Countdown to Tipoff: Bubba Parham and Jordan Usher

Bubba Parham

Guard - 5’10 | 160 lbs. | Junior

2018-2019: 21.4PTS 3.4REB 3.5AST

Georgia Tech hit the transfer jackpot on April 23rd when Bubba Parham announced his commitment to the Jackets on Twitter. The news got even better in September when the NCAA ruled that Parham would be immediately eligible to play in the 2019-2020 season. This was a huge boost to the Jackets as Bubba gives GT a sharpshooter that they’ve been desperate for since Adam Smith left in 2016. Unlike Smith’s transfer to Tech in 2015, Bubba will be available to play for the next two seasons. Last season saw no Jacket attempt more than 5 3-pointers per game (Jose Alvarado) or shoot higher than 39.3% (Michael Devoe). At VMI, Parham was able to eclipse both of those numbers, shooting 9.1 per game at a 39.7% clip. Against Kentucky in Rupp last season, Parham lit up the Wildcats for 35 points and drained 10 3s. I’m sure Jacket fans wouldn’t mind him replicating that performance against Kentucky in December. Bubba is a major threat to score at all 3 levels and will be a key contributor for Georgia Tech in the 2019-20 season. The movement of the 3-point line beyond 22 feet this season likely won’t affect Bubba at all given his limitless range showcased at VMI. In addition to the deep ball, Bubba can knock down the mid-range shot with ease, even the pull-up jumper in transition a la Russell Westbrook. Despite his size, he’s also able to split defenders to finish with style at the basket and find his teammates with excellent vision/passing ability. The only potential knock would be getting full buy in on defense. If Pastner is able to get high energy and effort out of Parham on the defensive end, Georgia Tech will be in for a great season.

Jordan Usher

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Forward - 6’7 | 220 lbs. | Junior

2018-2019: 8.6PTS 3.7REB 1.7AST

The Jackets landed another key piece in January: Jordan Usher. Usher played and was effective in almost every game during his 1.5 year stay at USC before choosing to come back home to Atlanta. The athletic transfer wing will make an instant impact when eligible after the first semester of classes and could potentially start in his first game back against Ball St on December 18th. Usher is fantastic on the drive. He has excellent balance and control when finishing at the rim and an uncanny ability to find his teammates cutting to the basket. Evading defenders with crafty finishes in transition is also one of his strengths. In addition, Jordan is a high energy player, contributing with offensive rebounding and on the defensive end of the floor. Usher shot the 3 sparingly at USC, but proved he could knock down the deep ball when open by shooting 37% in 48 games. While it is unfortunate that the Jackets will be without Usher for key match-ups like Kentucky, NC State, and uga, his return should provide a spark on both ends of the floor for the Diamond Head Classic and ACC play.