Technical Tidbits 7/10: We’re Talking Layups?, Generation Shaq, US Out at World Championships

Georgia Tech Basketball To Focus On Layups

Yes, that is actually happening. While it sounds silly at first, it does make sense when you think about it. Most layups in game aren’t the uncontested layup line variety, but involve body contact and block attempts and varying angles and body movement. Marcus Georges-Hunt was Georgia Tech’s best player of the last 10 years in large part due to his ability to hit heavily contested layups. Last season GT shot 51.5% from inside 10 feet, well below the ACC average of 54.2%. Bringing that number up to average could have made the difference in several of the close losses the Jackets had last season. So to help, Josh Pastner brought in Miami Heat assistant coach and “body movement specialist” Rob Fodor to help.

Shaquille O’Neal Spawned A Generation Of Shaqs

Shaq’s massive success and outgoing personality in the 90s and early 2000s inspired a generation of parents to name their children Shaquille, previously a very niche name. These days, these Shaquilles are starting adult life and making a difference in the world, many with guidance from the original Shaq himself. This Sports Illustrated article is a good read and includes a couple of paragraphs about beloved Georgia Tech alumnus Shaq Mason.

US Falls In U-19 World Cup Semifinals To Canada

Josh Okogie spent nearly the entire game on the bench as the US failed to make it’s way to the finals in a surprising upset. Canada has started to make a name for itself in producing quality basketball players and Toronto especially has a very competitive AAU scene. But still, they should not be beating the US. Perhaps John Calipari should have let Okogie show his stuff a little bit more...