Jarrett Jack wants to see Georgia Tech return to its former glory on the basketball court.
The former Yellow Jacket point guard was there for the school’s most recent national success.
As a sophomore, Jack was part of Georgia Tech’s runner-up finish in the NCAA Men’s National Championship Tournament in 2004. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.1 assists during the near-championship run that ended with a loss to Connecticut in San Antonio.
Jack, who recently signed with the Hawks to continue his NBA career, said he remains in close contact with his school and new head coach Josh Pastner.
“I’m pretty much at Georgia Tech every day,” said Jack, who still resides in Atlanta. “This is prior to me becoming a Hawk. I’ve been very visible around the town, around the program. I’m happy with the hire of Josh Pastner and a lot of the past Georgia Tech guys that he’s brought on his staff. I think we are going to start to build something special and hopefully get the program back to where it was.
“Josh has a lot of energy about him. I remember him when he was recruiting me in high school, so to speak. I’m just excited. I’m excited for the direction. I’m excited for him. I’m excited for the journey they are about to start.”
Jack said he has fond memories of playing at Georgia Tech. He was an early entry into the NBA Draft after his junior season, in which he averaged 15.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Jack was selected by the Nuggets in the first round (No. 22 overall) in 2005 but traded to the Trail Blazers in a draft-night deal. The point guard will enter his 12th NBA season, and first with the Hawks, this year.
“Man, some of the most fun times in my life,” Jack said about his days at Tech. “Being able to come to Atlanta as a 17-year old, a young kid, not really knowing too much but trying to grow up in the process. It was fun trying to figure myself out as a man and as a professional. Being able to do things like playing in the national championship, relationships I’ve made in Atlanta that are life-long lasting, to have it come back now full circle is pretty cool.”
