How can Tech turn things around?
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Georgia Tech lost its fifth consecutive game, 102-77, on Sunday to Virginia Tech. It hasn’t beaten an opponent on its court in more than a year, a stretch of 14 games.
Other than by winning the ACC tournament, the Yellow Jackets have no hope of playing in the NCAA tournament. Even the NIT tournament seems a long shot at this point.
While the postseason seems a long way away — there are still six regular-season games remaining — what Tech do to avoid a losing season for the second time in three years?
Getting off to better starts might help.
During its past six losses, the Jackets have found themselves behind by at least eight points in the first half of each game. The Hokies had an unfathomable 25-point lead with 7:41 remaining.
When a team is having trouble scoring, like the Jackets are, that’s not a recipe for success.
FSU was able to race out to a 20-4 lead with 10:37 remaining in the first half. Clemson had an 11-point lead with 2:58 left. That came after Tech led by 12 with 10 minutes remaining. Miami led by 11 with 9 minutes remaining and eventually pushed it to 21 in the second half. Maryland led by eight just five minutes into the game. Virginia led by 16 with less than a minute left.
Even in its wins Tech has had to come from behind. The Hokies led the Jackets by seven with less than 12 minutes remaining when Tech’s jump shots finally started to fall in the 72-57 victory in Atlanta.
“Offense is just not clicking,” coach Paul Hewitt said. “We aren’t making shots.”
No, they aren’t. Tech is hitting just 40.7 percent of its field goals, including a miserable 29.3 percent of its 3-pointers.
The Jackets had some good looks early against the Hokies on Sunday, but the shots wouldn’t fall. As a result, Virginia Tech bounced out to a 9-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. Hewitt said he called a timeout at that point to tell the team to keep running the offense and the shots would fall.
By the time the shooters found the range it was too late.
“We started chipping it away and then I had the error in judgment that I had,” Hewitt said, referring to the technicals he received with 7:53 remaining. The Jackets were trailing by 20 at that point.
Iman Shumpert said the players didn’t follow the game plan. That has been a common reason given for losses by a few of the players during the streak. He also said they weren’t aggressive enough.
“We need to come out and play hard,” Shumpert said. “This had nothing to do with coach Hewitt, this had nothing to do with the system. They played harder. They wanted it more.”
Now, Georgia Tech is left to ponder how to break this streak with Chattanooga coming to Alexander Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday, and a game at Duke next Sunday.
“We can’t do anything about this game,” Hewitt said.
– Doug Roberson, AJC
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154 comments Add your comment
hbtd
February 13th, 2011
7:01 pm
Strangler. They’re a very sensitive group.
RambleOn84
February 13th, 2011
7:02 pm
Uh-huh…an actual VPI fan would tell us that we don’t deserve the name “Tech,” as their fanbase ravenously defends this moniker.
But nice try…
Nation of Dawgs
February 13th, 2011
7:05 pm
As a Dawg fan, I would love to see your guys just man-up and fire Hewitt. Pay whetever it takes. If you guys are such math-geniuses you should be able to see you will lose more money over time with him than the money you need to get rid of him.
You are embarrassing the State of Georgia basketball.
RambleOn84
February 13th, 2011
7:06 pm
And until Hewitt is gone, you will not find a Tech fan who takes any offense to making fun of our basketball team. We all know what will happen before the game even starts.
Any team coached by a monkey in a suit can only go so far…
Maybe we should move to the SEC so our team can finally compete.
RambleOn84
February 13th, 2011
7:08 pm
Hewitt is the only coach I know of who calls timeouts for the other team. Anytime we score a few baskets in a row, he calls a timeout, effectively killing our momentum. He is honestly the worst game manager I have ever seen.
Watkinsville
February 13th, 2011
7:08 pm
Why do Tech fans think it is such a crime to hate Tech athletics??
For a school who takes a MASSIVE amount of pride in belittling UGA, you sure don’t know how to take it when somebody returns said hate.
You guys are pretty tough behind a computer screen, but you and I know darn well when you see an arrogant UGA fan in public, you do nothing but sit there and keep your mouth shut.
hbtd
February 13th, 2011
7:08 pm
Ramble. Wrong conference. See 6:59 post for more appropriate conference the Institute.
Watkinsville
February 13th, 2011
7:10 pm
COME PUNCH ME IN THE FACE!!!!!
“CPJ” TOLD YOU TO!!!
RambleOn84
February 13th, 2011
7:11 pm
No, not really. The SEC is pathetic. I saw the Georgie/USCe game the other night. It was a shame that someone had to win that one.
Kentucky’s the only team worth a damn and they have the advantage of playing no one with a pulse all year.
RambleOn84
February 13th, 2011
7:14 pm
Watkinsville,
Irony is telling someone else they’re tough behind a computer screen when all you have done is “cyber-bully” a fanbase on their message board.
Glad you got over your recent bout of split personalities. It must be exhausting being fans of two different teams.
Who
February 13th, 2011
7:16 pm
It appears Hewitt is the problem. But what do I know.
RambleOn84
February 13th, 2011
7:18 pm
But I can admit one thing.
We are not as good, and probably never will be as good on the football field as UGA.
We may know calculus…. but those boys sure know their X’s and O’s when it comes to playing us.
I will continue to settle for Moral Victories with mounting up rushing yards.
RambleOn84
February 13th, 2011
7:19 pm
Cute…so that makes three personalities for you now? You’re regressing…
JoeFan
February 13th, 2011
7:19 pm
The team has lost all sense of direction and doesn’t seem to have a clue on how to play on either end of the court. Only one way to get this ship turned around and that is a coaching change. Drad sees the hand writing on the wall and all signs seem to indicate the change will come by season’s end. Time to be patient. Only a few games to go and hopefully this nigthmare will be over.
UGA Athletic Department
February 13th, 2011
7:24 pm
You guys need to borrow $7M for something??
We should make that when Coastal Carolina comes to Athens this September. Maybe we could spot you…..
eBuzz
February 13th, 2011
7:26 pm
Ayers had enough sense to do what Drad needs to do. Otherwise, new stadium and empty seats.
4 Jacks
February 13th, 2011
7:27 pm
We all know why he hasn’t been fired already. If the man had any class or dignity, or loved GT a tenth of what coach Cremins did, he would take a lesser buyout to help GT and resign. However, this classless bufoon with his agenda will not take the classy way out…no he and his wife will take the money and run. I hope his whole stinkin family goes back to N.Y. He had an excellent chance to safe face and help everybody out by going St. Johns last year. The guy is a joke as a coach, and his wife wears the pants in the family. Please Drad, do something as our once proud program is in ruin thanks to Paul Hewitt, and everyone knows it. If you don’t, you are completely blind.
GTBuzz85
February 13th, 2011
7:28 pm
Who cares?! I chose to clean out my attic rather than waste the time to watch us lose again.
Reality Bites
February 13th, 2011
7:28 pm
What doies it take besides 7 mil to fire this Aff Action hire…..Damn him and Obama.
Axe is Falling
February 13th, 2011
7:30 pm
Inside sources say there may be an announcement Monday afternoon. Keep your fingers crossed.
Reality Bites
February 13th, 2011
7:31 pm
Hey UGA Athletic Dept…plz plz plz loan us the money we r good for it….
Od School
February 13th, 2011
7:34 pm
Like someone posted earlier, I too received the email entitled “A Defining Moment in College Basketball” from the Tech athletic dept in which they are pushing the game against Miami next month as the “last game ever in the Thriller Dome,” or at least the Alex Memorial as we have known it, I too laughed out loud and thought: “The only ‘defining moment’ I want to see regarding Georgia Tech basketball is to see and hear that Paul Hewitt is AMF!!
How much longer DRad? When will the misery and embarrassment and ridicule end?
@DOUG: what is the red letter date that Tech has to notify Hewitt that his contract will not be renewed before it rolls over for another year?
One other question for the AJC: has anyone thought of contacting Dave Braine and asking him “wht the hell were you thinking?!?!?” Sure, I was thrilled that Tech made it to the NCG back in ‘04, but when I saw the terms of Hewitt’s new contract I was stunned. Does anyone know of a contract in college sports anywhere close to this one?
NYJacket
February 13th, 2011
7:38 pm
Does anyone seriously think Dave Braine had the authority to approve Hewitt’s deal by himself? There are more fingerprints than Dave Braine on the most outrageous contract in college basketball.
GT Fan
February 13th, 2011
7:39 pm
When does football season start? My vote is we take the tallest 3 basketball players and see if they can run routes and catch the ball. It’s a better use of their time than attempting to play basketball.
ACC Basketball
February 13th, 2011
7:39 pm
GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UGA Athletic Department
February 13th, 2011
7:40 pm
I don’t know Reality Bites……
For a program comprised of so many people who claim to be money making machines, your school and athletic program sure does flirt with red numbers often.
I think you should submit a legit application to us before money changes hands.
Washaun E,
February 13th, 2011
7:44 pm
I got suspended on purpose so I could transfer and play somewhere good. As bad as Hewitt is, and that’s plenty bad, it’s far worse winning the Fulmer Cup.
How can Tech turn things around?
February 13th, 2011
7:46 pm
`
Paul Hewitt sure does’nt know.
GT hulk
February 13th, 2011
7:46 pm
When GT beat UNC, everyone started talking NCAA, remember–beat someone on the road, its easier to win at home—Blewitt showed an embarrasement today with the ejection. He’s on the way out. Had he’d gone to St.Johns, we could have got Lavin—look what he’s done at St.Johns.
UGA Athletic Department
February 13th, 2011
7:46 pm
Washaun,
I agree with your tactics.
EVERYBODY in Athens wants you gone. When Tech think they have an upper hand in smack talk by bringing you up, they are right. You suck at life. Please leave!!!
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2011
7:48 pm
Here’s the funny thing. I am a Georgia Tech fan. I don’t care for a HUGE portion of the UGA fanbase but that portion is the overwhelming majoirty, like Watkinsville, who ndidn’t graduate from Georgia. Graduates who actually went to the school are extremely nice people who have the ability of keeping their love for UGA athletics in perspective. Regardles, I have never posted anything on a UGA sports board….ever…I have never given a cross look or word at a UGA fan in public…ever. My passion lies in loving Georgia Tech and wanting the best for Georgia Tech, not in hating UGA and wating the worst for UGA. I root against UGA one football pre year….other than that game I don’t pay the team any mind. I’d rather live for something than against something.
Now if you have “issues” with some Tech fans who are arrogant and upity then do to them what I do to them; ignore them. Just like I ignore those UGA fans who’d just as soon spit beer in a visiting fan’s face as say “hello, welcome to Athens.” I don’t let those people define me as a Tech fan nor define what it is to be a Tech fan. I’ve gotten into my fair share of arguments and potential physical altercations with fans from other schools over the years….but nothing near the number of times I have with other Tech fans who I fee are simply embarassing to the Institution by their words, actions, and behaviors.
So on behalf if those Tech fans who have wronged you or slighted you, I apologize. Being present in those situation I, as a true Tech fan, wouldn’t have put up with it.
Robert Hall
February 13th, 2011
7:49 pm
Yo Washaun,
come see me and I’ll teach you how to be a REAL ignorant thug.
Washaun E,
February 13th, 2011
7:50 pm
I have to leave, UGA. You losers in life and in football have dragged me down enough. I was your one ray of hope and I’m out of this craphole program.
TechRedNeck
February 13th, 2011
7:51 pm
A dawg fan calling Tech fans arrogant and whatever else bad he can think of? Are you kidding me? Look in the mirror goofballs.
South Ga
February 13th, 2011
7:52 pm
I guarantee you Tech Forever has screamed “To Hell with Georgia” at every single game he has attended, including those that UGA had nothing to do with.
It is so much a part of his vocabulary that he has no idea he does it.
Tech Forever is a liar, folks.
Tech Forever
February 13th, 2011
7:53 pm
South Ga
It’s part of a fight song!!! Are you kidding me? The lyrics to a song hurt you?
Washaun Ealey
February 13th, 2011
7:55 pm
Yo Yo!!!!!
Check me out, dog!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUf7rOaOOHk
GTsports
February 13th, 2011
8:04 pm
Hopefully gt can draw unc in the tournament. Roy Williams is the only Coach that Hewitt can out scheme.
Love GT Bball Not
February 13th, 2011
8:05 pm
I attended GT in the 80s when we had such great players as Price, Salley, Hammonds, etc. Those days are long gone. I attended the UNC and Fl State games this season and was embarrassed by the apparent apathy. 20% – 30% empty seats for an ACC game is just sad. I was a Hewitt defender but no more. He must go and he must go now.
GThoops
February 13th, 2011
8:13 pm
Gt also had better fans in the 80’s. Those days are not long gone. Bosh, favors may turn out to be as great as those it is just that the NBA rules and dollars have killed college basketball. The play across the board is nothing like the 80’s.
aztec
February 13th, 2011
8:20 pm
radodich needs too start courting NOODLES(craig neal) right now.
(G-V)T >>> 0
February 13th, 2011
8:30 pm
As to the “debate” over which school should be called Tech between GT and VPISU: the one that has actually been to a final four, the one whose football trophy case actually contains a national championship trophy, the one with the unambiguously superior academics, and the one whose fanbase is not reminiscent of the cast from Hee Haw.
jay
February 13th, 2011
8:31 pm
This toolbag is blaming everything on the team, hardly ever taking personal responsibility. He sucks and is clueless, what college player would want to play for him. Look at the NBA his kids are under developed and never make super star status. I understand the contract arrangement, but this guy will ruin Ga. Tech basketball for decades Dan R. He f@Ck!ng sucks!!
Supersize that order, mutt
February 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
Since the contract prohibits his being fired based on wins and losses, can we use the very unbecoming and embarassing conduct by a Tech coach resulting in ejection from a game as “reasonable cause” and fire him tomorrow?
Supersize that order, mutt
February 13th, 2011
8:56 pm
All DRad has to do is come up with a valid “reasonable cause” to nullify the payoff requirements of the contract. Getting ejected sure sounds like reasonable cause to me.
Phil
February 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
Fire Hewitt and Johnson!
Gary
February 13th, 2011
9:01 pm
Fire the coach. He clearly can no longer do the job (and hasn’t for several years). I sent an email to Rad several weeks ago pleading for Hewitt to be fire, no matter what the cost. It is really costing more to keep him since no one is attending the games (I am a season ticket holder and I have only been to the UNC game – I sold the rest on Stubhub). Why would I make the trip from the suburbs to see GT play?!?!?! It is no longer worth my time. I understand that donation are down from the season ticket holders…GT will loose more money by keeping Hewitt in the long run. His time has come and gone…I am not sure any major program would want him as their coach. Fire him before the additional year is automatically added to the contract!!!
Jake Astron
February 13th, 2011
9:31 pm
This has become utterly shameful. The basketball program is, and has been, a mess for years. No offensive scheme, no real defense, no ability to shoot FG’s or FT’s. In fact, watching us miss lay up after lay up is the only reason I watch. I set an over/under every game and laugh every time I set the bar too low. When will the rerun that is Tech basketball end.
south
February 13th, 2011
9:33 pm
Well, we can all hope this team makes a run, wins the ACC tourney, and Hewitt’s contract is renewed.
south
February 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Did Doug actually say the NIT was a longshot? We’ll be lucky to be invited to play in the ACC tourney.