AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMany questions for Tech in Maui
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s warm in Maui, of course, and quite humid. I don’t remember it being this humid when I was here before, but maybe that’s because I came during summer, when I was on my way from real humidity.
Anyway, the Jackets should feel at home in this weather. More to the point, will they play as they did in their first three games, all at home? I’m not asking if they’ll blow people out, because that seems unlikely.
But will they move the ball around with dispatch, as they have so far, and hit the boards, which was easier against undersized opponents than it will be here?
I’ll say this: With the schedule coach Paul Hewitt has players on, he’s taking this very seriously. This is not a vacation, although anybody with knowledge of Hewitt could’ve predicted that.
I’ll have a better feel for this once I get in the gym (and yes, it’s a gym, as the Lahaina Civic Center holds about 2,500), but on my flight from L.A., and in the airport there, Purdue fans outnumbered all others. I saw several Kentucky fans, too, and one Tech fan.
That’s not a scientific study, of course, and I know there will be dozens of Tech fans, maybe more, just from talking to some folks before I left. No matter the count, it figures to be a cozy atmosphere.
It’ll also be interesting to see if/when Anthony Morrow gets his legs under him. Nobody should be surprised that he’s off to a slow start. The stress fracture that was diagnosed in his back in September kept him out of the first two-plus weeks of practice. You can tell he’s not getting off the floor quick when he goes to jump, and his shot is lagging.
He led the ACC in three-point shooting percentage last year (42.9), and so far he’s hit just two of 10. He’s hit but seven of 20 shots, and he’s a shooter. I suspect that’ll change. Wonder if the transformation will start here. If it does, and he gets back around to shooting lights out, does he return to the lineup instead of Lewis Clinch, who’s merely leading the team with a 16.7-point average?
How will Tech buck up in the face of legitimate defense, like Purdue will play, and Memphis for sure, if those two teams meet in the second round?
Questions, questions.
The answers start coming in about five hours.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: Basketball
Comments
By Ramble ON!
November 20, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
You mean its Basketball season already?
By wes
November 20, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
What time do we play tomorrow after we win at 5 today?
By Burdell's Brother
November 20, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Biggest question, how do the freshman adapt to stiffer competition, and if the team continues to succeed, how do you keep their ego’s in check? I think Hewitt can do it. Go jackets!
What’s the GOOD WORD???
By mountain_jim
November 20, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
I saw the final 11 minutes as Tech pulled away and looked good doing it.
My first look at the talented new folks - color me impressed and hopefull for the season.
By DecaturTechFan
November 20, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
JACKETS LOOKED GOOD…..BUT, same old scene under hewitt. Slow hands. Balls slapped away, outquicked to the loose ones……need more hustle to make it to the big time.
By GC
November 20, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
The reason there were so many Purdue fans out here is that their football team will play Hawaii on Oahu this Saturday.
Being at the game, there were a few hundred Tech supporters. The Purdue fans felt like the referees were not calling fouls against Tech in the second half (at one point the foul disparity was 9 to 2). Crittendon definitely knew he could take his man off the dribble at will.
I agree with Hewitt that our defense will dictate the course of our season. My thoughts are Young doesn’t care about playing defense but obviously Hewitt won’t bench him.
By Not Disappointed!!
November 20, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
They look great in the first Game in Hawii. Run and Gun. I love it! Go Jackets! “What’s the Good word?” eh?
By GTMike
November 20, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
Hey knucklehead DecaturTechFan … the team is 4-0 … quit complaining!
By George
November 21, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this
After tonight I hope Morrow is back to 100% in time for the ACC. He really looked stiff.
By George
November 21, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this
DecaturTechFan - Young had 10 rebounds to lead the team and a couple blocked shots. I think that qualifies as playing some good defense.
By GT
November 21, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this
This is the deepest Tech team I’ve seen in a very long while…maybe ever. JCritty took over in the second half. Clinch and Morrow can both fill it up from outside. Young is the real deal. Dickey, Peacock, and Smith are forces inside. All of this with West and Faye coming off of the bench as well. It’s going to be a fun year.
By huck from marietta
November 21, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this
Deep team, but too bad we’re going to loose Young to the NBA draft next year since he’s mentioned as a potential lottery pick by all those jokers on ESPN each time he touches the ball. those guys are trying to have him leave as soon as possible b/c i don’t think they like the GT program… Anyways, good game and good luck vs. the tiggers @ 7PM.
By WFC
November 21, 2006 06:18 AM | Link to this
I’m really looking forward to the Memphis game. GT has all the pieces of a really good team. I was very impressed with Peacock and Faye. I had no idea how good they are. If Hewitt can blend it all together this will be a fun season. GT is very deep and JC will be right up there with Price, Anderson and Marbury before it’s all over.
By HelluvaJacketFan
November 21, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
Wow! We just knocked off Memphis, coming back from 16. This is a big boost from last year. Anyone remember that early invitational two years ago? If we can knock of the winner of KY/UCLA that would be a huge statement early in the season. Our freshmen are playing like upperclassmen and have really taken to being leaders on the court. It’s too early to start celebrating, but it looks like last year’s rebulding season has paid off. And if this wasn’t enough to excite Jacket fans, we’ve got this weekend in Athens to look forward to - To Hell With Georgia!