AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 19
Friday, October 19, 2007
Hard not to think about hoops
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From what I know, and that’s relatively limited compared to the recruiting mavens out there, Tech fans should be quite happy about Chicago’s Iman Shumpert committing to the Jackets.
Hewitt likes big guards, of course, and this guy is built somewhat like Javaris Crittenton. I don’t think he’s as inclined to drive, but capable of it, and his ball-handling skills may be behind Critt’s at the same stage. But apparently, he’s a solid shooter, and a very nice all-around player.
He won’t play at Tech until this time next year, but while he’s played mostly SG the consensus opinion is that he’ll play PG and SG at Tech. Barring strange events, Clinch will be the starting SG next season (as a senior), and Storrs figures to be in line for time there as well. Morrow will be gone, of course. Matt Causey will be gone from the PG lineup, and Maurice Miller is the leader to be the starter at that position. Then, Shumpert.
But who knows? What if he grows two inches this season to 6 6 1/2? I’m not saying he will, but it’s happened. Then, he might work at the 3 spot. Pure speculation on my part.
With Smith and Dickey departing after this season, one could argue that the Jackets will have some space inside. On the roster, that’s true. But Aminu, Lawal, Peacock, Sheehan and even Faye - although Paul said his hope is that with Mouhammad’s quick feet and length he can become chiefly a perimeter guy - the Jackets have a head start in the size department. Of course, the jury is most out on Sheehan in this group, but that’s true of all of them to some degree.
If even one of those four doesn’t measure up, or washes out, Tech’s recruitment of Ralph Sampson of Duluth becomes that much more important. He’s 6-11, the son of a hell of a college basketball player (and not a bad pro).
The other guy in the Jackets’ crosshairs is 6-2 point guard Ty Taylor of Jersey City.
I won’t be shocked if a name heretofore on the margins creeps into Tech’s recruiting picture. They’re losing (at least) four scholarship players in Morrow, Dickey, Smith and Causey. I bet Paul wants to fill all four spots.
By the way, anybody know where Paco Diaw ended up? The San Diego thing didn’t work out, and I think he might be in the state of Tennessee, but I’m not sure.
On to football, since we must go there …
Tech wins about 34-13 Saturday over Army (by the way, I’m really looking forward to the trip to Army next year; it’s supposed to be one of the great venues in all of college football). Hope the weather cooperates for Homecoming.
Tashard needs 160 yards to become the first Tech player ever to reach 1,000 in eight games. I don’t think it’ll happen. He won’t play long enough, in my opinion.
Eddie Lee Ivery hit 1,000 in the first quarter of the ninth game one year.
I agree with Tony Barnhart’s suggestion: Have Taylor throw a lot in the first half. I didn’t agree with that concept last week, not that it matters, right? But Tech needs work in the passing game, obviously, and Army is a good chance.
Who would like to see Nesbitt play about four possessions tomorrow? About six throws to Donley from any and all QBs? Dwyer run substantially for the first time in weeks? A few interceptions by the defense (which has just two)?
On an unrelated note, should strength of schedule play a bigger part in the BCS standings? I have mixed feelings on that one. Clear ‘em up for me.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
