Live from Day 2 of the ACC tournament: Fear the Techsters!
Greensboro, N.C. — Duke lost at Georgia Tech in January. The Jackets were routed in Durham last month. So who wins Round 3 Sunday?
I know. I’m getting ahead of events. I’m also getting a feeling. (I know. Dangerous territory for me.) But the team that nearly played its way out of two tournaments last night — the ACC and the NCAA — will play better tonight. And if Tech plays well, it will beat Maryland.
Do I guarantee this? Absolutely not. With Tech, there are no guarantees. But the Jackets were unlucky to have lost in College Park on Feb. 20 — Cliff Tucker hit over Glen Rice Jr. at the horn — and I’m not sure how much the Terrapins want to be here.
They tied Duke for first place in the ACC’s regular season, and they’re safely in the NCAA field. And for all Gary Williams’ fretting, his team often arrives at the conference tournament and lays a big fat turtle egg.
The Terps have won the ACC once in 20 seasons under Williams, that in 2004. Since its title, it has reached the semifinals once. It has lost three times in its first game. None of those teams were as good as this, but it’s worth recalling that Williams’ two best teams — the 2000-2001 crew, which crashed the Final Four, and the 2001-2002 NCAA champs — didn’t reach the ACC title game.
A ton of lip service is paid to the concept of fatigue in a postseason tournament, but momentum is more important. Tech played last night, but Tech should have settled into this event — granted, it took 20 minutes — in a way Maryland could not. We saw this afternoon how much settling-in means: A Virginia team playing without its best player trailed Duke by two points with six minutes left, and Miami, playing without its best player, beat Virginia Tech.
The Cavs and the ‘Canes played yesterday. So, at least in the second half, did Georgia Tech. I see the Jackets hitting the Terps hard early and withstanding a wrath-of-Williams run. I see Tech playing Saturday and maybe even Sunday. (And surely the opposition in the title game would be Duke. Can’t envision Miami overcoming the minions of Mike K.)
Then again, I didn’t imagine Tech would trail the tepid Tar Heels by 13 points in the first half and by 10 at halftime. But I think the Jackets will relax and play tonight. They’re OK, NCAA-wise. (Know who wouldn’t be OK if it hadn’t won in Atlanta seven days ago without its second-leading scorer? Virginia Tech.) We’re going to see Georgia Tech play its best game of the season tonight. This I believe. But this in no way do I guarantee.
And with that, I’ll be happy to entertain your questions, your comments and the usual “Bradley, you’re a moron” proclamations. (And I must say, many among you were rather gloomy when the Jackets were in arrears against North Carolina. How in the wide world of sports did I become Mr. Optimist?) I look forward to our usual live chat tonight, and I fully expect — but will not guarantee — we’ll being doing it again Saturday.
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691 comments Add your comment
T3
March 12th, 2010
9:48 pm
Looks like Hewitt is headed to St. Johns.
http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/2004/03/23/2004-03-23_storm_over_search____warring.html
Bill
March 12th, 2010
9:50 pm
Congrats to the Jackets!!1 But be honest, if this is a 9-9 team, Hewitt would be coach of the year. Team has underacheived , but now they can atone. Stop complaining about the officials. Tech got a HUGE gift when Favors slammed that rebound after the shot clock expired. Put Tech up by five. Tech hardly scored the last ten minutes, but their defense was excellent. Md mised shots, but Tech was in their faces. Even most of the perimeter shots were contested, something that Tech hasn’t done very well the last 3 weeks. Hewitt gets another year unless he wants to leave. He might…St John’s would be a great job with Favors, Lawal and Peacock leaving. But let’s support the kids, o.k.?
NoCoach Blewitt
March 12th, 2010
9:50 pm
Could we be so lucky?
supersize that order, mutt
March 12th, 2010
9:51 pm
WOW, he’s their number one man? GO, BLEWITT, GO !!!
Bill
March 12th, 2010
9:51 pm
Hey, T3…nice scoop…the story is from 2004.
NoCoach Blewitt
March 12th, 2010
9:52 pm
I don’t think DRAD will be able to keep a straight face if St. John’s calls about hewitt …. I know I wouldnt be able to keep a poker face
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
March 12th, 2010
9:53 pm
@jj … this is NOT the worst-coached team in the country. It might, however, be the worst-coached OFFENSIVE team in the country. They are very good at most defensive fundamentals. If you don’t believe me, look at the statistics on blocked shots, opponents’ field goal percentage, etc. The problems on offense are made seemingly worse because they are the most FUNDAMENTAL of problems … inbounding the ball, moving against a press, and free throw shooting. As many times as we’ve lost games this season because we couldn’t handle a full-court press, you would think that this team would have come up with a workable solution by now. Why not hire an assistant to work on such fundamentals full-time?
Kansas GT
March 12th, 2010
9:53 pm
Nice article from 2004 T3 very nice one
supersize that order, mutt
March 12th, 2010
9:54 pm
Damn, build my hopes up and let them come crashing down
Please take him St. Johns
March 12th, 2010
9:54 pm
Anybody on this blog defending our coach is a complete idiot. This is the least disciplined and worst coached team in all of college sports, much less basketball. Great win tonight but as with the other wins, its all about talent overcoming hapless coaching. Its crazy to see our team hustle sometimes and then lolligag on inbounds plays.. You’ve got to BREAK hard to the ball, not pimp walk away from it while trying to post up the defender. Break to the g d ball!! Sure, its the players faults but its the coach’s fault for letting it go on ALL YEAR. What a talented team and what a sorry coach. Painful to watch- even the wins.
come on
March 12th, 2010
9:55 pm
way to be up on current affairs T3, check the date next time
Technophobia
March 12th, 2010
9:55 pm
Mutt h8er, you’r exactly right. This was a big win tonight people should give the lobbying a rest and enjoy the victory.
supersize that order, mutt
March 12th, 2010
9:55 pm
OK, time for Spartacus. Have a good night, guys
supersize that order, mutt
March 12th, 2010
9:56 pm
okay, time for “Spartacus.” Have a good night, guys
supersize that order, mutt
March 12th, 2010
9:57 pm
Damn, it won’t even let me type the word Spart***cus? I’m going to go watch it now. Have a good night, all
Golden Tornado
March 12th, 2010
9:57 pm
If Tech could make free throws, what a tornado they’d be!
Technophobia
March 12th, 2010
9:58 pm
Gee, I wonder how long it will take you knuckle heads to realize that article is from 2004. ROFLMAO
Phil The Cucumber
March 12th, 2010
9:59 pm
You guys are nuts about the St. Johns article — that article three posts back is from 2004. It has quotes from Georgia Tech AD David Brane… I have a prediction…. Paul doesn’t take the St. John’s job in 2004. He stays at Tech.
Phil The Cucumber
March 12th, 2010
10:00 pm
Yeah, what YOU said, Technophibia!
supersize that order, mutt
March 12th, 2010
10:00 pm
Well, the screener apparently won’t let me type the name of the series, but it’s time for the series about gladiators, so I’m outta here. Later, guys
Inbounding Master, Coach Blewitt
March 12th, 2010
10:01 pm
Are we running a fire drill or an inbounds play? Have any of our players ever heard of BREAKING HARD to the ball? Does anyone know why we have our players breaking from almost half court as opposed to the foul line or top of the key with EVERY OTHER team in the planet? It takes 4 seconds for our guys to leisurely jog within a reasonable range of the inbounder. I’ve never seen anything like this, and its happened all year. Sure, the players play but the coach hasn’t made any adjustments either. He is terrible.
Vjacket
March 12th, 2010
10:02 pm
And Tech wins!!!!!!
Technophobia
March 12th, 2010
10:02 pm
Not long I guess. It was still a good laugh though.
The refs missed some calls on both ends but I thought they let it get a little out of control. That’s the biggest problem with college officiating, some teams like the one that called the Duke game call everything others only call shooting fouls and assaults.
BigFish
March 12th, 2010
10:03 pm
Without a doubt, Tech is the most talented, worst coached team in the ACC if not the entire country.
The announcer had it right, when he said it’s amazing Maryland keeps doing the same thing on Tech’s inbounds plays and Tech can’t figure it out.
Mark Bradley
March 12th, 2010
10:04 pm
Here’s the game column, if you’re inclined. I have no idea if it makes a lick of sense. But this game didn’t, either.
Tech Man 03
March 12th, 2010
10:04 pm
Hopefully, DRad raises the $7.1 mil in buyout money soon from fatcat boosters. Tech’s going out in round 1 of the NCAAs.
GTMAN:
March 12th, 2010
10:06 pm
Where are all the terps fans that were on here talking crap. Come on Terps, where are ya?
NoCoach Blewitt
March 12th, 2010
10:06 pm
Techno …. that was pretty bad … I just saw what he wrote and was so giddy I didn’t bother reading the article nor the link …LOL
GTMAN:
March 12th, 2010
10:07 pm
Has UGA lost yet? Bet they can’t wait for another stellar year in football. I am sure they will win it all in Football next year, just like every year. LMFAO! GO VANDY!
StingerSplash
March 12th, 2010
10:09 pm
Paul Hewitt walks into Dan Radakovich’s office next week.
Coach: “Dan, St. John’s made me an offer. Thought you should know. I love living and coaching in Atlanta. It’s a tempting offer. I want to know what you’re willing to do to help me make up my mind to stay here.”
Radakovich, leaning back in his chair: “Would you rather me drive you to the airport for your flight to New York or do you just want to take my car and I’ll pick it up tomorrow afternoon?”
GTMAN:
March 12th, 2010
10:09 pm
Shumpert with the block to seal the game. GT is starting to mesh, just at the right time. I don’t know what their seed will be, but I would not want to be the other team playing them if they are a 10 seed. GO JACKETS! Still wondering, has UGAG lost yet?
Technophobia
March 12th, 2010
10:10 pm
Rules of life #1: You take responsibility for your failures, you get credit for your success’s. Nobody has the right to try to change that.
Mutt H8tr
March 12th, 2010
10:11 pm
The more that I think about it……..
Based on the quality of the comments on these Internet Blogs, I would not ask for a Blogger’s opinion on what to order from the Greasy V for lunch, much less who should coach the young men of our fine Institute.
Did you wonder why the team was so tight against VPI on Saturday? I believe they were playing not only for themselves, but to try to save coach’s job. Negative Bloggers are powerful and do far more harm than good.
Technophobia
March 12th, 2010
10:14 pm
Mutt h8ter, most of the blogs I’ve seen are full of obnoxious people with a few good ones mixed in. I try to ignore people who don’t sound fair minded.
AlabamaRamblinwreck
March 12th, 2010
10:21 pm
You can criticize the coaching and still love your alma mater. I root for this team no matter how painful they are to watch.
bobo
March 12th, 2010
11:01 pm
What time is nxt game and is it on national TV?
IndyGT
March 13th, 2010
12:27 am
I’m with AlabamaRW… I support the team to the end, but the coaching drives me crazy. The lack of a CONSISTENT guard since Jack.. And a host if other problems. But I congratulate CPH and the jackets on this win. Hope we keep it up!
ATL Native
March 13th, 2010
9:41 am
Mark, No congrats for being first??? Come on!!! Even though I’m a DAWG fan i still enjoy TECH basketball. Hey I was first on the Braves blog also and got no grief. How about a shout out to ME?
Ryan
March 13th, 2010
12:45 pm
Lets Face it. You can say all you want about GT. The Truth is, we just are not that good. I can’t wait for Hewitt to be gone. We got lucky that UNC played itself out, and we have now caught MD on their 2 worst games of the season.
Hewitt is NO WHERE NEAR the caliber of a Gary Williams, and regardless of what happens, our program is NO WHERE NEAR a MD or UNC.
I tell you what really upsets me too was Shumpert talking trash after the game. They blew a 16 point lead to a team that really didn’t even look like they wanted to be here, and probably should have lost, then he is talking about a shot at the buzzer and “how we know we won that last game”. Iman, you DIDN’T win that last game.
If you listen to him, you’d think we went 15-1 in the ACC and our only loss was to MD at MD.
If the selection committee was watching that game, and saw how MD didn’t even start playing until GW got his team into the locker room at the half, they might NOT be in the NCAA yet.
Ryan
March 13th, 2010
12:51 pm
Oh, my point is, in the long run this might have been very bad for our program. If they don’t make the NCAA, I think Hewitt is gone, but he might have saved himself last night for another season.
That’s another season like the what 1-15 last year, then the underperforming (if you believe the recruiting rankings) this year.
Again, doesn’t anyone see how much bigger we are than MD, they actually don’t match up with us at all if you really think about it, they have a 6′7 PF, but we literally have to catch them on a day where that SG Vasquez goes 1-8 from the field in the 1st half.
And I don’t want to hear “It was out defense”. No, they were NOT running the court, they were missing wide open looks, etc.
They were what 14-2 in the ACC? Don’t get too full of ourselves that it was us that had anything to do with it.
WE caught them on a bad day plain and simple. And in the long run, it might have been better for us to lose that game.
Tom Mack
March 13th, 2010
12:58 pm
I still think that win hurts us more.
MD by losing, might have hurt our program in the long run. And, Gary Williams might have known that.lol. As laid back as I have ever seen maryland play in ACC history I think. lol. He’s thinking, they will lose Favors, Lawall, and whoever else in the draft this year, and they have nothing coming in next year.
So, without talent, Blewitt is REALLY in trouble. Another 1-15 season next year maybe?
Maryland is laughing all the way back to their campus. As they get another banner on their roof, and Gary Williams gets 2 or 3 more NCAA Tourney wins to his resume.