AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJackets show mettle in first test
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So Tech was finally tested Monday, getting kicked where it hurts in the first half by Purdue. And then, the young Yellow Jackets bowed up. Good stuff.
You knew this was coming, it had to happen. After three scrimmages in which it was easy to rave about so much of what the Jackets did, somebody had to bang ‘em around a bit. And Purdue did. Tech didn’t help itself much in the first 17 minutes or so, jacking up some ridiculous shots while missing 19 of the Jackets’ first 26 — often even when covered by multiple defenders.
And Paul Hewitt acted exactly like he knew it was coming, and hardly cared (though you know he did). The Tech coach was much louder and more animated in the second half, even after the Jackets pulled away. As he low-keyed it in the first half, it was like watching a parent let his kids climb a tree for the first time, knowing they’d fall and hurt themselves.
So after flailing repeatedly, and slipping behind 24-17, the Jackets got up, didn’t bother dusting off, and climbed like mad. They scored just a point a minute for the first 17, and then 62 points over the next 23 minutes. They sorted out their own mess and cleaned it up. Purdue could do little about it, and this Purdue team, by the way, is considerably better than the mess that was 9-19 last season with a slew of injuries.
There’s a moxie about this squad unlike whatever pox draped the Jackets last year, and it starts where it should, at the point. Javaris Crittenton not only gets it, but he can play. It’s quite possible to have one of the two going for you, but not the other. He has both, and enough fussing about him forcing his offense. He took just nine shots, hit four, and nailed 11 of 12 free throws. Add five assists, and you have more good stuff.
Subplots abound for Tech, which figures to be tested even more today by No. 12 Memphis, which, like Tech, is young, deep and frenetic (and similarly poor at the free-throw line, other than Crittenton, Lewis Clinch and Anthony Morrow).
Talking to Ra’Sean Dickey after the game, he made an interesting comment on how he’s decided to focus on rebounding and defense. He lost his starting job to a freshman, yet hasn’t caved. He’s leading the team in rebounding off the bench, scoring some, defending far better than ever (he had two blocks and disturbed several other shots Monday). Now there’s a team mentality, although I still think the Jackets may find themselves counting on his scoring at points this season.
The guy who replaced him, Zach Peacock, hit a three-pointer and a few jumps shots on the way to 13 points. Before you say a center shouldn’t be shooting treys, know that Hewitt has warned to watch for that part of Peacock’s game. Paul doesn’t have a problem with Peacock taking that shot, as long as it’s in rhythm, and within the flow of the offense. That’s diversity.
Plenty of hoops to be played, and who knows whether injuries will be a factor. One potential problem that jumps out at me concerning Morrow. Clinch has started because Morrow missed the first few weeks of practice while mending from a stress fracture in his back. He’s still not completely right physically, I don’t think. There’s a real possibility that as long as Clinch keeps playing the way he is, Morrow remains a reserve even when he returns to full health. How will he react? If he handles it the way Dickey handled his move, good news (not that Ra’Sean was happy, but he was professional even though he’s not a pro). It doesn’t seem like Morrow’s personality, but if he were to go the other way, or even to brood too openly, what effect might that have?
Tech’s top two players from last year, Dickey and Morrow, are coming off the bench now, and another who struggled down the stretch last season while battling back and knee problems, Jeremis Smith, is playing like a rejuvenated — and healthy — man. Who couldn’t predicted such a turnaround? Can he stay healthy?
Who knows if any of this will matter? Nobody. But it might.
There’s a lot of positive mojo around the Jackets, and I don’t think a loss will derail it. Hewitt says defense will determine his team’s success rate. Perhaps it’ll come down to something else that’s much more difficult to predict, or explain. Ebb and flow will come. It always does. The freshmen eventually will struggle. Morrow probably will get healthy. Players will ail. None of that may be as important as egos remaining so wonderfully checked and balanced as they are right now.
Comments
By ben
November 21, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
All thats true, but no one has mentioned: Thadeus Young is a MAN. When he gets comfortable, he’s going to be a Carmelo type that can take over any game. They didn’t play well, but won anyway. Let’s hope they embrace Hewitt’s defensive style (which they haven’t, as of yesterday) and this team could be special!
By justanotherguy
November 21, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
Indeed.
I look for game-over-game improvement in some aspect of the game, and I really like Hewitt’s demeanor on the sideline.
Really liked him keping them focused when they were up 5, then 10, then 15.
Everything slides off until the first loss. Then we’ll see how they react.
Hopefully, Crittendon and Young will react well, and they’ll be fine.
It will be fun to watch this team develop.
By crazy-4-GT
November 21, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Matt - this was posted on another blog..is there any truth to it….chan appears to be headed for notre dame so i think team will give him a send off with a big win saturday!!go jackets!!
By CV
November 21, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
The Jackets got a win against a more quality team in Purdue and I’m very happy about that. But, I thought they played very sloopy and did not protect the ball very well. It seems that Hewitt’s teams have always had a lot of turnovers. They should get better at that, but if we continue to play like we did yesterday, we will get killed by a well disiplined and mature team.
Go Jackets! Beat Memphis! THWG!
By Blake
November 21, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Hewitt is a great coach and he will have his team disciplined enough to stop turning the ball over as much. I agree with CV, if they dont protect the ball tonight they might be in trouble. Memphis is for real.
By Burdell's Brother
November 21, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
For all you true Tech fans, how many games can you recall where we spot a team 7 to 10 point leads and come back and win. Previous Tech teams have come undone when playing from behind. I do not know about you all, but watching that game, i have a quiet confidence, that even though we were being out played the score was not moving. I knew we would start hitting some shots and we would take off and look what happened. This team has the potential to be great, but egos are the main concern the freshamn are great, but they need to keep in mind 2 guys do not win ball games!
Go Jackets!
What’s the Good Word?
By George
November 21, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
Good stuff Matt.
By An opinion
November 21, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
The returning players will have to embrace their new roles. But I think that ties in with egos. Also, I like Faye’s leaping ability at 6’10”.
By Former Dawg Boster
November 21, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Dear Jackets,
You must win! I went to Southlake Mall last night and took my nephew for pictures with Santa. He got on the lap and asked for a Calvin Johnson - Ga Tech jersey for Christmas. The FAT BAST_RD! said I am sorry son Santa is a Dawg fan!. It took me two hours to get the kid to stop crying. If you are a Tech Fan, never go to Southlake and we need to have this Santa fired. I did love the Dawgs, but watching this kid cry broke my heart and I am behind Reginald Ball and the boys from now on!!!!! Poor little John may be scarred for life. Tell Sonny to fix this.
By Calvin Johnson
November 21, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Former, Touching story. You tell that boy that Calvin will score 3 TD’s just for him and win easily. Oh and Southlake Santa has been neutered to stop any sensless breeding in what should be tech country!!
By chuck
November 21, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
I agree that the turnovers must decrease, but if we can’t play consistent defense we’re doomed when we hit the ACC trail. There was a period in the first half when Perdue was taking it to the hole for a layup or a dunk every time down the floor. Also there were many, many times when they would shoot a three that there wasn’t a defender anywhere near - thank God they missed most of them.
By Wedgie Evans
November 21, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
I am really really happy with Dickey’s play so far this year, he’s been playing like Ben Wallace (OK not really, but he’s been really good). He is playing much more aggressively than last year, and it is very obvious that he is focusing on defense and rebounding. GT needs a man like that inside and he is giving the team that presence they need. Between him, Jeremis Smith, Peacock, and Young, the Jackets should be able to dominate the glass all year, and hopefully it will result in Crittenton leading the team to some fast break points.
By brad in KY
November 21, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
And what exactly is Chan going to do at Notre Dame? Shine Charlie Weiss’ shoes? Fluff his pillow?
By stinGTime
November 21, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
wow…the game Tues night was really a comeback….wow again.
Smith played like a pro tonight! Think what will happen when they actually do not get behind early…
By mountain_jim
November 21, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
Finals tomorrow!