Technical Tidbits 4/13: Georgia Tech has a Mr. Basketball

Georgia Tech signee Tristan Maxwell’s high school team made it to the N.C. 4A State Championship Game, but unfortunately the contest was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the game won’t be played, Maxwell was still recognized for an incredible senior season. Maxwell was named N.C.’s Mr. Basketball and N.C.’s Player of the Year by the Charlotte Observer and Maxpreps. These are incredible honors for Maxwell, who joins the likes of former Yellow Jacket Anthony Morrow and current NBA players Brandon Ingram and Coby White as N.C. Mr. Basketballs. Maxwell should be able to learn a lot behind Jose Alvarado this season before possibly starting at PG for the Jackets in 2021. Keep it up, Tristan!

The article above gives an updated look at the GTAA’s financial situation that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Tech will run a deficit of $4.3 million this fiscal year, with the majority of the monetary shortcomings resting on reduced revenue from the NCAA and ACC Basketball Tournaments. The article also shares that only 13 out of 42 eligible spring sport seniors are probable to return next year, which lessens the financial impact of the scholarship situation quite a bit. While these financial numbers might seem bad, every school around the country is dealing with this type of situation. As long as everyone stays healthy and safe, it’ll all be fine in the end.

While it might not be as memorable as 1990 and 2004, Tech’s first appearance in the 1960 NCAA Tournament was still exciting. The team was ranked as high as no. 8 nationally before the NCAA Tourney, and made it to the third round (with a first-round bye). In their second round game, the Jackets trailed 19-6 at one point before just beating Ohio by three points, 57-54. Tech did not have as good of a game in the third round, as they were crushed by Ohio State 86-69. Even though the Jackets only played two games, it was definitely an exciting time to be a Tech fan.

Unfortunately for former Yellow Jackets T.J. Barnes and KeShun Freeman, their XFL experience only lasted five games. Last week, the XFL laid off most of its staff, including football players, and it seems highly unlikely that it will be back in 2021. Barnes and Freeman were both playing extremely well, and should at least be looked at as potential options for NFL practice squads. Best of luck, T.J. and KeShun!

While Bryce Gowdy may be gone, he will never be forgotten. Gowdy was a star student that truly had a passion for academics, and this fund created in his memory could help young men and women in Broward County for years to come. It’s the right way to honor him.

Question of the Day: What do you think about Georgia Tech Basketball’s 2020 signing class?