AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBasket full of ‘ifs’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This much we know: Georgia Tech’s at least as good as last season in men’s basketball. They have the same number of wins, 11, as last year. Of course, they have 16 games left to prove they’re better now, and they will.
But man, this is a brutal way to dive into the teeth of the ACC thrashing machine. At Clemson (15-0), home against Duke (13-1), home against vastly improved Florida State (12-3), at North Carolina (13-1) and at Maryland (13-2).
That’s not a schedule. That’s a death march.
Then again …
If Javaris Crittenton keeps taking care of the ball (27 assists, one turnover in the past three games) …
If the defense keeps the screws tight, and especially if Tech’s press keeps improving …
If Ra’Sean Dickey remains alert and perky, rather than slipping into that somnambulant dream world that coach Paul Hewitt loathes …
If Thaddeus Young keeps getting it, as he has for about three solid weeks now …
If Hewitt keeps players on the same page he’s on …
If Mouhammad Faye keeps improving upon his legend (what a line last night: 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists, no turnover, a steal) …
If Anthony Morrow hangs onto his stroke, which he has recovered while getting his weight down from a high of 223 pounds to the 210 he set as a goal for this season (five pounds bigger than last season) …
Then, it may hurt less to lose Lewis Clinch, which is not a lock anyway the way I understand things (and that’s not in any more detail than I’ve written).
Buckle up. Countdown to launch, 48 hours.
P.S. I don’t believe there’s anything to worry about with regards to Mario West. He didn’t play after twisting his back last night, but it didn’t appear to be serious. If I learn otherwise later today, I’ll post something on the website.
Comments
By ga_tech_92
January 4, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the views Matt, I agree we have a good shot…….if the “if’s” become “Deeds”.
By BUZZ
January 4, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this
Good blog Matt. That is alot of if’s but i think we’ll be ok. I knew something was up w/ Clinch. You just don’t pull a guy scoring 18pts. per unless there is something off the court going on. I know the team is young an gonna make mistakes but the pieces of the puzzle are there. Lets hope they put it together.
By Burdell's Brother
January 4, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this
I agree, a ton of if’s, but I think these elders have stepped up the leadership piece and the freshman are starting to get “it”.
A “W” on Saturday is huge, and 4-1, 5-0 in that stretch is not unthinkable, but an “L” is not the way to get started!
By Mike
January 4, 2007 04:35 PM | Link to this
They’re still young, and will lose a few on frosh errors…BUT, they will also win some unexpectedly, and I think will be OK in thelong run. I still believe that NEXT year is really our year!
By GT80
January 4, 2007 04:45 PM | Link to this
Get ready folks, the ACC is going to be brutal again. Only Wake and NC State are going to be sure NCAA tourney misses. And we already lost to Miami who will most likely finish at the bottom with those two. 8-8 will proabably get us in the NCAA but sure would be nice to go 10-6. But if all the if’s come thru then it’s possible. BB, if you think we start the ACC 5-1 (remember, we’re already 0-1) you’ve not been watching what’s going on with the other teams. I like our chances but it’s going to be rough.
By Ramble ON!
January 4, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this
That’s just the way it is in the ACC!
By Bear Fan
January 4, 2007 09:41 PM | Link to this
What is up with TV this Saturday? The AJC says no TV and Tech says it will be on Raycom. Who is correct? I told you guys weeks ago Clinch was in trouble in class. I also told you 4 days early Bennett was starting, before Reggie got canned. I am not looking for applause but Matt please don’t ignore the network. Caleb King ain’t getting into Georgia, he might start for Devry next season! Tech backed off Bobby Rainey from Griffin because of grades. I hear we may have one defection to Saban if we are not careful, Spurrier stole two of our boys last time a big fish hit the pond. Morgan Burnett at N. Clatyon may be good but I watched him play twice and I could not see the flash. He is big and fast, but intensity, I am not sure. He was playing some tough teams and had no support. Did Hewitt ask Aminu to redshirt and he declined? I feel that is why he was on the pine so long. He has talent and I have seen it in High School, he will be the man before he leaves.
By Clemson#1
January 4, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
Watch out Yellow Jackets. You are about to lose to Clemson again - but this time in basketball. ;-)
By ArkyTech
January 4, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Well, what have we here? Clempson talking basketball smack. How cute!
By Turnoliver Purnell
January 5, 2007 04:33 AM | Link to this
We are going undefeated in basketball this year. No doubt about it!
By Senior Citizen
January 5, 2007 04:45 AM | Link to this
As someone has said “freshmen keep both sides in the game”.It will be interesting to watch the improvement.
Go Jackets.
By TechFan
January 5, 2007 07:16 AM | Link to this
The latest is that Clinch hasn’t been playing because the school was investigating his eligibility. He will not be returning this season..that’s right, he’s ineligible. Time for A-Mo to step up his game.
By Mr. Sad Truth
January 5, 2007 07:54 AM | Link to this
Since 1997 (10 seasons) Tech is 4-45 on the road vs. Duke, UNC, NC State, Wake and Maryland - and actually 1-43 if you disregard the 3-2 Tech posted in 2003-4 (Final 4 team). That only win, by the way, was a last second 77-76 in 1998 vs. Wake (a very mediocre 7-9 NIT-bound Wake team at that). So, if you enjoy beating your head (until you draw blood) against the wall or you are an abject moron of biblical proportions - then Tech Hoops is for you.
By tater10
January 5, 2007 08:25 AM | Link to this
I just checked comcast. The game is on channel 48! Let’s see if we can get a long awaited road win?
By John
January 5, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Cinch hasn’t been playing? I thought he just played some in our last game?
By tater10
January 5, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
It is still unsure if he will be on the team or not. It’s more likely he won’t be but in case he is Hewitt is working him in a little. Don’t count on it!
By Rob
January 5, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
This is a ACC record 6-10 NIT team.
By Red Fox
January 5, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Clinch has played in nearly all games. He played 5 min in the last game…check the stats on www.ramblinwreck.com before posting so called non-sense at this.
By ArkyTech
January 5, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
I think TechFan meant that his diminished playing time was due to his likelihood of being ineligible after the Clempson game.
By tater10
January 5, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
That is exactly what he meant. Clinch is in the appeal process, but it doesn’t look good. At least we have an experienced backup behind him that shoots lights out from the perimeter.
By ben
January 5, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
This team has proved 0 so far. At least they built up their record with cupcake city so they can make the NIT.
By ArkyTech
January 5, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this
This team has a lot to prove, but to say they haven’t proved anything is asinine. They beat two good teams on a neutral court (Purdue and Memphis) and beat a hot Georgia team at home. Some good wins and 2 very disappointing road losses. The way I look at it, the preseason has been a wash and how they do in the ACC will determine their season. Worked out well that they got about 5 games to prepare for the ACC without Clinch.
By Scooter11
January 5, 2007 03:01 PM | Link to this
So once again the insects needed ineligible players to beat the Dawgs at something. Superior student/athletes, indeed.
By Casey
January 5, 2007 06:39 PM | Link to this
Any word on Peacock? I heard he would be examined later in the week. And the week is almost up, set for ACC play. So is he, or isn’t he playing?
By Clemson#1
January 7, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Hey ArchTech - It isn’t smack when you can back it up! Clemson just beat your mighty Yellow Jackets in BASKETBALL!!!
Ha!