AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJackets digging deeper; controversy rages
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You better have some time if you’re going to read this.
Some might think it strange (not to mention premature) to say, but the mens basketball teams looks like it can do some damage.
Man, this reminds me of a guy I used to hang with frequently back in the late ’80s when I spend too much time in long-dead Buckhead dives like the ACME Bar & Grill and the Orchestra Pit. We’d battle on sports-related points. He’d always say, ‘Don’t jump to conclusions; they don’t set a schedule so you can figure it out before it’s played out.” He was a knucklehead. But he was right, even if more often than not you can case a team by the midway point of its season.
Maybe trying to peg Georgia Tech previously, at least this incarnation of hoopsters, was a mistake, huh?
After a 77-74 win at N.C. State Wednesday night in which Matt Causey again rose from the near-dead (for 18 points after scoring 30 in the win Saturday over Virginia Tech), it’s clear the Jackets are tending to details much better than in their first 15 games. I’m including the 83-82 loss to North Carolina in this thought.
I told some other writers here that Causey this season has had a dislocated knee cap, a sprained ankle, a dislocated shoulder and a dislocated jaw, and they looked at me as if their jaws were going to drop out of place. He’s a freak with, as teammate D’Andre Bell said, “A lot of [plural — I’ll let you guess whats].”
Yes, it looks like the point guards are playing better, chiefly Causey, but players and coach Paul Hewitt are right in my opinion when they say a big part of that reason is because other players are helping them play better. They’re moving better without the ball, much better.
And the Jackets are playing better defense.
In recent games, they’ve done quite a number on three of the seven top scoring players in the ACC, holding Miami’s Jack McClinton, UNC’s Wayne Ellington and VT’s A.D. Vasallo to a combined 18-plus points below their combined averages.
Wednesday was a different challenge, as N.C. State freshman center J.J. Hickson entered the game as the league’s most accurate shooter.
Tech held him to 6 of 14. Gani Lawal did most of the dirty work behind Hickson, his fellow McDonalds All-American from last spring, and blocked five shots. I think four were Hickson’s.
Instead of double-teaming him with another post player, as the Jackets did a week earlier with UNC center Tyler Hansbrough (who nonetheless scored 27) Tech frequently sagged a guard inside much of the time to limit passing lanes to Hickson by fronting him, and to help try to dig the ball out of his hands.
They didn’t shut Hickson down. He finished with 16 points. But the defensive game plan made a difference.
“It was a team effort. Gani did a nice job contesting his shots,” coach Paul Hewitt said. “He could have gotten off another four or five shots [if the Jackets didn’t work. We did big-to-big double against Hansbrough. That was a little bit different than what we’ve done [with high-scoring bigs] in the past.”
It hasn’t always been pretty, but Tech’s playing with a new-found moxie.
There’s a lot to point out, and the first point here is huge.
Anthony Morrow’s four strip-the-cords free throws in the final 19 seconds were extra large. He’s making 85 percent.
But there was much more.
Although N.C. State went to the line eight more times, and made 21 of 28, Tech made 15 of 20, but MOST IMPORTANTLY made its last eight free throws in the final 2:01. Eight of the Jackets’ final 10 points came from the line, Zack Peacock making two, D’Andre Bell two and Morrow four. That was gigantic.
Tech did a good job (and N.C. State did a horrible job defending this) getting the ball into Morrow’s hands late. Again, he’s making 85 percent. Plus, he leads the Jackets in minutes played (528, or 29.3 per game), but has turned the ball over just 18 times, or once every 29 minutes — once per game despite playing more than everybody else.
The offense is operating much more efficiently of late. Tech made 14 of 24 shots in the first half, 15 of 25 in the second, 29 of 49 overall (59.2 percent). That’s tough to beat.
Snicker if you want, but be warned that snickering recently has been a foolish play. Tech is in play for the NCAA tournament, but with plenty of work to do. The Jackets’ strength of schedule (No. 7 in the nation AFTER last night’s game) has plenty to do with Tech’s 9-9 record. If they can win seven of their final 12, and win two games in the ACC tournament, they’re going to probably be on the bottom of the NCAA tournament bubble. That would make them 18-15, a push. If they go 8-4, and win one game, they’ll be 18-14. They’d be viable. They go 8-4 and win two, and they’re in at 19-14. Why?
Tech jumped to No. 64 in the projected RPI last night. Very importantly, the Jackets are 5-5 in road/neutral games, with wins at Tennessee Tech, Georgia State, and N.C. State and neutral wins over Notre Dame (No. 47 in the RPI) and UNC Charlotte (No. 79). That’s not earth-shaking, but not small potatoes. Lord knows the Jackets are going to have more chances on the road, where they’ll play four of their next five. Overall, they still have road games at Virginia, Wake Forest, UConn, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Duke and Boston College. Win three of those seven, and they’ll have a huge jump if they take care of business at home (Maryland, Miami, Virginia, Wake and Clemson). Look at some of their losses: No. 2 North Carolina, No. 3 Kansas, No. 12 Vanderbilt, No. 25 Indiana. They were very respectable in all but the Vandy game. Working against Tech: The Jackets are 0-2 against teams currently ranked 101-200 (Georgia, at 117, and UNC-Greensboro 120). Tech is 1-5 against teams currently in the top 50 (Notre Dame 47). Chances await to improve.
Moving on …
Tech turned the ball over just three times in the second half.
Gani Lawal is becoming quite a shot blocker, which may help lead to more press defense with him as the safety. Hewitt would prefer to play more press.
Rip Bell if you want, and at risk of being a fool. He played a team-high 34 minutes, scored 13. Yes, he had four turnovers, three in the first half. But he’s attacking the basket more, and he helps Tech’s perimeter defense. No Tech player is more mindful of details. I just don’t think he needs to play PG, which he didn’t Wednesday, unless there is an emergency.
Hotel Hewitt has shortened his rotation to nine players, with a very brief appearance by Lance Storrs against Va. Tech the only exception in the past five games. I think this helps chemistry, rhythm, role understanding. Starters played more than the first five minutes Wednesday before a substitution (Causey, Clinch).
N.C. State could have used a timeout late, but didn’t have any. Coach Sidney Lowe and the Wolfpack burned a few in the first half, and carried just two to the second half. Hewitt used only one in the first half, with 17 seconds left to set up a final play that did not work (and why not? Had he not used it, he could not have carried it to the second half). He had all he needed down the stretch, which as some well know, is a luxury he doesn’t always afford himself. He was uncommonly patient as N.C. State made a run or two in the second half, trusting that his guys would hold on, or until a pending TV timeout. Much improvement in this area.
Finally, my favorite …
I have to admit that I was, for lack of another word, disappointed in Matt Causey early in the season. I heard last season while he was sitting out after his transfer about his spunky nature, and that he could shoot. There wasn’t much evidence early. He was slow, a grab-and-clutch defender, and could hardly move left or right. He was a straight-line player with a good eye. His knee cap and ankle have healed somewhat, and he’s clearly a pretty good player. Not a defensive straightjacket, but easy to underestimate. He forces some bad plays by opponents. Annoys.
And he battles his butt off. I made the comment here last week that Tech could use more players built like him. Some commented sarcastically that, sure, the Jackets could use more 5-11, slow, white guys who can’t jump. It’s not white, or black, folks. It’s gray. This cat rolls in the gray. He has intangibles. He’s built the right way inside.
I asked teammates about him tonight. Nobody said it better than Morrow.
“That’s my home boy right there. He’s just one of those rowdy guys, scrappy,” Morrow said. “I knew he was crazy when he and Javaris [Crittenton] would get into it last year in practice. They’d go back and forth, and get into little scuffles. It was all out of competition. That’s when I knew he was a very competitive kid, and he was going to be able to go at anybody in the ACC.”
Nobody doe more with less athleticism than those two, Morrow and Causey. Every team needs players built like them.
Matt
P.S. Sorry about the controversy headline; just wanted to build in an extra reason to keep you reading.
Comments
By Back-to-Life
January 24, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Wow! I thought it was going to be a long, long season the way they were playing just a few weeks ago. We still need more players, but this is a very nice win! These last three games have been good, but I’m still waiting for the old team to show up again (I hope it never does). I also don’t want to see Gailey B-Ball - where the team get’s up for the tough game, plays hard and wins, but then loses focus once they gain confidence and are favored to win.
By ArkyTech
January 24, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
That was kind of a weird comment. Hewitt and Gailey are polar opposites when it come to playing style.
Causey is the X-factor on this team. He may be the gutsiest player I’ve ever seen in Gold and White. Total freak. He wouldn’t let the team fade in the final 10 minutes as they have been so oft to do over the past 3 years. Congrats, Tech. Good team win….and a long time in coming.
Sure feels good to win in Raleigh again.
By R, Thompson
January 24, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
Hewitt doesnt know his butt from deep center field.. Does he even know how to recruit? Cremmins was observed at Atlanta Air Port many times enroute to try to convience a potemtial basketball player to come to Tech. Hewitt must have fear of flying or either too shy to talk to a kid in high school.. And Im a life time Tech fan and Alumni..
By OG-T
January 24, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
Without Causey’s will to carry the team (the smallest, least heralded guy carrying the team … it all comes down to heart, and Matt is like the Grinch, his heart grew three sizes against VT and NC St), we don’t get these last two wins.
Two (or three counting UNC) don’t make a season, but it’s very refreshing to see better movement and the PGs seeming to carry the team (the one spot we thought was the weakest).
I still wish Clinch would snap back into his old self, that Peacock would allow himself to serve up his potential every game, and that Aminu could be counted on regularly for 10 pts and 7 rebs.
I’d love to see the team at 3-3 heading back home.
By MsDirect
January 24, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
While I was happy about the win, it looked to me that Tech should have been winning this game by 25 at halftime and run the Wolfpack out of the building. So many questions—- why no full court press throughout? Why so little ball movement? Why so many bad baseline drives? Why so many missed rebounds? Why so many defensive lapses and turnovers? The team is improving, but it’s so clear that they could be a helluva lot better.
By beau
January 24, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this
I used to cover Matt for a local High School show in town and marveled at his competitiveness then. When I told him that no HS player had beaten me in a three point contest he immediately walked out onto the court and dispatched me with a 15 for 17 performance at East Hall.
It’s a shame people aren’t getting to see what the kid could have done if his knee wouldn’t have gone. He actually used to be quick. I’m certain he would have been an All ACC type player without the injuries.
Good luck Matt.
By GTBALTFAN
January 24, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this
Thank the Lord. A Road Win!! Really tired of losing in Raleigh, so this was refreshing. Still seems like the team becomes complacent during the middle of the game, like on Saturday after halftime and last night during the middle twenty minutes of the game. And the first half turnovers, numerous uncontested close-in shots and occasional lack of rebounding effort are all frustrating. Yet, the Jackets are clearly playing closer to their potential over the past week. As Matt points out, Tech has dug itself a pretty deep hole and they need to win some games against teams they’re supposed to lose to. Causey has a non stop engine and I can’t believe he’s only getting 20 minutes a game. The kid is a definite firecracker and the spark that sets his colleagues ablaze. His hustle and the speed at which he plays(even though he ‘s not a sprinter)are infectious and his teamates need to figure out how to keep that going when he’s on the bench. Guys, you have some good players and you are definitely playing more team ball. Just play hard for 40 minutes and good things will happen. I’ll be in C’ville on Saturday hoping for a similar result.
By WFC
January 24, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
It’s great to see GT play with more determination. Mario West is still my favorite Jacket of the last few years but Matt Causey is a close second. Kudos to Anthony Morrow for his clutch free throw shooting.
Paul Hewitt seems to be improving in his substitution patterns. The Virginia game on Sunday will be Tech’s “make it or break it” game of the year. Lawal and Smith seem solid inside. Aminu and Peacock seem to understand their roles. I think a key for GT is whether Morrow and Clinch can provide scoring.
Tech has proven that it can “play with the big boys” (Indiana, Kansas, UNC). Let’s be consistent.
By RAMBLE ON!
January 24, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
WAY TO HANG TOUGH LAST NIGHT JACKETS…KEEP IT UP!!!
By gt45
January 24, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
I think Causey’s play is contagious. He is certainly a spark plug, but it was a team effort last night. I hope PH keeps bringing him off the bench-whatever works, and it does. Looks like we’re getting that, “We’re not going to lose,” attitude. It’s good to see the whole team getting in to it!
By GT FAN
January 24, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Great job Team. Matt Causey has put a new spark in this team. Luv it when Team wins. Maybe the Lady Jackets and Coach Joseph gave Hewett a few pointers.
By GT FAN
January 24, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Great job Team. Matt Causey has put a new spark in this team. Luv it when Team wins. Maybe the Lady Jackets and Coach Joseph gave Hewett a few pointers.
By GT80
January 24, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Ramble, it must have killed you to watch the broadcast last night, with all the praise the announcers were heaping on Hewitt. At least I know you are a Tech fan and want our team to win, even if you do feel Hewitt should go. You have to admit that the team looks like they are starting to get it together, PH has started to get them playing hard consistently and guys are starting to know their roles.
I noted to a friend that watching this team alternates between frustrating and fun, because they do have some talent but they go through streaks where the concentration on the D end lapses, they throw the ball away and let the other team dictate the game. But it was clear against both VT and NCSt that they were the more talented team. They just have to keep working and good results will continue to come.
Sunday’s game at UVA is huge, not sure if it’s “make or break” but a win would be really big, not just for the record but for the confidence of winning 2 in a row on the road. Matt, when is the last time that happened?
Going to watch the Lady Jackets tonight. Hope we have a good crowd. Free admission for GTAA Newsletter recipients! Come on out and support our Women!
Oh, and RThompson, WTF???
By fred
January 24, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Moxie=”awareness”….the ability to know when another person is close to you, when a loose ball is “there” or where a teammate should be in a couple dribbles. Larry Byrd would not have been too high on many coaches recruit list, neither would have Bob Cousey. “Five stars” by Rivals does not mean —— in terms of moxie or intestinal fortitude. Paul(CPH) may be waking to a new dawn. Hey, there are still those who insist that 3.8 gpaer’s make the best team players in business. DUH!
By RAMBLE ON!
January 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
GT80, like I said at the beginning of the season, this is par for the course…fighting to become a bubble team, and figuring out how to play as a team midway through the year.
I’ll always pull for the team, but, I’m still not sold on Hewitt. Let’s see what happens before we get too excited. This could propel the team or they could sputter out just like last season. This is all déjà vu…I just hope it’s 2004 I’m witnessing again.
They have dug themselves a deep hole to get out of.
By noel malone
January 24, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
great win, but why did Morrow play only 26 minutes? Why did smith play only 30? And Clinch only 20? These three need to be in there 30-34 minutes. Why did Bell play 34 minutes? He’s out of control most of the time.Team is shaping up though. Causey is making Miller a better player by his strong play. There didn’t seem to be so much in and out subbing last night. Maybe Hewitt is wiseing up.
By Matt Winkeljohn
January 24, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Smith played 30 minutes, which is about three more than his average. He plays hard, and for a big to play much more than that is unusual. Morrow played just three minutes less than his team-leading average of 29 minutes. He and Clinch were the only two players on the team last night to hit less than 50 percent of their shots. N.C. State geared its defense toward them. That’s why Bell played so many minutes, and Hewitt said after the game, “they were doing some things defensively where we thought [Bell] would have some chances to make plays,” or something to that effect.
Bell scored 13 points, second-most on the team. Yes, he had three turnovers in the first half, but his insertion in the starting lineup was for defensive purposes, and Tech’s defending the perimeter better later. He’s more attentive to assignments/details than all his teammates on defense.
There are 80 minutes per game to spread out at the two wing spots. Clinch got 30, Morrow 26, and Bell 34. There’s your 80 minutes. A more typical rotation would be Morrow 29, Bell 26 and Clinch 25 although lately that’s been skewed more like Bell 28-30 (or more last night) and Clinch 20-23.
By technical ?
January 24, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Does the NCAA have a “continuation” rule? One call late would indicate it does. Foul called and basket allowed but the shooter (seemed to me) had not actually started his shot or left the floor(indication of starting). As it turned out, the call did not have a game changing role…but it could have. ps; Bell got 4 steps and did not walk…would hate to be a ref. Does the ACC monitor calls like these?
By matt Winkeljohn
January 24, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Technical,
There was considerable chatter about both those calls in the media room after the game, though neither ended up changing the game, per se.
The consensus was Bell traveled. Not quite a consensus on the Hickson play. Most thought at least one of three things happened: He traveled, he charged, he took his shot after his contact with Jeremis Smith, who was called for blocking.
At full speed, and about 30 feet away from the play, I thought it was a charge, and definitely an NBA-style continuation allowance. No way that shot went up before the contact. No way. Didn’t see the travel part of it, but not saying he didn’t take too many steps.
Upon replay, Jeremis might not have been completely set, but it was really, really close. I would think, most of the time in that situation, waning seconds, you blow no whistle for that kind of contact. Then again, a collision that violent between bigs is just about always going to trigger a whistle, regardless of the time of the game.
Had there been no blocking or charging call, he probably would have been called for traveling since in my opinion the shot went up after the contact, and he took two steps before contact.
But what do I know?
P.S. That guy Hickson is something else!
By GC Causey
January 24, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
I am an old high school football coach. I’d take Matt Causey on my team over a Michael Vick or a Jeff George any day. Maybe he can show the Hawks next year how to get the ball to JJ, J Smooth, Marvin and Horford.
By ben
January 24, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
So I’ll give Hewitt credit where credit is due. His defense, though late to the party, seems to be taking shape. But, I don’t think he should be encouraging Bell to be a primary ball handler. I think that Causey is earning all his minutes because Hewitt is annoyed by a player of his qualities. Causey is proving though he may not be the type of defensive player Hewitt likes (gazelles), he sure knows how to come up with the timely steal or disruption. Causey has a basketball IQ that this team and most of Hewitt’s teams of the past have sorely needed.
By DecaturTechFan
January 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
For three games now, it looks like the Jackets have been reborn. Caoch finally got it thruough their heads to rebound on defense and the offense will come. 500 record in ACC and 2 tourney wins get em in, I’d say.
By GT80
January 24, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
GC Causey, Matt is a good, not great college player. He has no shot in the NBA, although he might be better than any of the Hawks current PG’s.
ben, get real. “Hewitt is annoyed by a player of his qualities.” That could be the dumbest post this blog has ever seen, and that is saying something. Yea, I’m sure Hewitt is just p** off that he has to play this “slow white guy with the great basketball IQ” as much as he does. That’s why Hewitt has him in at the end of games, because he is annoyed with him. Again, get real.
Matt, I’ll wait to see if we win Sunday to learn when the last time we won two straight ACC games on the road. Got my fingers crossed.
By CC
January 24, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah… memories of 2004 team energy.
Causey/Smith 2008 = Bynum/Jack 2004
By GT
January 24, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
We could use Matt Causey on every team we have at Tech. I remember watching the football team act like they were at the library while playing Va. Tech last season. I just wish we had more years with this guy, just when we get to see how good he is he is out of here. He kind of reminds you of a short Brooks Steppe with a lot more energy. I’m not sure we knew how to use him when we started the season. One of the things not mentioned is his passing ability. He can zean the ball high speed half court right on a dime.
By SC Jacket
January 24, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Your mention of ACME bar and grill brought back great memories of when I attended GT in the mid-80’s. That place had the best late night hamburger in Atlanta. Good to see GT hoops getting back on track!
By Historian
January 24, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
In coach Hewitt’s first two years, he had a freshman who score 24, single handedly beat Kentucky, his treatment after that was to ride the bench. He transferred at the end of the season. Another player played hard his first season, made ACC rookie of the year. A year later he transferred when his he became a lesser used sub. This continues to eat at my consciousness that something was seriously wrong at Tech. Tech had three players who went to the pros from last year’s team. Yet their record was horrible. I hope that this year is the beginning of the growth of a good team, and more importantly the growth of the coach.
By RAMBLE ON!
January 24, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
BROOK STEPPE!!!
Wow, I haven’t heard that name in a long time. Cremins first year, I was at the game when Lee Goza got into a spitting match with Ralph Sampson.
That was great, he fouled out on a B.S. charging foul.
By Donald
January 25, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again ‘leave Hewitt alone —his team is going to peak when it counts—-tournament time!!!!’
By JimO '70
January 25, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Matt is this years version of Clarence Moore - who was the ONLY reason Tech made it to the title game. His energy coming off the bench sparked the team.
Glad to have him - hopefully Paul can recruit another Clarence/Matt for the future.
By ILuvHewitt
January 25, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
TO: R, Thompson
Just bcz U haven’t seen Hewitt at the airport doesn’t mean he isn’t flying somewhere. He has more frequent flyer mileage than U cld use in a lifetime. The day after the VaTech win he was on the road - a holiday wknd he was recruiting. So shut your face - you don’t knw what you’re tlkng about.
By ILuvHewitt
January 25, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
To All the “I’m not sold on Hewitt” fans:
FACTS:After going 24-12 in 1995-96 under Cremins, Tech went 9-18 the following year 3-13 in the ACC. Two years later Tech was 19-14 and went to the NIT QuaterFinals. It was Cremins 9th Season before they went to the Final Four. After 7 years Cremins was 133-80 overall; 48-50 ACC.
Cremins lasted for 12 MORE years! And had SEVEN more winning seasons of which only two were 20 plus; and one was 9-18. He had only ONE winning season in the ACC 13-3 in 95-96. Three seasons he was even at 8-8. His worse was 3-13 in 96-97; his 1st season in the ACC he was 3-11.
Give Hewitt the same amount of time; he has proven that he CAN and WILL win. If Cremins could last for 19 years, SURELY Hewitt deserves at least 10 – that would be two more.
It was Hewitt’s 4th Season when he went to the Final Four. And after 7 years Tech is 127-95 overall; 51-61 ACC.
If you look at their records Hewitt is NOT doing that bad. And at a school like Tech he’s doing pretty well. ALL of you folks BRADLEY and the rest of you should relax. Tech will not be a consistent perennial like Carolina or Duke. Be grateful for what you have; you should feel very fortunate to have a Coach such as Hewitt. And shut up!!
Hewitt is saying that he was the seventh or eighth considered not because he’s bummed at being lastly considered. But the FACT that he was not the 1st being considered and what he’s done speaks volumes. Plus they way you all are beating him down he wants you to know that he wants to be there!
Let’s be REAL! And who were the seven in front that didn’t take the job? They are making the statement of not wanting be at Tech! Think about that and be grateful you have Hewitt!
By GT80
January 25, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Brooke Steppe & Lou Goza mentioned in the same blog! Wow. Ramble, i was at that game too. Watching the least talented guy on the floor get Sampson so p-o’d that the spitting match ensued was hilarious. We also seemed to do well against Lefty and Maryland for no discernable reason.
I’m starting to like you more, even if you are hard on Hewitt. ILuvHewitt echos what I pointed out a few blogs ago, only 2 teams consistently get more than 10 wins a year in the ACC. Unfortunately we will most likely be in the 7-9 to 9-7 range and a bubble NCAA team most years. Ramble, I know you want more than that but as long as we are not in the 4-12 range most years then I’ll be happy. Throw in a few 10-12 win years and I’ll be ecstatic.
And great job AJC(NOT) on covering the womens team. I know we got smoked last night by Duke, but not one story on the game? Nobody from the AJC bothered to show up to see 2 top 25 womens teams play? Come on Matt & Mike, try a little will you.
By Braves Fan 79
January 25, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Tech has a good program, weve just had bad luck with pt guards leaving early. I think Hewitt is a great defensive coach….and he should hire someone else to help with offensive sets in the halfcourt! like a offensive coordinator for football! Regardless tech is my team and next year will be even better!
Front court of Dickey/Lawal. Backcourt of Sherport(however u spell it)/Bell/Clinch/Miller.
Next year if Dickey is healthy…look for this to be a top 20 team!! Then in 2009 we might be getting Favors..the #1 center in the land from Atlanta. Folks GT should be (and to me is) a major program…u know how much talent comes thru Atlanta area highshools!!
By RAMBLE ON!
January 25, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I believe IluvHewitt must be his mom or David Braine especially after a comment like “Tech will not be a consistent perennial power like Carolina or Duke”. I guess God must declare which school will be a consistent perennial power, and there’s nothing we can do about that. HEY UF, YOU’RE NOT A PERENNIAL POWER. GIVE AT LEAST ONE OF THOSE NC BACK TO KENTUCY!!!
You’re right, how can we compete with those schools. What recruit would want to live/play Basketball in the ACC in Down Atlanta and get a crappy education like GT’s? …that’s a real tough sell.
IluvHewitt, wants us to be happy with 3rd place I guess (has Hewitt even finished 3rd place?). I guess winning an ACC title, or two, or three was just luck for Cremins.
It’s been too painful to look at the standing, but are we out of last place now?
Bobby Cremins took over a program that was dead last in the ACC (wasn’t even competing and getting blown out by 40 points on most occasions). I glad Cremins didn’t think like IluvHewitt.
Yea, we’re starting to get some momentum heading to the tourney, just like last year.
I’m hate being negative, but, if anyone thinks Hewitt is doing a good job, didn’t see the stands for the UNC game. I’m not happy with bubble teams, especially when 64 teams get to dance.
I’ll get off Hewitts back, apologize, and admit I’m wrong but it’s going to take a sweet sixteen visit this year for that to happen. If we are beginning to play like some of ya’ll believe, than that’s not asking too much is it?
By IluvHewitt
January 25, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
FACTS: Va, VaTech, Miami, Florida St, Clemson, Wake Forest, BC, neither GaTech, not even Md WILL EVER BE A CONSISTENT PERENNIAL POWER! Note the word CONSISTENT It’s not personal - IT’S THE TRUTH! All of the previously mentioned teams may have a few good years here and there! Duke and Carolina will have a bad year here and there every now and then. The ACC, the refs, they all FAVOR Carolina and Duke; they have to, that’s where the money is.
Look at the numbers over the years: Duke and Carolina will always get the calls to win a game especially the close ones. Of course, every team must play well and hit their shots. But odds are favorite for Carolina and Duke every time! The sooner EVERYONE faces these facts the happier you should be.
Outside of Duke and Carolina the other teams have been very fortunate to win the ACC title and a 1st round NCAA game every now and then. But put your money on Carolina or Duke for title game and NCAA every year. I’m talking consistency!!
Granted, I don’t believe this is fair; it’s unfortunate. But it is what it is!!
As for the home games: Hewitt cannot buy every tkt to every game. If GaTech Alum and fans would buy their own tickets instead of allowing outsiders to buy season tkts or scalping their own tkts the stands wouldn’t be just as full of fans from the opposing team. That’s the schools fault not Hewitts. Duke and Carolina Alum wouldn’t dare let another school buy or scalp that many tickets to their home games!
And YES! GaTech has been #3 in the country and #3 in the ACC in 2004; #4 in the ACC 2005.
And for the record: I am Hewitt’s Mother!
By XXXX
January 25, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
to: ILUVHEWITT: Thanks for providing very relavants facts. I’ve always said if you can go 9-7 in ACC play you have a damn good team and deserve to be in the NCAA any year.
By mowreck
January 26, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Forget basketball til tomorrow … lol … I am totally POed about the Senior Bowl not being on regular Television this year. We can’t even see all our Jacket players without paying for it.