Favors, Lawal on futures at Tech
MILWAUKEE - Derrick Favors said after the game Sunday that he hasn’t decided whether he would leave Georgia Tech after one year for the NBA, that he would take time to sit down with his family and people close to him in the coming days.
But he did say the following, which would interest Georgia Tech fans.
I asked him if there was a chance he’d come back to Tech next year.
“There’s a chance,” Favors said. “A 50-50 chance.”
Projected as the No. 4 overall pick by NBAdraft.net, and almost assuredly a lottery pick , you figure it would be a pretty clear-cut decision for Favors and he’d be gone. That he’s not completely ruling it out at this point is worth noting.
Tech has spring break next week, and Tech coach Paul Hewitt said he expected it might a week to 10 days before he sits down and figures out who’s likely to return and who’s likely to leave.
“We’ve just got to have time to decompress a little bit and maybe the following week sit down and start talking about that,” Hewitt said.
Both Favors and Gani Lawal said Sunday they hadn’t spent much time on the subject yet. If Lawal puts in for the NBA draft for a second time as an underclassman, he cannot withdraw his name like he did last year.
“I haven’t thought about it,” Lawal said Sunday, and then this of his immediate plans: ”Go home, go to sleep. Forget about this (Sunday’s loss to Ohio State). Try to. I’m not going to think about anything, just get on my school books.”
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200 comments Add your comment
Delbert D.
March 21st, 2010
8:51 pm
Don’t recruit any more “lottery picks”. Recruit soem guys who can pass and shoot the dang ball.
MorningJacket
March 21st, 2010
8:52 pm
I know a Tech student who is in a class with Favors and tried to talk him into staying. He just laughed and said why should he work hard to study at Tech when he can “make millions in the NBA.” Exact words. He’s gone, folks. Move on.
Delbert D.
March 21st, 2010
8:52 pm
I’m so angry I can’t spell straight.
Biff Pocoroba
March 21st, 2010
8:59 pm
They aren’t going to improve playing for “coach” hewitt so they might as well leave.
Texas Jacket
March 21st, 2010
9:00 pm
I wish them the best whichever way they go. But gotta agree with Delbert. Recruit some team players with sound fundamentals so even CPH can coach them.
Mr. Belvedere
March 21st, 2010
9:00 pm
Just like Bay Bay said he was coming back after the ACC championship game right? Favors is gone and who can blame him. Get that money while you can!
Sarcasticuas.
March 21st, 2010
9:05 pm
Hewitt said, “But I felt really strong about the philosophy and the mission at Georgia Tech. And I thought it was really cheap and deceitful, really, to act like I pulled one over on somebody.”
Well CPH, if that is the case recruit some sound COLLEGE players and not phenoms you know won’t stick around — and probably couldn’t anyway.
Greg
March 21st, 2010
9:06 pm
Sigh…… we’re gonna suck next year.
RDU Jacket
March 21st, 2010
9:12 pm
So now everyone is back on the “hate Hewitt” bandwagon. Everyone drilled me for being negative on Hewitt after the OK State win. Take a side and quit waffling. He is not a good game coach and his players consistantly under perform offensively.
HOWEVER, I do believe that Glenn Rice Jr and Brian Oliver are going to be 3 or 4 year players and will be big time scorers for GT. If we can get a big man who can post up and stay more than one year (like Lawal but stay 3 years), then we will be a very good offensive team. But ONLY if Hewitt goes to coaching clinics or leaves for St. Johns.
Casey
March 21st, 2010
9:18 pm
They are likely leaving! Let’s accept it! Do we have any idea who our bigs are going to be next year?? – when all three leave?!? We are going to suck. This was the window! – albiet a one year window.
Greg
March 21st, 2010
9:22 pm
Brad Sheehan will start YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Casey
March 21st, 2010
9:28 pm
LOL @ Greg!!! Great!
Franky
March 21st, 2010
9:36 pm
Go Get That Money Mr. Favors!
2HLLWGA
March 21st, 2010
9:36 pm
@Delbert – I agree – recruit players that want to be here. One of our best years was after Bosh and his high expectations left.
We seem to play really well when we are pressing. Why did we stop? IS needs to be able to lead this press next year!
hater
March 21st, 2010
9:40 pm
Lawal is Garbage!!! He need another year in college to prove he understand the game. I hope he do stay because it would be (putting it mildly), “worthless” for someone to draft him at this stage.
Biff Pocoroba
March 21st, 2010
9:54 pm
Greg, Sheehan has graduated. Unless he goes to graduate school, he is probably gone also. It will be Daniel Miller and no one else in the middle next year.
GT in 2010-11
March 21st, 2010
9:59 pm
How can either Favors or Lawal make it in the NBA? They can’t handle passes from college guards! What a major case of BRICK HANDS by both of them. Lawal can greatly increase his potential pro value by staying one more year and working on his weaknesses. A new coach would help even more. Forget Favors. He is gone and will ride a bench while someone hopes he grows up.
Dragon
March 21st, 2010
10:05 pm
Lawal still needs a year; Favors can’t move up anymore in the draft. If Favors doesn’t leave, he’s crazy. it looked like the zone flummoxed them, something they won’t see in the NBA.
What a sad way to end a season when Northern Iowa took out Kansas. The Jackets just didn’t play like they did in Greensboro.
Greg
March 21st, 2010
10:13 pm
Bill, Sheehan is a RS Junior, he will stay and play just like D’Andre did because his role will grow next year.
gt21
March 21st, 2010
10:22 pm
Would everybody quit hating on paul hewitt!!!! he has proven he can coach n has big game experience!!! let him do his thing and believe me, if we get favors n lawal back next yr, its over!!!! FINAL FOUR n maybe NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!
foxandcoon
March 21st, 2010
10:30 pm
They are G O N E !!
Ga Tech Old Timer
March 21st, 2010
10:38 pm
The way they played this past season – along with the rest of the team – they need to return for more practice and an exercise in how to play as a team. Then, when they win the ACC and go to the NCAA tournament – and win there – then and only then should they think about jumping ship. Why the hell didn’t they just go to GA state or DeKalb College to play ball? What was so special about going to Tech so they could play one year and drop out? If they can find an answer to what was special about Tech- isn’t it still special after one or two years? Sorry, but these folks epitomize college players in general who play football or basketball. I’m #1 – me first generation – not – I’m here for an education and let’s learn to play together as a team and do something great with all the talent we’ve got here. The game I watched today was completely undisciplined with way too many turnovers and poor shooting – especially 3 pointers. How do these kids think they will play like pros when they play like a sandlot pickup team?
misterwax
March 21st, 2010
10:51 pm
Unless there is a major pick up in more freshmen “phenom” recruiting, tickets should be cheap and available next year….. lots of empty seats…Maybe Obama and Bernanke can give GTAA a bailout for funds.
GT Grad
March 21st, 2010
10:54 pm
I don’t blame Favors for leaving. Although I watch a lot of NBA games and know that Favors will get CRUSHED in the NBA. He won’t be NBA ready for at least 3-4 years.
Tokyo jacket
March 21st, 2010
11:38 pm
2hllwga: dude, our best year was after Bosch because we had a slew of juniors. That was the most talented and senior team I’ve experienced since I’ve been associated with Tech (mid 90’s). GT has WAY too many one and dones. We’re not like other programs where one and dones come and go but the championships remain.
Who was the last one and done at Duke?
Tokyo jacket
March 21st, 2010
11:44 pm
gt21: are you a retard? how exactly has he proven he can coach? I’m not calling for his head or anything, but I sure as hell wouldn’t say he has proven he can coach. Only has one year with a winning record in the ACC and that was 9-7. Who is it that he’s coached up in their tenure at Tech?
Tokyo jacket
March 21st, 2010
11:46 pm
Oh, and back on topic, yes, they’re both gone. Both lottery picks. And both not ready to play in the NBA.
Greg
March 21st, 2010
11:53 pm
The NBA drafts on potential not results in college which is why Wall is getting picked over Turner and guys that lead the country in scoring (Houston’s Aubry Coleman) aren’t usually picked in the first round. Favors has all the skills necessary to become a Amare Stoudemire-Al Horford mix player. I don’t think Lawal can get better if he stays a year because he did the same thing this year as he did last year which was rock non-conference opponents and then dwindle in the physical ACC schedule.
white & old gold
March 22nd, 2010
12:06 am
Tokyo Jacket: Was Luol Deng a one and done?
white & old gold
March 22nd, 2010
12:15 am
Favors will go. He’ll be a top 5 pick i believe. Lawal is iffy. I think he should stay another year, because I don’t think he’s near NBA ready, but he may have a shot at being a lottery pick. If both go (which I think will happen) my guess is Daniel Miller starts and then maybe Sheehan or Kammeon Holsey. Holsey will be a RS Freshman (he tore up his knee in preseason). He’s listed as a 4 star recruit by scout.com. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.
Our frontcourt could be very good if they shoot well. Iman (though he’s not a pg), moe miller, and mfon at the point. Oliver and rice formidable SGs. watch for more playing time for storrs next year. jason morris (incoming freshman) could challenge for some time at SG or SF next year. and who knows, nick foreman could perform…
white & old gold
March 22nd, 2010
12:30 am
backcourt i mean*
Pope UGA XXIII
March 22nd, 2010
12:51 am
He certainly didn’t learn anything from Hewitt in his first year.
One & done should be the decision.
Bob in SF
March 22nd, 2010
1:14 am
Favors’ game is not ready for the NBA but he will still probably be drafted in the top 5, top 10 at worst. That’s a huge reason why the NBA has gotten so unwatchable; kids playing who don’t know fundamentals or how to play a team game. The NBA needs to change the draft rules to same as NCAA baseball; either go pro right after high school and play in the minors (D-League) or wait until after your junior year to enter the draft. That way there would be more continuity in the college game and the players would be better prepared physically and mentally for the pros.
GIVE ME A BREAK
March 22nd, 2010
1:26 am
DUKE would never have taken Favors. Learn a lesson Hewitt.
Yumpomillion
March 22nd, 2010
2:15 am
50 – 50 that he’s going to come back, huh? Maybe he meant 50 minus 50, which is zero. That’s about what I think the odds are of his coming back.
Yumpomillion
March 22nd, 2010
2:22 am
I agree with you, Bob in SF. Of course David Stern is on the record as saying that it’s not the NBA’s problem. I guess he figures he can do what he wants no matter who or what he’s stepping on. The college game is worse because of his attitude. I’d like to see somebody with money influence over the NBA, such as a big sponsor, rattle his cage on that issue.
Yumpomillion
March 22nd, 2010
2:26 am
Ga Tech Old Timer: “Why the hell didn’t they just go to GA state or DeKalb College to play ball? What was so special about going to Tech so they could play one year and drop out? If they can find an answer to what was special about Tech- isn’t it still special after one or two years?”
I think the answer to that question is TV exposure. Otherwise you’re right, there would be no reason to come to a program where you aren’t going to get an education and not even get coached.
Kay
March 22nd, 2010
5:55 am
Ga Tech Oldtimer: Good point. Sounds like Tech is just used by the “One and Dones.”
Jesse Stone
March 22nd, 2010
6:13 am
Last Duke 1 and done? Corey Maggette?
wiley
March 22nd, 2010
6:40 am
Feast or famine in this situation. If Gani and Derrick returned GT would be a favorite to win the ACC and make a deep tourney run. With out them we will not have anyone with starting experience down low and will likely struggle in the ACC…as is usual under Hewitt. If one of them returns we should be a very solid team. It sucks that we have to rely so heavily on two players. Do keep in mind this is all assuming we don’t suddenly develop quality guard play.
chip
March 22nd, 2010
7:02 am
I heard Favors failed out of Tech—so he is one and done
LongTimeJacketFanatic
March 22nd, 2010
7:17 am
I’m sorry but I will not go out of my way any more to watch GT B-ball. It is not this loss it is Paul Hewit. Somehow GT’s B-ball teams do just enough to keep his job, that is what they call baing MEDIOCRE!!!
lagadawg
March 22nd, 2010
7:39 am
I think if coach Fox coached at GT they would still be playing and won several more games including UGA,you should be glad if he leaves to coach another team.
NoCoach Blewitt
March 22nd, 2010
7:40 am
He isn’t even showing up for classes this semester ….. he is all but gone
NoCoach Blewitt
March 22nd, 2010
7:46 am
RDU — I don’t know who you are refering to as wafflers but I started driving the “fire Blewey” bus during the 2004-2005 season and have never left my seat. Also, regarding Rice and Oliver it is probably all downhill from here …. Players skills set stays the same at best under Blewey, they do not improve. Of course after the repeat of the 2008-2009 season next year Ol’ Paul might (please please please) be on his way out the door
NoLion
March 22nd, 2010
7:51 am
What happend to the days, when you went to college to get an education? When you sign these kids out of High School, they should include in their letter of intent, a committment for four years of playing otherwise, their salary + bonus for the remaining years of their commitment goes back to the college- a minimium salary of 75k. Maybe these show horses will stick around and get a good education and so they won’t get screwed by their sports and finiancial managers. The NCAA needs to address this issue instead of walking around seeing how many times a booster calls a high school kid on a cell phone during his senior year. I’m not a GT fan, but it seems to me if I was a coach I would rather have a work horse instead of a show horse. Someone who is committed to the program, than one who is using the college as a stepping stone. After Favors finishes his playing days he is going to wish he had an education to fall back on. Gani, made a smart decision to return last year, and he would make a smarter decision to return again next year, and get his degree.
NoLion
March 22nd, 2010
7:57 am
Another point for these boys and I mean boys, because they do not know better. If they look around the NBA, they will find approx 28% of the PRO’S played at smaller schools or so called mid majors….Something for consideration
NoLion
March 22nd, 2010
8:03 am
researching it may be higher than 28%
UGAissolastyear
March 22nd, 2010
8:06 am
Carroll, the question should be….who cares??? If Hewitt is back, it will be the same old story – possibly, even worse if we can imagine that!!!
A Rob
March 22nd, 2010
8:08 am
Bye bye Favors. He’s gone and who can blame him. Lawal on the other hand, got worse as the season progressed. He became a TO machine like everyone else on the team except Favors. The only players that got better as the season progressed were Favors, Miller, and Rice. Lawal really dropped IMO. Bet he’s back next year when he can be our #1 option.
A Rob
March 22nd, 2010
8:10 am
But it won’t matter due to coaching.
VT Yellow Jacket
March 22nd, 2010
8:38 am
They’ll make the jump, and who can blame them.
Millions of dollars…..play for PH….hmmmmm. Millions of dollars….go to classes all Spring and Fall….hmmm. Millions of dollars…..watch family continue to eek out a living…hmmmm. Millions of dollars…..risk injury next season….hmmmm.
I’ve made up my mind, and I’ll bet they’ll make the same decision.
Navigator
March 22nd, 2010
8:45 am
They will both go (ego’s drive that behavior), and Favors will be fine although I doubt his talent will take him to the hall of fame. Lawal, I’m not so convinced that he even has the talent to be anything other than a journeyman player, but he needs all the training he can get, but he will go to, that first big check is too much to turn down.
NO Dog IN THIS FIGHT
March 22nd, 2010
8:48 am
Half of the Hewitt haters on here have no clue !! Have you ever even picked up a basketball in your life ?? and don’t count the 7 years of rec ball you played growing up !!
If I was Hewitt I would leave GT, since he is obviously not appreciated, but this is what you expect from your typical GT fan. You cry and whine about him recruiting kids like Favors, but if he wasn’t getting these kids and these kids were going to other scholls, then you would complain that he could not recruit and get the kids from his own state. Bottom line is you have to recruit these players…or keep figuring out a way to play against them every year. I agree it is difficult to build a team when players are always leaving, but you need to check Paul’s resume…Look at how many of his players are in the NBA and doing fairly well, and you say he can’t coach ??? some of those players you would have said never had a chance at the next level. You can complain and cry all you want…go ahead and get rid of him, but I can assure you the day would come where you will wish he was still there…Be careful what you ask for !! Oh…and to the other Paul…just wait all those LOYAL GT Fans will be the same ones writing about you right here in the fall !!!!
BeeLover
March 22nd, 2010
8:49 am
The way the whole team looked durning the tournament, I’m surprised that any player on the team is still talking about leaving…..Me thinks they all need several more years to work on their games….I didn’t see any player who was ready to go to the next level.
buzz
March 22nd, 2010
8:57 am
Favors should leave, Gani should stay. He needs to work on his hands and passing. If he goes he will be in Europe and out of the NBA. He may slip to round 2 which gives him a coin toss chance of making a team.
Jacket Fan
March 22nd, 2010
8:58 am
Who cares?, GTBB is irrelevant as long as Hewitt is here.
Coach Keith
March 22nd, 2010
8:59 am
Word is that Iman Shumpert is putting his name in the draft as well. Everyone is jumping to the NBA. I wonder how the freshmen, Homesley, will react after the ACL tear. Will he be able to compete at this level from A ball? Homesley and Dan Miller might be a good combination down low next year.
Goldtimer
March 22nd, 2010
9:22 am
What’s to appreciate about Hewitt since the NCG appearance? It’s past time for him to leave Tech – he can recruit NBA talent but what has he done with it while at Tech? If all Tech is a developmental minor league team for the NBA then D-Rad should just come out and say it. The bottom line is his job is to win games at Tech.
GADawgFan
March 22nd, 2010
9:28 am
It’s always great seeing a team of THUGS get the bounce!
CatsFly
March 22nd, 2010
9:59 am
I like what UNC does w/its players. First, it gets as many Mac AA as possible (7 on this years team), then Roy divides up the playing time so that none can be the big star that, say, Wall is. In this way, none will have distinguished himself to the point that he would be a lottery pick before say, the 3d year. Just watch UNC have a sick year next year: Davis will be a Jr (had Roy played him full time in Fr yr he would have already gone to pros). Same with Zeller. This playing-time situation was also dictated in large part to injuries.
Jacket Fan
March 22nd, 2010
10:07 am
Team will be fine if they get some coaching. They do things I correct in my church league players in a week or two. D. Miller and Holsey off red-shirt, I imagine Sheehan stays, supposedly a shooting guard is the one freshman coming in. Have Jack, Price tutor M. Miller, Udofia all summer. Plenty there.
Rob
March 22nd, 2010
10:22 am
ACC record next year….4–12.
GT Alum
March 22nd, 2010
10:26 am
St. Johns and Seton Hall, isn’t it time you reached out to Coach Blewitt for an interview? Please take him off our hands… What an absolute idiot. Anybody that can’t see that is either blind or has some other agenda.
Chpatt
March 22nd, 2010
10:26 am
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/365516-georgia-techs-lone-2010-recruit
You guys need to chill out and calm down. Next year is definitely looking good. I think Lawal should come back. He is not NBA ready. No awareness or NBA IQ.
Chpatt
March 22nd, 2010
10:33 am
Paul hewitt is looking past 2010-2011…He has made offers to three 4 star recruits who have high interest in GT. Two other 4 stars are also considering tech in 2011 as well as a 3 star.
At least CPH is trying.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
10:33 am
NO Dog IN THIS FIGHT,
Get back to your ACORN Office already.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
Chpatt, he gets paid 1.3 million a year, and you say “At least CPH is trying”.
OMG!!!
Chpatt
March 22nd, 2010
10:38 am
CPH has also offered a scholarship to a 5 star recruit for the class of 2012…He might be going against Calipari unless he’s kicked out already for recruiting violations at UK…Another five star recruit also has GT as their number one interest. I know this is early, but it looks promising.
Chpatt
March 22nd, 2010
10:40 am
You try coaching Favors. I went to his high school…He has possibly one of the WORST personalities i have ever encountered. Everyone hated him when it wasn’t basketball season.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
10:42 am
Oh goodie Chpatt, do you know if any of these 5 stars have a tatoo of Jesus with a Basketball?
Old School
March 22nd, 2010
10:44 am
Sorry, Chpatt, but will never NEVER “definitely looking good” as long as Paul Hewitt is the coach, and it you think that isn’t a fact, then check the following:
*one(1) winning conference season in 10 years
*winning record against only 3 of the other 11 teams in the ACC in 10 years
*losing record against UGA
*3 NCAA appearances in 10 years, albeit the one trip to the Final 4 six years ago
*mediocre overall record
*in the BOTTOM 10 of all D1 schools in graduation rate (does NOT factor in players who left early for the NBA)
Should I go on?
But then again, according to Hewitt last week, “We are not Duke or North Carolina.”
So with the preceding FACTS noted and the Dave Brainless type comment above, then how, pray tell, do you think that Georgia Tech basketball will ever “be looking good” under Paul Hewitt? Tell me, a whole lot more inquring minds than mine really want to know.
Let’s just hope Billy Donovan turns down St. Johns, and they ring up Hewitt and make him an offer to return home to New York. Now that is something that would really “be looking good.” Not to mention saving the Tech bank account $7 million if he does stay another year and FINALLY gets fire because of 11 years of sub-par, underachieving mediocrity.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
10:44 am
tattoo, sorry
GTsupporter
March 22nd, 2010
10:53 am
RUN DERRICK! RUN GANI! RUN IMAN! Go to the NBA or your draft status will fall if you stay at GT.
RUN BRIAN! RUN GLEN!!! RUN MFON!! RUN HOSLEY!! RUN MILLER!!!
You guys better transfer or your gonna be NBDL players!!!
HEWITT will not get you drafted unless your a one and done player!!!
He cant “COACH” you to league!! Key word COACH not RECRUIT.
BravesFan79
March 22nd, 2010
10:59 am
GT will be alright next year.
Old School
March 22nd, 2010
11:01 am
Tell me something else CHPATT. Why should anyone get so excited about your statement:
“Paul hewitt is looking past 2010-2011…He has made offers to three 4 star recruits who have high interest in GT. Two other 4 stars are also considering tech in 2011 as well as a 3 star.”
He had 3 multi-starred McDonalds All-Americans this year. How many of these 4-star studs has he had in his 10 years at Georgia Tech? And what has all this “tremendous talent–as Mark Bradley likes to call it–gotten us. It has gotten the Georgia Tech basketball program 3 winning seasons in the ACC in 10 years, a winning record against only 3 of the other 11 teams in the ACC, a losing record to the infernal Dawgs, etc. What is going to make 2010-2011 or beyond any different as long as Hewitt is here. You know the old saying: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”
But then again, “we are Duke or North Carolina” and obviously never will be or even should aspire to.
Geeesh!
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
11:04 am
BravesFan79, you’ve been saying that for 5 years now, and all you can give us is ONE NCAA win.
pathetic.
Old School
March 22nd, 2010
11:04 am
Excuse me, I meant to say “We are NOT Duke or North Carolina.”
Oh yes, Hewitt has done something at Georgia Tech besides going to the Final Four once, sx years ago. He has had several players, certainly not STUDENT-Athletes, “spend the night” at Georgia Tech for a season, move on to the NBA, and make a few million bucks.
CHPATT? Are you there?
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
11:15 am
PAUL HEWITT HAS DESTROYED GEORGIA TECH BASKETBALL.
YOU ARE A LOSER AND AN IDIOT IN THE TRUEST SENSE IF YOU SUPPORT PAUL HEWITT!!!
IF YOU THINK WATCHING 5 STAR RECRUITS TURN THE BALL OVER 20 TIMES A GAME IS BASKETBALL, COME TO GT GAME. YOU CAN BUY A TICKET OUTSIDE THE GATE FOR 10$. IT WON’T BE LONG BEFORE THEY WILL BE GIVING THEM AWAY.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
11:20 am
PAUL HEWITT IS A BIGGER THIEF THAN THESE THUGS IN CONGRESS, well almost.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
11:22 am
Yeah, CPH is a nice guy….WHO WOULDN’T BE IF YOU WERE GETTING PAID 1.3 MILLION FOR DOING NOTHING!!!!
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
11:22 am
MY HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODED!!!
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
11:23 am
ARRGGHHH!!!!!!!!!
Paul in RDU
March 22nd, 2010
11:23 am
The folks talking about Duke not going after 1 and dones cracks me up.
Luol Deng was a one and done. Corey Magette was a one and done. Kyrie Irving is going to be at Duke next year and he’ll be one and done. Coach K offered John Wall a scholarship and Wall is going to be in the NBA next year. It’s not like Coach K doesn’t know all about Wall and his AAU entourage since Wall did play at Word of God in Durham after transferring from a public HS.
On top of these one and dones, there have been a number of Duke players who transferred after 1 season. Elliott Williams at Memphis and Jamal Boykin at California both transferred after 1 season.
MGT04
March 22nd, 2010
11:24 am
Personally, I’m happy they made it as far as they did, beat Duke in the reg season, and made it to the ACCCG. Goooo Jackets!
And yes, Favors is gone. But have no fear, the street courts downtown were packed this weekend. As long as the dream of escaping the ghetto is alive in the ATL, Tech will recruit talent. It’s like winning the lottery – if you didn’t see anyone win, no one would play.
ATL XMAN
March 22nd, 2010
11:37 am
Hewitt is the problem. He basically had an NBA team this year and still can’t win.
Tech First
March 22nd, 2010
11:38 am
WE WILL BE FINE NEXT YEAR LAWAL WILL BE BACK MILLER AND HOSLEY RESHIRTED AND FAVORS IS 50/50 START MOE MILLER AT THE POINT IMAN AT THE (2) RICE AT THE (3) BETTER GUARD PLAY IS WHAT’S WINNING IN THIS TOURNMENT UFION AND STORRS WILL HAVE MORE PLAYING TIME AND EXP. I BEEN AGAINST HEWITT ALL YEAR BUT IF WERE GOING TO GET BEAT DOWN THE FLOOR ON DEFENSE PRESS AND GO SMALL OH AND DONT FORGET ABOUT FOREMAN WHO SAVED US PLENTY LAST YEAR WE PLAYED A BETTER TEAM AND WE DIDN PLAY OUR BEST BASKETBALL YESTERDAY. PUT IMAN ON THE WING(HE’LL GET HIS CHANCE TO PLAY THE POINT AGAIN AS A SENIOR) AND LET MOE CONTROL THE GAME HIT THE WEIGHS AND COME BACK WITH AN ATTITUDE STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHO COMING AND GOING WE’RE ONE MILE AWAY FROM HOME DAMN IT LET’S GET THERE GO JACKETS!!!!!
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
11:53 am
Someone, please help!!! Is “thug” a code word for something else? I’m up on GT basketball and I am not aware of pot-smoking, gang banging, car jacking, meth smoking, stealing, lying, raping, etc. generally associated with “thugs.” I am convinced that “thugs” is a code word that comes from losers that are not happy with their life. LOL
Delbert D.
March 22nd, 2010
12:00 pm
Shumpert tried to do too much to win that game. If he goes NBA, it will be way down. Lawal should stay and show that he can develop as a medium-big man. I hope a couple of guys with solid 22 foot range show up, don’t care if they are 5′9. Ohio State demonstrated that Tech can be killed with a zone D.
Almost forgot my standard plea: *NBA, get rid of the one-and-done*. You a raping college basketball.
Delbert D.
March 22nd, 2010
12:04 pm
I’m angry and mis-typing words again.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
12:06 pm
No Sporty Black you’re getting defensive, any reason?
I don’t think the “Thugs” in Congress that I was referring “car jack”, they have limo’s waiting for them.
Doesn’t take much of anything to convince you. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Jacket Fan
March 22nd, 2010
12:12 pm
Too bad Hewitt is coming back
Connie Lingous
March 22nd, 2010
12:19 pm
Regardless of yesterday’s loss, in my opinion Coach Hewitt has been and will continue to be a fine representative of our University.
Quite frankly, although both will be gone, in my opinion, the same can and should be said about Gani and Derrick.
steveh
March 22nd, 2010
12:20 pm
50-50 usually means they are gone, but not willing to announce it yet.
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm
Recruit people who can inbound the ball…
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
12:26 pm
Ramble On, you have proven that a mind is indeed a terrible thing to waste.
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:28 pm
Hewitt is mad because of what the ajc is writting about him. Hell the guy only wrote the truth, he cant coach talent. He can only recruit it.
Born2Buzz
March 22nd, 2010
12:29 pm
Hewitt would be wise to take some lessons from Tom Izzo, who I think is the best coach in college ball right now. He doesn’t have a lot of 5 start recruits but has a consistent solid group of good players that play as a team. He always loses a few Seniors every year and has new sophs and Jrs that take over and the team consistently wins. It is a team game.
And you folks early in the blog that think the one and dones have ruined both the NBA and College ball don’t have your eyes open. The NBA is still the highest level of the game and if you don’t like watching games like the Hawks and Spurs played last night you are not a knowledgeable basketball fan. And if you think the college game has suffered, where have you been the last 5 days. The NCAA tourney has never been better and the quality of ball from top to bottom has never been better.
And as bad as everyone thinks Hewitt’s coaching has been, his coaching didn’t lose the game yesterday. His players lack of execution did. Of course that falls back onto the coach because he has recruited the players and put them on the court at the positions they play. Where Hewitt has truly failed is in building a solid program with long term recruiting that can weather the departure of star players a year or 3 early. See my earlier comment on Izzo.
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:29 pm
Sure favors is the best big man in college basketball, but he would be dumb to not enter the nba draft. They have him as the #3 oveall pick…But if he stays next year, he is sure to be the #1
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
12:29 pm
Thanks Mrs. Hewitt You can go now.
Tech Fan
March 22nd, 2010
12:31 pm
No Sporty, there are honestly no ‘code’ words. That’s just something that conspiracy theorist want to believe. There is no book floating around with secret code words. Sorry to disappoint you.
Stereotypes, though not 100%correct, exist for a reason, experience. The reason is that people tend to observe certain qualities, attitudes, attributes, etc in various situations. Their brain learns from experience, then over time their brain finds ways to group things based on experiences, though again, not 100% correct. It’s like saying “big guys are stronger than little guys”. Truth is, that is correct more times than not; however, it’s not always accurate. Human beings tend to observe and cataloge things and over time steriotypes arrise from the collective patterns observed. It keeps people from having to totally re-invent the wheel every situation, though people also try to keep an open mind, until they start seeing tail-tail signs that reminds them of a steriotype. Steriotypes exist for a reason, but people should also keep an open mind, both points of view are correct to a point, and balance is the key. There is a fine line between ‘fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you’ that relates to learning some steriotypes…and keeping an open mind for exceptions to every rule.
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
12:32 pm
Was there any talent on the team that made it to the finals a few years ago? Jarrod Jack, Will Bynum, and Mario West are all in the NBA right now. There goes the “can’t coach talent” theory, unless the players were coaching themselves.
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:33 pm
born2buzz…things do fall back on hewitt’s coaching my friend. When you cant inbound the ball because no one runs to the ball, then it’s your job to change something up. He still ran the same thing that got his team in trouble. Also the hawks and spurs game was awesome last night. The hawks need to be consistent though.
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:35 pm
Update!!! St. Johns is looking at filling there head coaching position and paul hewitt is on of there 3 they are looking at. Lets cross our fingers
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:36 pm
Here is a great one for you yellow jacket fans. Lets intervies Mark Price and get him in here. He will be a great fit for the yellow jackets.
D in Birmingham
March 22nd, 2010
12:36 pm
They are both gone. We may get a chance to see another one and done talent come and go but we have yet to keep guys around long enough to build a program behind Hewitt. We have run through Bosh, Crittenton, Young and now Favors. Do you remember the impressive record any of them put up? Right….. not much to talk about.
Tech Fan
March 22nd, 2010
12:37 pm
Sporty, The vast majority of bloggers have the same opinion: Hewitt is an amazing recruiter, but horrible coach. You can spin, argue, talk your way out of a paper box all you want, it doesn’t change the reality that the vast majority of us do not like what he has done with the basketball team. Answering your specific question, I’ve learned blogging, will not accomplish anything, but I’ll do it anyway. In regards to the Finals team a few years ago, yes I do believe that team borderline coached it’s self. Sometimes you have a player who his such a leader and so driven, that they can be a coach on the court and win in spite of a lack of coaching. I think most GT fans would be happier watching a group of less heralded players, if they played smart, gritty, dare I say it DUKE style basketball. We have far too much talent, say this year for example, to have a loosing record in the ACC this year. I’m sure this will mean nothing to you, so we’ll agree to disagree m’kay?…k.
bigstack19
March 22nd, 2010
12:38 pm
They both will go pro. Maybe we will get lucky and Hewitt will leave for St.Johns. Or high school or the local rec league for all I care just as long as he goes away.
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
12:39 pm
@ Tech Fan:
Your intro was cute… “book floating around with secret code words.” But tell me, what have (is) the current players done (doing) that is thug-like? Name any player that has been under Hewitt that committed such atrocious, thuggish behavior? I’m waiting for the “fool me once” you speak of.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
12:39 pm
No Sporty Bigot, Mario West is not in the NBA now.
Yes, he was in the NBA, and yes he did have to walk BACK on his Sr. year to re-make Phewitts team.
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:40 pm
Well said tech fan
Tech Fan
March 22nd, 2010
12:41 pm
BTW – They are both gone. I give Lawal a 20% chance of staying.
About Paul Hewitt:
1) In the last 5 years (including this year), he is 76-74. With all of the McDonalds All Americans and future NBA players, he is two games over .500 in all games, which include 8 or so each year against the likes of Arkansas Pine-Bluff and Winston Salem State.
2) In his entire 10 years, he is 26 games under .500 in regular season ACC games, and has only one season over .500 (9-7 in 2004).
3) In his entire 10 years, he has a winning record against 3 ACC schools and a losing record against the other 8.
4) He also has a losing record against mostly poor UGA teams.
5) “This seventh-seeded Tech team cannot dribble, cannot pass, cannot hit free throws, cannot exploit a massive size and talent advantage when it has one, cannot inbound the ball to save its life” – Pat Forde ESPN article that sums up our coach brillianty
6) TV commentators talking during the tourney saying things like, “This has to be one of the most talented teams in the country…they look like world beaters…this has to be the most sloppy and undisciplined basketball team we’ve seen this year…this team has to be very frustrating to watch for the Tech fans…”
7) Tech set a record for # of turnovers and missed free throws in the 57th ACC tourney, plus the announcers used the ineptness of simply getting the ball in bounds as a running joke on TV, embarrassing.
It’s truely unfortunate that the admin have let it get to this point. They clearly are aware that blind loyalty turned to mass appathy turned to vocal majority long ago. They are telling us that we didn’t scream it enough yet. I love my Jackets, have NEVER spoke out against a coach, but this coach has to go, like 8 years ago….
**GO JACKETS…but…FIRE PAUL HEWITT!!!**
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
12:41 pm
You’re wrong again Tech Fan. I agree 100% on that we had too much for a 7-9 ACC record. I just don’t agree on the silly things that are being posted.
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:41 pm
Tech needs a true point guard to handle the team
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:42 pm
ok sporty black…have no idea what your thinking while thinking hewitt is the answer
Georgia Tech
March 22nd, 2010
12:43 pm
hewitt cant even beat a sorry ass uga team
Paul's lil Johnson, and Paul's whoit
March 22nd, 2010
12:43 pm
i do think this Tech basketball players have a future in baton twirling as do all Tech athletes…maybe they can get into cosmetology school …they really look brilliant and reflect the program downtown well….you know…tween the slums at Paul’s Johnson stadium….lmao…later fireflies…really looking forward to the hellacious beatin you will take after thanksgiving after Paul Johnson’s offseason remarks about the University of Georgia….twill be fun!
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
12:43 pm
@ Ramble On
We both like Tech and want to see them win. So as a friend, I will only advise “If you want to get in a pissing contest, it is good to have a big D.”
http://www.nba.com/hawks/roster/
Paul's lil Johnson, and Paul's whoit
March 22nd, 2010
12:45 pm
your right Whoit cant even beat a sorry ass GEORGIA team…but what s new in downtown atlanta..loserville
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
12:45 pm
Mario “walked on” there too
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
Phewitt is the Thug, you moron.
He knows he hasn’t earned one nickel of his 1.3 million since it was given to him in this stupid contract, if he had once ounce of integrity he’d renegotiate for the sake of GT, but he won’t. He’s hijacked GT basketball and he isn’t going nowhere till he gets his 7 million buyout because he is a Thug and he really doesn’t care if the Turnover Dome is sold out, or half full.
He’s selling excuses, and no one except you is buying. Why that is… probably has a lot to do with your handle. I’m sure.
Falcon66
March 22nd, 2010
12:47 pm
The NBA must be really hard up for players. I haven’t seen anything particularly great about Favors.
Tech Fan
March 22nd, 2010
12:48 pm
Sporty,
I haven’t really seen that myself, nor did I describe the players that way. I was just explaining how different people use terms in a way that makes sense to them based on their experiences. Not everyone is the same and just because we are different, doesn’t mean one of us has to be wrong. You like Hewitt as a coach, for example, and I do not. It’s OK with me if you have a different view than I do. I don’t think our players are thugs BTW.
I can speculate about the use of the word thug: Someone might have concluded that based on our basketball team having one of the lowest graduation rates in the country, that ‘education isn’t important to Hewitt or his recruits’. I think we could probably agree that even your version of a ‘thug’ wouldn’t value education very much, but would instead value ‘gimmie the money quickly as possible, even at the expense of something greater than myself (the team)’. I’m taking an honest guess here, because I’m not a mind reader. That’s all I can think of though that could be considered thug like in anyway. I believe they dont’ tend to graduate, because they do tend to go chase the millions as soon as possible (understandable). I do think though, that a lot of the players play like they are padding their draft status, instead of playing “team first” basketball, which people can view as selfish and self serving. Totally speculating though on my part, because again, there is no secret book going around we all have quietly agreed to follow. Anyone?
BartBuzz
March 22nd, 2010
12:59 pm
Whatever GT21 is drinking he needs to bottle and sell it. Paul Hewitt didn’t do anything special in coaching during the ACC or NCAA tourneys. We finally got some luck against lesser talent in the ACC and going 24-25 in free throws against OK State was an aberration. Next year will make us long for the bad old days.
GT00
March 22nd, 2010
1:00 pm
There is no way Favors is coming back. It is not like GT can compete in the ACC anytime soon. He would look good in a NEW JERSEY NETS uniform. As far as Lawal, who cares? Insignificant. See you in China playing with an ex-GT player Stephon Marbury. Maybe Blewitt will go too. I can only dream.
To all ACC coaches: either play zone or press the heck out of GT and your team will get a W. With Sheehan as the only big with experience (limited experience at best since Blewitt doesn’t use him anyway) and still no guard play, 0-16 easy.
When was the last time GT has a decent guard since Jack left? If a team like Northern Iowa can have good guard play and a guy who could shoot from the half court, is it too much to ask for us to get one on our roster? It is not like I am asking for world peace. We don’t need a roster full of 6FT wing players like the Hawks. At least the Hawks woke up. Will Blewitt?
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
1:00 pm
Now we are have a conversation Tech Fan. Data is my life; hence I will share with you that the same data can be made to tell totally different stories. I will advise everyone to compare the overall graduation rate versuso the graduation rate of athletes. Also, look at the schools… We can’t have a conversation if you think Kansas (for example) is just as academically challeging as Georgia Tech.
Im Dat Guy 12321
March 22nd, 2010
1:02 pm
Favors Finna make dat Money!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IndyGT
March 22nd, 2010
1:03 pm
Even Coach K realized that you need to recruit these one and done players – after Deng and Livingston spurned Duke for the NBA, he tried to forego recruiting the 1 and done players. Only to watch UNC win 2 championships in 5 years. Though the core of those 2 championship teams all stayed for multiple years.. but they had just as many one and done’s as we had. The difference is they had consistent guard play. We haven’t had a decent PG since Critt. I’m happy as can be that Favors suited up in a GT uni even if it is for a year. I just would kill for a PG.
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
1:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
1:07 pm
Sorry last comment didnt post. Check out Bruce Pearl’s comments regarding graduation rates when he was on 790thezone last Friday morning.
Rick
March 22nd, 2010
1:11 pm
50/50. Haha. That’s about as funny as chump saying they were the better team. Favors knew he was going pro in 2010 when he was a junior in high school.
MGT04
March 22nd, 2010
1:15 pm
Tech Fan – preach on, thug!
Mike
March 22nd, 2010
1:17 pm
Ohio State has had 5 kids who were 1 and done the past 3 seasons. All 5 are on NBA rosters. Sadly, that is the way it is with all the money the NBA thows at “potential” not proven players. The question is do you want these players (notice I did not say student/athletes) for 1 year or do you want your rival (UNC, Wake etc.) to get these kids?
oldfart
March 22nd, 2010
1:19 pm
Favors is gone. Give it up.
Gordon
March 22nd, 2010
1:24 pm
Tech Fan,
You’re going to have to start paying me royalties on those first 4 points @12:41.
Sporty,
You just can’t argue with 10 year statistics. He’s not a good coach, and certainly not worth what he is being paid. That being said, he shouldn’t be criticized for signing the contract – all of us would have signed it too. Also, he is a good recruiter, defensive coach, and has the best interests of his players in mind. But he just doesn’t win enough basketball games. The evidence is irrefutable.
Barry
March 22nd, 2010
1:40 pm
Hey Y’all:
What I saw of Favors this year is that he is ot ready for prime time NBA. He plays a little soft, in my opinion. I see other players around the country who are much more physical and agressive than he is. The NBA will really show his lack of strength for a perceived big man. He needs to stay in colleg, bulk up, become more agressive, offensively and defensively. He is not a franchise player that can win you a championship all by himself. He is an average player in my opinion. Maybe another year at Tech, with him now knowing the leauge, he can show more of what he has on the court. I was not impressed this year. He needs work.
Taco
March 22nd, 2010
1:40 pm
Favors would be a fool to stay. MONEY is there. Talent will catch up one day. He can easily be another Josh Smith. Lawal I am not so sure that he should go. He is lacking something, not sure what, and not sure if Hewitt can give it to him. Sheehan is serviceable and can do the job next year if in fact he stays. Remember Luke Schenscher? The Daniel Miller kid will have an impact and a we have some real studs coming back. Shumpert is an NBA player. Rice and Oliver have a good shot. Mo Miller is a great kid as well. We got soe other kid red shirted as well and CPH will get us a stud from somewhere. He can recruit and that is proven. Can he ever coach the in bounds play? Udoia is a stud as well, sorry to forget you Mfon! Come Paul, if I have o live with you, I may as well cheer for you. GO JACKET BASEBALL……Coach Hall has also wet the bed in the past few years with superior talent. Get over the hump this year guys. Deck Mcquire is the real deal.
TampaGator
March 22nd, 2010
1:49 pm
Not a Tech fan…but Favors is gone. If he could be coached up at Tech, he might stay…but there is no chance of that based on what I saw coaching him. No team in America has more talent on the court than Tech had this year. The Tech coached did as little with that talent as any coach in America….or the players were totally uncoachable. Cornell has better talent than Tech. I don’t think so. They are just far better coached. PERIOD.
WW
March 22nd, 2010
1:52 pm
The good news is that they all need to come back. They looked so bad, that nobody in the NBA right now would take any of them. They have future potential, but they need another year of College Hoops to show they can improve.
If I was the person pulling the trigger for an NBA team, I would never take a player who could not shoot his way into the Sweet 16, regardless of how athletic he is. The only exception would be if I was looking explicitly for a rebounder like Dennis Rodman, and that was going to be his only job.
dont do us any favors
March 22nd, 2010
1:53 pm
If favors is a top three pick he is sure to go down as a major bust. He needs another year to learn how to quickly position himself to receive the ball inside.
He will not be particularly big in the NBA, and that was his only “skill” this year. Bigger quicker guys are going to foul him out in minutes, provided he gets on the court.
It is a shame. He could be a great pro if he played two more years at Tech.
juvenal
March 22nd, 2010
1:53 pm
any chance Gani stays to graduate?
GT Jackets
March 22nd, 2010
2:02 pm
If CPH leaves or we fire him; who is on the list for a replacement coach?
BuzztheKiller
March 22nd, 2010
2:11 pm
Not enough difference in money between #1 and #3 to wait a year. He is gone, and so would you if given the chance. Did you really think we would ever graduate from Tech? Please. Why can’t Tech ever recruit a John Schyer or a Vazquez? Actual COLLEGE players who play four years! Also players who can actually make a shot when it counts (though Vazquez faded this year). For all the raw athletic ability and impressive dunking ability, Tech has not had a pure shooter that can light it up for 30 points since Anthony Morrow, and except for possibly Oliver, there is not one on the roster now. Need a point guard! Shumpert is a great defender, but not a point. At least they went out fighting, but you can’t help but wonder what if….
BuzztheKiller
March 22nd, 2010
2:13 pm
TampaGator- hate to say it but you are absolutely right.
Sporty Black
March 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
@ Gordon
I can’t give you kudos either. I said the same things. I just refuse to jump on the bandwagon of “running the man out of town.” Hell yes there should be more wins! Hell yes, we should have several ACC championships under his tenure. However, “if, if and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas.”
No NCAA violations. No arrests. Just good kids he has brought in that competed all but 2 years (that’s 80%). And yes, many of them were (are) the so called McDonald’s All-Americans. This has to account for something… or would you rather have Calipari who takes you deep but jumps ship when the program is headed to hell?
People need to realize that this is a double edge sword. You must get the NBA prospects for TV money, exposure, etc. The down side is that the one and done players only work out once in every other blue moon. UNC from last year is an example of it working out, but look at them now. Even the Fab5 from Michigan didn’t win the title 20 years ago.
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 22nd, 2010
2:56 pm
Sporty Black, you’re not an idiot, just a Loser, with a capital L.
Let’s be happy with 10 ACC losing seasons and last place since ACC expansion because the players haven’t mugged someone.
Yup, Capital L Baby
Roundball1
March 22nd, 2010
3:09 pm
I am surprised that Tech did not have a quality playmaker. They were the least prepared team I watched. Poor decision making including shot selection. Atrocious passing and the substitution pattern was horrendous. Hewitt needs to be replaced by a better tactician.
Gordon
March 22nd, 2010
3:09 pm
Sporty,
I’m not saying he shouldn’t get one and dones. They have to be mixed in with a program that develops less talented players, and makes it all work together. It’s hard, but that’s why he gets the corner office and 1.4M a year.
I don’t buy this argument that he should be rewarded for No NCAA violations and no arrests. Those are table stakes. You don’t get the chance to coach if you can’t do that. Name one ACC coach who is doing that. They all recruit “good kids” and work hard and all that. Win and don’t cheat, and if you can’t do that, you get replaced.
Finally, I would gladly take UNC’s season if we had 2 national championships and 3 final fours in the last 5 years. I don’t expect miracles out of Hewitt, I expect a consistent winning program (8 out 10 in the NCAA) program. I expect to see players develop, and to watch a team that looks like they have been coached. Hewitt isn’t getting it done, and hasn’t for some time. Again, a 10 year record is compelling evidence in my book.
Gordon
March 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
Sporty,
One more thing: I’m not sure where you are getting your “all but 2 years” argument, but we have had losing overall records 3 out of the last 5 years, losing ACC records all but 1 of his 10 years, and are barely above .500 overall in the last 5 years. No team has a worse ACC record than us the last 5 years. Jeff Lebo, who just got fired at Auburn (not exactly a basketball school) has a better record in the last 5 years than Tech does.
FullMetalJacket
March 22nd, 2010
3:40 pm
Carroll, thank you for covering the Jackets. I must say I was surprised at the length of any article entitled “Favors, Lawal on futures at Tech.” I expected two words: “We’re gone.” But then again, they’re not being completely honest here, are they?
FullMetalJacket
March 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
Kudos to Lawal for at least acknowledging he has books to get back to. I don’t blame the players or even the NBA. As long as coaches like Hewitt will recruit players with the implicit or explicit understanding that they are not expected to be students, the onus of responsibility will remain on them, the school presidents, and the NCAA. The NBA would improve its product and P.R. considerably by requiring a higher age or academic experience (and hence, more maturity to handle on and off court pressures), in my opinion, but they obviously don’t feel the same way. Let the Junior Colleges serve as the NBA’s farm system: it will simultaneously help their product and the NCAA’s four-year schools. You could teach them some life skills classes at least.
Paul Hewitt is a perfect example of the failure of the current system. As a coach at an academically challenging school in a premier basketball conference, he has managed to fail the requirements of both the academic and athletic entities by limiting his recruiting to a narrow social demographic and persuading NBA bound one-and-doners to come by for a cup of coffee before heading to the big time.
Derek Favors
March 22nd, 2010
3:52 pm
I have a winning lottery ticket, but I’m not going to cash it just yet…can’t get myself to do it, I love the way our guards get me the ball on the low-block. Those entry passes are perfect and always on-time. It’s similar to the way Reggie would put the ball right in Calvin’s numbers… I’m sure he didn’t want to leave either.
FYI, I plan to leave the lottery ticket in the top drawer of my dorm room cabinet… it should be safe there.
dkupsick
March 22nd, 2010
3:53 pm
Stay another year so you can get a “second” NBA contract, contribute and not end up like Hasheem Thabeet or Dorell Wright.
FullMetalJacket
March 22nd, 2010
4:05 pm
I would challenge any Hewitt apologist here or elsewhere to name one, just one, MEANINGFUL category in which Hewitt has shown consistent success above the level of mediocrity in the ACC. I’m not talking one tournament run one year, or a top half defensive stat for a single season, I mean one significant area in which he has been above-average consistently, across seasons. We can keep it strictly objective and empirical, just the stats. I can’t find a single one, either in the academic or athletic side of the equation. Perhaps recruiting blue chips, even though they don’t make enough contribution to lift the teams they play on.
Favors and Lawal, Esq.
March 22nd, 2010
4:09 pm
We are no longer available for comment on the campus of Georgia Tech. For official statements, please consult our respective agents or administrative assistants. Prospective NBA employers may call our personal hotline, listed under “Paul Hewitt” in the phone directory.
Prof. George P. Burdell
March 22nd, 2010
4:11 pm
Erickson? Here.
Fallon? Present.
Favors?
Favors?
Favors?
Has anyone seen Mr. Favors since the beginning of the term?
Prof. George P. Burdell
March 22nd, 2010
4:15 pm
Coach Paul Hewitt’s mediocre overall record and substandard conference record notwithstanding, he should be terminated with cause for not promoting academic achievement among the student-athletes under his care and not providing an equal opportunity environment for white and hispanic players.
Derek Favors
March 22nd, 2010
4:15 pm
dkupsick — Yes, one more year for Hasheem would have done the trick… since three was not enough. It is apparent you are genuinely concerned for my future. And so, I will take your advice. I will leave my lottery ticket in that drawer. Your wisdom has enlightened me. I now know that my winning ticket, if left in the drawer, will grow into something even more valuable four years hence.
Paul Hewitt, the new Adolph Rupp
March 22nd, 2010
4:17 pm
Discrimination is discrimination.
Georgia Tech For Life
March 22nd, 2010
4:18 pm
Dont be so negative…..Favors is gone, no doubt about it. We might get lucky and get Lawal back. If we get Lawal, we’ll have him, Oliver, Rice, Mo and Shumpert. I think we can make to the dance again if we get Lawal back.
Paul Hewitt, the new Adolph Rupp
March 22nd, 2010
4:21 pm
It would seem that using/abusing minority student-athletes to make millions of dollars without ensuring they get the benefit of an education and academic assistance sufficient to provide them with a guaranteed lifelong livelihood and the ability to contribute to society is something akin to the “plantation” system in football programs. Does such a “plantation” owner get a free pass because he is a minority himself?
ScionoftheSouthland
March 22nd, 2010
4:24 pm
Favors is gone, certainly. Lawal is likely to leave. With or without Lawal, Tech has a good core coming back next season. The key is whether they will come back improved or not. Shumpert is a key, but he developed little between last year and this. Ditto for Gani and D’Andre. Without a true point guard, next year is just a replay, without Favors.
Daniel Stern runs the Plantation
March 22nd, 2010
4:29 pm
Coach Rupp, er, I mean Hewitt, I would disagree. The college coach is just the slave boss, the field foreman. I own the plantation–the NBA–and while it is true that my fieldhands are indeed slaves to their own self-indulgence, ignorance, and self-destructive lifestyles, they are extremely well-paid to keep the money rolling in for the rest of us. We’re in the high cotton, now, boys.
Tech Fan
March 22nd, 2010
4:31 pm
Gordon – You can take credit if you like. When I see good points, I like to add them to a running list I can post…keeps me from re-inventing a perfectly good wheel
kudo’s to some of the points 
Concerned
March 22nd, 2010
4:53 pm
Please check out Chad Ford’s article on ESPN.
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=5018130&name=nba_draft
He talks about the players that helped/hurt themselves this past weekend in the tournament. Here is his quote on Favors…
Do us all a favor and get out of Georgia Tech. The way his guards have ignored him all year is criminal. After a solid first game, Favors didn’t score until the second half against Ohio State. Is he raw? Sure. But if he had a point guard who could get him the ball, he would dominate.
Wow…ringing endorsement of CPH…GROUND HOG DAY!!!!
1 winning conference record in 10 years. Losing record in ‘10 and the ACC was weak (ACC is in a 7 way tie for 5th for most teams in the sweet 16…Big 10 (3), Big 12 (2), SEC (2), & Big East (2)…tied with the Atlantic 10, Pac 10, Ivy League, MVC, Horizon, & the WCC)
Is there anyone who truly believes that Tech will have a winning conference record next year? That would make it 10 out of 11. He has to go.
PHMG
March 22nd, 2010
4:59 pm
I am still on the fence about Favor’s intensity and desire. What guy doesn’t get irate when flagrantly fouled? A freshman that mature? Few can make the jump from underclassman to NBA superstar and based on what I have seen I do not think Favor’s is in that elite group.
Carroll Rogers
March 22nd, 2010
5:03 pm
FullMetalJacket, I’ll be surprised if either one comes back at this point.
Keep in mind a couple big men redshirted this year in 6-11 Daniel Miller and 6-8 Kammeon Holsey.
You guys, I just wanted to say I really appreciate all the back-n-forth this season. I’m headed down to spring training tomorrow, and my duties shift back now to Braves coverage. But it’s been a great ride on Tech basketball. I’d be lying if I weren’t disappointed not to be headed to St. Louis this weekend. I am.
Anyway, looks like Doug Roberson has kindly agreed to follow the Tech basketball news in the next coupla weeks, so be on the lookout. Take care, and come see me on the Braves blog.
IL Jacket
March 22nd, 2010
5:13 pm
Great season Jackets! Loved watching you at the Bradley Center. Irrespective of what Lawal and Favors decide, I personally wish them all the best, they have been a lot of fun to watch. Congratulations to Paul Hewitt on another great season for the Yellow Jackets.
UGA 1
March 22nd, 2010
5:19 pm
Hewitt should fired! I’m a UGA fan, but as an outsider looking in, I see no reason why he is still there. He is a good recruiter of talent but a failure at coaching it! If Favors is smart he will leave Tech as soon as possible before Hewitt makes him look bad.
Dawgs still in NCAA, not Tech
March 22nd, 2010
5:19 pm
Sorry, only one state school still in NCAA tourney, GO DAWGS, playing tonight for chance to advance to Sweet Sixteen. Must be hard pill to swallow for the poor pitiful Jackets.
ACC Rules, not
March 22nd, 2010
5:26 pm
How many SEC teams are in the Sweet Sixteen versus ACC teams? OOPS, we used to be able to hang out hat on that. Now we just plain suk in everything.
Gordon
March 22nd, 2010
5:27 pm
Tech Fan,
You’re welcome to use my posts anytime you want. If people like them, give me the credit. If they don’t, you take the blame.
Angus
March 22nd, 2010
5:38 pm
Thanks for the GT hoops coverage, Carroll. I’m sure there has been easier tasks.
Enjoy the rest of Spring Training.
techie
March 22nd, 2010
6:12 pm
If you haven’t been mugged, get the heck out of there before you are. Get the money. Besides, Hewitt will be back!
Reality Bites
March 22nd, 2010
6:44 pm
This just in….St Johns is VERY interested in Hewitt. He, along with his sorry coaching, might be gone with Favors and Lawal. Comon St Johns, bail us out of this mess!!!!!!!!
NoLion
March 22nd, 2010
7:15 pm
Did I miss something this season, Tech, played for the ACC Championship(came in 2nd) went to the dance, one 1 st round.there are pleanty of colleges that would give their left__ut to be where Tech is. Ask any of them at the NIT tournament…. Stop your bitching and get behind the program or get out.. Don’t need your negative attitude…and by the way, I’m a GA Bulldog graduate…
GaPeach
March 22nd, 2010
8:03 pm
Best Wishes and God Bless Derrick and Gani. Whatever you two decide you will be sucessful!!! You will ALWAYS have people that will stand behind you and you will have many haters. Thats to bad, but thats the way it is. So keep your head on straight and surround yourselves with great, successful, intelligent people. And NO Favors did not fell, he is doing very well despite what the idiot above said. and to CHPatt…..whoever you are maybe you didnt like Derrick in high sschool if you really went there. Because I walked the halls everyday and Derrick was loved and respected by every student, teacher and staff member around. SO please get your facts together before you spread lies. Thats unfortunate that you could not be so sucessful, God Bless you too!!!!! To Derrick and Gani go get’em!!!!!
blackprix
March 22nd, 2010
8:37 pm
This is no longer about players leaving but about a coach continuing to be mediocre and his team not improving during the course of a season.
I have not seen a Tech team in the last 6 seasons that got better that the season wore on. I’ve seen a Tech team takes steps backwards and sometimes look like there was no coaching at all.
I was sick of hearing how young this team was … by Tourney time, all these freshmen should have been playing like sophomores and improved their game. We’ve got NBA talent with high school coaching!
I’ve seen enough, this program is doomed under Paul Hewitt.
Ghost of Whack Hyder
March 22nd, 2010
8:38 pm
Let me know when GA Tech chooses a coach with character and one who recruits the same. Until then I will be disguised as an empty seat at the tit.
Ron Burgundy
March 22nd, 2010
8:40 pm
Please don’t get our hopes up about them staying… Just like you did about our football players.
RamblinWreck
March 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
I’m a freshman at Tech, and I have a class with Derrick Favors. The first day of class he was there to get his syllabus and whatnot, but he has not been there since, so my guess is that is going to enter the draft.
Reality
March 22nd, 2010
9:13 pm
I honestly have no idea why the pros are so high on Favors. He is an average college player with potential…. undeveloped potential. Are they really ready to throw big money on that? I just don’t get it.
Bill
March 22nd, 2010
9:58 pm
Favors is not an average college player. He had very average guards playing with him. If he came back….a real longshot…it would be because he loves college. Since he isn’t going to classes ( as it seems), don’t think he will turn down top 5 money. How could he……Lawal is also gone. But Gani will have to learn to play against more physical NBA players better than he has against strong college players. He needs to work on his hands to have a chance at a good NBA life. ….Holsey could be special over the next few years. Problem is who does Tech have to play up front with him?
Rock On......
March 22nd, 2010
10:31 pm
Would everyone on here quit mentioning Duke. It amazes me how many players seem to “work in their system” but can’t play a radio in the NBA. Quick…name me 3 players ever for Duke that were worth a crap in the NBA. Coach Crybaby can’t coach ‘em up either. I can go back 20 years easy and not come up with but a few “minor” players that had any impact whatsoever. Man I can just see the Cherokee Parks fans getting riled up as I type this. Not to mention the Bileas, Gminski, Laettner, Ferry, Jay Williams, etc. fans. Wow what a who’s who of NBA talent that school produces.
Give me the one and dones and pray they stay two. I’ll take recruiting the blue-chippers because that is how the game is played right now. Love it or leave it. I need a T.O. Baby!!!!!!!!!!
Rock On......
March 22nd, 2010
10:35 pm
Folks, there is absolutely NO CHANCE that Lawal or Favors is back. NONE. You can bank on that. Stating that they may come back is simply taking the company position.
college football
March 22nd, 2010
11:26 pm
one word…LOSERS!!!!!
ben
March 23rd, 2010
4:47 am
Born to buzz: If you think the NBA is better than in the Bird / Magic era, you are delusional. And if you think that college basketball is better than ever, you must be 14 and never watched the days when everyone had 4-year starters. And, as usual, everyone is carrying it a bit too far with Hewitt. Like Gailey, he’s not the worst coach in our history, so stop with the extreme comments. As he said, he got us to the big dance for the 5th time in ten years. That’s not the definition of “destroying the program”. I wish he were a better game coach, but he is a hell of a recruiter and we’re stuck with him.
Sam
March 23rd, 2010
6:02 am
All this crap about staying in college to develop is such crap. Come on people like Kendrick Perkins and Andrew Bynum are way better at their age then they ever would have been if they went to college. The NBA develops players much better then the NCAA can.
2 and done!!!!
March 23rd, 2010
8:09 am
Another typical overrated, overhyped, disappointing Yech hoops season down the drain with nothing to show for it!!!! And now they’ll watch YET another of their “student athletes” execute the annual ONE AND DONE practice that is common for Yech thugs!!!!
LOVE IT!!!!!!
Gordon
March 23rd, 2010
8:41 am
I don’t have hopes about Lawal or Favors staying, but I do have hopes about Hewitt leaving. He is on the short list for both St. John’s and DePaul. If I had a choice between Hewitt, Lawal, and Favors all staying or all leaving, I would take the latter in a heartbeat.
GT Fan
March 23rd, 2010
9:40 am
Please Fire that DA Hewitt……………
Fueling a Navy Hornet in Afghanistan
March 23rd, 2010
10:16 am
I suspect tech fans were thilled to the Bone ( get it? Wishbone) when the moron Navy pilots OVERFLEW GF@HBDS. Now? They all are HUMILIATED by the same guys being demoted and knowing that they will forever be just gas jockey’s for Hornets.
The entire world knows that these two morons went to Tech and now Tech with their knifings, stabbings and assaults and car jackings, drug deals has this to brag about.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH
BigTimeTechFan
March 23rd, 2010
11:01 am
Shumpert is the best player and most NBA ready. I hope he stays.
A long flight back from Venus
March 23rd, 2010
11:17 am
After such a long flight back from Venus, Delta is still two hours late touching down. Maybe the pilot is a FORMER NAVY aviator or something. Anyway, um, ah how many ACC BB teams are still alive in the NCAAs and how many SEC teams are? Hmmmm???
Fans wanna know. I mean after all, “um, ah, we are a BASKETBALL conference”, right?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHA,AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAHA
Reggie Ball's Math tutor (s )
March 23rd, 2010
11:33 am
Is it true that QB great Reggie Ball was taught to add and subtract ( as in # of downs ) by the two FORMER NAVY aviators, now being laughed at by the entire world?
Maverick and Cougar? Nope ………….dumb and dumber.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHA,AAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHA
juvenal
March 23rd, 2010
11:47 am
good job, Carroll-thanks..
TP
March 23rd, 2010
11:48 am
gone.
GT Fan
March 30th, 2010
8:03 am
Keep it up…Fire Paul Hewitt.
P.J.
March 31st, 2010
11:36 am
Unlike several on this blog, I am a big Paul Hewitt Fan, but I will agree that he needs to draft players who will stick around to develop team chemistry and improve the fundamentals in order for the Program to benefit. I have been saying this for the past three years, and if he does not change his focus in recruiting, I can no longer support him. It is no coincidence that several mid majors perform so well, because the guys in their program are not the one and done, they stick around. Duke is consistently good and so is Kansas Jayhawks, Carolina and Connecticut, because they hardly recruit those kind of players. i hope Paul will reflect on this going forward.
Harry
April 1st, 2010
1:07 am
Sheehan reminds me so much of Zaza, THEY BOTH SUCK….GT should be good next year with all our guards. It’ll be touch getting back into the dance, especially in the ACC