF THOSE GUYS LIKE THE FIRERONZOOK GUYS WHO WANTED THEIR TEAM TO LOSE GAMES TO GET RID OF THE COACH.
PEOPLE… JOHNSON IS NOT A BULLDOG FAN. HE IS NOT A MEMBER OF BULLDOG NATION.
JOHNSON, YOU ARE PERSONA NON GRATA.
YOU’RE NO BETTER THAN A FILTHY BUG!!!
By Ron Roberts
March 16, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Johnson… is your girlfriend dumping you and chasing after Felton or something?
Dude, overlook the three wins in two days all you want; it’s a monumental feat to beat two in two days, especially with only 8 scholarship players. Especially against two 20-win teams; especially given the circumstances.
You want to hang five mediocre seasons on Felton when any person with rational sense would know that Felton was asked to turn Chernobyl into a liveable, flourishing domain again, in short order.
What he’s done just to have Georgia basketball playing mediocre at this point is nothing short of miraculous, frankly.
The fact that he got us back to a winning record and an NIT berth within three years was damn-fine work.
His recruiting efforts have been top-tier; his ability to see beyond that and cut the malcontents and the miscreants (I’ll pause while you look up the definitions of those words) knowing it would be a detriment to the team, and even potentially his job, to me shows what kind of program he wants to build at Georgia.
He’s the anti-Harrick. He wants to build a quality team on-the-court, and a quality team off-the-court, as well.
Give the man a chance to build this program with good players and good human beings. He’s had to take some chances (see Louis Williams) because, let’s face it, selling Georgia basketball to top-tier recruits is no easy sell, with our outdated building, our checkered history, and our lack of banners in the rafters.
And yet he still gets top-tier commitments, and gets the most out of what little he has to work with.
And you want to fire him?
Get a clue. He deserves another year; hell, after this weekend, he deserves a contract extension.
By Scott E. Smith
March 16, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
What a wonderful moment after the Miss. State win to see Coach Felton high fiving the Dawg fans in the stands. I believe in Coach Felton and his abilities to lead this team to the NCAA’s on a yearly basis. Tough times the last few years. He deserves a new 2 year contract. Damon Evans should give him that new contract in the morning before the start of the biggest game of his tenure. A lot on the line tomorrow - SEC championship and a NCAA tournament bid. These DAWGS have a chance to rewrite the meaning of March Madness!! GO DAWGS!!!!
By Bob Sacamano
March 16, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, I’d never thought we’d find common ground on much, if anything, if you’re the Ron Roberts who’s been posting here for a few years. But well said, fellow Dawg. Well said. I let Johnson pi$$ me off, and you schooled him, wisdom style. I have to stop being so hot-headed when I’m cracked-up on emotion.
By AtlDawg
March 16, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
-What a great story: can’t remember the last time our university was the lead story on Sportscenter for about 8 mins in basketball
-proud as a peacock of the the job Coach Felton and the team have done. I don’t think alot of people realize just how hard it is to play two games in two days. Not so much as giving effort, energy, but beating TWO quality teams that are rested. What a feat to be proud of
-I would love to see the SEC allow at least a few more hundred if not thousand fans tomorrow. Make it look a bit better on TV.
-what do we have to lose tomorrow? Proud of the boys, but let’s go get one more.
By Jack Dawg
March 16, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
I am very very proud of the Georgia Bulldogs. What more needs be said…other than, Go Dawg’s !
By Big Al
March 16, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
I’m proud of these dawgs, win or lose tommorrow. All heart.
By innocent Bystander
March 16, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
Jeff your timing is impeccable. I would have never imagined you would enlist on the side of those who wanted to save the Coach’s job BEFORE he won a game in this tournament but you did. Recent events have confirmed your thesis to say the least.Ron Roberts: Your post is the best.
By Lady Dawg95
March 16, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
Gotta say, Felton’s a stand up coach and guy for making his players academically responsible…and I’ve respected him from the start just for coming to take over the train wreck that was our basketball program. This weekend has been unbelievable, and all I can say is GO DAWGS!!! Plus we won two great games at Tech, sweet!
By CJ
March 16, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
Quite frankly, I’ve been the perfect representation of a “Band Wagon fan” for the Hoop Dawgs this season… but my disclaimer will be that I am a Dawg to the core (grad of ‘87, season ticket holder, have been to more UGA Hockey games in 2008 than most of you can count your own grandchildren, and was logged into the Dawgvent for ALL of the 2008 recruiting - just to qualify myself :~)
I watched our beloved Dawgs from 12 PM to 10:?? PM today and could not have been more proud!
If you want to attribute the “W” to the players, then God Bless them - they did all the heavy lifting!
If you do NOT attribute their preparation for accomplishing today’s phenomenal feat, to their Coach…. Well all I can say is that you must never have played organized team sports for a team that has accomplished their Goals!!!
Felton, is not the next coming of a hoops christ - but he knows how to prepare and condition and COACH his teams up to a “W” when it matters!!!
I’ll predict that each of his players Respect and Appreciate everything that their coach has asked them to do - if for no other reason than to take them to this point!
Yup, I loved Tubby Smith - but Felton has led them to a realm that NO OTHER modern day college coach has EVER accomplished, and that was to win 2 Tournament Games within a 7 hr. window!
Yeah - he should be fired ….. MORONS!!! Get a Clue to anyone that would think that way!
By Dana
March 16, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
* I think it is so awesome that we have done this on GA TECH’S FLOOR .. and soooo UGA. WE LOVE TO PLAY IN TECH’S HOME* Just checking .. how did they do in the ACC tourney? WOW WHAT A GREAT YEAR ALL AROUND FOR THE DOGS!!!!!
By CitrusDawg
March 16, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t be prouder to be a UGA alumnus. This is one of our school’s greatest athletic achievements, but the Dawgs aren’t quite done. Regardless, what a run it’s been. Let Coach Felton stay on and let’s see what he does with a full roster next year.
Sic’em, Dawgs!
By Underdawgs
March 16, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this
UGA is all over ESPN and have been the top play of the day twice this week, yet some people can only see the negative. This is good exposure for our program, we have the new training facility, the players are playing hard for their coach, we have Howard Thompkins coming in next season…Georgia has nine players and beat 2 teams in one day and Felton’s record in the SEC tournament is now 5-4. What more could you want? Chew up that cinderella slipper tommorrow Dawgs!!
By RAD
March 16, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this
SAY HI to Tubby in MN… WHY???
By Rev. Jimmy Jack Bourbon
March 16, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
I must say that I have never been a big Felt fan. (I was crazy about Tubby as a Dawg.) I think Felt is a little rough on the Pups, but he certainly has made men out of them. As a Dawg, through and through, I could not have been more proud of Sundiata and his Gang. Humphries, Bliss, Little White Boy, Jackson, and the whole Classic City Gang are my kind of Thugs of the Court. Go get’em, my fellow Dogs! The Rev. loves you! Hey, Bob, I get emotional like you, brother. Chill out with a little Jim Beam during the game. It calms your nerves down. Go, Coach Felt, Go! I’m a believer now! I am and remain, Your Reprobate Reverend, Jimmy Jack.
By Johnson
March 16, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
Bob Sacamano & Ron Roberts:
As I said, people like you, lose their sense of reason in times like this and call those of us who are rational, irrational. You’re a waste of time…sort of like convincing OJ to admit that he off’ed his wife.
And, Bob, thank you for comparing me to the fireronzook Florida fans. Are you kidding me? They were brilliant. The guy sucked at Florida, they brought in Urban Meyer and , HELLO, a National Championship. If Georgia basketball follows the same path, you (and the rest of you bashers) will be thanking me for the National Championship our new coach will bring to Georgia basketball.
You guys are the one keeping the Dawgs down, I’m the one keeping it real. I’m the real Georgia, how dare you question my loyalty when I want what’s best for the program. I don;t agree with you so I’m not a part of Bulldawg Nation? You’re a fuvking communist.
Ron, you’e comments are simply rehashed posts that have been blogged for weeks now. What’s good for you? You mentioned a contract extention, ABSOLUTELY UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE - Quintessential irrational behavior and thought processes.
Contrary to what you and some others believe, everyone in Dawg Nation has a right to his opinion, even if differs from yours. Logic tells me (and most smart people) to go with 5 years of results over 3 days results, even 4 days (if they win tomorrow). I feel very comfortable with position. I’m sorry you feel like I’m not a real fan because I think logically.
By buzzfan
March 16, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Bulldogs. I’m a lifelong Tech fan, but I like to see a team from Georgia win a big one esp. at GT. Good luck in the next big game.
By CJ
March 16, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
Yo Johnson:
Just for he sake of argument —- what is your rationale for firing Felton?
If you thing he is the demise of UGA Hoops, then tell us Why?
Is it that he hasn’t produced a Winner in 5 yrs? if so, I ask you who else do you thing we should choose (and you must consider circumstances when you consider WHO could have done better)???
By Rev. Jimmy Jack Bourbon
March 16, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
BuzzFan: Get the h_ll off this board! You ain’t no Dog! Gotcha. Just kidding. Thanks for cheering us on. Gotta to get in bed now so I can get up early and work on my sermon. I have already selected a text. Philippians 3.2. St. Paul: “Beware of the dogs…” Hunker Down, You Hairy Dogs, Hunker Down! Your Reprobate Reverend, Jimmy Jack. P.S. How ‘Bout Them Humble Bumbles for letting the SEC use their gym? The eyes of Bobby Dodd are upon you.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 16, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this
Happy to be in DAWG-NATION
Like I said previously, Felton is a great man and steady influence at the helm, but unfortunately wins and losses will rule the day.
I said that here on Friday - so with that in mind look at how this undermanned team has responded this weekend.
NO- we are not the most talented.
No- we are not the most athletic.
YES- we are in the FINALS b/c they played with all the heart of champions when they needed to the most.
There is no better statement for a coach than how their team responds in the face of adversity and rumors of coach firings.
Like the song by Disturbed - SPEAK - well the DAWGS have spoken and the whole country has heard.
Regardless of tomorrow these players have shown what they are made of and reinforced Coach Felton’s belief in them and their’s in him. Every DAWG has his day and today is ours.
Now I must say again: GOOOOOOOOODAWGS SIC”EM woofwoofwoofwoofwoof!!
By markrichtfan
March 16, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this
Basketball is still TOTALLY IRRELEVANT at UGA! It has been that way most of my 56 years upon this earth. It may change one day, but a Cinderella run in the SEC tournament won’t make much of a difference. Spring football resumes Monday, and Spring Practice is a hell of a lot more important than a freeking round ball tournament! Go Dogs!
By Tville Dawg
March 16, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this
I was one of the biggest naysayers. I checked the AJC box that the Dawgs would be home Thursday night.
Whether, Felton has sandbagged, been lazy, or for whatever reason the 08 season has been lackluster, the man can coach. Managing a war zone situation where fresh legs are critical and important, rotating lineups, installing the zone to protect the players in foul trouble, he has never managed games to the extent that he has in this tournament.
Post season NIT with a loss to Arkansas today? Who knows? If the DAWGS go the big dance, they should go a couple of rounds deep if they continue to play at this level.
Whatever today’s outcome, FELTON STAYS.
By Edgar
March 16, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Gillespe stormed off the court because of his punk play with 1.2 seconds left in the game. The refs would have no part of it. UGA won it the old fashion way with good basketball. that’s why they wouldn’t have some inbounds pass/foul play effect a hard fought victory. Give the refs a bigup for that. In the game against Ole Miss they gave the Rebs two calls at the end of regulation and OT to keep them in the hunt. UGA still prevailed. In this game they would have none of this “Catlanta” crap. Just good basketball would win it. Nearly a half a day later UGA went out and handed Mississippi State their ticket home. Two victories in one day when they hadn’t won that many in a month. I’m afraid the script is set though. Even if Felton’s Dawgs win today he’s fired. Shame on you Damon Evans for your “It is what it is.” statement and your noncommital stance with this team. Shame on you! Now go and fire Andy Landers for not winning the Womens title.
By Jon
March 16, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Why can’t they sell tickets for today’ game???? If you’re getting a refund for Sunday’s game, you could still attend by purchasing another ticket. With Kentucky out, don’t believe it would be a violent battle for those 9,000 tickets.
By ugastinks
March 16, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
uga fans quit on their team! only the band saw the game-they cheat and stink like all things uga. go 2 hell
By vesaversa
March 16, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
love them dawgs
By Hez 18
March 16, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
If Dennis Felton’s job isn’t safe now, I don’t know what it will take. Considering all that this team has been through this season, I thought that he had done a tremendous job even before the SEC tournament began. Now, he has shown that not only can he run a program with integrity and class, but he can really coach, too. Come on, Damon Evans, give Coach Felton a nice raise and a contract extension!
By ron
March 16, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
FIRE FELTON!!! despite the run in the sec tourney.i’m sure some people may think of returning him but this will be a mistake.i’m afraid he may have bought himself an extra year. i hope that georgia don’t sign him to a contract extension.it’s time to go into another direction.he’s had ample time to resurrect this program.he continues to have discipline problems,either it’s him or the athletes he brings into the program.each season you pick up the paper there it is some player/players suspended.
By Hayter
March 16, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
I love that all this drama is going on over Georgia basketball. As someone who goes to all the games I can, I love to see them do well even though it has been an odd mix of good luck and weird circumstances. Don’t forget, though, that our boys had to hit the shots. There will still be haters, but imagine how hard it is for Felton to ignite a culture or mentality of winning without having done it!
We have a great chance today against the Hogs. If we lose, though, I’m sure all the Freshmen and the senior leaders (Humphrey and Woodbury) and Felton’s new class will be able to look back and see how Georgia basketball should be played. And Felton will not be fired.
By sUGAr_girl
March 16, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
This has been a incredible two days — tornadoes, playing on GT court, star players fouling out, walk-ons steppin up, 2 wins in one day by a #6 seed! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!?? We could be cutting down nets for an SEC championship on GT Court tonight. They can do it if they all stay in the game and keep the fire.
By TICKET SITUATION - From a Real Newspaper
March 16, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Bill, here is an article on why so few fans were allowed in. No news on ticket situation today. Leave it to the AJC to just mention the negatives, bottom line is they couldn’t get the security to manage the crowd at the new venue. http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1205655408103940.xml&coll=2&thispage=1
By Lake Oconee Dawg
March 16, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Love them dawgs hate those yellowjackets!!!
By Lake Oconee Dawg
March 16, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Do the dawgs have enough fire? Winning two SEC games in one day and one of those wins was a # 2 seed. The players are playing for their coach. A great coach and a better man. Win or lose against the hogs Coach Felton needs to be signed to a long term contract. A great individual. Go dawgs!!! Beat hogs!!!
By Jim
March 16, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Felton wasn’t whining about playing two games in one day, he was complaining because he thought there was a more fair way to do it. Felton wanted to play Kentucky yesterday and then have the two semi-finals games played on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and the winners would play in the championship game at 3:00 p.m that afternoon. That way the two winners both had to play 2 games in the same day. Sounds fair to me and he suggested it but the SEC shot it down. That is why he was upset.
By DawgNLville
March 16, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
For all of you Felton bashers, let’s get one thing straight. You can no longer say the man can’t coach: the Dawgs have not only put themselves in the championship game, but did it by winning two games in less than 12 hours.
DnL
By Gene
March 16, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Anyone who thinks that Damon Evans has anything to do with athletics at UGA is disillusioned. The players have rallied around Felton in the same way Auburn football players rallied around Tubberville a few years back when a devious president and athletics director tried to dump him. It was a great team effort, and Felton is due the credit.
By Cuz
March 16, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Great effort by the roundball Dawgs and Coach Felton. Two wins in one day over strong opponetts. Give the coach at least another year.
Go Dawgs in the championship game today.
By FLA DAWG
March 16, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
I hate to look a Gift Dawg in the mouth - especially since I think Felton should be given another year BUT, The Dawgs have beaten three top teams by good game plan, good shooting and good execution and drive. We obviously have the talent to win so why wasn’t Felton able to get this from them during the season?
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 16, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
markrichtfan
Go stuff it where the sun don’t shine. Any TRUE fan of the GA DAWGS would love to see their school excel on the national stage in any sport. What about the LadyDawgs,Gymdawgs,the Tennis and Golf teams, all have succeeded and help GA’s athletic program to national recognition for it’s success. Yeah Mark and the football team may be the top focus but no TRUE FAN would disparage the amazing accomplishments of the last 48 hrs with such an asinine remark. Stay gone — your not welcome around here with that crap !!
GO DAWGS !!!!
By eddie from acworth
March 16, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
HOW SWEET IT WOULD BE TO WIN THE SEC AND THEN DANCE ON TECH’S LOGO
By Royaldog
March 16, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Congratulations to Cocach Felton and the nitty-gritty Dogs. What an inspiration they have been to a never say die attitude. Go Dogs!!
I do not live in Atlanta, so, forgive me if I do know the answer, but why couldn’t the games have been moved to the Phillips Arena or Gwinnett Center. I know Phillips Arena is set up for basketball. If they had used it, enough fans could have found their way around all the tornado damage to get to it. Just wondering.
By johnson is a johnson
March 16, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
After the embarrassment that was the Jim Harrick fiasco, everybody wanted a coach that would bring respectability back to UGA basketball - and we got that. Now they complain that this coach, who has no issue with letting star players who can’t tow the moral line go, isn’t winning enough. I’ll take a long slow progression with the right guy any day before another fast ascension with another sleaze ball coach (and his son) ever again.
By DirtyDawg
March 16, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
The reason they couldn’t go to Phillips is that it was already booked for stuff. Plus, if the fans could have ‘picked their way around the debris’ to get to Phillips, they could have done the same thing to get to the Dome. Only people would have been concerned about their safety and opened everybody up to the mindset of the Kentucky guy that said he was gonna file a ‘class action suit’ against the Georgia Dome…I mean are you real? Why the hell not include Mother Nature in your plans? What do you think, that you still own the SEC? You lost. Get over it. Just like we’ve had to all these years.
By JP
March 16, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Gator fan here - I am totally pulling for the Dawgs today. To win 2 hard fought games in one day, under the craziest circumstances is awesome. Good luck in the final and hope Felton gets a chance next year.
By Rev. Jimmy Jack Bourbon
March 16, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Hello, my Fellow Reprobates: I am in a hurry and on my Blackberry and about to get up to preach. (The choir is singing now.) One word: Denny’s Dogs looked good yesterday. They played their hearts out for Denny Felton and the Dawg Nation. Denny should stay. Back off, Damon! Hey, Denny’s Dogs, the eyes of the Rev. and the Dawg Nation are upon you. My sermon? “Beware of the dogs…” Philippians 3.2.
By Edgar
March 16, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I wonder the same thing FLA DAWG. But go back to the football team. Everyone wrote them off after USC & UT smoked them. Sometimes it takes just a little something to get a team to stop thinking about not losing a game and just going out and having fun. You look at the faces of these players and it’s different. Winning is fun and it causes more of the same. This afternoon is going to be interesting. Maybe it took the tornadoes to blow away “Catlanta” and bring in Canine County. What makes it sweeter is the Dawgs marked their new found territory right in the middle of GT’s so called thrilla dome. HA
By Edgar
March 16, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Catlanta is no more.
By Thxtech
March 16, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
There’s nothing like home court advanage. Having the court you’re playing on keep you fired-up the entire game. Every where you look … Georgia Tech on the floor, Buzz on the floor, ACC in the lane. Not to mention the spankings recieved on that floor in the past by Tech. Oh, yea the fact that your team plays at the venue every year should help also. Just think about it, your may win it all at the Buzz…er.
Good Luck Dawgs!
By Gordon
March 16, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
What’s with the negative comments about Tech? We were nice enough to let the SEC use our facility at the last minute at no charge (check out the AJC this morning), and I even found myself pulling for the underDawgs yesterday, and then we get “GT’s so called thrilla dome - HA” and a comment about dancing on our logo. Grow up.
For the rest of you, good luck today.
By Hunk Erdown
March 16, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Congrats Dawgs! Go get them Hawgs today!
Off Topic, but I want to give a shout out to the Oglethorpe Ladies B’Ball team for making it to the NCAA div.3 Final Four. Way to go to Anna Finley from Hiram for breaking the NCAA division 3 tournament record (which she set last year at 38) for scoring 44 points yesterday to lead her team to the final four! 8-10 from behind the arc! Congrats Stormy Petrels!
By Al 2 the Ex
March 16, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
does anybody know if the dawgs will make the BIG tourney if they do lose.
By Scott
March 16, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Great weekend for the DAWGS regardless of what happens in today’s final.
I’ve never questioned Felton’s integrity and determination to clean up the program but like many of you I have questioned his X’s and O’s. A week ago I was firmly implanted on the FIRE FELTON bandwagon. I WAS WRONG!!
No, winning 3 games in 2 days isn’t what changed my mind although if you watched the games Saturday and analyze the coaching decisions he made it’s obvious that the man can coach. It goes deeper than that though.
The amount of heart, effort and determination required of the players to reach this point could only be accomplished by a TEAM. After all that has happened over the past couple of years it would have been very easy for the guys to have quit on Felton. They’re reading all of the FIRE FELTON banter too. They’re aware of the public’s perception of the Bulldog program. But they didn’t quit. Felton never lost these guys and they’ve bought into his program. Don’t believe it - look at the way the defense has played this weekend. Hats off to Coach Felton and the team for their accomplishment.
GO DAWGS!! LET’S DANCE!!
By tenn.DAWG
March 16, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Finally,players and coaches getting the repect they deserve.Maybe now,Evans and Adams will get on “The Bulldawg Bandwagon ” and promote Basketball like most of the other SEC schools do.
By Paula
March 16, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
The SEC should have played one game Saturday at Tech, the other at Gwinnett and let ticket holders in on a first-come-first serve basis. Then played the second game at Tech using the same ticketing method. Then played the championship game Sunday at Phillips (if available) with the same policy. It’s not rocket science.
By ATLFALCONS
March 16, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I know it wasnt the Ga Dome’s call or even the city but having the games played in an empty arena is an embarrasment to the SEC and the city of Atlanta. What Georgia is doing is great but the story is playing games with no one in attendance. Hell, let people pay whatever they would to get in and donate the money to charity. And yes the SEC is having a down year and when you are having a down year you get two teams in the final that at the start of the tournament neither was in the dance.
By eddie from acworth
March 16, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
HEY GORDON…JEALOUS???? HBTD!!!!
By Pitbull
March 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Hey ATLFALCONS read the blog - the game was moved so it could be played, but security could not be arranged overnight for the new venue so they did not let many people in. I appreciate the responsibility on the SEC’s part for recognizing that and dealing with it.
As for all those “fans” that have called for Felton’s head due to the rough year, I hope all of you get your butts fired from your jobs the next time you run into adversity in your jobs and have an rough year. You do not deserve any better.
By AltamahaDawg
March 16, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Darn Johnson, here we all thought we were supposed to be happy today and you go and tell us we aren’t “most smart people” to be so.
I think you are speaking way too much for what folks think. At BEST, its been 50/50 in support of Felton, and I am talking back a few days ago when nobody thought they would win this weekend. BTW, no worries, nobody is advocating keeping Felton after the result of this tournament that wasnt already, so check your paranoia.
Excluding the passionate comment directed at you here, (which I attribute to just poor timing on your part, and not having the good judgement to just not nothing, if you can’t join the rest of us to appreciate the moment), if you look at the comments in support of retaining Felton, they have been very well thought out, rational, and calm. Maybe we are wrong. Disagreeing with the points are fine,(although blindly glossing over them is a bit suspect) But you are pretty presumptuous to say that smart people don’t support Felton. I’d say the overwhemlming reasons listed are: recognition of the various circumstanses. That’s not emotionally charged arguments of (not smart) people. Conversely, look at the majority of negative comments lately and COMPARE the tone and presentation of arguments.
By ATLFALCONS
March 16, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Pitbull
Nothing but an excuse. You can arrange for consessions but not security, come on. What about the security that was going to be used at the Dome. I bet you beleive everything you hear and read. Still an embarrassment.
By AltamahaDawg
March 16, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Also, there were also too many tickets already sold for the capacity of that new venue, so how would you ever decide at the door who gets is?
By Bama Dog
March 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Johnson, per your quote at the bottom of this comment:
What defies logic is that you have already forgotten the disaster that Felton inherited from the Herricks and the national ridicule and embarrassment they brought on UGA, the horrible death of a player, the strictest classroom standards in the SEC that Damon Edwards has imposed on the UGA athletes, the less than competitive basketball facilities, and Felton’s commitment to run a clean program. Not many coaches would have the balls to even consider taking on the challenges that Felton recognized when he accepted the UGA position and his dedication to improving the reputation of the Georgia program.
Having lived in Bama and Big Blue country, I never want to see the rest of the country to equate Dawg fans with fans from those schools. . win at all costs and to hell with the coaches and players.
I’m sure with your basketball expertise and superior coaching skills, we should immediately tap you as the next coach.
To quote:
What defies logic is all you people who have already forgotten about the losing season and 5 mediocre years under Dennis Felton’s leadership because of 3 wins!
By ATLFALCONS
March 16, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Deciding on who gets tickets is easy. You still refund all the tickets for the games at the Dome and people stand in line just like college kids and first come first serve gets in and has to pay and sits wherever. Instead lets have a game with an empty gym and have fans standing outside willing to pay to get in. That makes sense.
By Proud Dawg
March 16, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to add for those of you not keeping track: that’s 3 wins against teams that are being talked about getting in the NCAA tourney; 2 that are supposed locks and one on the bubble!
Go Dawgs!!
By Oledawg
March 16, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Junk Yard Dogs? How about Felton’s Fleabags? Denny’s Dawgs doesn’t quite fit the iconoclastic nature of this team. What a bunch! These players are special and have already thumbed the B-Ball Soothsayers in the eye. Why don’t us fans go to our Official Dawg site and look at these players as individuals. What are their likes and dislikes? After all, they are OUR Bulldogs who have furnished us a modicum of pride after the program was indeed left in shambles.
Coach Felton and his fleabags have a game today. Cheer your guts out- they are playing theirs out for themselves and our University. They have certainly earned the right to be called BULLDOGS and wear our uniform with pride. What a Bunch!
By Bob Sacamano
March 16, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Hey, is that the same bama dawg from tsn.com?
By honest_abe
March 16, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
kudos to dennis felton and his small bunch of passionate dawgs. yesterday was one of the most exciting days in uga bball history. couldnt’ have happened to a better coach and even better man. it was about time the winds of luck started blowing his way.
for all those that continued to support coach felton is there any way today could feel any better? hell ya lets kick some hog tail!
gooo dawgs!!!
By Buckhead Bulldog
March 16, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
eddie from acworth
??????????
Go Dogs, and thank you for the goodwill, Georgia Tech! People with some class understand how you lent a helping hand. Thanks, Jackets!
Sic’em………..
By Henry the Hammer
March 16, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
You guys are a bunch of f*….go get laid or something and quit spending your day talking about basketball on the internet…GO DAWGS!!!!!
By Buckhead Bulldog
March 16, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
eddie from acworth
????
Thank you for the goodwill, Georgia Tech. UGA fans with some class actually appreciate the helping hand the Jackets extended to us.
Go Dogs! Sic’em……….
By oldgold
March 16, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Where did you find this team ? You haven’t written about them in the past month. If they were in the NCAA final game, no one would attend. The network would declare bankruptcy.
By Leems
March 16, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
What a huge advantage for Georgia to be playing in these circumstances. Playing in front of 1000 people (only half of them georgia fans) is like playing a home game for them.
By Cuz
March 16, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Dawgs up ahead 10 points at the half. We need another strong start in the second to gut them pigs.
A shoutout to Tech for allowing the SEC to use their arena for the remainder of the tournament. A very class act on Tech’s part.
Put me on the list of Johnson’s stupid people. I want Felton to remain coach whether we win or lose today.
Hey Alt, how is the weather on the coast. I am gonna get my asterisk down there after Masters.
By Linda
March 16, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Do you believe in miracles?
By td
March 16, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I went to Tech, which means I’ve been trained to hate UGA, but what the men’s team just did is amazing. For a team that was essentially last in the league to win four games in four days (and two in one day) is perhaps the greatest achievements I’ve seen in college basketball since Villanova played out of their mind in beating heavily-favored Georgetown in ‘85. My hat is off to the Bulldogs.
By SouthGARules
March 16, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Where did all the UGA basketball fans come from? Out of the woodwork because they sure didn’t show up at Stegman this year. Bliss & Gaines had a winning record at Alexander but none of the wins were against Tech. I’m glad to see Bliss has improved. (1st game @ Tech 5 min, 5 fouls, NO POINTS. Hell is about to freeze over.
By Comin' Down The Track
March 16, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
F@&k the naysayers. Shut your mouths. Oh, yeah, one more thing. Thanks, Tech.
By Buckhead Bulldog
March 16, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Wow!!!!!!!!
By Buckhead Bulldog
March 16, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Wow!!!!!!!!
By Bob Sacamano
March 16, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
KISS MY @$$ JOHNSON, YOU POSER BULLDOG FAN!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!
By Edgar
March 16, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Come on Baby put yo RED **DRESS on. Let’s go dancin’ all week long.
By Dwayne
March 16, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Thanks ‘TD’….very classy! Thanks to all the Yellow Jackets who were so gracious…but remember..when we meet up again….ITS ON!!! HOW ‘BOUT ‘DEM DAWGS?!!!!!!
By White and Gold
March 16, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Glad to finally see some quality wins at the Thriller Dome. AKA Stegman-South.
By Tville Dawg
March 16, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
What a great day to be a DAWG!!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!!
By ssidawg
March 16, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
I’m not going to pretend to be a big basketball fan all of a sudden but I’ve been very compelled by the SEC tourn the past 2 days. I’m proud of the Dawgs for digging deep and playing hard to win the SEC and make it into the NCAA tournament. I certainly didn’t expect this and that makes it even better. It looks like the b-ball team took inspiration from Coach Richt and “Finished The Drill”!!
By SamoanDawg
March 16, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
WoW AMAZING!… oops, dawgs did it again. Felton, I guess your job is safe and sound bra.
Woodbury buried the pigs with four 3s… wow, everybody played exceptional defense.
We’re going to the big dance… so, I guess we get the lowest seed, right?
sic’em!
By SamoanDawg
March 16, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
WoW AMAZING!… oops, dawgs did it again. Felton, I guess your job is safe and sound bra.
Woodbury buried the pigs with four 3s… wow, everybody played exceptional defense.
We’re going to the big dance… so, I guess we get the lowest seed, right?
sic’em!
By Edgar
March 16, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Now come’s the NCAA”s payback. We’ll probably get a 16 seed and have to play somewhere in Washington State. But who cares. We’ll take anything they give us and work it. Yeah……….
By Bravesfan79
March 16, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Now im a Hardcore GT Basketball fan, but what Georgia just did proves Felton is a good coach and yall are lucky to have him. Gluck to the dogs in the NCAA tourney.
Dont get it twisted tho, GT basketball still is tops in the state!
By oldgold
March 16, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
UGA winning the SEC champ shows, as if we needed it, the joke that this conference is. The AJC, never missing a change to report the irrelevant, has spent the past month discussing Richts next 10 recruiting classes while the states “flagship” (barf!) uni was preparing to win its conf champ. Well, so much for laughs. Now we can finally focus on the real tournament.
By oldgold-not
March 16, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Must be sad being on the outside looking in! Right? Finally some quality wins at the thriller dome (Stegman-south). Good luck in the NIT if you make that far.
By Matt
March 16, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Winning the SEC tournament, becoming the talk of college basketball, doing it all on your most hated rvial’s home court…PRICELESS!
By Giordano
March 16, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Basketball is the one sport where teams from 20-30 years ago would bury the teams of today if they could play. What has happened to the mighty powerhouses of yesteryear? Now we have .500 teams winning conference tourneys and wasting spots in the NCAA bracket. Basketball - NBA and college - is an afterthought in this day & age. I didn’t even know the tournaments had started - 20 years ago I wouldn’t have missed them for the world.
By CitrusDawg
March 16, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
I only scanned through the comments, but I have to agree with Edgar regarding Andy Landers. Yes, he’s an icon at the school, but he has under-achieved with all the talent he’s had over the years. Now his star is dimming and if he doesn’t voluntarily step aside he should be terminated. The Women’s program can’t be allowed to slip any further, and that’s the danger we face now. It’s fairly obvious Landers isn’t going to bring a National Championship to UGA in his tenure, so let’s get some fresh blood to pump the program back up.
By AltamahaDawg
March 16, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Does anyone thing the nicname “Dennis Fulton” is going to stick?
By Keeping It Real
March 16, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
I am so happy for Dennis Felton. If Jawja lets him go, it would be their loss and someone’s gain. He never gave up on his players and they never gave up on him. How great is this for the team.
By The Big Bug
March 16, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Hats off to to Felton and the Dogs. That’s how you respond to pressure with class and dignity. I hope we will return to that level in the near future.
By AltamahaDawg
March 16, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
I guess everyone has read by now that Evans publically stated today that Felton was going to be at the University of Georgia next year.
By Zeb McKluskey
March 16, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
I’m going to have to apologize GA fans, but I just don’t follow basketball. I’m very glad to hear that our guys won the tournament, but I’m not going to get very worked up about it. Please don’t judge me accordingly as my allegiance starts in September. I’m sorry. I beg for forgiveness. God bless UGA and every program they have…….especially ……football.
By R. Lee Gordon
March 16, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Congrats to the a good team and coach who stuck together and in doing so, came out on top …
R. Lee Gordon www.uniteedesign.com
By Bill
March 17, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the link, TS. Good info.