AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 29 > Entry

Basketball: Is Derrick Favors on brink of college decision?

Is South Atlanta’s Derrick Favors about to make his heavily anticipated decision between Georgia Tech and Georgia?

South Atlanta basketball coach Michael Reddick declined to comment on Tuesday, but he said that he hoped that Favors would announce his decision by the early signing period, which begins Nov. 12.

The 6-foot-9 Favors is ranked as the country’s No. 1 basketball prospect by Scout. He took official visits to Georgia Tech and Georgia, which have always been believed to be his favorites, and a recruiting trip to North Carolina State.

Last weekend, Favors was scheduled to make an official visit to Memphis, but did not go. Reddick said he didn’t know why Favors didn’t go to Memphis, and he has not talked about that subject with his prized player. South Atlanta began basketball workouts this week.

Reddick also said he did not know if Favors would schedule any more official visits. Favors had hinted he may take a trip to Florida State, but never scheduled a date.

Permalink | Comments (76) | Post your comment | Categories: Basketball, Tech, UGA

Comments

By Mike

October 28, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Derrick….come on down to the Flats and join the fun! Coach Hewitt is reloading and you could be the cornerstone to a deep NCAA run.

By Otis

October 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

NC State

By John

October 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

He was at GT’s scrimmage saturday night that was open to fans. It could be a clue….

By John

October 28, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

He was at GT’s scrimmage Saturday night that was open to fans. It could be a clue…

By Gunther Wheeler

October 28, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

I see that you failed to mention he skipped the Memphis visit to go back to Tech. Solid reporting. There is no indication anywhere that UGA is his favorite. I’m surprised you took a break from barking at Gator fans to write this blog. Nice work.

By Stephen

October 28, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

NC State

By Johnny

October 28, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Georgia Tech Derrick

By deltonadawg

October 28, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Wow I though Tech people could read better than that. He said favorites meaning UGA and Tech are his favorites. LOL

By Cremins

October 28, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Deltonadawg,

The article was changed. It once read UGA was his favorite but the thought is that he will go to GT because of its already strong recruiting class.
Hopefully he will stay in state (I want GT of course).

By Eric

October 28, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

NC State

By Sidney

October 28, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

N.C. State

By wuf

October 28, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

NC State

By AfroDawg

October 28, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

If the kid wants to go to school and remain relatively uncoached for the time he’s there, Tech’s a good fit. If he wants structure, superior coaching, and exit as a better player, UGA is the place for him.

By KnowsBasketball

October 28, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Felton is probably the worst coach in a major conference. He will be fired this March. Honestly, what has he done? No one in the NBA and losing season after losing season. Hewitt has put people in the NBA EVERY YEAR and was a national semi-finalist. Its not even close between Tech and UGA.

By TommyP

October 28, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

KnowsBasketball: You’ve gotta be kidding me to criticize Felton for not putting players in the NBA.

He’s finally at a point where he can recruit good talent.

He’s never had that chance but you’re going to say he can’t put guys in the NBA?

You’re completely detached from the situation.

By GT GRAD

October 28, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Felton will be gone in 1-2 years.

GT Basketball is on the verge of something VERY special! The 2009 recruiting class is SPECTACULAR and Derrick Favors could make the GT 2009 class the best ever (at GT for sure and maybe even in the history of College Basketball). The only class which even comes close would be Michigan’s Fab Five. I hope and pray Derrick decides to attend GT and be the lead player of a superb group of players. Coach Paul Hewitt is a solid coach with excellent character and truly cares about each of his players (while at GT and after they graduate or leave GT).

I wish the best for Derrick regardless of his decision. Good luck!

By Jimmy V

October 28, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

NC State

By Loco

October 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

GT GRAD says: “Felton will be gone in 1-2 years.”

So will Derrick Favors.

By Buzzed02

October 28, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Dear Loco, Dur. Love, Buzzed

By AfroDawg

October 28, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Here’s the deal on Felton, the guy doesn’t put up with the foolishness most coaches allow today. Mike Mercer, Billy Humphrey, Rashad Singleton, and Takais Brown would all still be suiting up if they were Tech players. Notice how Felton maximizes the thin talent that’s left on the team. Hewitt could never have done what the Dawgs did last year in the stretch with the same players.

By Tech

October 28, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Maximizes talent? You mean like your losing record in a weak SEC? Look where that tournament championship got you. A first round ouster. If he was the coach you think his is he could have at least beat an overrated Xavier team he had the lead on in the second half. What an f’n loser.

By Tech

October 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

And by the way Afro….why dont you try telling that BS about how Felton handles troublesome players to Lewis Clinch. Of course then again players who come to play for Hewitt arent the type of thugs that come to play for Felton apparently. Nice try….thanks for playin.

By Greg

October 28, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Tech, what kind of idiot are you? You do realize Xavier(a 3 seed) was one win away from making the FINAL 4 and UGA was winning for almost 30 minutes of that game and was within 3 points very late in the game. UGA completed outplayed X except for one 5 minute run.

I was at the game in DC and Big Ten referee/Midwest homer Ed Hightower led the Xavier comeback by calling a foul every time UGA got near an X player while allowing Xavier to hammer UGA across the wrists and arms right in front of him without calling a thing. After the game, it was explained that Xavier was simply playing aggressive D….and Georgia didn’t do the same thing to build their lead over the first 30 minutes? It was an absolute joke. Believe what you want to believe, but UGA could have easily made the same run Xavier did. They were playing with a lot of confidence after that SEC championship run and there was no one standing in there way as highly seeded as Xavier until the Elite 8.

By GHJ

October 28, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Why does ANY Tech fan think Hewitt’s job is secure?

By Willy

October 28, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Maybe because he has been to the NCAA tourney 3 of the last 5 years including a NC appearence in 04 to go along with a top 5 recruiting class without Favors who will end up a Jacket soon.

By Tuffy

October 28, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

NC State

By Jason

October 28, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

No, UGA’s problem children would not still be suited up if they had chose Tech, because they would have never even been on the team in the first place.

By STATE

October 29, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Paul Hewitt brings in top notch talent, but what has he done with it? Nothing.

By gtfan

October 29, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

i sure hope that mr favors picks gt but….

our ‘solid’ coach has a losing record against uga including last year.

ph has disgraced the coaching profession by his underacheiving over and over again.

hewitt needs to do what he does best. he needs to chair the bca so that gt can find a real coach.

its a shame that we lost dandre bell for 2 reasons. it hurts the team and it give paul no coach hewitt another excuse for a bottom finish in the league and an nit bid.

will it ever end ;o(

By AfroDawg

October 29, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Jason you can BS your friends, I can BS mine, but let’s not BS eachother, Tech would sign Satan if he had a 48 inch vertical. Hewitt has signed several point guards that he either couldn’t develop, or gave up on (Zam Frederick). To me that means you want a quick fix, and you don’t want to work hard and teach. Yata Gaines was developed into a pretty good point by Felton, Dave Bliss, a throw away signee, held his own because he was expertly coached.

By James

October 29, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Come on Derrick. Make it happen, GT is ready for you to bring them back to the final four. You combined with the already great ‘09 class will do great things together. UGA has a no name recruit and thats all, for ‘09 the supporting cast there will be terrible. Believe me I have seen Mayfield enough to know he won’t do much while Favors is there. Will just be a solid 4 year player. Favors to GT, Atlanta has been waiting for 3 years for this. Make it happen.

By BravesFan79

October 29, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

gtfan….change your name man to something else because your a poor excuse for a fan….i man dmn u whine like your a ga state fan (why they think THEY have any room to talk sht i dunno, they even lost their great coach lefty)….besides why cant we all get along.. i cheered for ga state when they played in the NCAA and went for UGA in the tourney last year….

But GT has been my team since the 80’s, and they come first. And man am i glad because the programs DONT EVEN COMPARE!!

D Favors is coming to GT like i predicted this time last year, Hewiit will again prove himself to be a good coach since he no longer has a freshman pt guard…and Miller will prove to be better than expected.

D Bell getting hurt is a BLESSING in disguise….as he will now play a BIG part in defending the other teams top player on our run to the final 4 in 2010!!

By Derrick

October 29, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

NC STATE

By Jay

October 29, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

NC State? He is not going to play for Sidney Blowes. No Worldwide connection here. Hickson looked good tonight….on the bench.

By Derrick's Best Friend

October 29, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

NC State Wolfpack

By GT90

October 29, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t matter if we have Roy Williams coaching. If we can’t have a pt guard who stays more than one year to run the offense, we’ll always be less than average. Seems to me that Mo has really improved in the off season and he is here to stay. A pure college player and we should finally see things pay off this season. Can’t wait even if Shumpert and Favors only stay one year each. As long as our PG stays 3 or more, we’ll be very good again.

By Tech

October 29, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this

Greg, Oh god. Here we go about the refs again. Maybe if Georgia wasnt so overmatched by a powerhouse A-10 team they wouldnt have had to foul to keep from losing. But whatever. Believe what want. But you do probably prove my point. Xavier would win the SEC. ROFL. What a joke. Felton belongs in high school.

By Vols Rule

October 29, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

He’s going to Tennessee.

By Brian

October 29, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

Greg,

That was hilarious. Thanks for that.

By lakerat

October 29, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Tech -

Say what you like about UGA and their appearance in the NCAA tourney last year - but, UGA was there, where was Tech?

By tech09

October 29, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Get read Tech fans. Some college insiders say Iman Shumpert may be the best player Hewitt has had, and that includes Bosh. It should be a fun year. Losing Bell hurts, and we’re not that deep, but we weren’t that deep when we went to the Final Four either. Btw, Derrick, I saw you at the Hoopsfest at Tech after the UVA game Saturday, hope to see you playing for Tech next year.

By GA Tech insider

October 29, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Frankly, the way most of you are acting on this blog, I wouldn’t be surprised if Derrick disqualified all of your schools and opted to go somewhere else because of the lack of maturity the fan base.

With just a precious few exceptions,you all need to grow up. Frankly, Derrick is showing a heck of a lot maturity than you are.

By PhotoBuzz

October 29, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Georgia Tech is the place for Derrick!

GO JACKETS!

By wycliffec

October 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Who cares? Somebody this highly rated will only stay one year. Deja vu Tech fans??? You’re still haven’t recovered from the exodus two years ago. Give me two three star prospects over a one-and-done five star player.

By Otis

October 29, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

“NC State? He is not going to play for Sidney Blowes. No Worldwide connection here. Hickson looked good tonight….on the bench. “

Yeah….becuase he was being punished for being late to a meeting…

Ya got me there

By Toad

October 29, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

To Brian - My,my my!

By Jason

October 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

AfroDawg, you can’t tell me that Hewitt didn’t do wonders with players like Mario West and Luke Schensher. Neither of these guys was considered to be anything when they came to Tech and both have played minutes in the NBA. Hewitt is no great coach by any stretch, but there is no question he can get players to the pros. With Derrick, that is irrelevant because he will be NBA-bound after a year anyway, but don’t tell me Hewitt can’t coach up a player who is willing to be coached.

There is no merit to the claim that UGA’s problem children would still be playing despite their issues if they were on Tech. Under Hewitt, the worst players we’ve had have just been in need of an attitude adjustment. They haven’t had well-chronicled off-the-court issues, so that claim is completely unfounded.

As for Favors, the way I see it, if he goes to UGA he can get them a handful of nationally televised games they otherwise would not have had. If he comes to Tech, he will already receive more exposure just by playing in the ACC. He would do more for UGA than UGA could possibly do for him IMO. Not saying he won’t choose UGA, because it wouldn’t shock me, I just don’t think it would be the BEST choice. But ultimately, the kid will go where he wants to go.

By jdawg34

October 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Who cares about basketball. This is football country! We will beat tech with or without him!

By Luther

October 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

UGA79-GT72

By Gator

October 29, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Derrick told me years ago where he always wanted to go to school. I hoped that over the next 4 years that he would change his mind. Paul has another player on his team now that I am close with that was highly recruited and I have watched over the last 4 years how he has destroyed this young man confidence. The only joy I have in Derrick attending Tech is that this is a 1 in done deal for him. Paul will not have a chance to destroy him.

By The Truth

October 29, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

The kid is insane if he doesn’t go to Yech. Hewitt has kids in the league. Felton is an idiot and will probably never have any players in the league.

By AfroDawg

October 29, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

You’re an idiot for standing on principle. Derrick Favors, do yourself, and your family a real “Favor” by manning up, and signing with the Dawgs.

By Dawg44

October 29, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Tech is investing tons of cash in his recruitment. Tech is paying as much cash for Favors as they did to get Calvin Johnson. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be tough for UGA to overcome since UGA pays zero to their recruits. But Favors does like UGA, Felton, the assistant coaches, the school, the facilities, and the UGA players the best. And his family like UGA the best too. But who can walk away from that much cash? Favors is in a tough decision making position. I would be shocked if he doesn’t sign with GA Tech. Tech Lies and Cheats and unfortunately for us, cheating in this situation will probably take us out of the equation. I’m hoping Favors is a very rare athlete who will turn down the money and go with his heart.

PS - I know LSU paid $100,000 last year to sign their stud recruit. Tech is trying to top that this year. Let’s wait and see what happens.

By Cremins

October 29, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

DAWG44, Good point. Tech cheats way more than UGA and we all know it. How many points for a 3-point shot, anyway?

By Willy

October 29, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

This is any choice and Favors will be at GaTech next year. Who cares if he is a one and done so was Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose and they led thier teams to the championship.

Would Favors rather go to UGAY and play with 3 star players like Zac Swaney, Dusin Ware, and Daniel Miller or would he rather play with 5 star all americans like Gani Lawal, Iman Shumpert and 4 star players like Maurice Miller, Zack Peacock and be part of a top 5 recruiting class that already has 4 stars Mfon Udofa, Glen Rice, and Kammeon Holsey? UGAY will always suck in basketball. hahaa

By gtfan

October 29, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

braves fan…. posting on this blog does not a gt fan make. ive been following gt bbc… before bobby. ive driven hundreds of miles to listen to a game on my truck radio 20 years ago. so dont tell me about being a fan.

i guess you value being a fan on the short term. well i am more of a long term guy.

bobby was forced out in a nice sort of way and replaced with a guy who cant get better results with superior players. give me a break.

paul hewitt is getting the exact same results that bobby was getting when he was fired. 7 years worth. when you compare bobby’s first 7 years vs paul’s it is obvious paul couldnt coach his way out of a paper bag inspite of his recruiting classes.

but for the fact he is BLACK, TEFLON PAUL HEWITT should have been canned before gailey. last time i looked teams change coaches to get better results. so why are we stuck with hewitt still? like i said…. cause he is black.

jason….

the list of pro prospects that have improved AFTER they left the toutelage sic of paul hewitt is long.

amo and west are great examples of players who PLAYED themselves onto a pro team roster inspite of paul hewitt.

ph misused amo for 4 years and now amo blossomed. that is no coincidence. he has NO clue on how to use players or create a team with chemisty.

paul keeps telling the fan base that he is at gt to graduate black players and get as many of them into the nba.

well the last time i looked….

  • that kind of statement is RACIST.

  • we are a college not an nba scout team

  • he is payed by gt and its fan base to win games with the best players not just black players.

  • his first mission should be to do away with his private tutoring sessions and replace them with TEAM related functions. this is a team sport isnt it?

    when he does his private turoring thing he takes away from the team which cheats not only the other players who are NOT nba prospects but it cheats the fans.

    PAUL TEFLON HEWITT NEEDS TO GO!

    By AfroDawg

    October 29, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

    Wow, Tech pays their recruits? They’re getting about as much on their investments as I’m getting on my stocks.

    By dawg fan

    October 29, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

    Paul Hewitt is another Bobby Cremins. Great recruiter but terrible basketball coach. Cremins had some of the best individual talent to ever play the game but he couldn’t coach a team. Hewitt is the same.

    Felton at least coaches up the players he has and gets them to buy into his system.

    By chad

    October 29, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

    favors was at tech’s practice last weekend. he wasn’t at ugay’s pit watching the felons run sprints. derrick knows what’s best for him and it is not a short stay in clarke county. go jackets

    By Brian

    October 29, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

    Dawg44,

    You’re just embarrassing yourself.

    By objectiveview

    October 29, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

    Felton inherited a poor situation after the Jim Harrick situation. Of course the first couple of years are gonna be rocky. UGAs on the rise though

    By objectiveview

    October 29, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

    Felton inherited a poor situation after the Jim Harrick situation. Of course the first couple of years are gonna be rocky. UGAs on the rise though

    By Dawg gone

    October 29, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

    Don’t count out Bruce Pearl and Tennessee. Lots of mo at the current time, and facilities/exposure/teammates are MUCH better. Watch out Tech!

    By Willy

    October 29, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

    Tech does not pay their recruits but Felton paid Thompkins to go to UGA. I didn’t make the NCAA tourney 3 of the last 5 year including a NC apperance and putting Jack, Shencer, Bynum, Crittenton, Young, West, and Morrow in the NBA means he is a bad coach. We have had injuries and academic problems and Hewitt has not disappointed. Gtfan please STFU because you have no idea what you’re talking about.

    By BravesFan79

    October 30, 2008 3:15 AM | Link to this

    gtfan…. sorry man but your still a big whiner to me….
    if you want to complain about something… complain that we didnt bring back that defensive minded assistant that helped lead us to the title game in 2004. Or complain about your freshman guards being so good they usually leave after 1 year.

    So tell me… WHO would u want to coach at GT if not for Hewitt?? Perhaps you would want a great x’s and o’s coach like Bob Knight. But what did he EVER do without TALENT? He had a few up and down years at Texas Tech, but never was a serious threat in the tourney. Because of LACK OF TALENT!!

    Yet we have a GREAT recruiter in Hewitt……and all you wanna do is complain. When your complains should be aimed towards new blood among the assistants…. not the head coach!

    If you had your wish…. Hewitt would of been fired last year, and this GREAT 09 class ( like i predicted last winter)…..would of NEVER happened!

    GO GT!!

    By BravesFan79

    October 30, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this

    gtfan…. sorry man but your still a big whiner to me….
    if you want to complain about something… complain that we didnt bring back that defensive minded assistant that helped lead us to the title game in 2004. Or complain about your freshman guards being so good they usually leave after 1 year.

    So tell me… WHO would u want to coach at GT if not for Hewitt?? Perhaps you would want a great x’s and o’s coach like Bob Knight. But what did he EVER do without TALENT? He had a few up and down years at Texas Tech, but never was a serious threat in the tourney. Because of LACK OF TALENT!!

    Yet we have a GREAT recruiter in Hewitt……and all you wanna do is complain. When your complains should be aimed towards new blood among the assistants…. not the head coach!

    If you had your wish…. Hewitt would of been fired last year, and this GREAT 09 class ( like i predicted last winter)…..would of NEVER happened!

    GO GT!!

    By gt

    October 30, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

    Dawg44-

    I don’t know how you sleep at night knowing that you post crap like that on a public forum. You’re an idiot and I feel sorry for you. But don’t worry, nobody will ever try to say that UGA pays it’s players because everyone knows that they don’t have any players worth paying. good day.

    By techsta

    October 30, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

    Both GT and UGA fans,

    Let’s get real. Tech fans are a little bit distracted by its current 09 ranking. If Tech does not get Favors it will probably not have a top ten class. Many of the top players are still uncommitted. Let’s hope they get him. UGA fans, come on. Arguing that Felton has a program on the rise is a bit optimistic. Take out the four-game run in the SEC and we have no idea where Felton would be. But, it would not be at UGA. Neither team should have too much to say regarding recent performances. Get real.

    By sh

    October 30, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

    i think he is better for UGA if he is a one-and-done guy.

    By Joe

    October 30, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

    Georgia Tech is the right choice.

    By Joe

    October 30, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

    Georgia Tech is the right choice.

    By Joe

    October 30, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

    Georgia Tech is the right choice.

    By Didgie

    October 30, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

    If DF is a one and done guy - why go play in the SEC…ACC is more of a high profile basketball conference…That being saidtwo of the teams on this young man’s list pay players through the AAU…NC State pays players through connection Coach Lowe has from his time in the NBA…Florida State has boosters who promise players money…The Singleton Kid is making $30,000…So if Favors can’t wait one year to start getting paid he may go to one of those places…If he chooses tech, Wallace Prather Jr. may already be paying him…We all shall see in a few weeks…

    By JacketKey

    October 31, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

    Everybody knows Favors was favoring UGA two weeks ago.

    Things have changed but we’ll just have to wait and see.

    To me and many other Tech fans we know what Hewitt is about, this reeks of desperation. We need to hire a real coach like Johnson who doesn’t suck up to these spoiled a* players.

    All these folks say he was at Tech, well he was at tech last year as a UGA fan with Thompkins, his best friend.

    Calvin Johnson couldn’t do dick with Gailey and DF won’t do dick with Teflon Hewitt.

    We Tech fans need to stand together and get rid of Hewitt and hire a true Tech man, Mark Price.

    Tech will defeat UGA in football too, LSU exposed a p** poor UGA run D and Willie Martinez does nothing but give me hope. I’m actually hoping UGA defeats UF so we can spoil their special season.

    Go Jackets

    By Willy

    October 31, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

    Favors was never favoring UGA he has always been a Georgia Tech lean.

    By dawgfan4

    November 10, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

    all the tech fans need to shut up. Paul Hewitt inherited loads of talent at tech and has done nothing since. He has a losing record against a sub par georgia team and your saying paul hewitt is a better coach… that bs. plus georgia will out recruit again and land in a five star recruit and win a national championship in the next five years. Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!

    Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F

    Post a comment



    Remember me?

    You may use the following formatting:
    Bold: **this text will be bolded** = this text will be bolded
    Italic: *this text will be italic* = this text will be italic
    Link: [text to be linked](http://www.ajc.com) = text to be linked



    There will be a delay of up to 5 minutes before your comment appears.


    *HTML not allowed in comments. Your e-mail address is required.

     

    Kudzu.com: Mosquitos are breeding.  Ready for the bites?
    Today's deal from DealSwarm.com

    Local sports videos





    AJC Breaking News Updates