AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmith, West need to lead
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ll get back with another blog later, but as people keep asking me what the key to Tech is, I’ve spent a little more time thinking about that than usual.
While playing well in winning seven of their last nine in the regular season, the Jackets defended and rebounded much better than in the middle third of the season. Some games, better defense than others.
Can’t sell short the importance of either one, but in looking for a way to approach from a different angle I’ll suggest that if you looks to be more specific, the Jackets to to follow the leads of Jeremis Smith and Mario West. First, though, they each need to take the bit and order a pace to follow.
There’s a reason Paul Hewitt added Jeremis as a co-captain with West after the season. In both players’ cases, their greatest effect does not always show up box scores. They’re not stats guys, but energy guys. Emotional cores.
UNLV coach Lon Kruger was quick to mention Javaris Crittenton and Thaddeus Young in his opening comments. When asked about Smith he said, “He’s a guy who’s kind of the glue. He’s a guy who’s physical. He’s involved in a lot of plays. He handles the ball well, he’s one of their inside guys, always going to the boards, active defensively. Our guys recognize very quickly that it’s not just about Crittenton or Young or Morrow.”
Comments
By Ramble ON!
March 15, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Best UNLV and GT’s in the sweet sixteen. Sorry Bagers, stick to making cheese!!
By Ramble ON!
March 15, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
oops, that beat!
By ben
March 15, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
The problem is that even though Smith and West lead through all out hustle, the do not lead in a “calm down, lets take this slow and methodically” fashion. That rests on Crit’s shoulders. When the team falls out of synch, it’s his job to get them back in position, running the offense and defense calmly and confidently.
By 308GT4+
March 15, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
If we beat UNLV, I see us going to the Elite 8 in short order. How we handle those three teams (UNLV, Wisconsin & Notre Dame) will determine if we also beat Florida to make it to the Final Four.
By ga_tech_92
March 15, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Don’t leave people open for 3’s…high energy D…box out and demand the rebound…take care of the ball on offense…and we win against any opponent.
Mario West is the man…GO JACKETS!!
By EC
March 15, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
www.elijahchristian.com
By Glenn
March 16, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Based on what I’ve read about UNLV’s perimter game, I’d like Tech’s chances much better if Hewitt would start West over Morrow and bring Bell in early and often to put the defensive clamps on. IMHO, Morrow is a so-so defender and his offensive contributions are sporadic at best. Look at the UVA game, when Tech had the Cavs wrapped up late in the game—with Bell and West getting lots of minutes. Hewitt took those two consummate defenders out of the game, went with Morrow, and UVA began scoring and won. Also, Bell will give Tech more on offense than you might think with short range jumpers, offensive rebounds, screens, etc. With Morrow starting, Tech’s chances are severely hampered.