Hoops Fix

Q&A WITH COACH HEWITT
If you ask me, Coach had some pretty strong words about the freshman:

"That's the one thing about this team I'm not sure about yet. I think we have a pretty solid six or seven, but the depth isn't there yet. I have always tried to look at freshmen to see who physically can compete in the high-pressure games and the intense games. Two kids right now that standout in my mind, Ra'Sean Dickey and Jeremis Smith. After that I'm not sure.

The freshmen, I know when you recruit them you love them and when you get to practice you think `who recruited these guys.'

Also, it sounds like Bynum played well over the summer:

I was talking to the guys after pick up games, I will call them and ask them who is playing well, and there are certain names that keep coming back. I tell you what, if you ask any of our guys right now who is playing well, they will all tell you the same name, Will Bynum. He is playing well and is in the best shape of his life. Will loves to play basketball and that won't change. He has gotten a greater appreciation for how conditioning can make you a better basketball player. His attitude in the weight room has completely turned around. It used to be like pulling teeth, where now he is calling (strength coach) Scott McDonald and asking if can get some extra time in. When we got him into individual workouts you could see that he is in much, much better shape.

TECH CAGERS SET FOR PRE-SEASON PRACTICE

FOES HAVE GT ON THEIR MIND
GT is now the hunted.

BYNUM THE DUNKER
Evidently Will was quite the dunker:

UA junior wing Hassan Adams will have little competition at this year's slam dunk contest, Murphy said. Murphy added that he thinks the fans will still be excited to see Adams jump out of the gym.

"This year Hassan doesn't have a Will Bynum to challenge him," Murphy said, noting the former Wildcat guard who won the event in 2002 before transferring to Georgia Tech midway through the season.

FINAL FOUR TRIP BOOSTS EXPECTATIONS


RECRUITING - A NEW NAME IN THE MIX
Well, there is now a 7' 225lb center in the mix for the 2005 class - Joe Wolfinger. He is from Mass. and has recently gotten a lot more attention from high majors. Very much in the mold of Luke S, a guy with height who needs to pack on some strength and develop him game. Surely he seems to be a 4-year guy. He has recently been watched by UConn, Cincy, BC, AZ, FSU, Ill, Neb, and many others. He will visit GT the weekend of Oct 23. He has already visited Cincy and will also visit FSU. By the way he also has somewhat of a decent long range 3pt shot.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - ED NELSON
Well, Ed gets his shot this season:

Ed Nelson also starts his first season for the Huskies after transferring from Georgia Tech.

"That’s where the true colors show," Nelson said. "It’s a tough day, but it’s a day you have to get through. It’s definitely a different feeling knowing I’m playing. I’m ready to start practice and excited to be a part of this team."

AUSTIN JACKSON NOT THE ONLY POTENTIAL DUAL SPORT WALK-ON
CJ Henry is an uncommitted high school senior:

Henry, a 6-3 senior from Putnam City, Okla., is a special case. The son of ex-Jayhawk standout Carl Henry is also a star pitcher and could go high in next June's baseball draft.

That means he won't be signing next month with anyone because he doesn't want to hurt his draft chances by giving baseball the notion he's not committed to that sport.

In fact, he likely won't have to sign a basketball letter anywhere. Baseball often pays for the college education of high school players it drafts. So if Henry does sign a baseball contract out of high school, he likely would be a basketball walk-on in college.

ACC TO BE BRUTAL YET AGAIN

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