Six players started over 20 games last
year for Georgia Tech. After that nobody started a single
contest. Those six players have graduated or left early for the
NBA leaving an amazingly inexperienced squad in Atlanta. While
that will cause plenty of trouble for Paul Hewitt’s squad in an
always tough ACC, this is an incredibly talented team that will
be good once the experience isn’t an issue. If that happens this
year, Georgia Tech can make a late run, but don’t expect big
things until 2006-2007.
Who’s Out:
Remember all those guys that beat North Carolina in the ACC
Tournament and nearly beat Duke in the final? They are gone.
Even some ACC fans might not recognize a name on the 2005-2006
roster besides reading some recruiting news from the last couple
of years. Jarrett Jack, B.J. Elder, Will Bynum and Luke
Schenscher all averaged over ten points per game. Jack also led
the team with 4.5 assists and Schenscher was the frontcourt
leader with 7.3 boards per contest. Isma’il Muhammad and Anthony
McHenry were solid starters in the frontcourt.
Who’s In:
Lewis Clinch will bring some sting to the backcourt. The 6-3
shooting guard has a tremendous scoring touch from everywhere on
the floor and can fill up the scoring column with ease. Clinch,
who averaged 21 points a year ago at Crisp County (GA) High
School, could also see some minutes running the point. Center
Alade Aminu will also see quality minutes as a freshman. The
6-9, 210 pound Stone Mountain, Georgia product is long and
athletic, but his offense isn’t developed enough to make a huge
impact. But since he has only played organized ball for four
years, his potential is enormous. Small forward D’Andre Bell
plays with tons of energy and has a nice left handed stroke. He
averaged 21.4 points and 14.5 rebounds as a senior at Palisades
Charter High School in beautiful Pacific Palisades, California,
but will need some time to adjust to his new surroundings.
Who to Watch:
Zam Fredrick almost transferred out of
Georgia Tech after last season. Now the point guard, turned
shooting guard, turned point guard will have to run the show for
the Ramblin’ Wreck. Fredrick only played in 19 games last year
as a freshman, averaging 1.6 points and 0.8 assists per contest.
He does have a solid outside shot and a nice drive to the lane,
but the youngster lacks what the rest of the team lacks, which
is, of course, experience.
Projected Conference Rank:
A 10th place finish will leave
little question that this is a rebuilding year for GT. With a
super talented group of sophomores in Anthony Morrow, Zam
Fredrick, Ra’Sean Dickey and Jeremis Smith able to see plenty of
playing time, the future is very bright for the Jackets.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected Starting Five:
Zam Fredrick, Sophomore, Guard, 1.6 points per game
Lewis Clinch, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
Anthony Morrow, Sophomore, Guard, 5.7 points per game
Jeremis Smith, Sophomore, Forward, 2.9 points per game
Ra’Sean Dickey, Sophomore, Center, 5.1 points per game
