Brian Gregory may have Tech on way to something good
Early season report: Brian Gregory's Jackets are going up; Mark Fox's Bulldogs are going down. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
There hasn’t been much in the way of emotional real estate for Georgia Tech to lay claim to over Georgia lately.
The somewhat diametric fortunes of the school’s respective football teams and the fact Tech’s former athletic director grew weary of squeezing nickels and bolted for Clemson sums it up nicely.
So consider Tuesday some semblance of a 180. Or at least the beginning of one. Georgia Tech beat Georgia 62-54 in a basketball game at McCamish Pavilion. There is joy in Beeville.
The Yellow Jackets are 5-2 in non-conference play. It’s a bit early to start hyperventilating and tossing out labels like “ACC threat” or “NCAA dark horse.”
But forgive Tech if it milks this just a little bit. It finally has a chance to gloat. The team’s new arena is a jewel. It was sold out Tuesday night. It was loud. The Big Foot rival fell for the second straight year, the first time the Jackets have won consecutive games over Georgia in 18 years. Both came with new coach Brian Gregory in charge.
“When you get a good win against your rival, you can at least have a measurement of where you’re at,” Gregory said.
There are two important gauges, actually: 1) Tech and Georgia (2-6) appear to be heading into opposite directions; 2) The Jackets aren’t remotely the same outfit they were a year ago, when they lived a vagabond existence, splitting home games between two arenas (neither really home) and played with a depleted roster and before a depressed (or non-existent) fan base.
This season, Gregory said, “is a different stratosphere. Everything is different. Practices are better. They perform on a daily basis. There’s better chemistry on the team, better leadership.”
Tech went 11-20 last season, going only 4-12 in the ACC.
It was a strain even for a perpetually happy, peppy guy like Gregory.
“I knew what I was getting into,” he said. “I won’t lie. Sometimes you have got to kick yourself to get going. But I also saw a lot of guys who would be returning and would try to get done the things we wanted. We had [recruits] sign early before we even got started, guys who said yes to Georgia Tech and yes to me and my staff before we had proven anything to them.
“Those guys didn’t know Brian Gregory from a man on the moon. They didn’t even know where Dayton was.”
Gregory stepped into a mess. But then, rarely do jobs open up for good reasons. Former Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich felt the program had declined so significantly and that fan apathy was so overwhelming that he was willing to sign off on the school paying former coach Paul Hewitt $7.2 million to just go away.
Hewitt’s buyout prevented Tech from paying full retail for a new coach, which at least partly led to hiring Gregory. He was considered solid, even if unspectacular, in eight seasons at Dayton: 172-94 record, including an NIT championship and two NCAA tournament berths (but only one NCAA tournament win).
But nobody can find fault with the way things are going now.
The Jackets already have beaten Saint Mary’s, an NCAA tournament team from last season. They led Georgia by as many as 15 points (39-24) early in the second half, started to transition into full meltdown mode as the lead shrunk to five (55-50) in the final minutes, but then got some key offensive rebounds and a drive-and-one by senior guard Mfon Udofia.
“He’s a key to their team,” Georgia coach Mark Fox said of Udofia. “They’re an improved team. But he’s a difference maker for them.”
They’re going in the right direction.
By Jeff Schultz
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110 comments Add your comment
Buzz 2011
December 5th, 2012
8:37 am
@john… You better buy tickets now if you want to see GT play
in the NCAA tournament… Dogs again finish last in a weak SEC.
Looks like Dogs should use some of their women players to join
team..
Ben
December 5th, 2012
8:38 am
BobDawg: You got a short memory. It was at a neutral site for many years, usually the Omni, till UGA whined and got it changed to a rotation. Don’t like it? Well complain to your own school, they are the whiny ones that changed it.
Steve
December 5th, 2012
8:42 am
UGA basketball is like Tech football, irrelevant. Happy to see that Tech actually filled up one of its venues for a change. However don’t get excited about beating a terrible UGA team.
Alabama Jack
December 5th, 2012
8:51 am
Who kidnapped Jeff and wrote this flattering article about Tech?
Tokyo jacket
December 5th, 2012
8:59 am
@Jeff, I think you missed out a key element. I was only able to watch the first half, but the defense was pretty darn good and for most of the first half, there wasn’t a UGA player within five feet of an offensive rebound due to fantastic blocking out by the jackets. CBG is teaching this team to dig down and work harder than the other team. It’s a little boring, but I like watching this team play. That is how Duke wins championships: teamwork, effort, leadership, and fundamentals. I’m not saying we’re going to win a championship any time soon, but I like what I’m seeing so far. Hopefully CBG isn’t a flash in the pan like some other coaches we’ve had at Tech.
George P. Burdell
December 5th, 2012
9:04 am
All of this talk about Royal is interesting. Something is going on there and it may just be that he’s not as good as his press. I also wonder if he hasn’t bought into the Gregory system and his playing time reflects it. I don’t think we can count on him as an integral part of this team going forward and I will not be surprised at all if we hear he is transferring at the end of the season. Wish him all the best but it is clear he is not a key part of this team now and I have serious doubts he will be based on what we have seen so far this season.
Much ado about nothing
December 5th, 2012
9:08 am
Please you humble bumbles beat a UGA team that is 2-6 now. We have struggled to score against everyone so I would not go celebrating that National Championship just yet. The reason you won last night was clearly your new found ability to make 3’s. Otherwise it would have been a very close game between two very mediocre teams.
Leo
December 5th, 2012
9:17 am
Duke fan here. Both of those midgets looked pretty short to me.
Road Scholar
December 5th, 2012
9:25 am
I was at the game and my impression is that Tech is playing a lot better defense. Their lack of rebounding on their offensive boards is disconcerting. Georgia did pick up their intensity in the second half, esp in the last 10 minutes.
Royal has the body language that he is above it all; he needs to get with the program. Udofia hardly jumped in warmups, but that last drive was something else! Disappointed also in Tech’s inside game. Holsey was never in the offense but a few times.
Bobdawg: I was amazed of the lack of UGA fans there. You want a neutral site. Why not support your team first. Georgia should be a hotbed of BBall; but your fans are so obsessed with FB that they do not support much else.. I know it is not because of too much time in class and studying!!!
THWG!!!!!
RAVGT
December 5th, 2012
9:27 am
I love Tech sports. I am cautiously optimistic about this basketball team. Let’s take it a game at a time and see how these guys develop. 8-8 ACC record is not impossible.
PS To Yawn– When I was a first quarter freshman, I remember my first round of finals. I decided I would really try to pass Math 100 since I had done poorly throughout the first quarter. ( I found out my girl-friend was pregnant in mid-quarter and I was distracted.) Anyway, I started studying for my 8 A.M. Math final at 7 P.M. the night before and pulled an all-nighter. I thought I had it figured out. Unfortunately, I missed 7 out of 9 problems on the final. That was my last all nighter. I’ve done pretty well since then. My daughter came through it ok too — and she’s now 47.
ylojkt
December 5th, 2012
9:29 am
Go Jackets! We own this state!
Love what Brian Gregory has done so far, hell, we can even inbound the ball!
Steve
December 5th, 2012
9:30 am
How does Tech “own this state?”
James
December 5th, 2012
10:05 am
Hey, Jeff – there are sports other than football – were you aware?
DawginLex
December 5th, 2012
10:10 am
Tech sucks
We suck worse
Fox won’t last much longer if he can’t find some scoring. We need to go 4 guards like Villanova did with one forward and press and trap. Only problem is you have to score to press. KCP is the only scorer.
Truly disgusting to watch
ylojkt
December 5th, 2012
10:12 am
Gotta love the AJC. If UGA would have won, the headline on the front page would be “BULLDOGS BEAT JACKETS”, but since Tech wins, the only headline is “Brian Gregory may have Tech on way to something good” so that all the Dwags don’t get their panties in a wad. Every sport but football is dominated by Ga Tech on a yearly basis, yet no headlines are ever granted about anything other than football. Tech just played for an ACC championship and only had one reporter granted to Tech by the AJC, and hardly a column a day, but UGA had about five a day from different reporters. Keep it up AJC, what will you do when the Jackets start to dominate again in football?
Paul H
December 5th, 2012
10:15 am
Tech played UGA in bball last night? That’s nice. Glad Tech has something they can hang their hat on.
Friendly Reminder
December 5th, 2012
10:16 am
42-10.
GT Dad
December 5th, 2012
10:19 am
Like what I’m seeing from the Jackets! Sure, not where we want to be by any stretch but man oh man, it’s nice to be headed in the right direction!
Neither team looked great last night, but it’s early. I do like the teamwork and fundamentals for GT – which have not been a part of plan for a while (thanks Hewitt!). I know there were some folks that were “underwhelmed” with the Gregory hire, but it appears at least for now he might just be a good fit.
Onward and upward Jackets!!!!!!!!!!
GAKnight
December 5th, 2012
10:25 am
Take off your rose-colored glasses Jeff. Ah yes, it’s still the Jackets.
Beating GA in BB is on a par with beating Auburn in anything.
GTBob
December 5th, 2012
10:27 am
Tech played UGA in bball last night? That’s nice. Glad Tech has something they can hang their hat on.
Is this where UGA fans pretend that they don’t care about anything except for football and therefore everything else doesn’t count? I just want to make sure.
Beekeper
December 5th, 2012
10:34 am
Quit slandering bees. Yellow jackets are wasps, and outside of Georgia Tech, nobody likes them. Bees, of course, are loved by all.
wes
December 5th, 2012
10:35 am
Hell yeah!
Go Jackets!!!
Settled In
December 5th, 2012
10:37 am
@John…I could not agree more. As a GT fan, old Alexander had a much more vibrant atmosphere. Good luck to the Dawgs the rest of the way!
I am a UGA fan and was at the game and the atmosphere was nowhere near what it used to be at the Thrillerdome, this crowd was DOA, and it was NOT a sellout by any means. The ticket office
outside up until tipoff had plenty of tickets available. Neither team is worth a crap, Tech being a slight bit better, both teams shot in the low 30’s percentile, it was a horrible game to watch for both teams fans, If not for Tech hitting 9 3’s, it would have really been a snoozer. Long season for both programs, and even longer for UGA. Fox will be gone sooner than later. Nice win for Tech, UGA will not win 10 games at the rate they’re playing now. No scorers except KCP. Nice refurbish job of Thrillerdome, very good upgrade
TTT
December 5th, 2012
10:50 am
@ Steve
Your 15 minute break is over – those fries won’t cook themselves.
Steve
December 5th, 2012
10:52 am
TTT, now that is a good one! I have never heard that before! But yes, you are right. I am on the McDonalds company computer for my break. Back to making burgers now! Moron.
John
December 5th, 2012
10:56 am
get a life Steve … go pi$$ and moan and spew your drivel on a UGA blog … the adults are talking here.
TTT
December 5th, 2012
10:57 am
I apologize for my inconsiderate comment. Your stinging indictment of Tech basketball hurt me badly and I lashed out in a thoughtless manner.
Dawgs 73
December 5th, 2012
11:09 am
A little too premature to start anointing the Jackets with any type of praise. Let’s see what happens in the next few months.
Paul H
December 5th, 2012
11:15 am
TTT and John – the adults are talking? Really? I’m pretty sure I’ve read plenty of silly comments from Tech fans as well – be it the 12 year old Tech fan in his mom’s basement during a break from World of Warcraft or the 34 year old Tech fan in his mom’s basement during a break from World of Warcraft. Goes both ways.
TTT
December 5th, 2012
11:15 am
@Dawgs 73
The point of the article is that Gregory appears to have the program moving in the right direction. And, with the renovation of Alexander/McCamish, Tech has the fundamentals in place to become a strong team (again). I don’t think anyone expects more than significant improvement for the current season.
TTT
December 5th, 2012
11:18 am
@Paul H
Keep ‘em coming – the nerd jokes never lose their appeal to UGA fans.
Paul H
December 5th, 2012
11:22 am
Nor do the fast food jokes. Both equally outdated and inaccurate, but still funny.
TTT
December 5th, 2012
11:23 am
@Paul H
What’s in your wallet?
GTGuy44
December 5th, 2012
11:39 am
Good article. Jeff a correction on Radakovich’s departure. Dr. Peterson told a number of connected Tech people, that after Radakovich got us on NCAA probation for arrogantly not following the NCAA’s specific instructions regarding not discussing their findings with anyone except Dr. Peterson, he told Radakovich that he was on “thin ice” and to look for another job. He left because of that and not because of tight spending limits. That is why he left so abruptly in the middle of the Fall when Clemson offered him the job. It was a smart move by Dr. Peterson because it saved us the cost of paying him the balance of his contract if he was fired. He was widely disliked by many Tech people.
carolinajacket
December 5th, 2012
11:49 am
A good win. With such a young team I have hope that improvement will be shown with more experience. Right now, it looks like if and when they are hitting the threes they a pretty good. But when they are missing them (which has been in every other game) they are in trouble. I hope the big guys get more productive so that we can be an inside/outside threat. And please, don’t let anybody get eight straight shots. That was unreal, even if they couldn’t make any of them.
GT 70
December 5th, 2012
12:08 pm
Need to keep Carter in the low post and not shooting three’s. He thinks he is Josh smith!
Too many to’s but a lot less than last year. Freshman look good, and good teamwork, but in the second half they seemed to be in love with the 3 and not getting the ball in the key.
KCP for uga looked really good, going to be a star in the sec. Uga is still a football school (plus a lot of other sports) but apparently doesn’t want to spend their money and time on bball.
WE RUN THIS STATE
December 5th, 2012
12:22 pm
we own them in basketball and baseball, but until we do something about CPJ we will continue to lose in football.
i loved the new digs. i agree with the uga fan that it was quieter than the old thrillerdome but i think it will take some time and momentum to get that back.
cewbee
December 5th, 2012
12:29 pm
It was “Dead Week” – my son wanted t go but had major project due… plus studying for 3 grad level courses, plus 20 hours of work in research lab with major milestone due. So he watched on TV. Even though he has paid swarm dues, admire him for making right choice at right time. Next semester watch out – the swarm will be out in force
GTT
December 5th, 2012
12:30 pm
UGA had a real opportunity if it’s two stars from 2010 had not bolted early to become second round NBA picks. It was obvious they would be second rounders, but they bolted anyway. Set Fox back a lot.
5150 UOAD
December 5th, 2012
12:47 pm
UGa is not a Rival in Football cause we can’t beat them on the field or in recruiting.
UGa is not a Rival in Basketball cause beating the dWags Does NOTHING for us in the ACC and not much in Recruiting. If a kid wants SEC basketball UGa is not his choice. If the Kid is ACC Basketball material we need to bet the UNC’s, Dukes, FSU’s, Syracuse’s, and Clem&son’s to get those recruits.
Mr Smiley
December 5th, 2012
1:22 pm
@ Much ado about nothing
Just like ya’ll were celebrating after beating a mediocre 6-6 GT football team? I think you can literally switch GT for UGA and basketball for football in your post and it still applies. Don’t be a hypocrite.
I love (really hate) how the UGA fans will hate on us GT fans for not selling out a football game. We do sell out basketball games, especially during ACC play, and you’re handing out free tix to a dwag basketball games cuz the alum and students don’t even know you have a team. But I guess if you get a bunch of barking drunks in an indoor facility it must be an unbearable place for anybody to actually attend.
DawginLex
December 5th, 2012
1:28 pm
Amazing to me that the Tech folks think it is funny to call us DWAGS when it has been proven that the guy with the sign at the bowl game and again Saturday at College Gameday were 2 people that were Florida fans.
Mr Smiley
December 5th, 2012
1:37 pm
Just as its amazing to call all Tech fans nerds? Doesn’t matter who held the sign, it’s funny.
5150 UOAD
December 5th, 2012
2:21 pm
DawginLex
December 5th, 2012
1:28 pm
Amazing to me that the Tech folks think it is funny to call us DWAGS when it has been proven that the guy with the sign at the bowl game and again Saturday at College Gameday were 2 people that were Florida fans.
========================================
Show this PROOF. It was a sign at the UGA vs Michigan St Bowl game and he was sitting next to the UGa band.
willdawg
December 5th, 2012
2:22 pm
I’m a UGA fan, but John does have the best assessment of the game last night. Tech won an ugly game from both sides. UGA shot 31% and Tech shot 33%. Uga outrebounded them by 5 (43-38) and Uga scored 30 in the paint as opposed to 10 by Tech. Tell me where all the scoring came from Tech. Very easy the 3 point line. Tech makes 9 and Uga makes 2. That is the difference. I watched the game and both teams had good looks at the basket from downtown and Tech made more. I know Uga will not fair well in the SEC this year and I doubt Tech will in the ACC. If you can only score 10 in the paint on Uga and only shoot 33% from the field and have a good night behind the 3. Well, just like Uga, its going to be a long year. Yeah both teams will be comepetive, but thats it.
National Anthem
December 5th, 2012
2:23 pm
Not sure if this means anything but I did notice last night that all the GT players and coaches had their hands on their heart when the National Anthem was being played.
On Georgia’s side, most did but there was a handful of players without.
God Bless America and Go Tech!
Techster
December 5th, 2012
2:37 pm
Looks like the Techster has been banned by Towers. I guess he just wants a bunch of group thinking dog groupies on his blog. Suck up to the dogs or get banned by Towers I guess.
Anyway, it was fun watching GT’s basketballers whip the puppies….almost a much fun as watching the dog footballers lose to Bama.
5150 UOAD
December 5th, 2012
2:50 pm
DiLex…………………. http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/p/30893609/Go-Dwags.aspx ……………..and this is a Florida Fan?
Try again
5150 UOAD
December 5th, 2012
2:53 pm
Techster
December 5th, 2012
2:37 pm
Looks like the Techster has been banned by Towers.
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FEEL PROUD………….. my name on his blog is……………………………………………………………………………………Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
Ole Techs
December 5th, 2012
2:54 pm
Great victory Jackets! Sorry editorializing Shultz! Why can’t you at least be neutral in your editorial comments.