Technical Tidbits 2/16

Continuing that ugly trend of finding ways to lose (which has all but defined the 2014 basketball season), Georgia Tech dropped its 14th game of the season by a final score of 57-53 to the struggling Florida State Seminoles. Tech led by as many as five points with just over three minutes left in the game but couldn't find any offense down the stretch, consequently falling to 2-11 in ACC play on their own floor. Marcus Georges-Hunt had an opportunity to tie the game with 8.1 seconds left, but missed the first free throw of a 1-and-1 to seal the loss. Tech's last five losses have now come by just 15 total points, an average of just 3 per game, which really reflects how poorly the Jackets have executed down the stretch.

While this 2014-15 season has been a spectacular train-wreck for the most part, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of Jaylen Brown, the nation's number one recruit. Brown is reportedly considering Tech as one of the few finalists for his services and it goes without saying that a player of his caliber can turn a program around in a hurry -- if he were to come to Tech, the supporting cast around him seems capable of a tournament run. That said, I just can't see a scenario in which Brown chooses the Jackets; with a coaching change appearing imminent, it just doesn't make sense for him to sign with Tech. It does seem possible, however, that the AD may give Brian Gregory an extra season if Brown decides to come to Tech just in hopes of retaining his commitment.

Georgia Tech baseball was able to split its double-header with Fordham yesterday, dropping the first game but finding a way to win the second matchup by a final score of 7-5. The win puts the Jackets at 2-1 on the young season heading into a big game against an ever-looming Georgia Southern team which is already a quick 2-0 on the season with convincing wins over Bethune-Cookman. The Tech offense has looked especially potent over these first three games -- Tech hung 17 runs on St. Johns (compared to 28 points for the basketball team against Virginia) and has talented depth at every position. Pitching, on the other hand, has proved to be a weak point through three games -- no one has really stepped up from the bullpen thus far.

In an attempt to address the "one-and-done" phenomenon which is impacting college basketball so heavily, the NCAA has decided to consider bringing back the old freshman ineligibility rule from years past. The rule would keep student athletes in school longer, but I don't really see the point; it would make more sense to raise the NBA age requirement. In fact, I don't even think that high school-age athletes should even have to go to college at all. Going for just one year is a waste of everyone's time, which would be better spent in the NBA.

What do you think about the "one-and-done" issue and the proposed changes?

Have a great Monday!