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 > November > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBasketball signees offer Dogs hope
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m here in the Beverly Chapman Library of The Wesleyan School in Norcross. I just got through writing a story on Howard “Trey” Thompkins, who was having a signing ceremony here along with two of his classmates. As you should know by now, Thompkins officially signed with the Georgia Bulldogs to play basketball for Dennis Felton. The fact that I’m here covering it should be enough to tell you that this is a big deal.
For what it’s worth, you should know that we don’t generally cover signing ceremonies. It’s more of a friends and family thing and, after all, hundreds of kids sign scholarships and we can’t be at all of them so we usually choose to not go to any of them so as to not offend anyone.
I came here today because Thompkins’ signing with Georgia is a big deal. It’s a big deal in and of itself — he’s rated the No. 7 power forward in the nation — but it’s bigger because of what all has been going on with Georgia basketball the last several years. The ruin that the Jim Harrick scandal left the program in is well documented. But then there has been more recent — and seemingly yearly — setbacks that Felton has endured as he’s tried to rebuild the program on a foundation of hard-nosed discipline and personal responsibility. That has proven his most difficult challenge.
The latest setback was starting guard Billy Humphrey’s shocking arrest Tuesday for possessing a weapon on campus. We’re still trying to get to the bottom of why police had a warrant to search the East Campus Village dorm room Humphrey shares with Mike Mercer (word is they were looking for cannabis). But all they found was a souvenir knife Humphrey collected on his trip to South America this past summer as part of a college all-star team. But because it was deemed a weapon with a blade of more than two inches, Humphrey is facing a felony charge. I don’t see how that could stick, but …
Humphrey’s troubles come on the heels of what at one time was 30-games worth of suspensions to three players for failing to meet the guidelines of Damon Evans’ new academic responsibility policy. Takais Brown has since been dismissed from the team and Mercer (15) and Albert Jackson (6) are now suspended a total of 21 games. This in a year the Dogs appeared ready to make a move in the SEC.
But all that came before Wednesday. Today Felton got the signed letters-of-intent of Thompkins, Dustin Ware and Drazen Zlovaric. They’ll join five other top-notch signees who will have an impact on the Bulldogs as freshmen this season.
Felton is in Year 5 of his toilsome tenure at Georgia. Do you think he’s ever going to be able to round the corner with this program and take it where he’s been saying he is for the past several years? Do you see the last two recruiting classes as signs the Bulldogs are almost there or are you more inclined to focus on the negative news that seems to crop up more often than not?
For what it’s worth, I’ve interviewed all three of Georgia’s basketball signees for this year’s class and they’re all very impressive young men. Thompkins in particular has a big loving family and clearly has benfitted from a private-school education here and at Oak Hill Academy. The Dogs got a good one in him and all three say it’s their intention to change the way people view Georgia basketball. Y’all buying it?
Permalink | Comments (47) | Post your comment | Categories: Basketball
Services »
Comments
By tim
November 14, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
first
By 007 Dawg
November 14, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Yes. Dawgs will make the Dance this year and this train is getting ready to roll!
By StudDawg
November 14, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
I fully believe in Coach Felton. You see the passion he has for this program by keeping his players in check on and off the basketball court. Coach Harrick left this program in ruin. Coach Felton needs time, which he will get.
Go DAWGS!
By AltamahaDawg
November 14, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
We had a chance to catch the Dawgs friday night, and I dont know how they are going to look running the halfcourt against a real SEC defense, (or play touch defense themselves) BUT those young pup are athletic. Not adverse to the fast break to say the least. Very optimistic about those freshman.
Also, has been a few year since I have been able to go, so I was pretty shocked at how good the ol Steg is looking these days.
Did anyone else see Takais in the stands? I couldn’t decide if I just felt sorry for the guy, or mad at him,(not that I have any right to be) or what. Was just really weird to see him there quitely taking in about half the game. You could tell he would have just prefered not to have been noticed. I guess it does takes a pretty big man to come watch your former teammates. I hope things can somehow turn out good for him.
By GW
November 14, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I wish it weren’t so but never hang your hat on UGA basketball. What’s the old saying? “Snakebit” At least the UGA campus cops are protecting the world from guys like Billy Humphrey. My son is a UGA student acquainted with Humphrey and says he is a first class kid that is always in class. I doubt he was going to carve anybody up with his souvenir but why pass up a chance to prove what a discipline factory UGA is?
By system doesn't work
November 14, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Felton’s model for building a program has not worked. Its been 5 years. We have talent GALORE in Georgia at the high school level.
No more excuses. If we’re not one of the 64 best teams this year, we should move in another direction. I give credit to Felton, he’s a great guy, but its time to not just have respect…but to also win.
By Daniel Spuhrior
November 14, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
I hope these young men will help Felton turn the program around. This was supposed to be that year, but it looks like the team has been busted down to square one. Very disheartening.
By godawg
November 14, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
system, in those five years CDF has not had a full complement of scholarships. FYI it’s hard to get top players to play at UGA if you don’t have a scholarship to offer. The few you do get to come realize that although they will get playing time, they won’t have much of a supporting cast to help them out. Give it a little more time, it’ll come around. We aren’t Alabama or South Cackalacka.
By Fort Worth Dawg
November 14, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Sometimes bad news turns into good news. Lumpkin’s and Brown’s injuries allowed Moreno to get more carries. Maybe all this junk will allow the new signees to play faster than usual. You have to feel sorry for Coach Felton — he deserves better than he has gotten so far. The program looks snakebit but maybe the team gets it together (or maybe this is the crucible that makes a great team next year).
My initial thought when I heard about the knife was wondering if I had my pocketknife in my room in Creswell Hall. I was still active in the Boy Scouts then so I probably did. I remember one guy on our floor damaged the inside of his door so much with a throwing star that he got a huge replacement bill. I understand that student safety is paramount but I bet that there’s plenty of students that feel that everyone should be allowed to keep knives, rifles, shotguns, and hunting dogs in their dorm rooms.
East Campus Village — Isn’t that the relatively new dorm with a lush setup? I was in Creswell because it was the cheapest dorm (because it had no air conditioning). We had one air conditioner in the student lounge and most everyone slept in the lounge the first and last few weeks of school. Back then there were only three air conditioners in th entire dorm. We were told that when Creswell was constructed they had a choice between carpet and air conditioning and went with the carpet.
Glad they didn’t find any drugs. The cops would need probable cause to search the room, so likely someone complained about drug use in the room. If there was no probable cause then the search was illegitimate and anything discovered is consequently illegitimate. Disclaimer: This isn’t legal advise and you should not rely on it.
Chip Hint, hint. Maybe a Freedom of Information type request will pull up the basis for the issuance of the search warrant.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 14, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
This could be the first true break Felton has gotten since he began. Perhaps this could be of use to the Bulldog basketball team as welhttp://www.charleston.net/news/2007/nov/14/wavesgreenamongtopbasketball_seniors22101/l….
Article about AJ Green’s basketball ability.
Good luck to Felton and Co.
By 3 Rivers jacket
November 14, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Busting someone who had a little knife in theri apartment does not make sense. Surely these charges will be dropped. If the Uga athletic department canot get this to go away then they are not worth their salt. Why wuld someone be searching an apartment for weapons? What did the warrnat say? Surely the full story will come out. Georgia BB should be good. Even with no tradition they should still get a lot of players just from the leftovers. The ACC and the nearby SEC schools cannot get them all. Even GT who usually gets the palyer of the year rarely signs more than 2 from in state.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 14, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/nov/14/wavesgreenamongtopbasketball_seniors22101/
Sorry bout that.
By AltamahaDawg
November 14, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Feltons’ Model is only (going into) its 3rd year there buddy. He played the seniors he inherited, (and did pretty well as I recall) his first year and basically walk on the next year (lucky to win any, and still did). Better every year and starting to get better signees, whats the problem.
By ATLfan
November 14, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Good get for UGA. To bad UGA won’t have him when my Deacs take on the Dawgs in December.
By morris
November 14, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
The knife situation is a complete joke and if damon evans and the university don’t get these felony charges dropped then they are a complete joke as well. This is why people hate police and authority when irrational gustapo types take over and try to ruin a young man’s life because he had a freakin 3” souvenir knife. They never seem to be around when a real crime is being committed but they love overpowering innocent kid’s like billy humphrey. B*******!
As far as Felton goes I applauded his hiring and thought him to be a solid hire. However, we are in year five now and it’s time to quit using the Jim Harrick ruined the program excuse. That was certainly valid for maybe three years but now it is time for this team to step up and do something. We need to see this team turn the corner this year and then give Felton one more season to show some success. If he can’t do that then it is time for a change.
By J Dawg
November 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
A souvenir pocket knife, now that certainly deserves a felony charge. Good work UGA cops. You make us proud.
By Wozzo the Wonder Dog
November 14, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Nice story about A.J. Green and basketball but all I could think of was the potential of him blowing out a knee or something. A.J. Green cannot get to Athens fast enough! I think he will bring to the receiving corps and the team what Moreno brings to the running game and the team. Verne Lundquist said that all the Georgia high school running backs are now emulating Moreno. I have to think that that will pay recruiting dividends somewhere along the line.
If Humphrey ever makes it back to the lineup I expect the AJC to use the following in stories about him:
Humphrey knifes through the paint … Humphrey carves up [team] … Humphrey slashes … Humphrey has an edge on [team] … Humphrey cuts … Humphrey slices … Humphrey peels … Humphrey dices … Humphrey’s razor sharp skills … Humphrey whittled the lead …
By NCDAWG
November 14, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
A felony for a souvenir knife?? You must be kidding me!! On another note, went to the game Friday before the Auburn game. The team looks great and we’re even men short with the suspensions. These young freshman are a blast to watch and with the maturity of of their compliment players (Sundiata,Billy,Rashad, & Dave), they will have some fun for us in the SEC this year. All our best to Billy while they get another UGA police mess straightened out. WOW, glad their so on the ball with scooters and souvenir knives while girls get accosted on campus. Barney Fife at his best!! (I don’t mean to disrespect all the good cops protecting us out there but some cops give you a bad rep)
By chitown dawg
November 14, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
Next yr will be Mercer, Woodbury, and Singleton’s senior year, Price and Jacob will be a sophomores, Jackson will be a junior and of course Trey Tompkins who is NBA ready will be a freshman. This is not including others who might step up to add quality depth to this team. Trey is going to be one and done - but it’s shaping up to be a great year if all these kids qualify and remain on the team. Hopefully Trey can convince some of his AAU buddies to sign with Georgia down the line to make up for when he leaves in a year
By LAWDAWG
November 14, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
I only have a degree from Uga law school, but it seems a stretch to charge Humphrey with a felony for violating “university policy”. This charge will disappear faster than Takais Brown.
By chitown dawg
November 14, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
CHIP - Can you inquire about the status of Kendrick Johnson?? He had to transfer to JUCO for academic reasons, but is he not coming back to UGA or did he sign else where? Felton said he was going to come back after he set his academic standing in JUCO… THANKS
By Stafford>Tebow
November 14, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
As a UGA student, i can tell you that the UGA cops are truly a bunch of barney fifes. they are out to get UGA students, especially athletes. maybe we should hold a rally on campus to get these charges against billy dropped. maybe that will send a message to the UGA police. all these intimdation ploys from the UGA police is getting old…
By BigNCDawg
November 14, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Felton has done a great job. Do you realize how hard it was to recruit top talent with the mess that was left him. Felton has had to overcome years of average Ga. basketball
You will see what a difference he makes when these young guys become juniors.
By RxDawg
November 14, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
They kid was charged with a felony!?…….for a pocket knife!?…..that was in his dorm!? Something is very much not right here, me thinks there is more to this story. Chip bring us more on this you journalistic soldier you…
By Gary
November 14, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
I agree there must be more to the Humphrey arrest than a souvenir pocket knife. I can’t imagine police being interested in pressing felony charges unless they are after bigger fish. I hate this has happened and hope this is all just a big mistake. But I disagree with those clamoring for success this year or else. If Felton had come into a normal situation then I would agree that 5 years is plenty of time to see results, like an NCAA bid. But he had to build a team from scratch with no scholarships and even when the sanctions were lifted he was limited with how many scholarships he can hand out each year. But each year the talent level has improved and so have the results and based on next year’s signees, we should see a very good team next year and we may even get lucky and have a few freshmen step up this year. I think Georgia fans will be very proud of this program over the next few years with Felton and we’ll also see basketball players actually graduate too. This guy did a great job at Western Kentucky, let’s give him a chance here.
By Chip Towers
November 14, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Here’s some of the details y’all have been looking for regarding the Humphrey arrest. Later editions of the story will be updated with comments from UGA Chief of Police jimmy Williamson, who basically said they treated the situation no differently than they would any other on campus and that the fact that it is a felony charge — Georgia is one of only two states in which that is the case — is tough but that’s the law.
By Chip Towers
November 14, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Oops. Here’s the link:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/11/14/ugasuspend_1115.html
By AltamahaDawg
November 14, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
I just don’t get this business of saying anyone, is making any kind of “excuses”. What excuses? And certainly coach Felton has never made any excuses. Harrick is not an excuse, it’s reality. The condition of the program he took over is a FACTUAL situation, and the man has steadily improved it. And by all indication, (if we are to believe that signing talented players is a good thing) is continuing to do so. What IS the problem? That the great and traditionally powerfull UGA basketball program couldnt go from worst (actually more like a negative placement) to first in the SEC in the past couple of years?
By DawgHare
November 14, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Yes I’m buying it. There is not a coach in the country who, in today’s SEC, would have done much more than what Coach Felton has accomplished with what little he inherited. Had the cupboard been stocked as well as it was for Coach Richt when he arrived, then Felton would have had much more success. As it is, he has had to start from the very bottom, and the climb is proving to be long and laborious. But he will get us there and Georgia will be a top-notch program one day. In spite of modest W/L success early on he has managed to sign increasingly high-profile recruits. He will get it done and he will do it the right way. Count on it.
By ConyersDawg
November 15, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this
Well I think Felton is going to turn Ga into a big time program. Will we be Kentucky or Fl.? Not now but maybe 5 years from now. I do know that coach felton did great things at West. Kent. and now that he is getting sec type kids we will be a team no one wants to play.
But for this year to be a success, J Price will have to play big and we will need Mercer playing 100% during the sec schedule.
Rivals ranked us the #30 early signing class. That’s good stuff. And we have already got a committment from a 2009 PG that will get a lot of pub after this year.
BTW, if you haven’t heard Buck is not doing well. For those that pray, keep him in your prayers as I am.
By Hernry
November 15, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
I carry a small Leatherman multitool everywhere I go. I measured the blade. It is two and a half inches long. I didn’t know I was comitting a felony when I used it to open that wine at the tailgate party.Motto of the story:Don’t p** off your janitor when he has a redneck racist University Police force at his disposal.
By SuwaneeDawg
November 15, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
I think Felton and the program will be fine. We just have to remember the state of the program when he got here. It was almost as bad as if they had gotten the death penalty. If it hadn’t been for Jonas Hayes and Damien Wilkins that first year, they may not have won 10 games.
A previous blogger had mentioned the wealth of talent in GA. Well, you’re right but up until now, who would have wanted to come to UGA? Little chance of even playing .500 ball much less going to ANY tournament.
Personally, I think it’s a testament to Felton and his staff that they have been able to take the program this far in five years. They have gotten it to a place where we have a better than average chance at recruits such as Thompkins.
I know most coaches get let go if they don’t make the NCAAs in 4-5 years but I think this situation is a bit different. Nobody wanted this job 5 years ago. Felton took it and has, in my mind, made it respectable again. Which, after the Harrick Fiasco, I didn’t know was possible.
By p
November 15, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
I’m a huge UGA fan, however, if I had a basketball playing kid worth SEC recruitng, I’d never send him there.
At this time, things are so out of balance between athletes/students and campus/clark county police that i wouldn’t want my kid on the front page of every newspaper in the country for skipping a class or possesion of a penknife.
To hell with UGA athletics until they get the police under control.
By AltamahaDawg
November 15, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
You have to love the post that start……..”I am a huge fan (despite what my comments reveal)”
By Stephen
November 15, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Coach Felton has brought ClASS and PERSONAL RESPONSIBITLITY to the basketball program. I hope he stays for many years. Go Dawgs!
By TechFan in Illinois
November 15, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
I won’t come on here often, but I wanted to comment on Felton. You guys have a great coach in this guy. Considering the mess he inherited, he’s done OK. He’s also had some really tough luck. Stick with him, support him and you’ll end up with a basketball program on the same level as your football program.
See it is possible for us to be civil to each other.
By Gen Neyland
November 15, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
AltDawg
To shorten and get to the point, ahem…” I’m a huge UGA fan, but to hell with UGA athletics.” The rest is just jelly in a doughnut…but…
I too am a huge UGA fan, but I need a Wildcats victory this Saturday…At least I’m honest…
By 82DAWG
November 15, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Wow, what low expectations do dawg fans have for this program! Five years. If the football team was this pathetic for five years you guys would be howling. It does not take five years to turn around a basketball program. Hugh Durham did it in two years. Tubby Smith did it in two years. One good recruiting class will do it. Felton has had long enough. His legacy at UGA is short on winning and long on losing, continued controversy and excuses.
By Gary
November 15, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
82Dawg, you can’t compare the situations when Durham and Tubby came in and Felton. He inherited a team where almost all of the upperclassmen quit over the Harrick mess and he had no scholarships due to sanctions to recruit players. I don’t care who you are you are not going to build a team in 2 years without scholarships. Then when they were taken of probation, teams are limited to how may scholarships you can offer over a 2 year period, so even though Georgia had 12 spots to fill on the team, they only had five scholarships to do it with. Remember one of those was Louis Williams who decided to turn pro instead of coming to Georgia. It’s not that we don’t want or expect a great team, but we have to play the cards we are dealt and Felton has done well with them. Quit being an impatient baby and realize what a fine job Felton has done. Winning at any cost was Harrick’s motto and look what it cost Georgia’s program. We’re lucky Felton took the job. Felton has the same high standards as Richt and I think he will make Georgia’s basketball program just as successful as Richt has made the football program. SEC champs!
By godawg
November 15, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
FOC members, Chan needs our support on Bradley’s blog.
How to sell ‘Must See GT?’
The Bugs are bashing our Man.
By 82DAWG
November 15, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
How much longer are you going to give him? A year, two years, five more years? And why can’t I use the Durham example? He inherited a couple of functional upper classmen (Mercer, Daughtry, Daniels) just like Felton did, then brought in a dynamite recruiting class (Wilkins, Fair, Heard) and followed it up in the next couple years with Banks and Flemming. The example is perfect. Georgia had NEVER won before Durham, no history at all. Yet Durham jumpstarted the program and brought in national recruits to make the team a winner in his first year. He made the program a winner in his second year and was in the final four in his fourth or fifth year. BTW, you can make a point without calling someone names like my 12 year old.
By AltamahaDawg
November 15, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
82dawg, Gary already answered that perfectly. I thought the point expressed it quite eloquently (and based on every other post you have ever made in here, I have to agree with his assessment).
One of the blatent differences is that while Durham may have started down, be wasn’t in the red, as in he HAD scholarships to give his first couple of years. I’m just guessing that Wilkins, Fair, Heard, might not have just walked on that year. And while fighting a non winning reputation is tough, that is a far cry from scandal and embarassment. All Durham had to do was convince folks to have an open mind. No mom in the world, including Mrs. Felton would have sent thier kid to UGA basketball for that first couple of years. (not to mention would have had to pay for it) Oh yea, Did Durham have to compete in a SEC schedule against 3 teams that made the Sweet 16 that year?
But forget about comparisons, Feltons teams have had considerable steady improvement in competition and winning percentages over the past years. And getting better recruits. I’m not sure how thats a bad thing. I’d understand the impatience if he was going in the opposite direction, but its not. I’m gettting you think its too late too little. (unless you are actually proactively complaining about the future) Where exaclty should they have been last year? Do you realize that last year UGA would have tied for first in the SEC West? If that was “pathetic, then 7 teams in the SEC were worst than pathetic.
BTW, I have yet to read any low expectations. I think what the overwhelming majority have said is that based on how its gone, how its shaping up, high expectations are out there. What am I missing, that you should be so convinced otherwise?
By AltamahaDawg
November 15, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Incidently, Felton was 19-14 last year. Durham’s best record with “the human highlight film” for 3 yrs was 19-12, and he had Banks, Fair, Fleming on a couple of those team. (I’d we willing to bet on Feltons ability to win 25+ with 2 future NBA great on the floor.) Even the 1983 magic dawgs were 9-9 SEC in the regular season. Durham (even after establishing himself and the program) went on to have many more seasons he did NOT win 20 games than he did. I loved the guy, but lets not make him out to be some great coach that Felton can never be. He will damn sure never be as funny as Hugh was.
By tim
November 16, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Give me a break. Who doesn’t own a knife with a blade greater than 2 inches. I understand the need for the law but a 3 inch pocket knife does not warrant a felony. How the hell do they eat steak?
By ma125zda
November 18, 2007 4:09 AM | Link to this
c990t
By Villa Rica DAWG
November 19, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
GO DAWGS!
By bill
November 20, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
If Felton gets this team to the NCAA’s, he should get SEC coach of the year. But he is bringing in a VERY good class in 2008-09 which will make them SEC contenders. Don’t get too down on this year dawggies, because the future is bright . Felton will get you there.