Technical Tidbits 8/18: Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class Revealed

The annual induction ceremony for the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame is a grand affair, often held the night before a home football game in the fall. While COVID-19 will not allow for an induction ceremony this year, I’m sure that the accomplishments of the class of 2020 will be highlighted in many ways. This year’s group of seven athletes and coaches includes NFL star Morgan Burnett, esteemed football coach George O’Leary, and current Tech softball coach (and former star player) Aileen Morales. Rounding out the class are PGA TOUR golfer Chesson Hadley, NCAA tennis champion Amanda McDowell, former ACC Pitcher of the Year Deck McGuire, and Olympian Gal Nevo. Congratulations, class of 2020!

James Banks III will be entering unfamiliar territory at the end of August. Banks will be traveling to Israel to join Hapoel Be’er Sheeva, a professional basketball team in Israel’s top league. This is a step in the right direction for the two-time ACC All-Defensive team player, as great play in Israel could garner some looks from the league back home. Watch the video at the link above to gain Banks’ thoughts about his time at Georgia Tech and his future plans.

Georgia Tech’s second-most successful basketball team in thirty years, the 1996 squad is still remembered fondly on the Flats today. While the team had a slow start, the likes of Stephon Marbury and Matt Harpring stepped up and led the Jackets to a regular-season ACC Championship. A tough loss in the ACC Tournament finals to Tim Duncan-led Wake Forest couldn’t stop NCAA Tourney success, as Tech made it to the Sweet Sixteen. This season was notable as it was the last NCAA Tournament berth for legendary head coach Bobby Cremins, who retired four seasons later.

For all Georgia Tech students, congratulations, you made it through your first day! Good luck with the rest of the year!

Question of the Day: Do you have any memories of the players (and coaches) in the new Hall of Fame class?