Big home game for Dogs tonight; big road turnaround this season
Big basketball game in Athens tonight, Georgia vs. Vanderbilt at 7 p.m. It’s big for Georgia because:
- A win over a team with Vanderbilt’s RPI (15) would be helpful come Selection Sunday.
- A win would put the Bulldogs, who have finished fifth or sixth in the SEC East for seven consecutive seasons, in sole possession of second place in the division with five games to go.
- A win at home would be well-advised and well-timed, what with the Bulldogs’ next two games at Tennessee and Florida.
- A win would achieve a split of the season series against Vanderbilt, which beat Georgia 73-66 in Nashville.
———-
Lost in the shuffle of Saturday’s crazy game at South Carolina is that the victory assured Georgia a winning road record — a feat that definitely should be noted in the context of recent history.
Georgia is 6-2 on the road this season — a dramatic turnaround from its 0-11 road record last season, 2-28 over the past three seasons and 8-63 over the past seven seasons.
Georgia hasn’t had a winning record on the road since the 2002 team went 6-5. This season’s three remaining road games are Saturday at Tennessee, Feb. 24 at Florida and March 5 at Alabama.
———-
Vanderbilt shooting guard John Jenkins was the SEC Player of the Week after averaging 26 points in two games last week, including a career-high 32 in Saturday’s victory over Kentucky.
Asked Tuesday how the Bulldogs would defend Jenkins, coach Mark Fox said: “Oh, my gosh, guard him with six guys?”
Jenkins, a sophomore, is the SEC’s leading scorer at 19.8 points per game.
“He’s terrific, having a phenomenal year,” Fox said.
———-
And if you missed it, here’s a story I wrote for today’s paper sizing up Georgia’s position on the NCAA tournament bubble, which isn’t a bad place to be after the past few years.
– Tim Tucker, UGA Blog
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139 comments Add your comment
Who Cares
February 16th, 2011
10:23 am
Paul, you aren’t a tech fan, because most Tech fans can read an entire post and make an intelligent comment after reading it. I said last year’s team was better than this year’s team because last year’s team had upset wins at home against Fl., Tenn, and Tech. This year’s team lost to Fl&Tenn at home. As a matter of fact this year’s team has proven it can’t win the big games at home. Losses to Fl, Tenn, and Xavier. This team is going nowhere, and you clowns will see after they play Vandy,Bama, Fl&Tenn. Those red colored glasses want be so red after the next 2 weeks.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
10:26 am
DawginLex,
Yep. Your right but the 76 team was Quinn Bucker/Keith Abernathy/Kent Benson. Keith Smart may have won one but was not undefeated. I’ll look it up.
Apples II Oranges
February 16th, 2011
10:28 am
A Buckeye talking smack about UGA’s BB team, thats funny. Enjoy your one and done season with Sullinger. Then back to reality of being mediocore in the Big 10. Don’t start with all the records since Mota replaced O’Brien, we don’t care, just move on.
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
10:28 am
Who Cares
February 16th, 2011
10:23 am
Paul, you aren’t a tech fan, because most Tech fans can read an entire post and make an intelligent comment after reading it.
*********************************************************************
And this is why we love Tech folks like who cares. (Not all Tech folks mind you)
You are an absolute freaking joke. Only an idiot would proclaim that last year’s team is better than this year’s.
Somehow in Who Care’s world, 14-17 and 0′fer on the road is better than 17-7 and 6-2 on the road.
No translation needed sir. you can’t fix stupid.
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
10:29 am
buckeye,
86 team didn’t go undefeated. You mentioned who hit the last shot to win. the last shot was 86, not 76
RaleighDawg
February 16th, 2011
10:30 am
Lex – I appreciate your views and feedback…and my two cents for what it’s worth…
So how did Coach’s strategy of NOT fouling work out against UF ?
Actually, the play Coach drew up was for Trey to throw if to T-bird on the break away..when all we needed to do was get the ball inbounded to Dustin to shoot free throws.
It’s hard to get anything going when you’re only playing two minutes at a time and know that you’re coming out at the next TV timeout….in the few games that he’s had several minutes at a stretch, Thornton’s been very good….and from what I hear Thornton is tearning it up in practice…and if he isn’t ready, who is supposed to get him ready ? As a somewhat related response – wasn’t Trey preseason POY ? I thik we can all agree that he hasn’t played like it and who’s job is it to get him to play better ?
Agreed that JP has the worst hands on the team except for Chris, but you’re got to GET the tip BEFORE you have the CHANCE of CATCHING the tip.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
10:31 am
DawginLex,
Here’s the shot……look how young Beiheim looks. Time flies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dgkmikdVM8
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
10:34 am
Raleigh,
Didn’t say I agreed with not fouling but clearly Coach fox didn’t want them to.
I just like the guy as the coach. He is honest and seems to have their respect. I think he is an up and comer and UGA is lucky to have him. He does not have a ton of head coaching expeience so he is probably learning too.
I’m just thankful he doesn’t have a son teaching at UGA designing tests on how much a 3 point shot is worth and name the arena where UGA plays its home games…………..
D A DoubleU G
February 16th, 2011
10:40 am
“Mooooooooooo”
-Buckey’s wife
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
10:41 am
Apples,
As regulars are aware. I watched, in person, virtually high school game Howard ( before I was Trey) Thompkins played his Freshman, Sophmore and Senior years in high school. I am a Howard fan. The kid has so much talent. I said then and say again he needs to toughen up and stop the whining on the court. That hasn’t changed since he as a high scool freshman.
I’ve also paid Vanderbilt tuition for my kid for the last four years. Think that entitles me to root for the ‘Dores too.
Still, good to be a Buckeye, 25-1 and a likely # 1 seed. I see Howard (before I was Trey) Thompkins and Co. are 2-7 against the RIP top 50 and have work to do to make the dance.
Perhaps Howard ( before I was Trey) Thompkins and my boy Sullinger will meet up. Would love to see the match-up.
While I oppose the one and done, it’s good to have the likes of Jared Sullinger wear the Scarlet and Gray. Has uga had any players of such calibre of late?
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
10:43 am
D A Double,
Are you auditioning for a Chick Filet commercial?
RaleighDawg
February 16th, 2011
10:43 am
Lex – agreed that Coach has tremendous upside and definitely has us going in the right direction…I just want us to get there faster and clearly my blogging about it here will make that happen *smile*…
D A DoubleU G
February 16th, 2011
10:46 am
I have bad news for Buckeye.
Not a SOUL who is from anywhere 15 miles or more south of Columbus, OH gives a rat’s keester about the Tree Nuts coming out of THE state of Michigan’s anus.
Take your osu banter elsewhere, brother. Talk up your boys all you want. Seriously, nobody here cares.
D A DoubleU G
February 16th, 2011
10:49 am
So much about college sports is about State Pride.
Where I am from (THE Great State of Georgia), if you love it, you don’t leave it.
It is obvious Tree Nut (before I was Buckeye) abandoned his state for the better state of Georgia. I simply don’t know why you would be on the ajc reading a UGA blog if this was not the case.
If you need help purchasing a one-way ticket back to the Tree Nut State, let us know. We will gladly help out.
Paul in RDU
February 16th, 2011
10:50 am
Buckeye
Jim Boeheim may have looked young on that video but the 2 things that have really gotten bigger since then are the length of the shorts and Bob Knight’s waist measurement.
Apples II Oranges
February 16th, 2011
10:53 am
You point is not lost, but you should realize how ironic talking smack about our basketball team is. We have had absolutely nothing to brag about for almost 8 years. Give the UGA fans at least a little leway this season. Congrats to your school, but to post the following…
Curious, how is life on the bubble? Going to Stegman tonight to root on your boys?
…is going to get a response. Call Thompkins soft all you want, but the kid elected to come back b/c he saw potential in the prgram and wanted to be apart of helping Fox take it to the next level. Can the same be said for Sullinger? At the moment of truth will he display the heart, loyalty to remain at Ohio State after this year?
Enjoy the regular season ride, because we all know come march just because you start as the overrall #1 seed does not anoint you to the title game.
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
11:04 am
Raleigh,
I fimly believe that Richt and Fox read these blogs every day seeking wisdom regarding how to improve their programs.
b
February 16th, 2011
11:07 am
raleighdawg, thanks for bringing up the opening jump ball problem with Price.
On the dawgvent I brought it up and someone claimed we had won about 6out of 24.
That’s still pitiful.
I asked Coach Fox about it on Mon.and he said Trey’s foot was a problem for him
and that Travis was just too short for him to do it. I say what would it hurt to give Travis
a try.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
11:08 am
Apples,
I suspect Howard returned because he knew his draft stock was low. Interesting that Aminu from Wake declared and was what, the # 8 pick?. Did you know Thompkins and Aminu were teamates as freshman? Like I said, I am a Howard fan and making an informed opinion having watch him for 7 years.
Sorry to say, little doubt doubt Sullinger will leave. He’s projected as a top 3, if not # 1 pick. What would you do?
You are correct, It is not an automatic ticket but I like our chances. Do you like yours?
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
11:11 am
Paul in RDU,
Ahhh! Those shorts are amazing but remember what a change it was to the length of the Fab 5 at Michigan? Perhaps we’ll see the hemline head back the other way. Similar to baseball, show a little stirrup and sanitaries. Don’t care for the 6 inches too long look.
The U
February 16th, 2011
11:17 am
I feel Robinson has to play aggressive on offense but smart. Push tempo when he has the advantage and leave behind the arc shooting to Ware. That goes for Trey also. No silly turnovers on the post entry feed. Get Barnes, Price and Thompkins into a rhythem eary on down low and it should be a cake walk
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
11:21 am
Jenkins shot his quota Saturday vs UK. He is due for an off night.
UGA got a break going to Gainesville as Chandler Parsons is most likely done for the rest of the season with an injury.
UT is feuding internally on the bench. I was at the UK/UT game and saw Tony Jones shake his head several times at what Pearl was doing. I won’t be surprised if Jones is not the next coach at UT after the NCAA suspends Pearl for a year and the AD runs him.
Sets up well for UGA.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
11:23 am
D A Double,
I think your phone is ringing. Your buddy John Rocker’s on the line.
D A DoubleU G
February 16th, 2011
11:31 am
Buckeye do you honestly think if a UGA fan decided to go live in Ohio (promise you that won’t happen), and he decided to frequent the Columbus, OH high school paper and just spew Dawg propaganda all over the place (promise you that won’t happen), that he wouldn’t be met with people who take offense to his garbage and talk smack to him??
So why would it be any different that you coming on here??
I hate to tell you, scout, that people have pride in their alumni and or state school athletics WAY outside the Tree Nut state. You want to come on here and tell us we are nothing and we shouldn’t waste our time having passion that COMPLETELY outweighs yours and your State, and then act appalled that somebody tells you you are an idiot.
Son, we are all Americans. But those of us who take true pride in our Dawgs are Georgian by the true grace of god.
You want to give yourself a pep rally for your Tree Nuts (before known as buckeyes), this is not the place. Go to Hell, sir…… aka “Ohio”
RaleighDawg
February 16th, 2011
11:38 am
LOL Lex !!
RaleighDawg
February 16th, 2011
11:46 am
b –
thanks for sharing what Coach had to say about the jump ball situation….although his answer doesn’t make any sense to me (Trey’s foot is too sore to jump an opening tip, but he can play 35 minutes a game ?….and Travis from a standing start can touch the top of the square on the backboard and he’s too short – to paraphrase Tina Turner “what’s short go to do with it” ?) I’m glad to know that someone put it out there….
BTW, I’ve seen every tip and we have no won a single tip although there have been two occurences where the opposing team got the tip, but tipped it toward a UGA player…and in those two occasions I still don’t consider that “winning” the tip.
Apples II Oranges
February 16th, 2011
11:46 am
I actually do like the Dawgs chances come March. The team is athletic, and has a PG who does not turn the ball over. They have a solid backcourt and a plus front court.
Do I think Elite 8? No but a Sweet 16 is definetly capable for this team. All about expectations.
I have seen Ohio State play a few times. They stretch the court defensively, can shoot the ball well from the perimeter, have length so they will advance far.
The lose at Wisconsin, was not that bad a lose. Bo Ryan gets those kids juiced in Madison and they defend the court as good if not better than any team in the nation. I thought a tougher game would have been at Minnesota if the Gophers PG had not been hurt. They essentially forogt about Sampson in the 2nd half, and also credit the D of the Buckeyes.
Again its all about expectations and the Buckeyes will have the bullseye squarely on there backs.
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
11:55 am
I’m not convinced that there are not at least 5 Big East teams better than Ohio State or anything else the Big Ten has to offer.
Pitt
Nova
Louisville(yuk, it hurts to type that)
Notre Dame
UCONN
Close:
Syracuse
St Johns
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
11:56 am
D A Double
Heading out to pick up lunch for my wife….you know…..the regular…..super-sized extra value meal. Can I get you anything?
bjohndawg
February 16th, 2011
11:58 am
Fox is the man. Best basketball coach at Georgia…EVER.
Watch them finish strong.
4-2…….21-9….two wins in SEC tourney. One win in the NCAA.
Next year even better.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
11:58 am
DawginLex,
Havn’t followed much of the Big East to this point so cannot disagree. I will say I’d take Wisconsin and their size/slow down tempo against anybody, Buckeyes included, based on results.
Who Cares
February 16th, 2011
11:59 am
Dawgnlex, then i guess you are an idiot, you words not mine. Because this team has 17 wins due to the fact the preconference schedule this season was like ranked the 140th hardest schedule as it relates to RPI rankings. What OOC team did they beat that was in the top 100 rpi? As a matter of fact, this team is 2 wins and 7 losses against teams in top 50 RPI. Last years team beat 4 teams in top 50 RPI and they beat 5 teams that went to the big dance. Last years team would have won 17 games with this years pre conference schedule. You are typical fan that only looks at record, and doesn’t have a clue when it comes to evaluating a teams performance against good teams. How can anyone say that this year’s team is better against top 50 RPI ranked teams than last year’s team?Or how can anyone say this year’s team is better when they lose all 3 of their home games against top 50 ranked teams, compared to last year’s team that beat all 3 top 50 ranked teams they played at home? I will give you the idiot label that you asked for!!
coachx
February 16th, 2011
12:08 pm
How could anyone hate on Fox ? He is doing and out standing job.
I’ll be at “Steg” tonight and hopefully there will be another sell out.
Go Dawgs !
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
12:09 pm
UAB is 34 in the RPI
Next?
coachx
February 16th, 2011
12:11 pm
To the haters.
This team is 17-7 and does not have a “bad loss” to a inferior team all year. There few losses have been extremely close. The only teams they have lost to are quality teams.
The team has made huge strieds this past year. The basketball program is headed in th right direction.
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
12:16 pm
http://www.espn.com
Click on college basketball and read the article about the SEc teams and their chances of making the NCAA’s.
Funny thing, i don’t recall an article like this a year ago mentioning Georgia???
This year it says they are in.
But I guess last year was better than this year huh Who Cares???
Read the article. I didn’t write it. Someone else did.
Joe Lunardi also has them in.
Last year???
Albany dog
February 16th, 2011
12:18 pm
BUCKEYE MAN THEY MADE U LOOK BAD , TREE NUT STATE ,THATS A GOOD ONE.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
12:18 pm
D A Double,
Damn! They did it again. Forgot the Apple pies. Guess I’ll let then know when I pick up dinner.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
12:31 pm
D A Double,
My treat. Wanted you to to feel good about 1980 again…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nc2XsimM90
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
12:34 pm
http://www.gatorcountry.com/basketball/article/in_out_on_the_bubble_who_sits_where/10875
for the benefit of Who Cares.
the sham
February 16th, 2011
12:39 pm
@ The Voice of Reason (aka: Craig) – I couldn’t agree more. Call me a skeptic here, but I don’t think any truthful and level headed person (not necessarily a fan of UGA or any other team for that matter), can argue that Fox hasn’t done a TREMENDOUS job here.
Despite the trolls who mask themselves as faux-Dawgs or being “Fair and Balanced”, the program has done about a 80% turnaround. Yes we need more quality depth, yes we need to dominate the lesser teams (Side note – in years past we’d lose to those lesser teams), and win more of the games to the great teams than we lose (that’s the recipe for us to be considered a great team). Simple logic tells us that if we do that, we are building an annual contender. But before you can complete the turnaround, you have to go through this process of GROWTH.
We are where we should be at this point and I look forward to this to continue. Sorry Techies and all the other haters, get used to it!
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
12:40 pm
Who cares,
You really want to continue to argue with me?
I live in Kentucky where basketball is clearly the king. You called me a typical fan who only looks art records?
Try again Einstein. I have forgotten more college basketball than you will EVER know.
Georgia and every other team’s goal is to make the NCAA tournament. Georgia has not done that lately. They had no chance to do it a year ago. The wins you reference a year ago were offset by numerous losses away and at home where late leads were squandered(Arkansas comes to mind).
This year Georgia is a couple of wins away from being a dead lock for the NCAA’s.
2011 is clearly better than 2010.
In my opinion
In the expert’s opinions.
Most importantly, it will be in the opinion of the NCAA Selection Committee.
Later
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
12:42 pm
at, not art
DawginLex
February 16th, 2011
12:45 pm
http://collegefootball.about.com/od/schools/ig/Ohio-State-vs–The-SEC/1993-Citrus-Bowl.htm
******************************************************
Happy Trails Buckeye.
SoCal Dawg
February 16th, 2011
12:51 pm
Haters make me fill good about myself. Go Dawgs!
Ray
February 16th, 2011
12:53 pm
I don’t know why so many people put stock into what ESPN was saying about UGA Basketball this year.
I’m proud of them even if they don’t make the NCAA tournament because they’ve improved in many areas. Making the Tourney this year is overachieving cause under Mark Fox in the second year I thought they were just going to make the NIT in year 2.
Still whole point is this CMF is not on the CMR hotseat if you know what I mean. In fact CMF seat is ice cold. .
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
12:59 pm
DawginLex,
Good one. Kudos for your thorough documentation. Love the Herbstreight photo. Don’t think he was frosting his tips back then.
the sham
February 16th, 2011
1:09 pm
What’s colder that cold?
ICCCCCCCEEEEE COOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!
What is Outkast up to these days?
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
1:16 pm
DawginLex,
2,643? Days since Michigan’s last win over Ohio State
2 of 7? Recent uga wins over Florida
7-2? Ohio State National Championships to uga’s national championships.
If you’re talking Rings and rivalries, no comparison.
Buckeye
February 16th, 2011
1:17 pm
Back to tonight’s basketball game……….
Go ‘Dores!