Georgia Tech

This could be a critical year for Head Coach Paul Hewitt. Last year’s 12-19 record was the second worst of his nine years at the school and the 2-14 ACC mark was the worst. This is a program that played for the National Championship in 2004 but has only been to the NCAAs two times since. It is hard to believe that in his nine years at Tech, Hewitt’s teams have only posted a +500 record in the league one time. Getting talent has not been an issue but this year it must produce results.
Speaking of talent, there is plenty returning. Gani Lawal entered the draft but surprised many when he changed his mind and decided to come back for his junior year. Lawal nearly averaged a double-double and was a beast down low. They need a stronger finish of the year from him and that should come with a year of maturity. Iman Shumpert was forced to play out of position last year at point. He should be much more productive off the ball this season. Zach Peacock is healthy this year and has been impressive in preseason workouts. Moe Miller broke his nose early last year and was never the same after. He comes into this year having gotten a concussion in a car accident so his health is still a question. The unexpected return of D’Andre Bell from a back injury gives Hewitt the leadership and defensive stopper this team lacked last year.

The freshman class is also loaded with talent. Heading this group is Derrick Favors, one of the best high school players in the country. At 6’10” he can play inside or out, is a great rebounder and can defend well. He should be a great bookend to Lawal down low. Mfon Udofia could be the answer at point. He has the size Hewitt likes and is a tough defender with a high basketball IQ. Glen Rice jr. and Brian Oliver should provide perimeter offense at the wing position. Finally, 6’11” Daniel Miller should provide depth to a very imposing front line. This is an outstanding class that will have to produce right away to get Tech back on track.

With this team’s size, they should be imposing in the paint on both ends. Favors could be a one and done guy so Hewitt needs to maximize his production while he has him. Favors and Lawal should be a great combo in the paint with Peacock and Miller in reserve. Udofia’s emergence as a floor general is critical, especially if Moe Miller is slow to recover from his physical issues. As a team they need to be much better at the free throw line and must take much better care of the basketball. Those two stats contributed to them losing 11 games by seven points or less. The talent is there for this program to get back to the NCAAs. How quickly they mesh will determine if they can again become a factor on the national scene.

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