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 > 2007 > February > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHumphrey or Woodbury? You make the call
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tonight comes the big test for Dennis Felton’s Dogs. Georgia will be playing its first game without Mike Mercer, who was lost for the season last Saturday with a torn ACL in his right knee. Good thing for the Bulldogs (14-9, 6-5 SEC) this is a non-conference game against lowly Kennesaw State instead of an SEC opponnt so they can work out a new rotation.
Coach Felton refused to say what he was going to do (he loves playing coy with his lineups) but I’m inclined to think he’s got to go with Terrance Woodbury in the starting lineup instead of Billy Humphrey.
Woodbury, you may recall, actually started the first two games of the season ahead of senior Levi Stukes and Humphrey. It was him and Mercer and Sundiata Gaines in the backcourt. Woodbury also started the Georgia Tech game when Gaines had to sit out with a sprained ankle. He actually had 14 points in that game.
Over the summer and into the fall, I probably heard more about Woodbury than any other player. He’s one of those guys that has continually wowed coaches with his work ethic and his potential. At 6-foot-7, 210-pounds, he’s got all the physical attributes of an NBA wing. And he’s really a much better shooter than he’s shown in games (.389 on 3s). In practices and in games, he flat out fills it up from the arc.
Of course, doing it with consistency in games is a whole different story and that’s where Woodbury has to prove himself. He’s shown flashes, reaching double figures five times despite averaging barely 16 minutes a game.
Now that’s not to say I don’t like what Humphrey has to offer. On the contrary. “Dolla Bill,” as his friends and teammates like to call him, is one of my favorite players on the team.
Humphrey’s just one of those guys that seems to have a great disposition all the time, always smiling, always willing to do whatever is asked of him. And he has some serious skills, too. There’s probably not a better pure shooter on the team other than maybe Stukes. Both have such flawless forms and I would not have expected either to have endured the slumps they did a couple of weeks ago. Nice to see Hump break out with a 14-point, 7-steal, 5-assist effort against South Carolina.
And the fact is, Georgia needs Dolla Bill to backup Yata at the point when he needs a blow. Again, this is where the Bulldogs really miss Kevin Brophy, God rest his soul.
All that said, Felton will probably end up doing just the opposite of what I expect and start Humphrey or some other variety of lineup. The bottom line is this: Georgia now has four guards to play four spots. The one X factor may be walkon sophomore Corey Butler. Even though he made the team through open tryouts, this 6-foot-3 microbiology major is actually a pretty good athlete and looks to me like a decent basketball player. We’ll see.
So gimme YOUR starting lineup for tonight’s game. Is Mercer’s injury a death knell for the Dogs are simply new life for other players?
And how many of you guys actually plan to go tonight? Georgia is coming off three sellouts in a row. Hard to imagine the Stegosaurus filling up for Kennesaw State on Valentine’s Day evening but I guess crazier things have happened.
Hope to see you there.
P.S. Found out today I’m having a little boy in July! Bubble gum cigars for all then!
Comments
By Drew
February 14, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this
“Tonight’s the big test” may be overstating the importance of this ball game. UGA will win this one regardless of who starts. Woodbury is probably a better option to start.
By bankerdawg
February 14, 2007 03:53 PM | Link to this
Chip, I think we’ll be fine either way tonight. It’s sort of a tough decision. Woodberry is maybe a little for versatile because with his size he can pose more of a problem inside and then go outside and shoot whereas Dolla Bill stays outside most of the time. I have a feeling that Terrance has the potential to be a great player. Whether that happens in the next few games I’m not sure. The one concern I have there is his defense. If that is not too much of a liabiltiy then I would go with him.
Congrats on the baby. Hope everything goes well
By SuwaneeDawg
February 14, 2007 04:00 PM | Link to this
Alright, Chip! Congratulations on the new baby! As a new father myself (9 months) - best of luck!
As for the Dawgs - I agree with you, I think Woodbury is the way to go. As far as whether they make the Tournament or not - if they don’t make it, I wouldn’t blame in on losing Mercer, I would blame it more on losing to Bama and Vandy. Those two were killers. That would have made 3 quality road conference wins(including ARK), and that would make it very hard to turn them down.
By Ft Worth Dawg
February 14, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this
Tough choice: Herschel Walker Towers or Caleb King Towers.
By baloney
February 14, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this
Ain’t gonna matter. They will have their work cut out for them due to the loss of Mercer. I don’t think I would chalk up a win against Kennesaw St. just yet.
By ConyersDawg
February 14, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this
First I want to give thanks to God for Buck’s great report on the cancer issue!
Now to the Dawgs. Chip you basically answered the blog question. Humphrey is the better guy off the bench where he can come in fresh to back up Yata and hit his spots to make good 3 pnt. shots.
Mercer had his up and down scoring games but his defense, quickness, and just awareness on the court can’t be replaced.
Woodbury will be a star by his senior year. I still remember his big game against Fl. last year until he got injured. He is very athletic, can shoot, and sets up team mates as well imo.
This is a great game for Felton to run plays for both Woodbury and Humphrey. He can tinker with the defenses he wants to do and see how both guys do in it playing extended minutes.
By ConyersDawg
February 14, 2007 04:22 PM | Link to this
Congrats Chip on the baby chip! My youngest is now 6 and it goes quick so enjoy them.
The average dad spends 30 seconds a day with their kids. So all you dad’s spend time with your kids.
Sorry to preach.
By Bryan G.
February 14, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this
Congrats Chip!
I like Humphrey starting. He may be undersized, but I think he’s a great shooter and has good athletic ability. Woodbury looks a little slow at times, IMO. Of course, Humphrey is the only other viable PG we have, so he might have to be the 6th man for the rest of the year.
Frankly, I hope this means Stukes gets more PT. I think Stukes is an excellent defender and can’t miss an open shot. I STILL don’t get why he doesn’t play 35 minutes a game.
By Chip Folendore
February 14, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this
Congratulations. I guess so anyway.
By Atlanta Gator
February 14, 2007 05:11 PM | Link to this
Chip——Congratulations on the pending addition to the Towers family!
By scooter11
February 14, 2007 05:35 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t matter who starts. Think the combo will provide more options and stability than an athletic but streaky Mercer.
By Cuz
February 14, 2007 09:20 PM | Link to this
Congradulations Chip, you did not say if this was your first or not. Remember these words of wisdom. It is never to early to stock up on pampers. This would be a good time to put up that shed in the backyard and stock it to the rafters with disposable diapers.
Conyers, I am with you about Buck. I keep telling people that prayer is a powerful weapon that can be used in a very positive way. Hopefully Buck will come see me in a month and a half. I have even invited Chip but he thinks I want something in return. Chip you have nothing in this world that you could give me that I would want. Buck looking forward to hearing from you soon.
By Brian Jones TECH FAN
February 14, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this
Season over a nine point struggle at home agianst power house kenn state that will wow the selection commmitee have fun in the nit. by the way all the people who talked about felton over hewitt can shut up now he has him team playing well just young and bumps in the road. hewitt has been to a national championship game felton has not been to the big dance so dont give me an argument
By bigdawg
February 14, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this
I dont’ think you were there tech fan…I think felton paid the refs to give them a few calls to give us a little more of a challenge…If not, that was THE WORST officiating since the ‘Bama game
By Gen Neyland
February 14, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Chip
Congrats on the soon—to—be—son…Teach him to respect, learn and love the game of football. I’ll try to have the future UT coach, Coach Manning, give him a looksee down the road….
By Bradley G
February 15, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
If anything, last night’s game showed that the most important player on the squad right now is NOT a perimeter player. It’s Takais Brown. GET HIM THE ROCK—provided that he decides to be on time to the shootaround, of course.
By NewnanDawg CF
February 15, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Can’t blame the guys for being flat - it was quieter at the Steg last night than it has been in a while. I was back to being looked at like an alien when I stood up and cheered. Who were those officials anyway? I’ve never seen them before. I thought SEC officials were too slow to keep up with todays game, but these guys would have been too blind and slow for little league. Anyway, Dolla and Wood obviously have different talents and flaws, and both are streaky. I think Felton will just evaluate each opponent individually and decide from there. Billy’s ball handling last night did scare me to death - it was atrocious. He also needs to continue to work on quickening his release to take better advantage of the looks he gets. Yata needs to plan on very little rest from here on out. Same goes for TK. I was impressed that Bliss, Levi, and Yata showed some leadership at the end and pulled us out of the funk enough to win. The rest of the season will be a little rocky, so get out and pack the Steg to do what we can to help!
Congrats on the baby Chip!
By Big Dawg
February 15, 2007 04:57 PM | Link to this
Chip,
Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family. My son will be 14 in a couple of months and he has been the joy of my life. Now as for the Dawgs all that matters is that they won. They showed character when it mattered most, now we need to pack the Steg and get loud and support our team. It is great news about Buck, I ask all of you to put him in your prayers to our Father God and our Lord and Savior Jesus. Buck so much wants to attend the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this year and with all of your prayers, miracles do happen. May God Bless you all. Go Dawgs
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February 17, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this
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