Georgia Tech’s Jordan Usher returning for another senior season

After several days of receiving feedback about his professional basketball prospects and weighing against the possibility of returning to Georgia Tech, forward Jordan Usher was ready to make his decision Friday morning. One of four Yellow Jackets seniors with an opportunity to make use of an extra season of eligibility granted by the NCAA, Usher informed coach Josh Pastner that he was returning for the 2021-22 season.

“In his mind, he had clarity in his decision that he needed to get better,” Pastner told the AJC.

Usher joins guard Bubba Parham, who made his decision last week that he’ll come back for his second senior season. That leaves guard Jose Alvarado, forward Moses Wright and junior guard Michael Devoe as the three undecideds.

Pastner said that Usher was excited when informing him of his decision to return to a team that will be the defending ACC champions and pursue a second NCAA Tournament berth in a row.

“I was very happy because I was happy for him because I thought it was the best decision for him,” Pastner said. “But I’m happy for Georgia Tech and I’m happy for our team. It’s positive all the way around.”

Usher continued his development in his second season with the Jackets following his transfer from USC in January 2019. Usher averaged 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting an even 50.0% from the field in 29.4 minutes per game.

He finished the season with six consecutive double-figures scoring games, averaging 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists with a 55.1 field-goal percentage in those games.

From a game-play standpoint, Usher has been somewhat shortchanged because of his mid-year transfer from USC and then the past season that was shortened by COVID-19. Usher has played 96 career games over four seasons despite not playing only one game he was eligible to play in. In a more typical scenario, Usher might have played 120-plus games over the past four years.

“This gives him an extra year of playing, and so just a chance to continue to getting better,” Pastner said. “Because once you leave here, you’ve got to be ready in all areas of your life. This gives him an extra year to continue to grow.”

Usher’s return certainly raises the potential for the Jackets next season and could influence Alvarado and Wright, the two seniors who have yet to announce decisions on their future, also to return. Pastner said that Tech’s two linchpins will make their decisions based on what is best for them, “but I’m sure it doesn’t hurt them to have Jordan and Bubba back as part of the core group.”

Parham was the first to make clear his intent to come back for a fifth season of eligibility, granted to all fall- and winter-sports athletes by the NCAA because of the impact of COVID-19. Devoe, who also will investigate his professional options, is also undecided on his plans for next season.

Pastner has been in constant communication with all three.

“Each guy has their own timetable,” Pastner said. “I’m not forcing any of the guys, with Mike, Jose and Moses. Whenever they’re ready to make a decision, whether it’s to come back or turn professional, we’re going to support them. That timetable is to be determined. Whenever they’re ready to say it, they’ll be ready to say it.”

Gifted with explosiveness in running and jumping, Usher has continued to develop his basketball skillset and particularly improved as a passer this season. Pastner said that Usher “absolutely” has the potential to be an All-ACC player next season and play in the NBA.

“I think him continuing to improve his skill set and continue to allow his skill sets to match his athleticism, he can put himself in a position where he can be a pro, and that’s the trajectory that he’s on,” Pastner said.

Usher also played a vital role as a team leader and energy giver. Usher clearly delighted in the connectedness that the Jackets had developed.

“It’s just that love and passion that we have for each other,” Usher told the AJC before the team’s NCAA Tournament loss to Loyola Chicago. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Rather than the traditional “After talking with coaches, teammates and family..” message to announce his decision, Usher sent out a tweet with a clip of Leonardo DiCaprio from the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street,” in which DiCaprio, as stockbroker Jordan Belfort, tell his firm, “I’m not leaving. ... I’m not leaving. ... I’m not (expletive) leaving!” to the cheers and applause of his employees.