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Katz puts his spin on the top 50 (link here), with GT at #4. Talk about a tough ACC. He's got us #4 in the country, but only #3 in the ACC. Why? Well, because he has Wake Forest #1 and UNC #2. Kansas drops by for #3. Here's what he had to say about GT:
4. Georgia Tech
WHY: The Yellow Jackets' run to the national title game wasn't a fluke. Georgia Tech will be one of the most experienced teams in the country, with seniors Will Bynum, B.J. Elder, Isma'il Muhammed, Anthony McHenry and Luke Schenscher as well as junior Jarrett Jack. This team will have size, strength and quickness. Coach Paul Hewitt is already a star in the profession and should be able to handle the early-season hype.
WHY NOT: They could miss Marvin Lewis' leadership, but that shouldn't be a reason why the Yellow Jackets will fail. The only reason this team won't be a player for the Final Four is if they can't handle all of the heat. Georgia Tech will now be an attraction at every stop.
SUMMER BUZZ: Bynum and Jack are jacked to get on the court. The two were at the Nike Camp in Indianapolis, itching for the season to start. They are both ready for even better seasons. Jack is getting a lot of NBA vibe, and he might not return for his senior season with so many departing after next year. And it's no surprise that he's going all out this summer to have a fantastic junior season.
I'm sorry, but I don't quite get why UNC is getting all this pre-season hype. I'll give you this much - they have as much NBA-caliber talent as any college team. But they've had that talent for 2 years now and have done nothing with it. Why will this year be different? Is this the year that Roy Williams actually shows that he is a big-time coach? Can he get more out of them than Matt D? He hasn't yet.
Wake at #1 is a little eye-opening, but ok. Honestly, I see Kansas as the pre-season #1 favorite with that returning line-up and the incoming freshman.
I can accept GT at #4. Why not - we probably do have as much experience as any college team along with a talented group of freshman coming in. Injuries are always key. Elder and Isma'il have to stay healthy, particulary during tourney time.