Georgia Tech basketball coach Brian Gregory has worked with players individually since the start of the semester and as a team since Sept. 15. As much as he has been developing skill and teaching his systems, Gregory has been teaching the Yellow Jackets how to practice.
Gregory said players understand what playing and practicing hard are, but don’t always make the choice to do so.
“What we want to do is create an environment where that’s just who we are and what we do every day,” Gregory said at a Tuesday news conference.
After working under the NCAA rules that limit coaches to two hours of practice time per week between the start of classes and the start of preseason practice, the Jackets will start practice Oct. 14. One message Gregory said his staff repeats every day is that the players are responsible for their attitude, energy and effort, and he has pointed out at various times when those have been lacking or failed to meet his standard.
Said Gregory, “We want our team to be characterized as a team that never gives up on a play.”
Gregory also gave updates on a handful of players. Freshman forward Julian Royal’s conditioning has improved considerably since the summer, but it has to get even stronger. If he can raise his work ethic and willingness to play with a physical style, Gregory said, “I think he has a chance to be a really good player here.”
Guard Pierre Jordan, who transferred to Tech from Florida State over the summer and will have immediate eligibility, has brought maturity and has benefited from knowing “he’s going to be counted on a daily basis” has helped him. Jordan played limited minutes for the Seminoles.
Of guard Brandon Reed, who sat out last season after transferring from Arkansas State, Gregory said, “I think he’s proved himself on a daily basis that he is an ACC-caliber player.” Guard Jason Morris is a “full go” after breaking his toe in July.
Gregory said he likes Glen Rice Jr.’s versatility as a scorer and believes his athletic ability will be highlighted in the open court.
“His challenge as a junior now is to [score] on a consistent basis, and that’s one thing that we’ve really stressed with him,” Gregory said.
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