Tech

By Matt Winkeljohn

February 25, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Just received this e-mail from an agent, via the NFL combine:

Matt- I work for KLASS Sports in Atlanta the agency that represents Gary Guyton. ???? ???, The owner and principal agent in the company is still in Indianapolis at the combine. He asked that I contact you and inform you that Gary ran an official 40 time of 4.47, the fastest of any linebacker at the combine.

By Gordon

February 25, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

I think at least one new assistant coach would be bigger news than additional players. Assuming there are no new additional players other than Shumpert and Dickey (you forgot to mention him), I think this will be Hewitt’s lineup (first name is the starter):

1 Miller/Shumpert 2 Shumpert/Clinch/Storrs 3 Bell/Lawal 4 Lawal/Peacock/Sheehan 5 Dickey/Aminu/Sheehan

By Richard

February 25, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Good job to Gary, but can we all now acknowledge how absurd the Combine is? We know Guyton is a gamer, but there’s no way he’s the fastest in the country. He isn’t even the fastest on his own team.

If Guyton is drafted, it wont be because of his 40 time at the combine. It will be because of his body of work and his game film (just like everyone else).

And if he’s drafted because of his 40 time, I hope it’s not my favorite team’s GM.

By RAMBLE ON!

February 25, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

A new coach Matt is what it’s going to take, or maybe a player like Chris Bosh…no wait, we couldn’t make the dance with him either.

yep, a new coach.

By HIAWASSEE

February 25, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

HOW ABOUT SOME GOOD OLE BIG SLOW-FOOTED WHITE BOYS? NO WAIT, HEWITT WOULDN’T PLAY THEM ANYWAY.

By Dodd's

February 25, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Don’t you mean “the light can go ON”, not “off”? Your pilot light has been off for years.

By Dodd's Legacy

February 25, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t you mean “the light could go ON for some”, not “off”?

Your light has been off for years. You need a bulb transplant.

By HARDCORE TECH FAN

February 25, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

TO HIAWASSEE, Does the name Luke Schensher ring a bell. He was the slowest white boy ever. lol

By old gold engineer

February 25, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Maybe a scheme change is in order as well. The current plan appears to be in its 3rd season of fairly poor results. I’m ready to see some players on the floor that can put up some impressive scoring numbers consistently. Even if you play outstanding defense, you still have to outscore your opponent to win.

By GT Fan Jeff

February 25, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

I have lost confidence in Hewitt’s overall coaching ability, and I have serious doubts that he can ever win consistently at GT. If Radakovich wants to give him one more year with some firm expectations for next season (winning record in ACC, NCAA appearance), I can live with that. If Radakovich is ready to cut Hewitt loose after this season, I will back that decision 100% and support the new coach completely.

By Matt Winkeljohn

February 25, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Dodd’s legacy,

Dork!

By RAMBLE ON!

February 25, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

That was pretty good Matt. You are by far the best Sports writer for the AJC. I’m glad when I see your post and glad you cover GT.

By surfrider

February 25, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Tech first of all needs to figure out a recruiting formula that works in this new game of players jumping to the NBA. My guess is we need two stars annually, two role players annually, and one project. That means we need to recruit better first and foremost somehow. We may want to redshirt the project player and one of the role players.

By Dadgum

February 25, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

I will tell you flat out that Moe Miller better be the guy they want at point because that is where it all starts and that is where the chemistry is generated for the entire team.

Jarrett Jack was that very player but only after coming off a somewhat so so year. Miller is in that very same vein. He has to rise up BIG BIG TIME. If Hewitt believes in him that is fine but I would be looking for a back up (and in a hurry). The very last thing you put your hopes in is a 2 guard without a great point.

Don’t look for Shumpert to be the real deal next year. I think GT is in for another very tough year next year. In fact I feel they will be pretty much picked last in the ACC. Maybe that is a good thing.

Also, I think GT loses every remaining game this year. Can’t see them winning any or actually being favored in any other than UVA at home and not by much.

Tough time on the flats but better call it like it is than be a homer with rose-colored glasses. See ya.

By WPinAZ

February 25, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Without any new recruits who can PLAY other than Shumpert coming in, what’s to look forward to? What happened to the recruiting this year? Seems to me the flame is OUT on GT basketball. How sad is that?

1 Miller/Shumpert 2 Shumpert/Clinch/Storrs 3 Bell/Lawal 4 Lawal/Peacock/Sheehan 5 Dickey/Aminu/Sheehan

This line up scares NO ONE!!

We need a new coach, plain and simple. New blood, new voice, new direction. Just like the football team. D-RAD, make it happen, yo!

By Matt Winkeljohn

February 25, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Recruiting is not over. The spring signing period is in April. Tech will sign at least two more.

Matt

By neilmarlowe

February 25, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Miller should be better next year. I’d like to see Clinch have a great Sr. year. I’d also like Dickey to come back and play up to his potential. Add Lawal and Bell and you’ve got a pretty good five. And four returning vets plus Shumpert. That group looks better than this years crop, but can they go 8-8 in the ACC?

By ga_tech_92

February 25, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the write up Matt. I think we will have to have a ball handler step up and lead the team a la JJack.

Everyone needs to step up their game, yo!

By old gold jacket

February 25, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

If Hewitt is to sign more this period, I hope it is not just to fill roster spots. He has proven not be be a good judge of high school talent, unless it’s the blue chipper that everyone else is after. He certainly has not demonstrated the ability to coach up players.

By technodude

February 25, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Dean Keener was let go recently at JMU. He was a big factor in our magical run in 2003-2004. CPH his been average since his departure. Now that Coach Keener is available, I hope CPH brings him back in the fold.

Matt, I hear you say that we are looking at 2-3 more to sign for the 2008 class to go with Shumpert. The problem is that most of the 4-5 star recruits have already signed their LOIs during the November signing period. We are left with players that won’t probably contribute until 2009. Hope we can get a late bloomer that can contribute next year though.

By lo

February 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Hewitt is such awhiner, get a real mans coach

By oldgold

February 25, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Who cares who the freshmen are? Half of them leave and its the upperclassmen who beat the top 4 or 5 teams in the ACC. Who do we have now that can be counted on next year ? We are asking what is really an SEC level team to play in the ACC. It can’t work.

By new blood

February 26, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Hewitt might need to change his staff. If player are not getting better then maybe new blood need to comein. A head coach is only as good as his staff around him.

By new blood

February 26, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Hewitt might need to change his staff. If player are not getting better then maybe new blood need to comein. A head coach is only as good as his staff around him.

By new blood

February 26, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Hewitt might need to change his staff. If player are not getting better then maybe new blood need to comein. A head coach is only as good as his staff around him.

By IMGT81

February 26, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

If by light you mean fire and if by fire you mean passion then Alexander is dark. If by professional you mean passionless ala the departed Gailey then please D-Rad don’t impend Paul’s progression to the NBA. Let the man move on up. If he can.

By gdawgfan

February 26, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Tech is disasterous right now! I havew lost all faith ini Paul Hewitt and here is why; he is an average to below average recruiter, even his 5 stars are not on the same level with Dukes, and North Carolinas. His X and O’s are below average, he presses all the time and gets beat all the time. His adjustments are horrible at halftime. His team averages 18 turnovers a game, they foul players around the basket only to give them t hree point plays, they just dont look orgnized on the court. next years team will be the same as this year. lose close games, look disinterested and out of place on the court, and we are the laughing stock of the ACC. Hire Mike Montgomery former Stanford coach. If he can recruit talent that can get accepted into Stanford, I am sure he can recruit guys to come here. I am tired of this same ole sub par play with the Yellow Jackets. It’s time to cut ties with Hewitt.

By GT80

February 26, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Matt, why do you have to be so hard on Dodd’s Legacy? He’s right, you know. I would hope that when someone “get’s it” the light goes on, not off.
But on to BBall things. First, it’s sad that we are looking to next season but that is the sorry truth. The problem with this years team has not been guard play, it’s been the big men that have killed us. Our bigs got totally outmatched by Kansas & UNC and when all they had to do was get a rebound to beat Miami they couldn’t do it. And of course you saw what happened at VT. I think Lawal is going to be a stud and he just needs to keep playing, but we better hope that Peacock is the guy who’s light goes on (or off - whatever). Dickey should help a ton and Aminu has the capability of taking a step up as well.

Matt, are there any bigs out there that Hewitt can sign?

And Hiawassee, your the dork. We have a big slow white guy on the team, his name is Brad Sheehan and if you haven’t noticed he doesn’t play much because he can’t compete. Big and slow, no matter what the color, get’s beat in today’s ACC. Maybe Sheehan takes a step up for next year as well but I haven’t seen the ability.

By oldjacketfan

February 26, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

I agree with technodude. I looked at the remaining uncommitted players yesterday— there were only a couple of 4 and 3 stars players left and only 2 had “medium” interest in Tech. So if Hewitt is going to sign two more kids—it sounds like they are going to be at best 2 star players and probably just roster fillers. Which is really sad state for this program.

By RAMBLE ON!

February 26, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

There you are GT80, I was getting worried.

…we are talking about next year already, why? It’s going to be the same as this year (probably worse). Looking forward to next year only makes me feel worse, more pathetic basketball

EVERY THING IS BROKE ON THIS BB TEAM, EVERYTHING!!!! THE PRODUCT IS TERRIBLE (yes it breaks my heart to say it). It’s not exciting and very, very sloppy. We can’t do anything right!!! Yes we can find a new good coach, we just have to look. gdawgfan is 100% correct. (I hate admitting a dawg is right too)

By E

February 26, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I see a 30+ pt. loss tomorrow night at Duke, this team has pretty much mailed it in. Hopefully they will come to play on Sr. Day vs. Clemson and let J.Smith, Morrow and Causey go out with a Win in the last home game. What a wasted season this has been….

By Bravesfan79

February 26, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Hewitt just needs some better assistant coaches. Our game planning is horrible, and we make WAY 2 many stupid mistakes! (like all the needless off the ball fouls last game that led to them getting free throw after free throw).
I believe this team will be good next year with Dickey and Lawal up front.
We need more guys on the team that can shoot the 3. Im hoping Storrs can take Morrows place as a clutch 3 shooter.

By Matt Winkeljohn

February 26, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Because it’s stupid to point out something so innocuous, like light off instead of on. Stupid. A waste of time, something that could only have been done with the intent to annoy. He/she succeeded at that.

Sometimes, I just don’t get people.

I’ve been buried for two days by a Virginia Tech fan who thinks I wrote a slanted game story the other day, that I wrote Tech was hosed by officials. I wrote that the biggest difference in that game was rebounding even though there were a ton of fouls called and free throws shot.

This guy won’t let up.

By mutthater

February 26, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Derrick Favors come on down!!! Thats the only hope CPH has of saving his job.

By techer head

February 26, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

i think the light will “turn on” with clinch next season as well as mo and gani. isnt dickey coming back as well? that would be a huge boost in front court scoring and rebounding as well as 5th year senior leadership

By old gold engineer

February 26, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Strangely, we may upset Duke and then next year’s prospects will really be confusing.

By GT80

February 26, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Ramble, I was on vacation.

I say Hewitt has another year of grace built up, but if next year is as bad as this year the heat will be scorching and I’ll be calling for his head as well. But for now I hope he can right the ship.

Also, I don’t think DRAD wants to deal with another buy out and big $ hire in the same year as the Gailey mess.

I must say at least gdawgfan brought up a realistic name as a potential new coach.

By Ben Moore

February 26, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Just remember this. You better take Georgia State off your schedule next year or there will be “upset” at Alexander Memorial next year in route to the return of the Panthers as the dominant team in the state of Georgia.

Football in 2010…you are next.

By Tech Fan

February 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Hiring the HC at Davidson as CPH’s replacement would be a great place to start. It looks more and more like 2004 was an anomaly.

By ben

February 26, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

I just don’t understand how we had Price, Hammonds, Ferrel, Best, Forrest, The Barry boys, Noodles, etc. and all of them knew how to play basketball. It seems that there is something that Hewitt’s scheme does to make it appear that players don’t know how to shoot, set picks, free throws, simple basketball skills. And you can see when they get to the pros that he should have been feeding Bosh and Young the ball on every possession. If it weren’t for the final four appearance, I’d be all over firing the guy. So, I’m just confused. I can only hope he clears up this confusion next year.

By thebee

February 26, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Matt, I appreciate the basketball info, but do you realize that there is an article a day in the AJC on the Dawg’s football team? There’s one today on their mat drills, for God sakes. That’s not news…they’ve been doing that since Richt got there. Would it be asking too much to do something similar on us? I mean, we’ve changed up our offseason program, so that would be actual news.

By GTATO

February 26, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with all of you that we need a new coach. I feel the players have lost confidence in him and his strategy and it is showing on the court. As far as our players. WE HAVE GREAT ONES. they just don’t play up to thier potential b/c of Hewitt. Miller and Gani have showed tremendous upside this season. So thier not JCrit and Thad type impact freshman.GOOD. they’ll be around a while. Both have gained confidence and it will show next season. Look at Clich. At one point he was an offensive machine. perimeter shooting, quick cuts into the gaps opening up options for the team. His situation is 100% mental, and it’s on him to get back to the Lew we all know and love.

All i’ve heard from the current players who played a pick-up game with Shumpert is he is the REAL DEAL. he visited the same weekend as Ralph Sampson and all i heard from the players after that was how much work Sampson is going to be and how Shumpert had incredible quickness and basketball IQ. Don’t qoute me on this, but watch for him to be the impact freshman of the ACC next year. So that’s 4 players right there who CAN change the direction of this team. We get Dickey back and although he is the most inconsitent player on the team, he shown he can play. If we could get another true center to fill the paint (hoepfully Favors) this is a team to reckon with. Miller, Gani and Shumpert will be around for a while and that gives us a nucleus to build around for this loaded 09’ class out of georgia.

I’m gonna stay Optimistic b/c I’m a fan of Tech and a true fan will never give up on his team(but will on the coach)

Kelvin Sampson is available!!!!

By Ray Shumpert

February 26, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I see most of you have lost faith in Coach Hewitt. Wrong answer. Consider that the NBA keeps taking his freshmen, no wonder you had a bad year. Believe me when I tell you that Iman is the real deal. He only cares about winning, not how many points he scores. Granted he can put the ball in the hole from 40 feet out, he would rather set up a big for the points. He can take it to the rack, play lock down defense, and get rebounds and steals. I cannot wait for him to get there, so you can see what he can do, and how much better he makes the talent around him. He’ll be there in June, make sure you watch the game March 26 on ESPN and the Jordan classic April 19. You can see for yourself what’s coming to town. He turned down NC, Duke, Clemson to come there. Coach Hewitt, must be doing something right you think. The team lost some games they should have won, and the blame has to go to some of the players on that. When you have a team on the ropes, you go for the knock out, not a knock down. See you at the games. Uncle T.

By T-Bone

February 26, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Next year’s Tech starting lineup will be as follows:

1. Mo Miller
2. Iman Shumpert
3. D’andre Bell
4. Gani Lawal
5. Ra’sean Dickey

Off the bench:

1. Lewis Clinch
2. Alade Aminu
3. Zach Peacock
4. Lance Storrs
5. Brad Sheehan (maybe)

I think Hewitt needs to limit his rotation to 8 or 9 players. As someone who played the game, I know how difficult it is (especially for a shooter) to gain any confidence or consistency while playing in 2-3 minute spurts (Clinch). The biggest thing that’s been missing from all Paul Hewitt teams, with the exception of 2004 and 2005, is the player who can get the team a bucket when one is desperately needed. Jarrett Jack was a great clutch player, and someone who wanted the ball and could create his own shot. There is no one on this team…YET.

By Ray Shumpert

February 26, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Wrong line up, try again. Iman is a point guard in a two or three body. Cannot wait for the matchup problems teams will have with him at the point.

By CHawk

February 26, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

While I expected a better season than this, Tech was left stunned when both Young and Crittenton left early. Hewitt built his recruiting class around Crittenton, and a sidelined Dickey only worsened the matter. Expect an experienced Jackets team to be a force in the ACC next season!

By RAMBLE ON!

February 26, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

CHawk I expected an experienced Jackets team to be a force in 2005…NOT! Have’nt been ever, since Hewitt has been here.

…nice try though. 9-7 is his best effort

By GTATO

February 26, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

I’ve always been a fan of hewitt, he is just not producing of late. He’s a great recruiter no doubt. We lost some close battles this recruiting season with Sylven Landesburg, Al-Farouq Aminu,JaMychal Greene, and Tyshawn Taylor. But we got a huge one in IMAN!

I REALLY wish I could see how Hewitt can handle a team of experience(like the 2004 team). If we keep banking our seasons on transfers and freshman we’re obviously not going anywhere. I’m gonna take back my previous comment, and say rather than throwing Hewitt under the bus, let him have another year or two with these EXPERIENCED players and talented freshman who don’t want to jump ship. he also lost battles in coaching losing his two best Asst. Coaches.

Ray Shumpert…any relation? I’d assume so the way you talk! I like hearing from the family who was also recruited by hewitt, it lets us students see how his recruits and their families feel toward him. I’m gonna take your side and give hewitt some time. i’ve heard time and time again of how much a team player Iman is. Real exciting to have a player like that coming in. let me ask though, if you’re so sure that iman is gonna play point(possibly Hewitt recruited him for it and promised him some time there) what’s gonna happen to Mo Miller. i would love to see Clinch move into the 3 spot and see Iman and D’bell play back court. how do u see the starting line up playing out?

By Mark

February 26, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

How many times has Hewitt called a timeout when Tech is on offence only to come out & turn the ball over? I’ve lost count.

By RAMBLE ON!

February 26, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Mark, not as many times as we needed to call a timeout late in the game and not have any.

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

February 26, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with everyone that believes that a new coach is in order. I really think that CPH is having trouble coaching up the talent he has. To be a very good/great coach, you have to be able to see your players improve while they are under your tutelage; I don’t think that occurs very often with Hewitt.

I believe there are some very good coaches that would be available, and many of them are also minorities, like Coach Hewitt. The coach at VCU would be a great choice, but I really believe there are many to choose from.

As in the case with Coach Gailey, I supported Coach Hewitt until this season. To me, this season was Coach Gailey’s final straw, and I believe it should be Coach Hewitt’s final straw also. The loss to UNC-Greensboro, Winthrop, and UGA along with another losing record are just too much for me to accept!! Last season was really a downer also, especially with the talent he had.

By Jack

February 27, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Paul Hewitt needs to go!!! Look at the other “young” teams in the ACC and how they are doing….a LOT BETTER than Tech!!! That is a direct reflection on the coaching. Tech has made no progress this season compared to Wake Forest, BC, Miami or any of the other younger teams in the ACC. Every time Hewitt recruits one of the so-called “blue-chippers”, they leave after their Freshman season Does this happen at Duke or NC? NO!!! Direct reflection on the coach!!! Enough SAID!!!

By bp

February 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

get rid of hewitt he is a horrible game day coach and cant recruit.and hey paul white guys can play this game too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By great scott

March 1, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Paul Hewitt biggest problem is he can’t stand being on a floor named for a true legend in the ACC. Do we all remember what bobby did with a nothing program? Hewitt seems to resent Bobby and his legacy. Hewitt looks miserable on the sidelines during the home games. He also looks very mad and frustrated, not because of the fact his players can’t play, because he realizes now he has made a mess of things. The coach may have realized that he can’t coach and is not going to keep his job nor should he. Remember his comments a couple of weeks ago ” I was like the tenth guy to get offered this job nobnody else wanted it”. To throw your school and the athletic department under the bus like that on your call in show is disgraceful…… You all read the ajc article where D Scott and Kenny wanted to help coach any way they could. The one really big problem is they are not his guys they were with Bobby. That is why Hewitt won’t try to find some way to let them help the team. He hates what Bobby accomplished and the legacy he left behind. For all you people that keep saying Hewitt can recruit well let us see. How many rookies of the year in a row did Bobby have and how many overall? Price,Dalrymple, Ferell,Hammonds,Best,Scott,Anderson, Marbury how many did i forget? It is simple people Hewitt now knows he is no Bobby Cremins and he hates himself for it. Coach would look great on the Knicks bench beside Thomas then the Knicks would have the 2 most unhappy, unqualified,moody,whiners in all of basketball. The one thing that coach should do is quit blaming the refs for a sorry game plan and execution and look in the mirror and admit I am no Bobby Cremins. Thank god i was smart enough th tape old Tech games of Lethal Weapon 3 to watch on the nights that the current group is playing. Nice work Hewitt