From The Rumble Seat: All Posts by Reed BakichDrinkin' whiskey clear since 2008.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52811/From_The_Rumble_Seat_Minimal.0..png2022-01-02T08:00:00-05:00https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/reed-bakich/rss2022-01-02T08:00:00-05:002022-01-02T08:00:00-05:00Georgia Tech Basketball: Louisville Game Preview
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Wake Forest at Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aBHf1HXoONernhIuX3vXFF5C3o8=/0x0:3656x2437/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70338381/usa_today_17426695.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After almost two full weeks off, the Jackets finally return to the hardwood</p> <h2 id="93yMCx">
<a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a><strong> (6-5, 0-1) vs </strong><a href="https://www.cardchronicle.com/"><strong>Louisville</strong></a><strong> (8-4, 2-0)</strong>
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<strong>How to Watch: </strong>6:00 pm EST on ESPN2</h4>
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<strong>2020/2021 records: </strong>Georgia Tech 17-9 ; Louisville 13-7</h4>
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<strong>KenPom Rankings</strong>: Georgia Tech - 110; Louisville - 54</h4>
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<strong>Efficiency Rankings</strong>: Georgia Tech - Offense 143rd, Defense 76th; Louisville - Offense 123rd, Defense 22nd</h4>
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<strong>KenPom Prediction</strong>: Georgia Tech 66 - 67 Louisville. Georgia Tech is given a 46% chance to win.</h4>
<p id="A1S477"><strong>Opponent Preview: </strong>Louisville enters Sunday’s game a perfect 2-0 in conference play but you’d probably be hard pressed to find many fans who are thrilled with the way this team has opened up its season. Not only have both wins been nail biters over bottom feeders Wake Forest and NC State but the Cardinals non-conference slate was littered with disappointing losses against Furman, Western Kentucky and DePaul. While Louisville appears to be a very solid group across the board, the lack of a go to option on offense has been apparent. Instead, the Cards rely on a balanced effort from a bevy of contributors on a nightly basis with nine players averaging five or more points but none averaging more than 11 a game. Leading the way in the scoring department is guard Noah Locke and forward Malik Williams who are both averaging in double figures. Williams is also pulling in an impressive 8.6 rebounds per game. One specific area on offense that has capped this teams’ ceiling to this point is the limited number of deep threats on the roster as they are 31.5% from three which is good for just 248th in the nation. Another area that seems to be holding Louisville back is ball distribution as they currently sport an assist to turnover ratio below 1 (12.9 ast/14.0 turns). It would be remiss to ignore to strong points of this team which start and end with its defense. Always solid in this area under Chris Mack running the pack line defense, this team really excels at preventing opponents from getting good shots as indicated by its strong defensive shooting metrics. Getting to the line will be key for Georgia Tech in order to get some free points against this team. </p>
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<cite>ESPN</cite>
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<p id="dJSLPS"><strong>Game Prediction: </strong>After having 12 days to enjoy the holidays - and also nurse itself back to full health after dealing with the effects of COVID - the big thing to watch with regards to Tech in this game will obviously be if they look rested or rusty. Last year in a similar situation things didn’t go well for the Jackets as they lost 5 of 9 after a lengthy COVID pause before righting the ship in the middle of February. In the rear view mirror for the Jackets is also the brutal four game stretch in which they unfortunately went 0-4. A theme in those games was the lack of secondary scoring to complement Mike Devoe. In their win against Georgia State however, Tech was able to get 30 points from Jordan Usher. If they can get even half of that and another player to score in double figures, the Jackets stand a great chance in a game that looks winnable on paper. These are the types of games that have almost become must win if they want to make a return trip to the Big Dance.</p>
https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2022/1/2/22862961/georgia-tech-basketball-louisville-game-previewReed Bakich2021-12-01T08:00:00-05:002021-12-01T08:00:00-05:00Georgia Tech Basketball: Wisconsin Game Preview
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<img alt="Providence v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hSEgKbNsQ0h1KQW8es-rHgr2OeY=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70213924/1353746127.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In this year’s installment of the Big Ten-ACC challenge, the Jackets face their toughest test in recent memory</p> <h2 id="93yMCx">
<a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a><strong> (5-1) vs #23 </strong><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/"><strong>Wisconsin</strong></a><strong> (5-1)</strong>
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<strong>How to Watch: </strong>9:15 pm EST on ESPN2</h4>
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<strong>2020/2021 records: </strong>Georgia Tech 17-9 ; Wisconsin 18-13</h4>
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<strong>KenPom Rankings</strong>: Georgia Tech - 67; Wisconsin - 32</h4>
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<strong>Efficiency Rankings</strong>: Georgia Tech - Offense 84th, Defense 67th; Wisconsin - Offense 75th, Defense 7th</h4>
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<strong>KenPom Prediction</strong>: Georgia Tech 65 - 67 Wisconsin. Georgia Tech is given a 45% chance to win.</h4>
<p id="sAI7zl"><strong>Opponent Preview: </strong>When Georgia Tech and Wisconsin play on Wednesday night at McCamish Pavilion, they will be among the last teams to tip off in the Big Ten-ACC challenge, with the result of the game having the potential to determine the winner of this year’s inter-conference competition. Wisconsin enters this matchup flying high, fresh off of winning the Maui Invitational. Their road to the title included wins against Texas A&M, #12 Houston, and St Mary’s in the championship game. The consistent theme for them in this run was their stout defensive play, allowing no more than 63 points in any of the 3 games and establishing the identity that most picture when they think of Wisconsin basketball. Prior to Maui, the Badgers ran away from lowly opponents St Francis and UW Green Bay before losing to Providence in the Gavitt Games to arrive at their 5-1 record. </p>
<p id="vmxVMR">Overall, this is a relatively young team that lost four players to graduation and three to transfer from last year’s second round NCAA tournament team including top scorers D’Mitrik Trice and Micah Potter. That youth was reflected in the pre-season media poll where the Badgers were picked to finish 10th in the conference. The driving force behind their solid start has been has been the leap in production from do-it-all sophomore guard Jonathan Davis, who leads the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game. After being a sixth man last season, Davis has been a revelation to start this season going from averaging 7 points a game as a freshman to over 20. Joining Davis in the backcourt is a someone casual college basketball fans might know in super senior Brad Davison. Davison is the only other Badger currently scoring in double digits but offense comes secondary to the style of defense he plays. Davison is known for his “ability” to draw charges, sometimes to the chagrin of opposing players and fans that has seemingly made him the closest thing in college basketball right now to Grayson Allen. Regardless, he is at the forefront of the rugged half court defense that makes Wisconsin a tough team to play against. </p>
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<p id="9my6Rr"><strong>Game Prediction: </strong>The Jackets come into this game on a win streak of their own albeit against much weaker competition. The team is <a href="https://twitter.com/Kelly_Quinlan/status/1465781600927555594">still getting over the flu bug</a> that prevented them from practicing prior to the game against Georgia Southern. Not only will they need to be at full strength against the Badgers but anything less then complete preparation for this opponent is a recipe for disaster. The possibility of that not being the case has me worried. </p>
<p id="QAlxa3">However I do think they match up pretty well in this game in order to have success. They can put Khalid Moore on Jonathan Davis and force the Badgers to find secondary scoring. Typically, Wisconsin teams have a versatile big man that can complement their backcourt and really hurt opponents but they haven’t really showed that to this point. If Tech can get to 70 points I think they have a tremendous chance to win but ultimately I see this game being played out as a slugfest and Tech will need to avoid going against this vaunted Badger set defense as much as possible. More important that the result of this game is the experience this team will gain from playing a high quality Big Ten team after years of facing Northwestern, Nebraska and Penn State. I do think they fall in a hard fought battle 64-60. </p>
<p id="205aa6">How do you see this game playing out? Comments below and join us during the action!</p>
https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2021/12/1/22811115/georgia-tech-basketball-wisconsin-game-previewReed Bakich2021-11-04T18:14:14-04:002021-11-04T18:14:14-04:00Georgia Tech Basketball Opinion Week: Devoe Will Bounce Back
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<img alt="Georgia Tech v Loyola Chicago" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QsbAaxv3kWHAiRnUYqnjBMP79iM=/0x0:2097x1398/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70096031/1307986820.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After taking a backseat last year, he could be ready to explode in his senior season</p> <p id="Jkw1cM">When Mike Devoe stepped foot on the Flats three years ago, he arrived with much fanfare. A consensus four-star recruit from basketball powerhouse Montverde Academy, he was the type of player Georgia Tech was unaccustomed to landing. With the size, athleticism and shooting ability that translates to the NBA level, integrating into the team concept and structures that coach Pastner has put in place has always been the biggest challenge for Devoe. Now after the departures of all-ACC teammates Moses Wright and Jose Alvarado, this is finally his team. </p>
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<cite>ESPN</cite>
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<p id="x37tuy">After a solid freshman season, Devoe took a huge jump as a sophomore, improving in all major categories and solidifying a solid backcourt with Alvarado. But as a junior his numbers plateaued as a result of vast swings in his play from game to game. Devoe is a combo guard, but he’s at his best initiating the offense and getting to lane off ball screens. Last year he found himself increasingly parked in the corner as a spot up shooter while Alvarado ran the show. While Devoe does possess a great three-point shot, he’s not great at moving off the ball and this felt like a bit of a shoe-horned way to utilize him. He had games where he got cold from beyond the arc, and I think that affected his play in other areas, often looking indecisive in the offense. The numbers bear that out, as he became more of a volume 3-pt shooter with his efficiency numbers going down in all categories from the prior season. </p>
<p id="TfP1av">While I expect some aspects of the offense from last year to carry over, Tech is replacing Alvarado with Jared Sturdivant in the starting lineup. The ball should be in Devoe’s hands a lot more given the relative inexperience of the rest of the backcourt. I think that will be a good thing, as his ability to create for himself and his teammates is the catalyst that allows him to play with energy on defense and freedom on offense. There won’t be an option this year to defer to Wright or Alvarado; Devoe is going to be looked at as the star of his team just as he was when he flourished in high school. </p>
<p id="tCnELz">Going into 2022, I think the Jackets will see the very best version of Michael Devoe.</p>
https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2021/11/4/22764315/georgia-tech-basketball-opinion-week-devoe-will-bounce-backReed Bakich2021-10-30T12:50:53-04:002021-10-30T12:50:53-04:00Georgia Tech Basketball: Projected Rotation
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<img alt="COLLEGE BASKETBALL: OCT 12 ACC Tipoff" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hdMCpciefpHGKf7WaABy1stl69k=/0x0:4480x2987/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70067575/1235852414.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="cA7Onw">Now that we have taken a close look at each member of this roster, it is time to discuss how each guy fits into the overall construction of the lineup. The <a href="https://www.rotowire.com/cbasketball/depth-chart.php?team=Georgia+Tech">depth chart</a> listed at Roto Wire gives a decent picture at what Tech has to offer at each position, however there are certain areas where more context is needed. </p>
<p id="A3Sonr">First off, the recent news of <a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2021/10/29/22753124/georgia-tech-basketball-bubba-parham-injured">Bubba Parham’s injury</a> that will require surgery takes him out of the picture in the backcourt. There is no timetable for his return, which will thrust Kyle Sturdivant as well as the remainder the guards into even bigger roles. This almost certainly cements a starting backcourt of Kyle Sturdivant and Michael Devoe for the Jackets to begin the season. Sturdivant showed last year as a sixth man that he is capable of taking that next step and his play will be key in taking pressure off Devoe who is expected to shoulder the scoring load for this team. From here, it will be interesting to see which of the younger guys can establish themselves to provide depth for this backcourt. Deivon Smith, Deebo Coleman, Miles Kelly, and Tristan Maxwell should all get their chance to compete for minutes and prove themselves early on in the season against some lesser competition. </p>
<p id="5eYHdR">In the frontcourt, I would expect to see a veteran starting lineup of Khalid Moore, Jordan Usher and Rodney Howard. Moore has been a loyal soldier so far in his time at Tech and should continue to be used a defensive matchup specialist but I think the hope amongst the coaching staff is that one of the aforementioned younger players will take most of those minutes in three guard lineups. Pastner has always dreamed of being able to feature smaller and faster lineups and this group may enable him to do that. Freshman Jalon Moore is the other candidate for minutes at this spot. Usher figures to be the dominant presence at the four spot in his senior season and figures to be counted on heavily after taking a scoring jump as a junior. Finally, at the five spot, I expect Howard, Saba Gigiberia, and Jordan Meka to be rotated heavily based on situation and matchup. While it’s not the most experienced group, all three bring something different to the table and it is certainly the most intriguing part of the roster, given coach Eric Reveno’s history in developing big men. Meka could also work his way into the mix at the four spot as a bit of a tweener in bigger lineups when Usher needs a rest.</p>
<p id="xjC9CJ">What are your thoughts on this group headed into the season? Leave your comments below!</p>
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https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2021/10/30/22754301/georgia-tech-basketball-projected-rotationReed Bakich2021-03-03T09:59:11-05:002021-03-03T09:59:11-05:00Georgia Tech Edges Duke 81-77 (OT)
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Duke at Georgia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/prVtJABAxLeOk11vP8JnkyW3Hlo=/0x0:4745x3163/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68903111/usa_today_15660121.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>They never said it was going to be easy</p> <p id="MBEifX">It’s hard to even know how to begin this other than stating how proud I am of this team. I wake up today the happiest I have been as a Georgia Tech sports fan in quite some time. </p>
<p id="QHZaCw">It wasn’t pretty for most of the night and they sure made us sweat, but the Jackets defeated Duke on Tuesday night in overtime to all but secure a place in the NCAA Tournament. They did so thanks to a huge senior night performance from Moses Wright who had 29 points and 14 rebounds. </p>
<p id="UUTHIN">The game was tight throughout and certainly wasn’t the cleanest one the Jackets have played all season as it looked evident they knew what was on the line. Tech gradually built a lead in the second half that swelled to eight points with 3 minutes to play. What followed was a terrible stretch of play that saw the Jackets fail to score for the rest of regulation, having to head to OT with no momentum. However they again built a lead and also again nearly gave it away but what matters only is that they didn’t. A team that has found so many ways to lose games over the last 10 years found a way to win the most important game it has played in that time. </p>
<p id="doGWYf">Both teams came into the night squarely on the bubble and this game was seen as a de-facto big dance play in-game. While I believe the Jackets are now safely in the field, a win over checked-out Wake Forest on Saturday should eliminate any doubt and allow us to breathe a sigh of relief heading into the ACC Tournament. </p>
<p id="xdewJt">Based on the Bracket Matrix, which seeds teams based on an amalgamation of bracketologists, Tech would be the highest 12 seed if the season ended today. With the way they are playing right now, I believe there is room for them to get to the 11 or even 10 line potentially with a high amount of confidence heading into the tournament. </p>
<p id="WQEfQp">It’s been evident for a while that this team <em>is </em>we thought they were and not the one we saw for those first two games of the season. The results have finally caught up to the eye test and this team is earning everything they have worked for by not allowing this season to unravel.</p>
<p id="i6E9mj">I’ll leave you all with some clips of what this win meant to the team. Aren’t college sports the best?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BIG ATL ENERGY! <a href="https://twitter.com/GTMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GTMBB</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AlvaradoJose15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlvaradoJose15</a> <a href="https://t.co/1TeaQfdt1w">pic.twitter.com/1TeaQfdt1w</a></p>— ACC Men's Basketball (@accmbb) <a href="https://twitter.com/accmbb/status/1366953546659299328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A win over Duke for the seniors! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BuiltDifferent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BuiltDifferent</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeSwarm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeSwarm</a> <a href="https://t.co/vOsG0PiFKi">pic.twitter.com/vOsG0PiFKi</a></p>— Georgia Tech Basketball (@GTMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GTMBB/status/1366971594057207809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2021</a>
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https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2021/3/3/22310636/georgia-tech-edges-duke-81-77-otReed Bakich2021-01-29T08:00:00-05:002021-01-29T08:00:00-05:00Georgia Tech Basketball: Midseason Grades
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Clemson at Georgia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8sJ-5mYsF-bVDdsBTUIsQzvlB6w=/0x0:3098x2065/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68739145/usa_today_15461496.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>An individual assessment on each of the key Jackets half way through the season</p> <p id="UlAvV0">Even though Georgia Tech has only played 12 games to this point, the reality is that their season is probably about half way complete with 11 scheduled games remaining plus any postponed games that are able to be squeezed into the calendar. With that in mind, it’s time to hand out some midseason grades. Keep in mind that these grades are given relative to pre season expectations. Only players averaging at least 10 minutes per game were included.</p>
<h3 id="maPgrl"><strong>Jose Alvarado: A+</strong></h3>
<p id="FX26oa"><em>Per Game Stats: 18.1 points | 3.5 rebounds | 4.3 assists | 2.8 steals | 2.2 turnovers</em></p>
<p id="5mctQv"><em>Shooting Percentages: 54.3 FG% | 44.1 3PT% | 86.7 FT%</em></p>
<p id="IqY0J2">We start on a high note with the Jackets unquestioned leader who has also been their best player. Jose has done everything asked of him and more. His numbers have continued the upward trend that has defined his career now in his senior season with his ability as a scorer having taken massive leaps. His shooting percentages dwarf anything he showed in his first three seasons, particularly from deep which was maybe the one area of potential improvement for him entering this season. His defense, which really started to stand out as a junior has now reached an elite level as he ranks 6th in the nation in steals. And beyond everything on the stat line, there’s a competitive spirit that I have rarely seen before in a player. Alvarado certainly has a great chance to earn all-conference honors but for him, more important will be the opportunity to lead his team to the NCAA tournament.</p>
<h3 id="gocZyr"><strong>Michael Devoe: C</strong></h3>
<p id="t5Wjih"><em>Per Game Stats: 13.1 points | 4.4 rebounds | 3.1 assists | 3.1 turnovers</em></p>
<p id="3roKpe"><em>Shooting Percentages: 41.8 FG% | 39.7 3PT% | 72.0 FT%</em></p>
<p id="HWpsUb">We quickly go from our highest grade to our lowest grade. Full disclosure, I originally mocked these grades up before the Duke game and was thinking I had maybe been too harsh on Devoe. After another disappointing performance, I was confirmed in my assessment, if anything feeling I had been too generous with this grade. It’s been a brutal 13 games for Devoe, there’s no way to sugarcoat it. A lot was expected after the improvement we saw from him in his sophomore season. Instead, it’s been a step back so far with almost every significant stat category going the wrong direction. For Devoe, he got off to a really rough start in the first four games but seemed to find his groove after that and by the Clemson game in which he scored 22 points on 5 three-pointers, it seemed he had turned the corner. That was followed by 7 combined points against UVA and Duke and he appeared to be benched during the second half of the latter game. There’s been numerous games so far where Devoe just seems completely disengaged and he’s too talented for that. What I see is a player who is unsure of his role in this smaller lineup which has relegated him to playing almost entirely off the ball. When he’s not hesitant, his outside shot is still the most reliable on the team but he has to find some confidence in his game going into the second half of the season.</p>
<h3 id="CIsbiP"><strong>Bubba Parham: B-</strong></h3>
<p id="bUtU3E"><em>Per Game Stats: 8.1 points | 3.4 rebounds | 2.0 assists | 0.5 turnovers</em></p>
<p id="ORCvK1"><em>Shooting Percentages: 41.8 FG% | 34.5 3PT% | 70.6 FT%</em></p>
<p id="xz0Rm6">Bubba is now a full time starter and as such has seen his opportunity and production increase from last season. Overall, I see a more confident player who definitely knows his role in the offense as a guy who can stretch the defense. While his shooting percentages have improved, they’re still not great but I see that almost entirely as a function of his shot selection. When Bubba gets an open look it has a good chance of going in. Unfortunately there are a few too many ill advised shots, especially deep, contested threes. He’s a good shooter but not a great one, and the team would be better served if he didn’t force it quite as much as he does. Something that stands out is Parham’s assist to turnover which is a sterling 4.0. He’s an underrated facilitator and his ability to do so without turning it over has been big on a team that as a whole has done a much better job taking care of the ball this year.</p>
<h3 id="UkoaCO"><strong>Jordan Usher: B+</strong></h3>
<p id="9GH0Wi"><em>Per Game Stats: 11.3 points | 4.9 rebounds | 2.8 assists | 1.4 steals | 1.0 blocks | 2.1 turnovers</em></p>
<p id="5i9p3M"><em>Shooting Percentages : 51.0 FG% | 38.1 3PT% | 63.6 FT%</em></p>
<p id="o1JJXW">Another guy who has seen all of his numbers take a big jump from last year, Usher has been a much more vital cog this season despite his minutes staying relatively the same. He has the ability to do a little bit of everything and I always felt while watching him last year that the stats didn’t quite do justice to just how well he reads the game. Unfortunately, his shooting percentages really held him back and made him a non factor for opposing defenses as a scorer. This season, his percentages have gone through the roof and now he’s a legitimate scoring threat. He’s always good for one fancy assist per game and I think he’s at his best in transition or when he can attack the basket with the option to score or pass. He’s almost gotten too confident in his offensive game as I’m noticing his shot selection and decision making can get a little erratic at times which is somewhat strange for someone who’s basketball IQ is so high. Overall though, big steps forward this season for Usher.</p>
<h3 id="TPsqL5"><strong>Moses Wright: A</strong></h3>
<p id="Yu49e9"><em>Per Game Stats: 16.6 points | 7.1 rebounds | 2.4 assists | 1.8 steals | 1.4 blocks | 1.3 turnovers</em></p>
<p id="aUVuJ7"><em>Shooting Percentages: 51.0 FG% | 41.2 3PT% | 67.9 FT%</em></p>
<p id="pETxBz">Another year, another season of growth for Moses Wright it appears. He’s adjusted extremely well making the move to center with his game seeing huge improvements in previous areas of weakness. Tasked with expanding his range in the off season, he’s become a legitimate 3 pt threat at over 41%. His volume is low but the fact that the defense has to respect his ability all around the court is huge. He’s also seen his steal and block numbers jump up as the team’s only real rim protector. Finally, the biggest area of growth has been his assist to turnover ratio which he’s flipped upside down seeing it go from 0.35 last year to 1.8 so far this year; showing an ability to play make while cutting down on the mistakes that we’ve seen most of his career. Moses has been relied on a ton this year and has really delivered for the most part.</p>
<h3 id="iP45KO"><strong>Khalid Moore: B</strong></h3>
<p id="ohtKCZ"><em>Per Game Stats: 5.3 points | 3.4 rebounds | 1.0 steals</em></p>
<p id="urO3W7"><em>Shooting Percentages: 39.1 FG% | 29.2 3PT% | 62.5 FT%</em></p>
<p id="32Zzox">At this point in his career, we know what Moore is. A sixth man, whose value lies in his athleticism and defense and goes beyond what you see in the box score. I thought maybe we would see a jump from him this year on the offensive side of the ball but it just seems like that isn’t in the cards. Regardless, he fills a needed role as an elite perimeter defender who coach Pastner elects to use in specific matchups where additional length is required. </p>
<h3 id="dNgdHY"><strong>Kyle Sturdivant: B+</strong></h3>
<p id="CSoAn9"><em>Per Game Stats: 3.5 points | 1.3 rebounds | 1.2 assists</em></p>
<p id="SLi4ER"><em>Shooting Percentages: 41.7 FG% | 27.3 3PT% | 75.0 FT%</em></p>
<p id="npMjSF">I didn’t know what to expect out of Sturdivant coming into this season but at the very least, the USC transfer looks to be a capable player who has carved out a role for the next two seasons. Don’t look too much at the numbers as he’s averaged just over 12 minutes per game. Sturdivant has given the team a spark off the bench on more than a few occasions which is exactly what you want to see from someone in his role. He has a good knack for getting to the basket in order to create for himself and others.</p>
<h3 id="Hmrix6"><strong>Coaching Staff: B</strong></h3>
<p id="pedWnb">Look, I don’t want to get too much into the decision made before the season not to hold contact practices. As we have seen already in the four postponed games, if COVID wants to find you, it will. The bottom line is that losing those first two games has given this team very little margin for error if it wants to make the tournament. Pastner’s responsible for that decision and he’s owned it. Moving past that, he’s done a good job as a leader getting this team to get back into a position where that goal is still within reach. This is a veteran group but as the man at the helm, he deserves some props for not letting that derail the season when it could have. Almost every key player has seen major improvements this year under him and his staff’s tutelage, especially offensively, which has been this team’s weak point for years. This grade honestly doesn’t mean a whole lot, it’s what he is able to do in these next 11+ games that will go a long way to defining Pastner’s legacy as a coach. </p>
https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2021/1/29/22255483/georgia-tech-basketball-midseason-gradesReed Bakich2021-01-23T15:02:18-05:002021-01-23T15:02:18-05:00Georgia Tech at Virginia: Game Preview
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Virginia at Georgia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n9zHPoZY-U-UMSGGFM9mt4weVRg=/0x0:3708x2472/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68711052/usa_today_13929883.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Jackets battle the ACC-leading Hoos on Saturday night </p> <p id="VwEeXi"><a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/"><strong>GEORGIA TECH</strong> </a>(7-3, 3-1) | <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com/"><strong>UVA </strong></a>(9-2, 5-0)</p>
<p id="k1PtrI"><strong>Game Time:</strong> 8:00 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="2sz4uQ"><strong>Channel:</strong> ACCN | ESPN App</p>
<p id="Zd9POh"><strong>Radio: </strong>93.7 FM | 680 AM | XM 371 | Internet 971 | TuneIn App</p>
<p id="Vo4I1c"><strong>Game Notes: </strong><a href="https://ramblinwreck.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11_GTMBB_Notes_Virginia.pdf"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a> | <a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/virginiasports-com/2021/01/c1743974-gt_012321.pdf"><strong>Virginia</strong></a></p>
<p id="IzQ30W"><strong>Venue: </strong>John Paul Jones Arena | Charlottesville, VA</p>
<p id="r5bI8H"><strong>H2H Series: </strong>UVA 43 - 39 GT</p>
<p id="TI1bHk"><strong>Betting Odds:</strong> UVA -9.5</p>
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<p id="Qj5h4k">Both Virginia and Georgia Tech enter tonight’s game having won their last five games but something will have to give when the two square off in primetime at John Paul Jones Arena. </p>
<p id="HagD7u">For Georgia Tech, they are coming off of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pViewok87eg">dominant win against Clemson</a> Wednesday night that few could have predicted after Tech had spent the prior 17 days not playing basketball. It’s been the type of resurgence the Jackets needed after the brutal start to the season in order to put themselves back in the NCAA tournament mix. </p>
<p id="SUHTQR">Like Tech, UVA’s win streak has been sandwiched around a COVID layoff albeit a much shorter one but unlike Georgia Tech, their five wins have all come against ACC teams. Their last game was also a blowout win over Clemson and their smallest margin of victory over this span has been nine points. </p>
<p id="vrn5R5">While the Hoos didn’t begin their season as poorly as the Georgia Tech, this is a team that is very much coming in playing their best basketball and has assumed the position as ACC frontrunner. Just how far Tech has come since those opening two losses will be measured against a team that has always been a tough matchup for them. </p>
<p id="JabJMI">Before the game we sat down with Caroline Darney of <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com/">Streaking the Lawn</a> who was kind enough to help us break down the X’s and O’s of this hotly anticipated contest.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1EUsjV">
<p id="m_-8770388913795306125gmail-m_-6331492150640648580yMail_cursorElementTracker_1611366298798"><strong>FTRS: Uva is 9-1 against non Gonzaga teams. I realize there haven’t been a lot of quality wins on the schedule but you guys have been pretty dominant for the past month. How good is this team?</strong></p>
<p id="31GZf1">Caroline: Depending on when you asked me this question, I’d have very different answers. Virginia struggled early this season with turnovers and missed assignments on defense — not ideal for any team, but definitely not what you’ve grown accustomed to with a Bennett coached team — and it led to some rough showings. After the loss to Gonzaga, it looks like Virginia has turned a corner. They’re playing really well in ACC play, and seem like they’re rounding into form. Virginia’s defense has improved immensely, and the offense has so many more weapons (more on that in a minute). </p>
<p id="m_-8770388913795306125gmail-m_-6331492150640648580yMail_cursorElementTracker_1611366627440"><strong>FTRS: I’m used to you guys playing games in the 60s but it seems like you have been scoring a lot more points this season. What’s the biggest reason for that?</strong></p>
<p id="Fzn3Ab">Caroline: Way better shooting!!! The addition of <span>Sam Hauser</span>, <span>Trey Murphy</span>, and <span>Reece Beekman</span> has been huge for the way the Virginia offense operates, and the Hoos return J<span>ay Huff</span> and <span>Kihei Clark</span>. Huff has been fantastic in the lane and from deep (42%) and has the 22nd best offensive rating in the country. Last season, a lot of the offense fell to Clark, and he’s not built to carry that much of the load. He’s now thriving as the more pure PG, and having Beekman (a freshman) there to help distribute and run things has been a huge success. The offense finished last season No. 243 on KenPom. They’re currently No. 10. What a difference a year makes. </p>
<p id="m_-8770388913795306125gmail-m_-6331492150640648580yMail_cursorElementTracker_1611366705406"><strong>FTRS: Sam Hauser seems like the inside/outside threat that could really give Georgia Tech trouble. What’s his game like as a player?</strong></p>
<p id="qscnSQ">Caroline: Hauser got off to a bit of a slow start, but has really hit his stride the past few games. He’s gotten more aggressive taking the ball to the hoop, and he’s hopefully getting closer to his Marquette 3P%. Hauser is just 38% from deep, but he’s been above 40% for his career. His touch is incredible, and you can really see it on some of the fadeaway twos he likes to take. For the season he’s making 60% of his twos, which we’ll take. </p>
<p id="Fyge4W">Defensively, he’s still a little behind where you’d expect for a Bennett defense, but it’s not for lack of effort. He does well not to foul, and his rebounding is outstanding. He’s No. 1 in the ACC currently with a defensive rebounding rate of 31%, and he’s averaging just shy of a double-double in conference play. </p>
<p id="m_-8770388913795306125gmail-m_-6331492150640648580yMail_cursorElementTracker_1611366758920"><strong>FTRS: Is there a player that those who aren’t as familiar with UVA should look out for?</strong></p>
<p id="M4VnWD">Caroline: Trey Murphy is quietly putting up an absolutely monster season. An off-season transfer from Rice, no one expected Murphy to be able to play this season. Thanks to the COVID-waivers being handed out by the NCAA, Murphy was granted eligibility the day before the season opener. He’s got length 6-9, which plays well defensively for the Hoos. On offense, he’s a walking bucket. He’s averaging just over 11 points per game, and is shooting a blistering 52% from three (26-of-50). He’s in the top 10 on KenPom in ORtg (No. 7), eFG% (No. 10), and true shooting % (No. 8). I love his game, and he is a key to the Hoos’ success going forward. </p>
<p id="m_-8770388913795306125gmail-m_-6331492150640648580yMail_cursorElementTracker_1611365243125"><strong>FTRS: Who wins and can you give me a score?</strong></p>
<p id="dyu4FS">Caroline: I’m actually pretty high on this Georgia Tech squad because of all the players that returned and my love for Jose Alvarado. The Yellow Jackets have an experienced team, and they don’t get rattled easily. They love to turn you over (No. 11 in steal%!) so that’s going to be a key to the game. I am going to take Virginia in a tight one, 69-60. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="t56sAq">
<p id="BmR1CL"><em>Join us below during the game to discuss the action!</em></p>
<div id="dMqHKl"><div data-anthem-component="poll:10299349"></div></div>
https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2021/1/23/22246061/georgia-tech-at-virginia-game-previewReed Bakich2020-12-30T11:14:32-05:002020-12-30T11:14:32-05:00Georgia Tech Basketball: North Carolina Preview
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Georgia Tech at North Carolina" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Dcxpjg18VHRSHlYGiRZc6LhxIns=/0x0:3966x2644/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68598061/usa_today_13872820.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Fresh off the holiday break, the Jackets host the Tar Heels</p> <p id="VwEeXi"><strong>GEORGIA TECH</strong> (4-3, 0-1) | <strong>NEBRASKA</strong> (5-3, 0-1)</p>
<p id="k1PtrI"><strong>Game Time:</strong> 8:00 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="2sz4uQ"><strong>Channel:</strong> Regional Sports Network</p>
<p id="Zd9POh"><strong>Radio: </strong>93.7 FM | 680 AM | XM 371 | Internet 371 | TuneIn App</p>
<p id="Vo4I1c"><strong>Game Notes: </strong><a href="https://ramblinwreck.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/8_GTMBB_Notes_North-Carolina.pdf"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a> | <a href="https://goheels.com/documents/2020/12/28/09_atGaTech.pdf"><strong>North Carolina</strong></a></p>
<p id="IzQ30W"><strong>Venue: </strong>McCamish Pavilion | Atlanta, GA</p>
<p id="r5bI8H"><strong>H2H Series: </strong>UNC 67 - 26 GT</p>
<p id="TI1bHk"><strong>Betting Odds:</strong> UNC -3.5</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="jDTQHY">
<p id="80r6YQ">After ten days off, <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/georgia-tech/2021.html">Georgia Tech</a> is back on the Flats and ready to move into ACC play. It was certainly a mixed bag of a nonconference season for the Jackets, who dropped their first two games of the season before winning four of five with the sole loss being to conference foe, Florida State. But its the ACC slate over the next two plus months that will ultimately decide Tech’s fate this season. That road begins with <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/north-carolina/2021.html">North Carolina</a>, a perennial national contender who looks to be in the middle of a two year rebuild. The Jackets won the only game between the two teams last year and have a great opportunity to do make it two in a row in the series.</p>
<h3 id="vFDpYE">Opponent Preview</h3>
<p id="Ayhhga">The Tar Heels enter this game 5-3 after a pretty tough nonconference schedule. They suffered losses at the hands of nationally ranked Iowa and Texas, while picking up wins against UNLV, Stanford, a struggling Kentucky team, and two cupcakes in College of Charleston and North Carolina Central. They also dropped their first game of conference play against rival NC State. This is a classic Roy Williams group that stresses interior play. Its top two scorers are forwards <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/armando-bacot-1.html">Armando Bacot</a> (12.0) and <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/garrison-brooks-1.html">Garrison Brooks</a> (11.5) and as a team they rank 6th in country in rebounding at 45.4 per game. What is holding them back is guard play to elevate their bigs to a different level and a true go-to option. Brooks was thought to be that guy, entering the season as an all conference performer, but his numbers have been down so far across the board. The link between those two deficient areas appears to be the team’s passing, as they rank just 222nd nationally in assists. Their starting backcourt in made up of two freshmen in <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/rj-davis-1.html">R.J. Davis</a> and <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/caleb-love-1.html">Caleb Love</a> and both players have taken their lumps thus far, sporting poor shooting percentages and assist to turnovers ratios. <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/andrew-platek-1.html">Andrew Platek</a> can be a dangerous shooting option off the bench (43.9% from 3), but doesn’t get a whole lot of minutes. </p>
<h3 id="2g7Qyb">Inside the Numbers</h3>
<p id="7hJzG3">One of the keys against the Tar Heels is always to keep them off the boards and out of transition to prevent second chance and easy baskets. That will be even more important tonight as this UNC team struggles to find efficiency in the half court. They rank outside the top 200 in effective fg% and turnover%, two of Ken Pom’s four factors of success, and outside the top 300 in team 3pt%. Defensively they are solid but unspectacular and are buoyed by a top 20 block%, furthering the notion that this game will be won in the paint. From a personnel standpoint, this game pits an extremely experienced team in Tech against one of the youngest rosters in the country at UNC. That experience has played out for the Jackets in improved turnover numbers so far this year. It will be vital that they win that battle tonight.</p>
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https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2020/12/30/22205691/georgia-tech-basketball-north-carolina-previewReed Bakich2020-12-20T21:14:20-05:002020-12-20T21:14:20-05:00Jackets Roll Past Delaware State 97-69
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Georgia Tech at Nebraska" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Eaby7uAQTqngmVwbScgIvk3jNkg=/7x0:2737x1820/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68558432/usa_today_15313302.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Georgia Tech won for the second time in three days </p> <p id="gALuH2">Coach Josh Pastner was frustrated on Friday night when Georgia Tech struggled to the finish line against Florida A&M. While they did win, it wasn’t the dominant effort against an overmatched opponent that they were hoping for. Today, they had the same opportunity against lowly Delaware State and and pummeled the Hornets into submission, ultimately winning by 28. Jose Alvarado matched a career high 29 points and Tech used a 31-5 run to put the game away about midway through the second half. </p>
<p id="pzm5rn">While the result is nothing the celebrate for the Jackets, the fact that they were able to put some distance between them and a team - even one that came into the game ranked dead last in KenPom’s rankings - for the first time this season means something and should give them some confidence. Too much of this early season we’ve seen the version of Tech that plays to the level of its opponent. </p>
<p id="FLgvGq">For the first 25 minutes of play it was much of that same team, as Tech held a healthy lead throughout but looked uninspired and sloppy on the defensive end to keep Delaware State within striking distance. Then the big run came which was characterized by takeaways leading to easy buckets and allowed Tech’s lead to expand quickly. Turnovers really were the story overall for the Hornets and undid any chance they had to pull the upset. They finished with 20 on the night and many of them were unforced errors. Myles Carter spurred a productive bench effort for them, finishing with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the team in all departments.</p>
<p id="IqzD1n">Tech had their way for the most part on the offensive end getting double figure scoring from Alvarado as well as Moses Wright (16), Jordan Usher (10) and the ever improving Khalid Moore (11). Usher was the ultimate swiss army knife tonight, adding 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 6 assists. As a whole I thought the team moved the ball well tonight. More importantly they did it efficiently with 25 assists to just 9 turnovers. </p>
<p id="fm0dNu">The blowout allowed coach Pastner to expand his bench a bit as we got another look at both Saba Gigiberia and Rodney Howard. Both were productive in 10 minutes with Howard scoring 7 points and Saba using his 7 foot frame to grab 6 boards. Freshman Tristan Maxwell also saw his first action in a Tech uniform, scoring 3 points in 8 minutes.</p>
<p id="luxDmY">Next up for Tech is a game against UAB before hitting full fledged conference play. The Blazers have been good so far this year and Tech will need to come out focused on Wednesday night.</p>
https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2020/12/20/22192553/jackets-roll-past-delaware-state-97-69Reed Bakich2020-12-15T16:47:47-05:002020-12-15T16:47:47-05:00GAMETHREAD: Georgia Tech AT Florida State Plus How to Watch, Game Time, Betting Odds and More!
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Georgia Tech at Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2zV1wJ2WEz1xqAdoMlf5tJDnNYg=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68518532/usa_today_13857177.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Jackets open ACC play with a tough one</p> <p id="VwEeXi"><strong>GEORGIA TECH</strong> (2-2) | <strong>FLORIDA STATE</strong> (3-0)</p>
<p id="k1PtrI"><strong>Game Time:</strong> 8:30 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="2sz4uQ"><strong>Channel:</strong> ACCN</p>
<p id="Zd9POh"><strong>Radio: </strong>93.7 FM | 680 AM | XM 380 | Internet 970 | TuneIn App</p>
<p id="Vo4I1c"><strong>Game Notes: </strong><a href="https://ramblinwreck.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5_GTMBB_Notes_Florida-State.pdf"><strong>Georgia Tech</strong></a> | <a href="https://seminolesweb-8b76.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Georgia-Tech-Note-Package.pdf"><strong>Florida State</strong></a></p>
<p id="IzQ30W"><strong>Venue: </strong>Donald L. Tucker Center | Tallahassee, FL</p>
<p id="r5bI8H"><strong>H2H Series: </strong>FSU 43 - 28 GT</p>
<p id="TI1bHk"><strong>Betting Odds:</strong> FSU -8</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="YxBtOX">
<p id="oLVVm1"><a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2020/12/15/22174094/georgia-tech-vs-florida-state-q-a-preview-with-tomahawk-nation"><em><strong>Q&A Preview with Tomahawk Nation</strong></em></a></p>
<p id="0tTW8t"><a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2020/12/15/22175469/georgia-tech-basketball-florida-state-preview"><em><strong>Game Preview</strong></em></a></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1I3zmU">
<p id="Yf60Nl">Join us below during the game!</p>
<div id="uokVHW"><div data-anthem-component="poll:10218502"></div></div>
https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2020/12/15/22177016/gamethread-georgia-tech-at-florida-state-plus-how-to-watch-game-time-betting-odds-and-moreReed Bakich