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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA lost season?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You gotta feel bad for Sundiata Gaines.
This was supposed to be the year that all that hard work during those early first few rebuilding seasons under Dennis Felton paid off. After riding the bubble and barely missing the NCAA tournament last season, Georgia looked primed for a tournament run this year.
Then the Luck of Dennis Felton kicked in and, well, you know the rest of that story, unfortunately. Two of the top-performing players kicked off the team, academic suspensions, disciplinary suspensions, injuries. …
So we’re back to the way it was when Gaines first came to Georgia, with the Bulldogs barely having enough players to have any bench to speak of, and Gaines nevertheless playing his heart out … in vain.
The senior guard has played so impressively of late that he was named SEC player of the week last week for his efforts in a couple of losses (how often does THAT happen?!).
And so here the Dawgs are, now officially below .500 for the season, having lost eight of their past nine games, and with a dismal 3-9 SEC record. And having played almost every minute, Gaines seems to be running a little out of steam. His streak of three consecutive 20-plus-point games came to an end against Kentucky, and while he was back at 24 points against Vandy Saturday, only eight of those came after halftime.
Still, nobody can question Yata’s effort. He even drew applause from the Tennessee fans still hanging around Stegeman Coliseum after the Vols’ recent win there, a game in which Gaines almost tied it with a would-be 3-pointer that bounced off the rim twice at the buzzer.
And this is a kid who’s taking 20 hours of courses this semester so he can graduate in May with a sociology degree.
But it all comes to naught because of a combination of problems on and off the court and the seeming inability of Felton’s team to play at a consistent level throughout a game and finish strongly.
So the season when the rebuilding was to be officially over drags on with the Bulldogs spiraling down the drain, despite the stalwart efforts of senior leaders Gaines and Dave Bliss.
It has turned out like fans feared when all that pre-season drama played out. All in all, a lost season best forgotten. Only trouble is, it’s Gaines’ last as a Bulldog. And I hate that for him.
Comments
By jrmdvm1
February 24, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
In the future, when outstanding Georgia BB players ( and unfortunately there are not that many yet ) are remembered, Yata will be in that group. Records will be forgotten, but the talent and heart he has shown will always be remembered. He is a true Dawg, with no “quit” in him.
By Drew
February 24, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Sundiata Gaines is, simply put, a quility human being and a heck of a basketball player. People can speak of his size, or lack thereof, but they can’t say it holds him back. They can place blame on his shoulders for the lack of achievement by the UGA basketball team, but it will be unwaranted. Sundiata Gaines is one of the most respectable student athletes to come out of the University of Georgia, and he will not soon be forgotten. Thank you Sundiata for your comitment and effort you continually exhibit. You represent our university with perfection!
By Hairy Dawg
February 24, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
If Felton finally has some real success next year with this team, I think it’s obvious that a big chunk of the foundation for it will have been laid by Yata. His work ethic is an inspiration to the team, the university, and the student body.
By cjdawg
February 24, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
I hope the NBA takes a hard look at yata. He is the kind of guy that could really lead a team. I look at his work ethic, his class and his ability and I see Derek Fisher. Truly class guys and real point guards.
Thanks yata for being the player you are and for letting the fans see you play your entire UGA career.
By Ryno
February 24, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Yatta epitomizes a true Dawg! Just look at him. Yesterday, down by 15 or so with about a minute left, he’s still diving on the floor going after balls. I shun to think where this program would be the last four years without him. Granted this season has not been what he, or anybody in the bulldog nation wants, he still goes out there and fights every single play. I agree with cjdawg that the NBA should look at him, but I was looking at the top 10 point guards in the nation the other day, and he gets no respect. The announcers, other teams, and everybody that follows the dawgs b-ball knows how valuable and what a good leader he is. I wish the best for him!
By CParkDog
February 25, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this
Yes,Yatta play good but he has to bring his team along. A point guard can’t take all the shots. If he put a little of that effort in his team maybe he would be going to the next level.
By AltamahaDawg
February 25, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Might be Bill Kings best effort in months. Very nice to have original thoughts and not just trolling the other blogs to repeat the biggest complainers.
By BeachGaBulldog
February 25, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Felton needs to be FIRED, TODAY!
By tom
February 25, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Bliss & Gaines ARE Georgia basketball!
By vernon west
February 25, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Since 2003,the team had nine players kick off, academic, disciplinary, treferred,injuries. It time for a change.
By vernon west
February 25, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Since 2003,the team had nine players kick off, academic, disciplinary, treferred,injuries. It time for a change.
By Chuck Uga
March 1, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Felton is a good basketball coach with a Marines-style approach. He has done a good job when he’s had enough talent, but the problem is he is incapable of establishing trust among his players. He cannot manage the team nor the program adequately or long enough to establish any level of success. Who can guarantee he isn’t in the same situation next year with people quitting, failing out or being dismissed? His players do not bond with him. Maybe some realize they don’t want to play for him or buy into what he is doing. By comparison, I think he just cannot manage the program like other coaches do who are having success. I also doubt the signees will stick with UGA if he is dismissed, and personally, I doubt Evans or the Athletic Board are smart enough to hire the right replacement such as a Kansas/Duke/UNC/UCLA/UConn-type assistant or someone with a similar connection. Simply put, no one gives a damn about the basketball program…it’s all been window dressing since Tubby left. We’ll replace Felton with the head coach of Murray State or some other inconsequential program that will not translate into the same level of success in this league. Sorry if some of you are offended, but the truth hurts.
My prediction: He will be dismissed Monday morning after the Ole Miss game