AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 19
Monday, January 19, 2009
Starting point
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech is averaging exactly 20 turnovers per game in ACC play. Not coincidentally, the Jackets are 0-4.
Tech is the most generous team in the ACC, followed by N.C. State (18.7).
It’s been a collective effort, or collective failure. In the latest collapse, Saturday’s OT loss at N.C. State, Iman Shumpert had 6 turnovers, Zachery Peacock 5 and Moe Miller, Alade Aminu and Gani Lawal 3 apiece. Tech finished with 22 turnovers against 14 assists.
While there’s plenty of blame to go around, Tech’s most glaring need right now is consistent point guard play.
Sophomore Moe Miller was supposed to be the guy. He finished last season on a tear. But two concussions and a broken nose have hampered him this season. Since coming back three games ago with a face guard, Miller is averaging 16 minutes. He’s had eight assists and 10 turnovers in those three ACC losses.
Freshman Iman Shumpert, more of a combo guard than a true point, is playing excessive minutes (he played 42 on Saturday) and committing an excessive number of turnovers. In 17 games, he’s had 72 turnovers — 4.2 per game. He does have 99 assists and showed his scoring ability on Saturday when he poured in 22.
Looking ahead to next year, Tech gets Miller Grove’s Mfon Udofia. He’s the No. 6 point guard in the nation, according to Scout.com.
Recruiting expert Bob Gibbons said Udofia is a hard-nosed leader who can step in right away at the point.
“He has great speed and quickness, he pushes it in transition. He gets to the basket and can score, and he can pass off his penetration,” Gibbons said. “He’s not going to settle for just being the back-up.”
What do you think is the solution at point guard? Miller? Shumpert? Or wait ‘till next year?
