Ramblin' On

By Ironfeet

January 10, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

A great win by this young club. Let’s hope that the momentum gained from this win can get this season rolling in the right direction. They need some work, (28 turnovers) but the future looks promising.

By ben

January 10, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

I know we beat Duke and that’s always a cause for celebration, but this squad still looks like it is half ways in the game. Turnovers, a defensive effort that is poor at best, and the refusal by most to dive for a loose ball. This team is still going nowhere if it doesn’t improve it’s focus and realize that McDonalds All Americans don’t get a free pass in the ACC.

By Jay

January 11, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Dont get too excited. Its clear this is not a Duke team of the past.

By 91Wreck

January 11, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with ben and Jay - it isn’t quite time to punch our ticket to the NCAA tourney. This Duke team is somewhat pedestrian. Let’s face it, if they don’t have anyone quick enough to drive by our normally slow-footed, matador defensive players, they can’t be all that and a bag of chips. I really believe Duke is overrated.

By JohnGTfan

January 11, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Hey, quite simply, a great win for these kids. NO, they’re not at tourney level yet, but this is the type of game that can get them there. With so many young kids, a shot of confidence can do wonders. And even though this Duke team isn’t great right now, beating “Duke” is always a confidence booster! Now if Dickey can keep his play up and if Crittenton would PASS the ball…we’ll be fine. I still couldn’t believe on that steal, with 3 jackets under the basket, he took it for the dunk. He needs to work on that seriously if Tech will make a push this year.

By JohnGTfan

January 11, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Another thing I’ll say…does Hewitt’s kids respond or what!! What did he say after the Clemson game…”if we have to depend on our freshman, we’re an NIT team”. So, Dickey and Morrow stepped up!! Gotta love that!

By Zach

January 11, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

Tech didn’t play perfect, there’s no denying that. But there was a certain unspoken lethality about the way the team played down the stretch. They didn’t play like a young team clinging to a surprising early lead and they didn’t play like a team that wasn’t sure what to do in their situation. They were cool and calm, and acted like beating Duke was almost expected coming into the game. Duke came back to within two and it didn’t seem to faze them. Break down all the stats you want, but the fact is this team felt it deserved to win this game and didn’t screw around with the opportunities they were given. They shot well, they defended well and free throw shooting was exceptional. But what won the Jackets the game tonight won’t show up on a scoresheet. This team is just good enough and just confident enough to play with anyone they come across, and that’s a scary prospect for ACC teams to consider.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 11, 2007 4:06 AM | Link to this

That was not a great Duke team, but GT really played great in this game and made the plays in crunch time that they needed to make. If only Dickey could play like that every game.

By Devil

January 11, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this

Don’t be too excited. Tech can’t shoot over 50% from 3pt range all season.

And my Devils played like Tarheels last night - yes it was that bad.

By WFC

January 11, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this

A very nice win! I thought that GT’s defensive effort and execution was much improved. Dickey and Morrow really stepped up as upperclassmen should. And Mario West! As a retired high school b-ball coach, I ALWAYS wanted a Mario West on my team… a guy who will do whatever is needed to win. I thought that his “hustle” blocked shot was the true turning point of the game. It sent a clear message to the younger guys: “bust your butt and we will win this game.” That’s leadership. As you can tell. this ex-coach admires this player.

By Vantucky

January 11, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

Accidents happen.

By TechPhan

January 11, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

Hey, let’s forget the big picture for a second and celebrate the real meaning of last night. Beating Duke is one of the greatest feelings ever. I don’t care if it’s a chess match, I love reading the words “Tech Upsets Duke.” Let’s enjoy this one for at least a couple of days. If we don’t win another one this season, WE BEAT DUKE!

By jacketnation

January 11, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

The Devil was slayed last night. Gives us bragging rights, at least until the next ACC game. Any win over an ACC team is a true Victory for our your team. Hate to see Clinch out for the season. When will Peacock be allowed to return?

By GA-Tarheel

January 11, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Ga Tech was a 3 point favorite against the Blue Devils so you did not upset anybody. You beat a down team at home. Wow.

By MarioMarioMario

January 11, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

Ra’Sean Dickey stepped up big time and provided a great inside presence, but Mario West was hands down the catalyst for the team last night. He wasn’t the most gifted athlete on the floor, but proved that he had more heart than the other 9 players. Every time that he was on the floor, Tech surged. Every time he was on the bench, Duke inched closer. He’s the last remaining player from the 2004 NC finalist team, and hopefully that mentality can be passed down to these younger guys. This team could be dangerous if everyone starts playing with the fire that Mario has.

By Devil

January 11, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

I usually don’t agree with a Tarheel but I’ll reiterate - You beat a down team at home. Wow.

And Add - For the 1st time in 10 years.

By Tech-Tickler

January 11, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Ga Tech had 28 turnovers…TWENTY EIGHT TURNOVERS. Looks like 2007 will be a mediocre year at best.

By D-man

January 11, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Two things of interest: One - On teams of the past, and on many young teams (like Tech’s), a second half run like the Blew Devils made would have caused the Jackets to fold up like a starched shirt. Instead, they weather the charge and answered it with one of their own. THAT, my friends, is the mark of a savvy team. Second, setting all the typical Duke comments (“Oh, Tech didn’t win it, we just played badly”- kind of stuff) and the fascination with how callow the Devils may be, let’s not forget, shall we, that Tech was not only shy two starters, but also happens to start three frosh. Kindly take that “Duke is a young team still learning” talk and toss it out the window.

I was there last night. Great game, and I liked the fact that the GT players looked like they EXPECTED to beat Duke. Heck, the students rushed the floor not because it was a big win, but because they thought they could get away with it…

By GA-Tarheel Loves Coach K

January 11, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Sorry about my earlier post, I am secretly in love with Coach K and all things from North Carolina. I know I shouldn’t cheer for the Blue Devils, but I like to switch teams (if you know what I mean). And my Tarheels are the greatest, although we struggled against mighty UVA. See yall Jan. 20!

By john

January 11, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

I’ve watched Tech all year — they obviously are talented and can play with anyone. The big question is whether Coach Cremins, er I mean Hewitt, can coach more than just getting them to play hard. If he can, there’s no reason why Tech can’t win all of their home games, steal a few on the road (ala Clemson) and make the NCAAs easily.

By AlphaGT

January 11, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Devil - Thanks for admitting that your team is down and not playing well. We have had that feeling before and we have felt your pain. We are celebrating our win over your team, and it does not bother us that it is at your expense. Actually, it makes the celebrating even sweeter to read your angst.

I like Tech’s chances in the ACC and I think we will continue to improve as the season progresses. I think we will EXCEED the expectations of most analysts and fans this year. However, it doesn’t appear that your team can say the same thing. I know that must hurt, and as I said before, we have felt your pain. Even so, don’t expect us to feel sorry for you, and don’t be upset with us as we lampoon your attempts to minimize our win and your loss. Obviously, if it was truly an insignificant win you wouldn’t have come on this blog to try to convince us otherwise. Would you?

Go Jackets!

By GT2002

January 11, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Great win but can we please design some new in-bounds plays? It seems that we have more trouble in-bounding the ball coming out of timeouts and dead ball situations than any team I have ever watched. At least 8-10 of the turnovers we had were on out of bounds plays. We should be scoring in those situations and yet we can’t even get the ball in. Let’s enjoy this win and get ready for a good FSU team on Saturday because we can’t afford a let down at this point.

By Devil

January 11, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

I only come on this blog because I live in Atlanta.

By buzzy

January 11, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Hey, you can say what you want about this “not being a Duke team of the past” and them being “overrated,” but my unranked Yellow Jackets just beat the #11 team in the nation. You can’t take that away from these kids. And, it’s still Duke, still coached by K. Great job, Jackets!!!!

By john

January 11, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

GREAT point on the inbounds plays. It doesn’t seem like it should be such a chore. It might help if the point guard would come toward the ball, but I’m sure Coach Cremins, er I mean Hewitt, is all over it.

By GT grad

January 11, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

inbounds plays — isn’t that like nuclear physics? Notice that Dook seemed to have much less trouble inbounding the ball — hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

By T

January 11, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Having not beaten Duke on the home floor since ‘96 is cause for celebration, but this Duke team of 6 frosh, 6 sophs, 1 junior and 1 senior is set for a re-building year. Don’t buy tickets to the dance yet.

By yellowblood

January 11, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Nice win but this team was lethargic. That 7 minute stretch in the 2nd half with no points and umpteen turnovers exposed a sloppiness that will cause many loses. During that time frame no one was cutting to the basket. No one was calling plays. A funk like thatagainst a top 20 team ( which Duke isn’t) will take you on a 2-15 run for a knockout.

By CitizensAuxiliaryPolice

January 11, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

I agree… While I am thrilled we beat a very talented (albeit young) team, I am not going to be too sanguine considering (a) we committed 28 TOs and (b) our interior defense still is lax.

If we can just improve on these two components, we can play with anyone in the country. Given our youth, we can expect nothing but steady improvements as the year progresses. This team is nowhere near their peak; and I look forward to that night. FSU is a must win considering the next pair of games occur on the road against UNC and Maryland. Hopefully we can beat FSU, and steal one of those two road games to go 3-3 with half our road games taken care of.

By Art

January 11, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

This team will be all right. There is one essential piece needed for a team to have the potential to be truly capable of competing with the best teams. And that piece is the point guard. With Crittenton at point guard, his desire to win will rub off on his team mates. He already reminds me a lot of Jarret Jack. And Jack led the Jackets to the championship game.

Since this is still a very young team, and most of their most talented players are freshmen, this team still has a lot of growing to do between now and the end of the season. It may not be this year, but if they can keep their freshmen for another year, they will be a dangerous team next year.

Paul Hewitt has my complete confidence.

By GTfan

January 11, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Devil- it doesn’t matter what you say. A big “L” went down in the books for your squad. Sure you were down on an opponent’s floor, but despite 28 turnovers, the Dukies still could not capitalize. Good luck in the rest of the ACC play and we’ll see you in March.

By the man

January 11, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

you would think that you nerds won the national champioship last night. Then again you have nothing-zipo to cheer for in over 2.5 months.. you pathetic dweebs..

By Steven

January 11, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Dear Devil,

You apparently don’t know anything about basketball. “Don’t be too excited. Tech can’t shoot over 50% from 3pt range all season.” If Duke keeps double and TRIPLE teaming post players because their interior defense is ridiculously weak, every team that plays them ought to shoot over 50% from 3.

Duke 8-8 ACC this year.

By Devil went down in Ga

January 11, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

The rat was not too fussy…but it still was great to beat dook!

Hope Tech works on getting the ball into play…

By buzzy

January 11, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Poor poor Duke. Don’t I feel sorry for them? Oh by the way, the man, go back to celebrating UGA’s win over South Carolina … in basketball … pathetic.

By pws

January 11, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

I was at the game last night. What was wrong with coach Crybaby, he was sitting down a lot, and drinking from the water cups. We sit near the Duke bench and we only got to yell at him a few times, he was not his normal whinning self! He only tried to work the refs a couple of times, instead of the entire game as usual. I loved the sign someone had, that read, ACC refs, referring to how coach K pays them all!

By TechPhan

January 11, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding with this whining about beating a down team at home? What criteria do you use to define an upset? Unranked Tech beat No. 11 Duke. Look it up. It’s an upset. Take it like men. We do.

By UGAG SUX

January 11, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Hey the man, what don’t you get? Tech beat Duke! If ugay beat FLORIDA in anything, you would go crazy. Last time I checked, GT, Clemson & Florida all spanked the dawgs. Shut up and go back to your own vent with that inbred birddawg sob.

By Devil

January 11, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Sweet Revenge happens on February 18th.

By BUZZ

January 11, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Devil, what do u do during baseball & football season?

By Taylor Made

January 11, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Folks, let’s not forget that this was our FIRST HOME ACC game. We are better than our record shows. We needed a break like this to get the momentum shifted in the positive direction. This team turned the ball over 26 times and still won at home against a well coached Duke team.

Get over being a Tech fan who is never satisfied and support your d-mn team.

By Devil

January 12, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this

I cheer for UGA

By bob

January 12, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this

Tech’s half-court offense needs some movement. Too much standing around watching someone dribble into trouble. Look how Duke’s offense keeps moving and opening up the passing lanes. Hope Hewitt gets ‘em’ moving soon.

By Bring Reeves Back!

January 12, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

So Saturdays game aginst FSU isnt on local TV???? anyone know if it will be on any station besides espn U? because comcast dosent carry espn U.

By Dawg Fann

January 12, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

As a true and long time Bulldawg fan I must plea to Chan “our man ” PLEASE DONT LEAVE!!!! Weve already lost Reggie and Calvin.

By Kenny

January 20, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

Dawg Fann this not the right blog for your crap. 78-69 first one to one hundred wins. Go Jackets