UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2006 > February > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSundiata’s gains impressive
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Same team, different week.
Georgia was unrecognizable this past week as the team that lost to LSU and Auburn the previous week. With wins over Alabama and at Vanderbilt this past Saturday, the Bulldogs (14-8, 4-5 SEC) are suddenly back in the postseason picture. Now they have a whole week to get ready for Tennessee, which for the moment looks like the best team in the league. Win that one and suddenly all things are possible.
Trouble is, I’m afraid that horrendous loss to Auburn (0-5 in the SEC when Georgia arrived on The Plains) is going to come back to haunt Georgia. If the Bulldogs are sitting on any bubbles, that one certainly could make it burst.
Most impressive at Vanderbilt, as was well documented, was point guard Sundiata Gaines. He really seems to be coming around lately and he certainly was everywhere against Vanderbilt. His putback of his own missed jump shot with 18 seconds remaining proved to be the difference as Georgia executed two defensive stops before the final horn. Of the offensive rebound, Gaines said, “I knew it had slipped as soon as the ball left my hand, so I knew where it was going and was able to get there.”
Gaines finished with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. He also had 7 turnovers but coach Dennis Felton said those were OK because he was aggressively trying to get the ball to his teammates. For the season, Gaines is Georgia’s second-leading scorer (10.9 ppg), leading rebounder, assists leader and steals leader. One game past the midpoint of the season, he’s my choice as the Dogs’ MVP and I think he may get some All-SEC recognition. You agree? If not Gaines, who do you think is the Dogs’ best player? Anyway they beat Tennessee and get to .500 in league play? Anyway you show up for the game Saturday and help cheer them on?
Or is Georgia basketball the furthest thing from you mind and all you can think about is what a Damn Good Dog Hines Ward is and perhaps his Super Bowl MVP performance will boost recruiting for next season?
Permalink | Comments (22) | Categories: Basketball
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By BIGNCDAWG
February 6, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
The DAWGS have come a long way in just a year.
As a DAWG fan it is great to see these young men develope their on court skills and have success.
By physicsDawg
February 6, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
I can’t say i’m anywhere near a basketball fan, but Well Done Hoop Dawgs! I’d still rather talk about Hines, I got to meet him the night they came back from “The Win In Jacksonville.” I still am proud of this team, and the dignity they have restored to the University after Adams’ Harrick Boys disgraced us all. After all, isn’t that what sports are for, To make you more proud of your University? (not withstanding the regular schmo’s that get to root for the football team.) Well Done Hoop Dawgs! (can’t you let poor Vandy have anything) :)
By Ron Roberts
February 6, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
This is part of problem with college basketball in this state…
Saturday’s win at Vandy (in my opinion) is a watershed moment in this program’s re-birth, and it takes two days to get the blog up for it.
Why would a “Duke-caliber” Georgia high school hardwooder want to stay here and play for UGA or Tech with such blase’ media coverage of the college-level game?
WAY TO GO, DAWGS!!! I’m starting to be a huge Sundiata Gaines fan. And Coach Felton’s a winner, in my book, too!
By godawg
February 6, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
Congrats to the Hoop Dawgs, keep bringing it!
Hines will definitely help with recruiting. With the addition of Ward to the Superbowl MVP list NO college has had more MVP recipients than UGA. The only other SEC schools to have had a former player selected are FL(Emmitt Smith) and AL(Bart Starr & Joe Namath). That kind of statistic should open some high schooler’s eyes.
Hey physics: “War Damn Eagle” from my wife to yours.
By ConyersDawg
February 6, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this
You bet Gains is the MVP. I said a month ago when there was a blog about the hoop dawgs that gains is the fuel the feeds the fire of the dawgs. Felton can coach Folks! As the talent grows on this team and we add the pieces to the roster, this team will be spoken about nationally.
Lastly, beyond the hoopdawgs and Ward, its spring ball that is on my mind. This will be my first year I will be able to attend the G-day game. Thank God Feb. only has 28 days in it.
By Jim
February 6, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts asks…
Why would a “Duke-caliber� Georgia high school hardwooder want to stay here and play for UGA or Tech with such blase’ media coverage of the college-level game?
To that I say, you don’t think Mike Mercer could play anywhere? What about Jarvis Hayes or Jumaine Jones? Georgia can get players.
And the real answer is immediate playing time. If you go to Duke, you probably have to wait your turn. If you go to Georgia, you can play right away and help build a program.
By gamecockgary
February 6, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
why did hines ward say “forest park, georgia” in his introduction…is he ashamed of the red and black?….would have really boosted georgia’s cause if he had said university of georgia or just as matt strong said ‘georgi’….makes you wonder??GO GAMECOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By wild thing
February 6, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
gg…r there any lamecocks in the nfl…none come to mind?…go back to your spurrier hallucinations
By Bryan G.
February 6, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
Why is there a gamecock blogging? His school has won only one more conference title than I have. (I am not a college, by the way). Yeah, way to think that through, idiot.
As far as basketball, I fear UGA won’t be on any bubble. Their RPI is 70 and their SOS is in the 220s. Also, we’re 1-6 against the top 50 with only the win over Bama to our credit (Bama is ranked #50 in RPI). The Dawgs are playing well, but unless the win the SEC tournament, the NIT is a much more realistic goal.
By desertdawg
February 6, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
remeber when USC glorified RB George Rogers said he wanted to rush for 1000 or 1500 yards “whichever came first” — gaycock
By Finchdawg
February 6, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this
I am extremely proud of Dennis’s Dogs and have been keeping up with them since the beginning of the season. With the game-on, game-off conference play they’ve had, it’s a little early to speculate on NCAA Tournament hopes. They hung with Tennessee until near the end in Knoxville, so who knows how things will turn out in Athens?
Next year these guys will be a sight to see! No NBA prospects and a developing team chemistry will send these guys at least to the SEC Tournament semis and beyond the initial round of 64.
Go Dawgs!
By Ron Roberts
February 6, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Jim,
You referenced three, count ‘em three good college basketball players. I’m not knocking any of ‘em, but let’s remember that of those mere three, Jumaine bolted (too) early, Jarvis was a transfer from Western Carolina, so he didn’t originally choose Georgia til Harrick came, and Mike Mercer signed on because his friend, Louis Williams was originally coming, too.
By chuck
February 6, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
Great win over Vandy. However, I agree with Bryan G. that it is probably going to be too tough to overcome the less than stellar record against top teams and the close losses to Oregon St., Nevada, and Auburn hurt any legitimate at large chances for this year unless they upset Tenn and really get rolling. Regardless, it is great to see the team performing better and better and nice to see them gut out another tough SEC road win to go along with the S. Carolina victory. This team is only getting stronger. I think even an NIT bid would add to the experience this year and make them that much better next year.
On the subject of Hines, it couldn’t happen to a nicer or more deserving player. Would have like to have seen Mack(not Matt to whomever posted earlier)Strong stretch for the first down in the first half b/c it was his only play of note as his blocking almost always goes unnoticed by the announcers and average fans.
By geechee
February 6, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
“would have really boosted georgia’s cause if he had said university of georgia “
Have you’ve been in a cave gary or westcoast jere or whatever names you have been using lately? Our last three recruiting classes and four years of top 10 finishes is proof positive that the University of Georgia’s “cause” is doing just fine thank you.
By coltrane
February 7, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
How dare you guys come on a basketball blog and talk about Hines Ward and the Super Bowl, spring football and the like. Shame, shame, shame on you!!!
I’m a dawg basketball fan since ‘76. Give a coach a full Coliseum and avid fans and good recruits will show up. There have been some exciting SEC basketball games in athens the past 30 yrs. Hope you can “get it” and enjoy some UGA basketball.
By physicsDawg
February 7, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
godawg, thanks, I will. This very morning my wife saw the blue sky and orange sunrise, and said, “See, God’s an Auburn fan.” I just shook my head slowly.
coltrane, I’ll respect your bball blog and leave now…
By maddawg
February 7, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
I have seen hines ward play on ABC this year, and he proudly said university of georgia. he happened to change it up sunday. no big deal.
By DAWGMAN
February 7, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
the two wins over bama and the vandy were a definate boost,win at home against tennessee and then we’ll be in excellent position to make a run at the postseason(MEANING NCAA NOT THE NIT)keep it up dawgs,you’re showing what the potential of THIS team IS when you play UNSELFISHLY!for all the doubters of coach FELTON,the man is unquestionably a fine coach!
By DAWGMAN
February 7, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
congratulations to HINES WARD(THE MOST VERSITILE PLAYER EVER TO PLAY FOR THE DAWGS)and the steelers.also a big pat on the back for VERRON HAYNES.his road to playing in the super bowl is only rivaled by TERRELL DAVIS for IMPROBABILITY.(as far as former DAWGS go)and congrats to MACK STRONG, DAVID GREENE(SEAHAWKS)AND ARNOLD HARRISON(STEELERS) just for getting there.THE MAJORITY OF ALL NFL PLAYERS IN HISTORY NEVER PLAY,OR ARE NOT ON A TEAM THAT REACHES THE SUPER BOWL!
By crs
February 7, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
TN is a must win Saturday with it at home, UGA would have to win five out of last seven and win two in the SEC tourney I believe to get in to the NCAA. Five of seven is very tough with FL and Kentucky still remaining and UGA as evidenced at Auburn is not good enough to overlook anyone. All of that said- Felton has done a fine job with this years squad - I said 15 wins based on the youth and overall talent would be an excellent season and it appears this team should win 17 or 18 win it all shakes out. Auburn was a devastating loss and blow to out NCAA hopes. NCAA loves teams that finish strong so if UGA managed to win 9 of last 11 I suspect the NCAA would put them in.
By Mark
February 7, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
I definitely think Mercer is the best player on the Dawgs. This time next year, he has the potential to be a first team all conference player. While Gaines is a solid player and does a lot of the little things to help a team win, he doesn’t have the kind of ability to take over a game.
By Andy
February 9, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
I have 2 tickets to the UGA/UT game on saturday if anyone wants them. I can’t go and am trying to find someone to take them. The tickets are $15 a piece. If anyone wants them I work in Athens and will bring them to you. I will be leaving on Friday @5pm to go out of town email me if you want them. agohn@yahoo.com Thanks