Ready or not, it’s Wake time
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Glad to report, I’m here and blogging with you tonight from the Lawrence Joel Coliseum.
About 1 a.m. last night I wasn’t feeling so great about making by noon flight up today, after I was woken up by a guy spinning out in the parking lot of my complex and watched him finally just stop and get out, leaving his car diagonally “parked” behind three other cars. But being the pragmatic, or wimpy, gal that I am, I called a cab this morning to get me to the airport and let him navigate the icy side streets, which he did beautifully.
Here’s hoping all you guys are safe and snug at home, ready to tune in and see which Yellow Jacket team shows up tonight. It seems to me that just when I think there’s no way they’re winning, they come up with something, so I won’t be ruling them out tonight at Wake Forest.
It won’t be easy, playing a Wake team that’s 11-1 at home this season, including 5-0 in ACC home games, and hungry to get back at Georgia Tech for its 79-58 romp on Jan. 28. And Tech is reeling from three bad games, losses at Duke and Miami, and the narrow escape over N.C. State.
The Yellow Jackets have got to turn the momentum in a hurry and in some tough circumstances. But they have a lot of good memories to draw on (from last game and winning four of the last five in the series) and they’ve had two full days here to get used to the environment. Tech flew in early yesterday morning (Friday) to beat the storm, and practiced here at Lawrence Joel, thanks to the generosity of Wake Forest.
The keys tonight are the same as they were in Atlanta on Jan. 28: keep point guard Ishmael Smith in front of them and Al-Farouq Aminu off the boards. The Yellow Jackets did a decent job of that in Atlanta, keeping Smith to 12 points – I believe 10 of them came in the second half after Tech had built up a healthy lead – and holding Aminu to eight rebounds. And yes that was limiting him. The Norcross High graduate leads the ACC with 11 rebounds per game and has hit double-digits in rebounds 15 times this season.
Smith is entering some rarified air at Wake Forest. He needs four points to hit 1,000 for his career and is 41 assists shy of 600. He would be the first Demon Deacon to hit both those numbers. The loveable Muggsy Bogues (1984-87) came up 14 points shy of that feat.
So hey, cozy up with some hot chocolate and your valentine (or hey, your computer) and chat with me. And flip over on commercials to the Olympics would you? And let me know what’s happening.
Oh, and they just wrote Tech’s starters on a board above my head in the press room. It lists Mfon Udofia in the starting lineup, instead of Brian Oliver. That tells me Paul Hewitt wants Udofia’s defense in there to help Iman Shumpert deal with Smith. That’s my hunch anyway.
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299 comments Add your comment
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:21 pm
There will be 3 ACC teams ranked next week …..and of course we will not be one of them….So long top 25
Tech Basketball = Legion Movie
February 13th, 2010
10:22 pm
Sucks!
Missed three point attempt, missed three point attempt, missed three point attempt …
Hey Blewitt, how about no more three’s, how about no more fouls, how about making a free throw, how about early retirement
Decatur Tech Fan
February 13th, 2010
10:23 pm
I wonder if Pewitt tells his ppl to not watch tv, and dont believe what u read in the newspapers like Obama does? ok ok that was a lil over the top, I’ll agree.
StingerSplash
February 13th, 2010
10:23 pm
Dear New Jersey Nets,
We understand you are looking for a full-time head coach. May we suggest Paul Hewitt, head men’s basketball coach at Georgia Tech. He would be a wonderful fit for your organization.
Sincerely,
An ever-growing number of Georgia Tech basketball fans
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:24 pm
Both Obama and Blewitt have terrible assistants too ….Man the similarities keep piling up.
UGAissolastyear
February 13th, 2010
10:25 pm
That you people sat in here all night and blogged and watched the game shows me you truely support Hewitt. No matter what you say. Get over it. I said 2 weeks or so ago when Jeff Shultz ran that hideous article that we would need 21 or 22 wins to get in the NCAAs and I don’t see that happening. I was over it long ago and over Hewitt. The more time you spend watching the games or going to the games – the more DRAD thinks everything is A-OK. Just forget about GT basketball for a few years and come back in 2012 or 2013.
Tech Me Lo Mama
February 13th, 2010
10:26 pm
Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck
UGAissolastyear
February 13th, 2010
10:26 pm
PS: if you are so inclined to write hime. drad@athletics.gatech.edu And DON’T sugar coat it!!!
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:27 pm
Trust me UGAissolastyear I would if I could. And believe me I want to but its like crack. Just cant get myself weened off the disaster
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:28 pm
Ohno coming back up in a few minutes
Biff Pocoroba
February 13th, 2010
10:28 pm
Thank God I went to the Gladiators game tonight. I knew Hewitt would lose another road game so I didn’t bother to watch. Unfortunately I have tickets for Tuesday but at least I can bring a “Fire Hewitt” sign. Since UNC sucks, and a lot of their fans won’t buy up all of the tickets, we might have a small crowd on Tuesday.
Decatur Tech Fan
February 13th, 2010
10:30 pm
BTW anyone know what was up with Mfon tonite……didnt see him much at all, except with his warm-ups on riding the pine?
Paul Hewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:31 pm
We are still a young team. Just give it a few more months and we will start playing up to our potential.
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:32 pm
Come On Ohno ….. at least this is exciting the exact opposite of watching GT basketball
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2010
10:33 pm
17-8, 5-6….Oh, and UVA lost (as I predicted). Any loss to UVA is a BAD LOSS!!!
So aa it stands right now Tech would have to beat UNC and then Duke in the ACC tourney…two of the best tournament coaches in college basketball history vs. Paul Hewitt……well, really only one…because we wouldn’t make it past UNC.
Having said that, Tech will win Tuesday night over the Heels.
CURRENT ACC STANDINGS:
1 – Duke, 9-2
2 – Wake Forest, 8-3
3 – Virginia Tech, 7-3
4 – Maryland, 6-3
5 – Virginia, 5-4
6 – Clemson, 6-5
7 – Florida State, 5-5
8 – Georgia Tech, 5-6
9 – North Carolina, 3-7
10 – Boston College, 3-7
11 – Miami, 3-8
12 – N.C. State, 2-9
Dawg Hater
February 13th, 2010
10:36 pm
Does Favors really believe he is a pro prospect? 4 points!!!!!!!!!!
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:37 pm
HAHAHAHA servers you right for throwing him out of race on second to last lap
GT man
February 13th, 2010
10:38 pm
Maybe next year ??? Any so called superstars like Favors and Udofia coming to GT?? Maybe we can get some more super-tattoo stars to come to GT?
GTHoopsFan
February 13th, 2010
10:39 pm
email DRad@athletics.gatech.edu
Let him know how you feel about Hewitt…
Decatur Tech Fan
February 13th, 2010
10:41 pm
Tech Rorever…ty for stat….now CPH fans….think a mediocre ACC gets 8 teams in?…..comon comon bet me bet me.
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2010
10:41 pm
GT Man, you buyin what I’m postin yet?
groundfog
February 13th, 2010
10:42 pm
UNREAL PATHETIC COACH-HOW MANY TIMES IS IT THE SAME STORY? HUGE TURNOVERS AND NO BASKETS THE FINAL 8:50? THIS SONG AND DANCE IS OLD
The Yellow Jackets (17-6, 5-6) went the final 8:50 without a field goal and were done in by 17 turnovers
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2010
10:43 pm
What?
groundfog
February 13th, 2010
10:43 pm
SOMEBODY ARREST HEWITT-HE IS STEALING MONEY FROM TECH
I’ve never seen a coach milk one good season as he has to save his job. Well Paul, say bye bye
Dawg Hater
February 13th, 2010
10:46 pm
GTHoopsFan, just sent my e-mail to Rad, Thanks for the address,—I’m so tired of seeing these $2000 tattoed superstars, that think they are pros. Did Favors play against anybody in high school—come on -4 points!!!!
Bill
February 13th, 2010
10:46 pm
Think Tech will struggle to beat UNC Tuesday. Losing to Miami was huge. Team was not ready to play and made Wake game critical. Team was tired and that is conditioning. Shumpert was sick with the flu vs Miami, but he sure looked ill tonight if he wasn’t. Favors doesn’t play hard the whole game. He takes plays off. Udofia has lost confidence and Miller was the only reason Tech didn’t lose by 25. When you keep hiiting the front of the rim, you are tired. Tech was out of shape and that is the staff’s fault. I really believe Tech will finish 7-9. Guess I have to agree. It’s time for new coach at Tech. If he can’t get this team with this talent to perform, he has to go. Good man….but so is Chan.
Paul Hewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:50 pm
I am telling you guys ….just give me two more months. We are a young team and it takes time to gel. I mean tonight was again the most embarrassed I have ever been. BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
Truth
February 13th, 2010
10:51 pm
Dawg Hater – does it really matter if Favors thinks he’s a pro prospect? Do you really think that Poindexter coach of yours is going to coach him up and make him better? I never thought that I’d see a coach piss away more talent than one-nut Bobby, but Poindexter has exceeded my widest expectations.
The Ink Wizard
February 13th, 2010
10:52 pm
Love these jackets with all my art showing on their arms. Maybe I burned the tattoos on too rough and they cant get their arms up to shoot free throws and 3-pointers
73-66 We Run This State!
February 13th, 2010
10:53 pm
Once again Hewitt=FAIL
Dawg Hater
February 13th, 2010
10:54 pm
Truth–I have to agree with you. Had Favors went to UK, he’d probably be averaging 15 per game
Paul Hewitt
February 13th, 2010
10:57 pm
Had Favors went to UGAy he’d be avg 20
Mark Fox
February 13th, 2010
10:58 pm
Nothing better than turning on the TV after a good win to watch Hewitt blow another one
Truth
February 13th, 2010
11:02 pm
If Mark Fox was coaching the nerds, they’d easily be the best team in the acc and top 5 in the country, If Poindexter was coaching the Dawgs, they’d be winless.
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
11:05 pm
truth …..No truer words have ever been spoken….or written in this case
NoCoach Blewitt
February 13th, 2010
11:07 pm
Bill Lewis > Paul Hewitt
BravesFan79
February 13th, 2010
11:16 pm
Great strategy there by Hewitt in the beginning of the game to wait until were down by 10 to put in some shooters! Hint to Hewitt… the OTHER TEAM KNOWNS your going to force the ball inside to start the game! How many games do we have to start out terribly before our starting lineup changes!?
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2010
11:21 pm
ACC in the NCAAs:
All But In:
Duke
Wake Forest
Virginia Tech
On The Inside Looking Out:
Maryland
On The Bubble:
Florida State
Clemson
On The Outside Looking In:
Virginia
Georgia Tech
Would Take An ACC Tournament Championship:
UNC
Boston College
Miami
N.C. State
GT fan but giving up hope
February 13th, 2010
11:28 pm
this program is nothing special and when your nothing special you are not going to win on the road in the ACC. That would be okay if the five previous seasons were something special but they were also nothing special so there you have it…..blah blah blah…..DRAD, you need to overrule and do some shifting around, add a consultant, try something different for the rest of the season..the same ole same ole is pointless
Butts Wagner
February 13th, 2010
11:31 pm
I am telling you guys ….just give me two more months. We are a young team and it takes time to gel. I mean tonight was again the most embarrassed I have ever been. BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
Exactly.
Butts Wagner
February 13th, 2010
11:32 pm
dammit(fake html tags don’t work here), should say:
Exactly.
*throws up a little in mouth*
Truth
February 13th, 2010
11:33 pm
the only way that I see the nerds turning the season around is taking the redshirt off that Georgia High School phenom…Daniel Miller.
Carroll Rogers
February 13th, 2010
11:36 pm
I asked Hewitt if they were a bit 3-happy there in the stretch. He said he made the same point in the locker room after the game, but then by the postgame, he said this:
“I said the same thing in the locker room, we got a little 3 happy,” Hewitt said.”But when you look at it again Zach Peocock had two of them wide open, top of the key, which is his favorite area, Brian Oliver had that one in transition, I’m not going to second-guess him.”
I didn’t realize it in the heat of deadline but Tech scored its last field goal in the game with 8:51 left. They got two free throws from Glen Rice but that was it. Wow.
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2010
11:38 pm
Carroll, what you should ask him is if he has completed his ad for theladders.com
Carroll Rogers
February 13th, 2010
11:39 pm
Down the stretch, Wake has senior point guard Ish Smith running the show, hitting his teammates, and at one point splitting Tech’s defense for a layup himself. (There was another baseline jumper I recall).
By comparison, Tech is playing its 25th game and is having an identity crisis (is that too extreme?) at point guard. They go to Moe Miller, who didn’t play at ALL at times this season, their third-string point, in effect, tonight. He gives them a HUGE lift, don’t get me wrong. But I think it points to a big issue Tech has, that here it is mid-February and the guard play is digressing. Mfon 7 minutes 0 points. Iman Shumpert 0-for-7, zero points.
Jo Bling
February 13th, 2010
11:41 pm
What a mess this situation is becoming. If we don’t make the tournament, which is looking like a real possibility, then I think Hewitt gets fired after the season. If we do make the tournament, then I think it buys him another year. That said, it’s probably time to start talking about replacements. So who has a good suggestion? Let’s keep it realistic. We need a coach who can win in the ACC. Mark Price? Matt Harpring? Ideas, anyone?
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2010
11:43 pm
Jo, We will not make the tourney and Hewitt will not get fired. We can’t afford it. Unless he resigns he’ll be here for ‘10-’11 regardless of how this season finishes up.
Truth
February 13th, 2010
11:45 pm
$7mm yesterday, $7mm today, $7mm tomorrow, $7mm next week……thank you, thank you Dave Braine. The Dawgs love you,
Going going gone
February 13th, 2010
11:46 pm
Bill, thanks for your comments, good input
Gt
February 13th, 2010
11:48 pm
maybe GT fans can take up a collection or do like Kentucky did and say, too bad and not pay it.