Beesball and TeamUSA

Link here

Since USA Baseball began selecting players and operating an official National Team to represent the United States in 1984, over 385 collegiate players have donned the Red, White, and Blue uniform from 116 colleges and universities across the country.

There are clearly five campuses that have consistently produced more USA Baseball National Team players and candidates than any others: Stanford, USC, Georgia Tech, Cal State Fullerton, & Miami. Those five collegiate baseball powerhouses topped the list in a study re-done by USA Baseball that ranks the Top 50 Collegiate Baseball Programs that have produced USA Baseball National Team players, since 1984.

A Fighter for Rights

Interesting article on the battle for civil rights. Including this on GT:

In 1934, the University of Michigan basketball team dropped a black player, Franklin Lett, from its team because, in coach F.C. Cappon's words, "there has never been a colored boy to play in the Big Ten."

In a pointed letter to Cappon, Wilkins, then the NAACP's assistant secretary, called the action an "insult to Lett and all blacks." Two weeks later, Lett was back on the team, though he never played.

Michigan and Wilkins had clashed earlier that year when the school's football team did not dress a black player against Georgia Tech in deference to its opponent's segregated attitudes.

That subsequent outcry grew so loud that Michigan president Alexander Rubin complained, "My life is being made miserable by arguments with the colored."

Dissing BJ Elder...

Talking about the Olympics and all the NBA stars passing on the opportunity:

If we go retro and limit it to the best available college players, you're going to wind up with a starting lineup that looks something like this: Wayne Simien (Kansas), Ike Diogu (Arizona State), Hakim Warrick (Syracuse), B.J. Elder (Georgia Tech) and Travis Diener (Marquette).

Somehow, I don't think Argentina, Yugoslavia, Lithuania and the other heavy medal contenders are exactly shaking in their high-tops at the prospect of that starting five.

Where are they now - Ron Rogers, football

Playing in Arena Football 2, the minors to the minors. Story here. These guys make about $300 per week, so you know they do it for the love.

Around the ACC

Carlos Boozer is a bonehead of colossal proportions. Story here. And he won't even take Coach K's calls.

Where are they now - Dan Myers

The former GT QB is now CEO of Alimera after being laid of by Novartis.

The former star quarterback at Georgia Tech gathered some colleagues and former Novartis co-workers around a flip chart in the basement of his home. A business plan emerged for a company that would seek out and commercialize eye-care products. Big pharmaceutical companies wouldn't be interested in developing such products because of their smaller profit potential, but Myers thought a smaller company could create a niche.

None had signed non-compete clauses with Novartis. Together they raised $1.7 million locally to help start the company and hoped to raise at least $30 million more.

Recruiting - Hoops

Highly touted combo guard Wes Matthews Jr. will make his college decision public next week on July 18. He will announce his decision between GT, Wisc and Marquette on a local Madison WI sports show. Probably shouldn't read too much into that since that is his hometown. His parents both went to Wisc and played hoops. His mom lives in WI and his father lives in ATL. They were never married.

Also seems that Louis Williams and Mike Mercer are not rock solid on their verbal committment to UGAg. Link here.

A pair of package deals are complicating things among elite schools in the class of 2005. And in the case of the Louis Williams-Michael Mercer package, they're really complicating things.

Williams and Mercer, backcourt teammates from South Gwinnett High in Snellville, Ga., have committed to Georgia coach Dennis Felton. However, Williams said Friday from the Nike All-American Camp that their commitment to the Bulldogs isn't exactly rock solid.

"We're still going to take all five of our official visits," said Williams, a 6-foot-1 shooting guard. "We're committed to Georgia, but it can change. We're real quiet about our situation, but the schools (involved) know."

Williams wouldn't identify the other schools involved, but said Felton is aware.

Well, GT was involved with these guys prior to their verbal to UGAg, so stay tuned.

Lastly, here is a blurb on Ryan Wright, considering GT among about 10 other schools.

Lamenting Expansion

Well, this guy is sore that Wake Forest and UNC will only meet once in hoops in the upcoming season. Face it, the home-and-away is dead. Unless the NCAA expands the entire season to add another 10 games, you cannot afford to play every ACC twice. I will miss it, but it is no longer practical. So get over it.

Ranking the Defensive Lines

Well, no doubt this guy has got it wrong!!! Link here. He picks GT the 8th best DL unit in the ACC. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt with his previous reviews, even though he is a writer for Duke football. But this is enough. A GT DL that led the ACC in rushing defense and was #12 in the NATION. If you look where the other rags have our DL ranked in the ACC, here it is:

DL UNIT RANKINGS - GT
#3....Lindy's
#5....Sporting News
#5....Athlon
#5....Phil Steele
#6....CFN
#8....David Dorhmann - Duke football writer, 'nuff said

I will be coming out with some graphs showing how all the rags rank our respective offensive and defensive units once they are complete.

Olympic Update

Angelo Taylor advances to the Olympics by coming in 2nd at the trials yesterday - story here.

Chaunte Howard and David Krummenacker both will compete tonight for their spots in the high jump and 800m respectively. Check it out at about 10:10 on USA Network tonight.

Recruiting - hoops

The top camp stars are already thinking about the 2005 NBA draft - at least their father's are - story here.

"If he's going to be one of the better players in the country, you have to seriously look at the NBA," said father Venard, Richard's coach at Athens. "Going to the NBA would be a goal and a dream of his. If the opportunity presents itself, you have to seriously look at it."

Story on grooming the 8-year olds for the NBA. Hey did you know that UNC has offered a free ride to a kid who just finished his freshman year on high school. Coach Hewitt quoted again:

"It's every sport now, it's not just basketball," Georgia Tech Coach Paul Hewitt said. "Tennis moms and golf moms and Little League dads. I don't think it's good for anyone to specialize that early, but that's what they do now."

Here's a story on the Peach Jam, which will happen this week. Two future UGAg players, Louis Williams and Mike Mercer will play. It is looking more and more like Williams might have a legit shot to get drafted out of high school. He's potentially that good.

Here's a nice re-cap of some of the top players from the camps, including this on Eric Boateng, Jamal Boykin and Lee Bynum:

Eric Boateng: The 6-10 center from Middletown, Del., comes from the same production line that gave us Torin Francis and Jason Fraser. He can rebound and run and jump and block shots, but (for now) don't let him do anything but dunk it.

Jamal Boykin: The 6-7 combination forward from Los Angeles is above all things ... earnest. He's a good athlete, but not great. A very good shooter, but not great. But he's so darned earnest it's hard not to like him, wish him well and know he'll make some college coach very happy.

Lee Bynum: The 6-11 C from Plainsboro, N.J., is a mystery. First of all, he needs to figure out if he wants to be known as Andrew Bynum or Lee Bynum. Second, is he the next Sagana Diop, or the next Josh Moore? Neither is a future Hall of Famer, but at least Diop has made some serious money.

Sizing up the Coaches

No doubt Coach Gailey has taken some heat in his short tenure at GT. Of course losing an embarrasing bowl against Fresno St who had a bunch of starters ineligible, then turning around and watching 10 players flunk out, including some of your best starters will do that. It didn't help that he came in too late to the recruiting process his first year. And should I mention the injuries - I'll mention 2 names - Tony Hollings and Greg Gathers. Yikes.

But let's remember that a coach cannot be judged by what he does in a 2-year period. You have to let him get his system in place, get in "his" players. Having said that I decided to go back and look at how our "favorite" coaches fared in their early seasons. The conclusion - if you judged coaches on their first 2 season, you might actually say that Coach Gailey is the best of the bunch. (Yeah I know, the haters will talk about doing it with O'Leary's players).

But check this out:



In fact, the cumulative initial 2-year records of our last few coaches are:
2-19-1......Curry
5-17........Ross
10-12.......Lewis
11-11.......O'Leary
14-12.......Gailey

That's an interesting trend if you ask me. Each new coach we have had has had a better initial 2-year record. Now adding Miami / VaTech into the ACC changes the playing field somewhat, but let's give our man some props and congrats for coming in and maintaining strong play, even through adversity

Here is the table with more data, including ACC records and bowls.

Wake Forest steals beesball coach

Well, Coach Hall actually recommended the new head coach for Wake Forest, and now the new guy goes and steals John Palmieri, one of GT's assistants. Of course he is a Wake Forest alumni, so we'll cut him a break - story here.

Uh oh, more resume problems..... at Grambling

Everytime this comes up poor George O'Leary gets mentioned:

In 2001, George O'Leary had a similar problem when he was hired away from Georgia Tech by Notre Dame. Revelations that O'Leary had lied about having a master's degree prevented him from coaching a game for the Irish. He didn't get back into college football until this year, when Central Florida hired him as head coach following his two-year stint as an assistant in the NFL.

Where are they now - Stewart Cink

He's in the hunt today at the John Deere Classic, currently tied for 3rd at -13. He's 2 under through 9 holes today. Leaderboard link here.

On another golf note, here is an article on the Heritage Classic Player's Amateur, where GT's Nicholas Thompson will play. The winner gets an invite to next year's Masters...... This will be played July 15-18.

Track and Field - The Olympics

Some interesting stuff going on the in world of Track / Field:

A FUTURE JACKET

Georgia Tech-bound Shantia Moss of Tamarac and University of Miami-bound Tim Harris [Miami Booker T. Washington] will compete this week in the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Grosetto, Italy. The meet begins Tuesday and runs through Sunday. Heats begin Thursday. Moss, the nation's fastest hurdler [13.39], will compete in the 100-meter hurdles. Harris will compete in the 800 meters [1:49.50]. Both Moss and Harris are outdoor national champions.

FORMER JACKET HEADED TO 800M FINALS AT OLYMPIC TRIALS
Full story here on proving his potential (David Krummenacker), from SI.com...... Former GT grad Angelo Taylor will also head to the finals of the 400m hurdles....... Here, Krummenacker comments on the Balco scandal:

David Krummenacker, the favorite in the men's 800 meters and a former Georgia Tech star, doesn't think BALCO will overshadow the Trials.

"I think in anything in life, there are always people who are trying to cheat," he said. "If you see elementary kids, someone's looking over their shoulder to cheat on tests. And it happens all the way up through companies like Enron and Martha Stewart."

But drugs, he said, "are bad for everyone. Nobody wins in that situation."

CURRENT JACKET HEADED TO HIGH JUMP FINALS
Chaunte Howard heads to the high jump final as well, with the top 3 making the Olympic team. That's 8 women vying for 3 spots.

CONGRATS TO ALL, AND BEST TO YOU!!! GO JACKETS!!!

GT-Clemson football 1999 on Fox SS RIGHT NOW!!!!

Check it out right now on Fox Sports South.

Recruiting - Hoops

Some notes from the NIKE camp, including this on CJ Miles:

Kansas, Texas, Georgia Tech, Arizona and North Carolina are the top choices for Miles, a 6-5 forward. When asked about his interest in Illinois, Miles said, "I haven't canceled anybody out yet. It's still wide open.''

Here's a note on Andrew Bynum, also from the NIKE Camp:

ABOVE THE REST: The buzz at camp has been about Andrew Bynum's low-post play. The 6-11 senior to-be at St. Joseph's of Metuchen (N.J.) had the best first full day of any big man and, in one game, clearly outperformed highly regarded Duke recruit Eric Boateng of St. Andrew's (Del.). "I find I really like playing against the best in the country," he said.

Bynum narrowed his list of college possibilities to UConn, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Rutgers and Georgetown and said yesterday only Duke could still get into the mix. He gives no school an edge, but finds Rutgers enticing because two of his close friends, Anthony Farmer and Jaron Griffin, as well as top Jersey prospect J.R. Inman, already have committed to coach Gary Waters.

More on the camps, including the strange phenomenon of the shrinking player. Wake Forest seems to have two of them, both seemingly shrinking 2" or more........... Magnum Rolle is another recruit we are after, after de-committing to FSU....... Also notice we are in the final 6 of Eric Boateng:

Recruiting junkies, you know what that means. Boateng, a 6-10 center from England by way of a Delaware private school, is a top-25 recruit who has frustrated recruiting writers all over the country, for more than a year, by refusing to list the schools he was considering.

Thursday night, Boateng stopped playing with the media and gave it up. In order, he said he was considering these six schools, and only these six: Georgetown, Michigan, Duke, Villanova, UCLA and Georgia Tech.

Who is heating up the Adidas camp the most after two days - looks like Rashad Woods, who does have an offer from GT. Unfortunately, we do not appear to be in his top 5.

Here are some recruiting notes around Syracuse, including mention of Marcus Johnson, who has GT on his list:

Still, the Orange remain interested in Marcus Johnson, a 6-6 forward from Westchester High in Los Angeles who has the sleek athletic lines of former UNLV star Stacy Augmon. Johnson, a self-professed lifelong Syracuse fan, said Thursday that Devendorf's decision will not impact him.

"I'm not worried about that," Johnson said. "Coach Boeheim assured me that there's still room for me. I'm just weighing my options."

Those options include Texas, Louisville, Georgia Tech and Connecticut, plus Syracuse. Johnson said he'll probably wait to make some official visits, but if he were to commit early, it would be to Syracuse.

The media over at UConn thinks they might land him - link here.

Here's mention of Kevin Rogers, Andrew Bynum in regard to UConn:

To that end, one of the top recruits on the UConn wish list is Andrew Bynum, a 6-foot-10, 280-pound center from Plainsboro, N.J., who attends St. Joseph's in Metuchen, N.J. As recently as three weeks ago, Bynum did not even appear on many lists of top 100 rising seniors, but after attending the Nike Skill Academy in Oregon in late June with 15 other top prospects and his performance this week at the All-America Camp, the "Baby Shaq" doesn't figure to remain under wraps any longer.

"I wanted to know if I could play with the top guys in the country," Bynum said of his time in Oregon. "It was great for me. It was one-on-one workouts. There were more coaches there than players."
There are plenty of colleges on Bynum's list besides UConn. Close-to-home Rutgers is after him, and he's also interested in Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, North Carolina, and Duke.

"Playing time as a freshman is important to me, that's why maybe schools like North Carolina and Duke may be not for me," said Bynum, who wears a size 18 sneaker. "Georgia, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, and Georgetown actually guaranteed that. But it's going to come down to the campus, and if I like the coaches."

Bynum, still considered a raw talent with a lot of developing to do, said UConn hasn't guaranteed any playing time, but he likes the way UConn's Emeka Okafor and the rest of the Huskies' big men have developed quickly.

"UConn ranks real high with me," he said. "They have a lot of good big men, but they said I would definitely have the opportunity to play. I could see myself in that kind of role."

Bynum's dad, Ernest, who lives in North Carolina, is a former player at Long Island University who stands 7-1. His mother is 6-feet tall. Bynum, who carries a 3.3 grade point average, wants to major in engineering or business - two strong programs at UConn - but has not begun to think about official visits yet.

"My mother and my brother will help me make the decision," Bynum said. "I have to have a good education - my mom is insisting on that."

Somewhat smaller, but perhaps more athletic is 6-8, 225-pound forward Kevin Rogers, from Dallas, who has also had an impressive showing at Nike Camp and has also peeked UConn's interest. His name has jumped to among the nation's top 60. At the moment, UConn's competition for Rogers includes an impressive list of Kansas, Texas, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Arizona, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Baylor.

"Basically, I'm going to consider distance, good facilities, playing time, and good academic programs in business because I want to major in accounting," Rogers said. "The distance thing is more for my parents, but they said if that's the best situation for me, then I should go. I'm very interested in UConn. The fact that they won the national championship really isn't a factor, but it's nice to have a school like that recruiting you. That's really a privilege."

As mentioned Kevin Rogers is buddies with CJ Miles and they would like to attend the same school.

Recruiting - Hoops Camp Update

Story about college coaches being a spectator at these events. They cannot make contact with players, but they can be seen:

To ensure that they are seen by the players, the coaches are dressed in shirts that bear the school's name. Some of the faces, such as Phil Martelli of Saint Joseph's, John Calipari of Memphis and Texas Tech's Bob Knight, are easily recognizable.

"You're here to show your face, so if the kid looks up he'll see that big logo on your shirt," Georgia Tech assistant Willie Reese said.

Some players are used to the attention:

All the attention has hardly fazed Southwest Atlanta Christian junior guard Javaris Crittenton.

"I've been in these type situations since I was in the seventh grade," said Crittenton, who played under the national spotlight this season with teammate Dwight Howard. "There are a lot of players that want to be in this type of situation."

Now on to GT issues. It looks like Kevin Rogers and CJ Miles are still looking at being a package deal. This CBSSportsline story discusses their future.

Package deals happen in college basketball, but not like this. Not like Calvin Miles and Kevin Rogers, two sublime players from Dallas who have decided they want to play together in college -- and are considering a handful of schools such as North Carolina, Kansas, Arizona and Connecticut.

Miles and Rogers are atypical in that both have a chance to be a McDonald's All-American from the class of 2005. Miles is a 6-foot-5 wing, Rogers a 6-8 power forward. They hit it off three months ago at a pickup game at First Baptist Church in Dallas, and have been inseparable ever since.

"I'll hang out at his house or he'll hang out at my house," Rogers says. "I consider his dad like my dad, but mostly we play basketball together."

Kevin Rogers and Calvin Miles have been inseparable recently.(Provided to SportsLine)
They are insistent that they will play together in college, which would be great news for the school that lands them -- and a double dose of bad news for the ones that miss out. According to Rogers, their list also includes Georgia Tech, Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma and Baylor.

Usually a package deal features one great player and his sidekick from high school. That's what happened when Memphis' John Calipari landed Kendrick Perkins (who entered the NBA Draft out of high school), and when Georgia Tech's Bobby Cremins landed Clarence Moore.

But two great players? Wanting to play in tandem?

"These schools say we can make it happen," Rogers said. "It's really like a need for us. We're connected to each other so well. That first day we clicked."

Now more on some players that have GT on their list:

Word on the street is that the three best available big men at the Nike Camp -- Tyler Hansbrough, Richard Hendrix and Eric Boateng -- already know where they're going. Word is, Hansbrough is going to North Carolina, Hendrix to Alabama and Boateng to Duke. We'll see ...

Of the rising high school seniors who entered this week's camps in most analysts' Top 100, Lee Bynum probably was the most underrated. Bynum, a center from Plainsboro, N.J., has played well after registering eye-popping numbers at the camp weigh-in: 6-11, 280 pounds with a 7-3 wingspan ...

Mario Chalmers is a guy that Coach Hewitt offered but chose Kansas instead - story here. Why did he chose Kansas? Well, this comment would lead you to believe J.Jack being around might limit early PT:

Chalmers, 18, committed to Kansas, but said he seriously considered Arizona and Georgia Tech. "It was a hard decision, but I think Kansas is the best opportunity for me," he said. "Bill Self is a good coach and they have a family atmosphere there."

The same could be said about Tech, Arizona and many places. So, it came down to the chance to be a major contributor now.

More on the camps, including some of the college players who act as counselors, even some of our own at the NIKE camp:

Illinois' backcourt of Dee Brown and Williams are here. As are Georgia Tech's Will Bynum and Jarrett Jack, Arizona's Hassan Adams and Channing Frye, Kansas' Wayne Simien, Kentucky's Chuck Hayes and Gonzaga's Ronny Turiaf, among others.

Here's a website covering some recruiting news, but take it with a grain of salt - he makes a lot of mistakes. Mentions GT in the running for Kovotney Barber, Lance Thomas, Theo Davis, Sean McCurdy, Jamal Boykin.

Here's more on the Adidas camp and the spectacle of the whole thing........ For pictures, click here.

CFN has GT in top 25

Well, they think we are only good enough for a 6-5 overall record and 7th in the ACC. HOWEVER, this apparently is good enough for their pre-season #25 ranking. Other ACC teams:

7....FSU
8....Miami
9....NCST
10...UVA
19...Clemson
20...Maryland
25...GT

So that's 7 of the 11 ACC in their pre-season top 25 - not bad at all. A bit unrealistic, but we'll take it.

Where are they now - Mark Tiexiera

Wins AL Player of the Week. Congrats!!! Link here.

Teixeira led the AL with five homers, 11 RBIs, 10 runs scored and 26 total bases last week.

Around the ACC - the Will to Win

Interesting editorial perspective on which teams in the ACC are truly dedicated to winning as part of their mission.

The New ACC has four acknowledged “Big Market” members … Miami, FSU, VaTech, and Maryland. The commitment to having a nationally prominent football program is in synch from top to bottom within those institutions. Yes, you will even find grumbling dissidents among their tweed jacketed academics and hairy armpit academicettes, but their grumbles are muffled at those four schools. A 5th school, Clemson, could be placed in that category as well.

UVA, GaTech, and Boston College occupy a 2nd strata of member institutions where the level of commitment to Football Success is sincere but not as dominant. A change in Chancellors, a new Trustee Prez, a firebrand faculty dissident and the pendulum easily could swing back to the dreaded “within the framework of our overall academic mission …” status.

That leaves our four North Carolina schools. Oh, I know you hot to trot Wuffies do so want to believe they are on a balls to the wall express train to the BCS … but in the post-#17 era and with a new Chancellor-to-be, and with “the new math requirements” looming down the road. Our Lupine friends have a “governor” on their accelerator that, over the long run, will decidedly impact their hell bent race to BCS glory. Through no fault of Chuck Amato, Wendell Murphy, Doc Holliday, Lee Fowler, et al. The commitment within the Athletics Dept is clearly there. But at the higher institutional level the “within the framework of …” is clearly in command.

As for the remaining three schools … UNC, Duke, and Wake … there is really no pretense. “The academic mission” is the straw that stirs the drink. His army of critics notwithstanding, it is to Richard “Dickie” Baddour’s best interests for UNC to be the #1 Football program in the ACC. I have no doubt that Jimmy Moe would think it quite a fine achievement too. Is there a single all-powerful jock-hating squirrel with his/her hand inhibiting the throttle? No … despite the Lunatic Fringe's demands for "a human to hate" and sacrifice ... it is an overall entrenched institutional mindset … shared by both Duke and Wake AND NCSU. Who is to say it is either incorrect or not a practical point of view? Well, actually the goggle-eyed loonies "say" ... they could give two shakes of a rat’s rear about academics. There is some merit to their angry protestations (Gawd help us all!).

Personally, I see this as too simplistic. Maybe he just means that the "top tier" will sacrifice other areas in the name of winning, like taking in a recruit that has been arrested 10 times in 5 years. No doubt GT will strive to win, but will not sacrifice integrity, academics or ethics to get there.

Meanwhile on NCST:

Real question marks about NC ST football - starting with the QB.

Is State's schedule hard? Ok, that one has an answer - yes. In fact, the only certainty of the entire season is that the schedule will be brutal. State will face three teams (Miami, Florida State, Virginia Tech) on its 11-game schedule that spent some time in the top 5 last season. They also play at Maryland, Clemson and North Carolina. Off the schedule is Duke, but staying on is a team like Georgia Tech, which the Pack was able to beat just once in the Philip Rivers era.

Combine all those question marks with the unforgiving schedule, and it's easy to understand why the optimism has faded from the Wolfpack fan base this offseason. Many of the fans that were whispering greatness a year ago are now quietly saying "6-5?"

Appropriately, they end it with a question mark.

Recruiting - football

Clemson gets a verbal from Paul Muse, who also had offers from GT, Auburn, UCF and Maryland. Story here.

Football Notes

Looks like the new strength and conditioning coach is really making a difference. Isn't it crazy that Coach Gailey cannot even watch any workouts? The beaurocracy that is the NCAA strikes again. The focus from Gailey:

"We want to develop explosive strength and speed; that's the way this thing is headed," Gailey said. "Explosiveness and speed have to be our advantages."

As for specific programs:

Ciano broke down game films to produce a workout regimen that closely mimics game action in terms of activity and rest time. He designed his workouts to approximate game conditions. The players even where weighted vests to simulate pads.

The approach, different than the program under Ellis, has been welcomed.

"Last year, we would do a lot of running that was more like endurance-type running," linebacker Gerris Wilkinson said. "This year we do a lot more speed and agility moves. And they're set up like four quarters of running."

Nice article about the Jackets being underrated again and trying to sneak in and steal a title.

This on bowl opportunities in the ACC from CFN:

How can you have (insert ACC team here) with such a lousy record and finishing the year (in insert bowl here or not in a bowl at all)?

A: Welcome to the new ACC and the brutal schedules. Clemson fans have been the most vocal about a predicted 6-5 season, that could easily be 7-4, followed up by Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech fans wondering where their teams are on the bowl projections. There aren't enough slots for all the potential bowl eligible ACC teams and a few very good seasons are going to result in no soup for you. Put the Hokies and Yellow Jackets in any other league and there'd be a bowl slot waiting for them. Put the Tigers in the Big East, or maybe the Pac 10, and they'd be among the favorites for the league title.

Humor for the Day

This hilarious diddy is circulating on all the boards. I think it was created by someone who is a West Virginia U fan. Sung to the tune of "Cat in the Cradle". Personally I find myself singing it to the tune of "country boys will survive", but that's just me.

VICK'S IN THE CRADLE

A child arrived just the other day,
He arrived on campus in an Escalade.
But there were cops to bribe, and bonds to pay.
He claimed his stake while I was away.
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like Mike, Coach.
You know I'm gonna win for you."

And Lil' Vick's in the program with a silver spoon,
Hasn't played a down and is handed the moon.
"When am I starting, Coach?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get you in somehow.
You know we'll have a good time then."

Off came the redshirt just the other day.
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Coach, come on let's play.
Can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today,
Bryan's doing pretty good." He said, "That's ok."
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed,
Said, "I'm way better than him, yeah.
You know I'm better than him."

And Lil' Vick hits the ganja like a rasta goon,
Gets his ride shot up 'side The Boom Boom Room.
"What you gonna do, Coach?" "I don't know son,
but we'll say you dropped a class.
You'll only have to miss game one."

Well, we finished the season the other day,
We have 2 QBs but only one can play,
"Son, Bryan's a Senior. Can you sit a while?"
He shook his head, and he said with a smile,
"What I'd really like, Coach, is to smoke more weed.
See you later. I'm gonna go do the deed."

And Lil' Vick's in the bedroom with the pre-teen poon,
For the girl, he bought a fifth and a balloon..
"What you gonna do, Coach?" "I don't know son,
But we'll let this play out.
Was there even field turf on this one?"

The case went to trial and Lil' Vick has to pay.
I called him up just the other day.

I said, "Jim's gonna cover for you, stay clean son."
He said, "I'd love to, Coach, but I just bought this dime.

You see, school work is a hassle, and my bro's got the brew,
But it's sure nice talking to you, Coach.
It's been sure nice talking to you."

And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me,
Time to recruit a QB.
We're gonna need another QB.

And the pot's in the Caddie with system goin' boom,
Lil' Vick speedin' and screamin' "Vroom! Vroom!"
"What you gonna do, Coach?" "I don't know son,
Maybe I should retire soon?.
You know you'll have a good time then."

College Coaches Hail King K and musings on the NBA

Well, the rat gets the cheese, and the adoration of fellow coaches, including our own Coach Hewitt:

Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt, who is supportive of the partnership with Brand, saw the dangers in Krzyzewski's possible career change. "If college presidents don't read something into Mike Montgomery leaving and Mike Krzyzewski contemplating leaving, then they don't care about college basketball."

I'm sorry, but I've heard all the arguements for and against kids going to the NBA out of high school. At the end of the day, if there is a market for 18 year olds at a professional level, they should have every right to be there. We are talking capitalism and market forces here. If the NBA wants to push out their veteran players with higher salaries in favor of young kids who will ride the pine, that is their choice. We allow 14 year olds to play professional tennis. For crying out loud, we had a 13 year old (Michellie Wie) on the WPGA. Yeah, yeah, I know, she doesn't accept winnings. Whatever.

I don't like Bobby Knight, but he said something once that made a lot of sense. "College isn't for everyone". He's right. And don't think for a second colleges were fighting for Lebron James because he would make a great student. It's all about the Benjamen's baby. You don't see these colleges fighting after these kids when their NBA careers are over, saying "come to Duke". If they have a 900 SAT score, and no NCAA eligibility, why bring 'em. There are plenty of 1400 SAT dorks who don't play hoops that will go to Duke. (I know, I know... it's like the pot calling the kettle black).

So the colleges need to stop acting so shocked and terrified that the best young players aren't gracing their level of the sport. The college game is still alive and well. There is NO other sporting event that rivals March Madness that captures the imaginations of fans and media alike.

Coaches, just accept the reality that the recruiting game just got tougher for the elite. You now have to navigate the minefield of getting commits from players that will stay 1-4 years, balance out your squad so you are not left high and dry every other year, and at the same time try to build the experience that is needed to win it all. That's life. That's called leveling the playing field. You think Xavier and Princeton were Cinderella stories.... wait to see how many glass slippers show up in the next 5 years.

Recruiting - Hoops

A story on Jessie Sapp, a hoops recruit, who has GT in probably his top 10. Link here........... Here is a nice review of the NIKE hoops camp from a Duke site. Here is a re-cap of some recruits GT is interested in:

Jamal Boykin (6'6, 226, 2005)
The one thing that really stood out about Boykin was his attitude. He was very vocal and intense. Several times he came down court trying to pump up his teammates, yelling "D-up." On the court he was very active on both sides of the ball. Boykin seems to be an extremely competitive person. He has a strong upper body and likes to play near the basket on offense, often trying to post up his defender. In the first half, he missed a couple of layups and had a jump shot blocked. He did put back an offensive rebound for two points under the basket. In the second half, Boykin hit a runner across the lane; he was also fouled on a putback off the offensive glass. He had one nice no look interior pass for an assist to a teammate cutting across the lane baseline. He also pulled down an offensive rebound. In terms of body, intensity, and attitude Boykin reminds me of Nate James�and, to me, that's saying a hell of a lot.

At this point, Boykin likes Boston College, GT, Illinois, Pitt and Duke, with Duke being the only school not to offer. It is widely believed that if and when Coach K puts the offer on the table, Boykin will jump. It's too bad for GT fans if he choses Duke, because he seems like a quality kid who works hard and epitomizes what Coach Hewitt is trying to find. He does plan on taking an official visit to GT prior to his scheduled visit to Duke in September.

On another note, RamblinRed over at the Hive reported that Alade Aminu had a good first day at NIKE Camp.

The Summer Camps

Well, right about now, many of the summer hoops camps have gotten started. The ones I speak of are all sponsored by shoe companies. If you don't think these shoe companies influence the kids, check out this quote from Javaris Crittenton, on why he chose the Adidas camp:

"I wanted to stay loyal to Adidas," said Crittenton, who teamed with NBA No. 1 draft choice Dwight Howard to lead SACA to the Class A championship last winter. "It is all about who will market you the best."

Adidas Camp, Suwanee GA. July 7-10.

GT Recruits of interest:

Mario Chalmers - committed to Kansas
Anthony Goods - committed to Stanford
Kovotney Barber - in his top 3
Javaris Crittenton
Anjuan Wilderness - not sure the interest - from ATL
Brandon Costner
Marcus Williams - not in his top 7
Terrance Williams - committed to Louisville

NIKE Camp- July 8-11

IndyStar article
Another article

GT Recruits of interest (thanks to JuniorNT at the Hive for the list)

Alade Aminu- GT Commit Stephenson HS Stone Mountain GA
Eric Boateng- St. Andrew's School MiddleTown DE - Duke lean
Jamal Boykin- Fairfax HS Los Angeles CA - will go do Duke if they want him
Casaan Breeden- Marlboro County HS Clio SC - will not go to GT
Lee Bynum- St. Joseph HS Plainsboro NJ
Kevin Durant(06)- National Christian Academy Capitol Heights MD
Levance Fields Xaverian HS Brooklyn NY
Walter Hodge- Florida Air Academy Melbourne FL
Billy Humphrey- Dacula HS Dacula GA
Calvin Miles- Dallas Skline HS Dallas TX - Package deal w-K.Rogers?
Kevin Rogers- South Oak Cliff HS Dallas TX - Package deal w-CJ Miles?
Magnum Rolle- St. George HS Bahamas
Jessie Sapp- National Christian Academy New York NY
Jevohn Shepherd West Hill Collegiate Scarborough Ontario Canada

Famous Jackets who have attended the NIKE Camp include Travis Best, Dennis Scott, Kenny Anderson and John Salley.

REEBOK ABCD Camp, July 8-10 Teaneck, New Jersey

Roster not published yet.

Betting odds for the ACC

"Tanenterp" over at the Maryland board posted these odds from 5dimes.com on winning a National Championship.

Basketball:
UNC 7-1 (Lowest odds for any team in the country)
Dook 10-1
WF 11-1
GT 18-1
NCS 18-1
Terps 20-1
FSU 100-1
UVA 200-1
Clemson No Odds
Miami No Odds
VA Tech No Odds

Football:
Miami 7-1
FSU 12-1
Clemson 45-1
Terps 50-1
UVA 50-1
VA Tech 50-1
GT 70-1
NCSt 250-1
Duke No Odds
UNC No Odds
Wake No Odds

Honestly, GT at 18-1 in hoops would be decent betting odds if you asked me.

Holy fastball Batman, Kyle Bakker Retires !!!!

No joke. Link here. The guy is 3-0 with a 1.91 ERA in 20 appearances and decides to call it quits. His heart just must not have been in it. It's too bad, because we could have used him last season.

Where are they now - Bryce Molder

Nice article on Molder making his way back to the big tour. He has just made full status on the Nationwide Tour with his recent string of strong performances.

For Tiger Woods, only major titles measure his career. At this point, paychecks are progress for Molder. Almost unnoticed, he has been on a roll. A golf vagabond when the season began, he will be able to play in any Nationwide Tour event after that tour reshuffles the player standings in another week. He has earned that status in blue-collar style.

More on Recruiting Reform and Coach K

Editorial on reform in the recruiting process and this on Coach K:

Speaking of Krzyzewski, I don't think he had any intention of taking that job with the Los Angeles Lakers. More than likely, he was feathering his nest.

Every now and then, a coach -- even a firmly established one like Krzyzewski -- needs to allow his name to be dangled in the media in order to prevent the faithful from taking him for granted and whispering, "What has he done for us lately?"

This time-honored tactic always results in an outpouring of love and inevitably a salary adjustment.

Speaking of reform, another case on J.Herrick and the DumbDawgs, with an SAT scam, hit the courts this week.

Recruiting - Football

Interesting story on Neefy Moffett, who does have an offer from GT.

Moffett first appeared on recruiters' radar screen four years ago when the college scouts were hanging around Palm Bay's spring practice trying to curry favor with Reggie Nelson and Joe Cohen, who eventually both signed with Florida. Their interest really peaked when the 13-year-old, 6-1, 200-pound freshman had three sacks, nine tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Pirates' spring game.

As for an interesting recruiting touch check this out:

"But I'm gonna wait until signing day. So far, it's been all right because they can't call yet so it's nothing but letters. I don't get caught up in all those letters. The handwritten ones are the only important ones. "

Where are they now - Coach Cremins

In Minnesota playing golf, that's where:

Former Georgia Tech men's basketball coach Bobby Cremins was in town recently to speak at the Gophers golf fund-raiser at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake.

Coach Hewitt address his alma mater

High school that is. Article here.

Continuing with the legacy theme, the graduates were paid a special visit from one of Westbury High Schools' successful alumni, Paul Hewitt, head coach of the Georgia Tech men's basketball team. Hewitt flew in from Atlanta to address the class and share in their special day. "I want to tell you graduates just how lucky you are...In my opinion you are graduating from the best high school in the entire country," Hewitt declared, adding, "The people who were at Westbury High School when I attended there are the people who are responsible for who I am today."

Hoops Coaches Recommend Sweeping Changes

The NABC has recommended "sweeping" changes to recruiting. Here are the highlights:

- players get 5 years of eligibility
- allows coaches to talk to players outside traditional player/coach situations
- eliminate "offical visits" to high school juniors in favor of monthly phone calls

The main goals of the recommendations were stated as:
- getting players to graduate
- keeping them eligible
- preventing high transfer rates

Another goal though is to allow coaches more contact with players during the summer. While the stated goal is to allow them to mentor kids academically, let's not kid ourselves. While Luke S is working out with Mackey every morning, wouldn't it be nice if Coach Hewitt could be there also? Seems ridiculous that he is limited in contact.

The one thing missing from all this is the details. That is where you find the truth. So stay tuned.

Where are they now - Daryl Smith

Nice reference from D-Smith in a Q&A from the jaguars.com senior editor:

Luke from Jacksonville: I recently watched a re-run of last year's FSU/Georgia Tech game and watching Greg Jones run the ball into Daryl Smith was like watching the proverbial unstoppable force meet the immovable object. It seemed as if Smith was in on every tackle and Jones had his legs churning the whole time. I know it's hard to make a “steal” pick in the second round, but has what we've seen in camps so far given us the indication these guys gave us first-round value on a second-round budget?
Vic: Clearly, the answer is yes.

If this doesn't get you excited nothing will

Check this out on freshman WR Calvin Johnson:

It hasn’t taken long for Georgia Tech true freshman wide receiver Calvin Johnson to impress his new teammates.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Johnson set team highs in the broad jump and the vertical jump this summer. Johnson jumped 11 feet, 3 inches in the broad jump, besting linebacker Gerris Wilkinson by two inches. The freshman jumped 43 inches in the vertical jump, topping safety James Butler by two inches.
Those jaw-dropping numbers, in addition to Johnson’s work during summer drills and 7-on-7 situations, have his new teammates raving.
“He’s got the talent to be whatever he wants to be,” Tech senior guard Andy Tidwell-Neal said at the Peach State Pigskin Preview on Wednesday at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. “If he wants to be an All-American, he has the talent.”
Johnson, who played at Sandy Creek High School, chose Tech over Georgia after an extensive recruiting battle. He is expected to start opposite senior Nate Curry this fall.

Here's a repeat of that story with some other stories on why Gerris Wilkeson shortened his name and why Andy Tidwell-Neal didn't.

Football Recruiting - summer camps

A lot of articles mentioning kids going to the Georgia Tech summer camp. No doubt a good way for potential recruits to get exposure to the campus and the facilities.

Summer Camps Pay Dividends for Locals

Q&A with Whitfield's Stephen Wright (one of my favorite comedians)

Q&A with Cherokee's Anthony Steele. (now if that's not a football name, what is?)

Marist's Russell ready for high visibility role

Q&A WITH... NEWNAN'S SERGIO RENDER

Where are they now - George O'Leary

Upbeat article on getting a 2nd chance - for O'Leary and M.Price (Alabama scandal).

First is George O'Leary, new head coach of the Central Florida Knights.

This was a guy who had apparently punched a ticket to the top of the college football world after leading Georgia Tech to a 52-33 record and five bowl appearances in just seven seasons.

That resume was impressive, indeed, and got the attention of Notre Dame - a program that found itself muddling through mostly sub-par seasons under defensive guru Bob Davie.

It seemed like a match made in gridiron heaven. I mean, a guy named O'Leary guiding the Fighting Irish has a certain symmetry to it. But a resume is what ultimately cost O'Leary a chance to earn a living in South Bend.

Seems in his younger days O'Leary decided the best way to work his way up the football food chain was to sweeten the recipe, so to speak. When it was later discovered that his resume had several falsehoods on it, O'Leary had no choice but to resign from a post he held less than a week.

The sad part is none of it had anything to do with his coaching ability. But a school that prides itself on strong academics and strict code of honesty in the classroom couldn't afford to keep a man who had lied about attaining a Master's degree and exaggerated his college football participation, so O'Leary spent the last couple of seasons working with the Minnesota Vikings' defense.

Now O'Leary has another shot at college head coaching, this time with the Knights.

Still, the guy can coach. If he can make Georgia Tech a consistent winner - another school that requires its athletes to have brains as well as brawn - he has a chance to do the same with Central Florida.

Don't expect O'Leary or Price to ever to land dream jobs again - from a tradition standpoint Notre Dame and Alabama are hard to top - but honesty, good behavior and more wins than losses could go a long away toward paying off their penance.

Where are they now - Joe Harris

After playing for GT in the 1970's and also 6 NFL seasons, Joe Harris is still the leading tackler all-time. What is he doing now? He and former GT teammate Lucious Sanford manage several Men's Warehouse stores. Here is a nice story on Harris. But check out the pic - what's up with the neck-scarf? Ok, maybe at the time it was quite "hip". In retrospect.... ouch. Of course, most fashion trends in retrospect give the same reaction.

Hewitt interview from RamblinWreck newsletter

Thanks to KMW5287 over at ESPN's site for typing this up:

Of the four freshman coming in, is there one guy that really stands out?
I think all four have a chance to have great careers here. I don't know who's going to get out of the gate fastest. If you asked me to guess, maybe (Texas forward) Jeremis Smith, but I think all four have a chance to be great.

During the course of this past season, you mentioned the advantage of having a group of players that had been together for at least a year, if not more. Looking ahead to next season with at least four freshman, how do you get them up to speed quickly?
I think we will rely on the veteran players. It will clearly be the most experienced team I've had since coming to Georgia Tech. That should also make it easier for us as coaches to teach and get guys to understand what we want them to do and how we want them to do it. Probably how we want them to do it is more important than what we want them to do.

How has the Final Four appearance changed your life over the past few months?
I've really had to be careful how I manage it. I do realize that when you're in sports, you're not really doing the heavy lifting in society. You hope to give people a release from their day or a release from what's going on in the real world. You also have a responsibility to speak and make appearances if people ask you to do it, but I realize that those appearances can wear on you.

Recruiting - Hoops

GT is recruiting Harvey Perry Jr.

Locally, Kruger continues to recruit Harvey Perry Jr., a 6-5 former Cheyenne High School shooting guard who plans to attend prep school this fall at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.

"(UNLV) offered him a scholarship (for 2005) last week," Perry's father, Harvey Sr., said Tuesday. "They're definitely on the list, but there's a lot of schools after him -- Arkansas, Florida, Syracuse, Memphis, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Oregon State, Minnesota, Boston College. But UNLV is in the top 10."

Here's another guy GT is interested in - Uche Echefu - now that's a name. Looks like he's not quite prepared for the recruiting process -

“All of these guys want to talk to him but he’s not into that. He just wants to get better. He’s really overwhelmed."

Here are some comments about coaching the Global Games.

Rating the ACC O-Lines

Well, the Duke site has us with the #7 O-Line in the conference. Link here. Here is what they say

7. Georgia Tech – The Jackets must overcome the loss of all-ACC tackle Nat Dorsey, however, Tech has a history of producing quality college linemen. OT Kyle Wallace is a candidate for postseason honors. Tech also has lots of 4th and 5th year players along the front, such as LT Kenton Johnson and LG Leon Robinson, which should make the offense go.

Around the ACC

Well, welcome to the ACC Miami and VaTech.......Marcus Vick busted for pot and speeding. So how long would he stay if his last name wasn't Vick?...... Recruit Willie Williams STILL could end up a Hurricane -

Football recruit Willie Williams, who's averaged one arrest for every two years of life, just got three years probation for violating probation.

Wow, I guess you can't change who you are deep down - I'm talking about Miami by the way, not W.Williams. Here's more on the issue. And yet one more article with comments from the judge - "this is a very, very last opportunity that Willie will be getting". That's right, 10 times is enough!!......... More on Coach K, saying that the NFL college-to-pro move is not the killer like the NBA, and citing Bobby Ross. Or how about the best anti-Duke site, theTruthAboutDuke.com. Did you know that UNC Coach Roy Williams turned down the Lakers job BEFORE Coach K was even contacted? It's true........... Skip Prosser talks recruiting and the NBA.

"I have a hard time imagining that Sebastian Telfair is more of an NBA player than Jameer Nelson," he said. "I think I would much rather play against Sebastian Telfair than I would against Jameer Nelson. But someone in the NBA seems to think I'm dead wrong."

........ For the 3rd year in a row, the top in-state recruit at UVA will have to attend prep school because of grade problems.

At GT, Chaunte Howards aims for the Olympics. Hey, had to throw in some good news

CFN makes their ACC Football Predictions

I will add them to the master list, but wow, talk about non-committed. How about a 4-way tie for 1st place and a 2-way tie for 5th. Come on guys, get off the pot, show you have a pair, pick someone to win.

Link here.

1t...Miami (6-2, 9-2)
1t...FSU (6-2, 9-2)
1t...NC ST (6-2, 9-2)
1t...UVA (6-2, 9-2)
5t...Clemson (6-2, 9-2)
5t...Maryland (6-2, 9-2)
7....Georgia Tech (4-4, 6-5)
8....VaTech (3-5, 6-6)
9....Wake Forest (2-6, 5-6)
10...Duke (1-7, 2-9)
11...UNC (1-10, 0-8)

ACC Magaizine Predictions

I have bought all the magazines that have come out so far (that I can find), and here are the ACC rankings for each, in a matrix similar to the folks over at stassen.com have compiled to compare all the pre-season mags.

Bottom line is that so far we are squarely pegged for 8th place in the new 11-team league
2004 Magazine Predictions


Lest you forget how the prognosticators did in 2003, here is a re-cap from stassen also. The last column shows the actual finish order. Obviously there are many different prediction services and experts for 2003. More will follow for 2004.

Is recruiting guru Tom Lemming corrupt??

Check out this article. Is ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Lemming trying to convince everyone that FSU sucks and they should go elsewhere. If everything in this article is true, I could believe it.

Recruiting - Hoops

Make sure to check back often over the next few weeks. A lot could happen in the hoops recruiting world. Camps are underway soon, coaches are allowed to travel and visit recruits now and many players are close to making decisions. Should be an interesting month.

Recruiting - Football

Yeah, we follow football recruiting right? Well, check out this update from the Ohio State site on their recruiting - an interesting read, with mention of RB Maurice Wells, who has GT and OS in his top 3.

Another re-cap of GT Football

From the insiders site. I don't think they quite got it right. They lead you to believe that the offense of more solid than the defense:

The Yellow Jackets had a winning season due to their defense. This will be the greatest weakness this season

Look, we all know we lost our All-American linebacking corps, and that will be a huge question mark. But the defensive line could be one of our strongest in years AND our secondary is actually one of the best in the nation, and probably #2 in the ACC behind Clemson. So yes, there are holes to fill, but the defense imo will be in the top 4 of the ACC. No doubt J.Tenuta will adjust his schemes to focus on our strengths, which shift this season.

Honestly, most of my questions center around the offense. The line, the inexperience of the receiving corp, the maturation of Ball, the conservative play-calling. If everything develops well, it could be a special season. But I think the defense will still be excellent. We were dead last in the ACC in offense last season, and we have to improve that to move up in the conference.

On a separate note, here's a look at Maryland, if you are interested.

Recruiting - Hoops

One big-man who has GT on his short list is Eric Boateng. Here's an article on him from the Fayetville Online. It sure looks like Duke is a leader for the young man, and with Coach K officially "back", I'm sure he'll wrap him up.

Another kid that Duke probably has first dibs on is Jamal Boykin. He looks like the type player and person that Coach Hewitt would love to have - hustles, plays hard, defends, rebounds, and is developing offensively. He will visit GT and has an offer, but it sure looks like if Duke wants him they will get him. They have not offered, but he will visit them in the fall and probably offer him then.

Bottom line is that for kids considering GT AND Duke, we're not in that league yet. What it will take is consistent winning year-in and year-out. We cannot finish in the middle of the ACC pack every year, and of course we need to compete for national titles, much like we did last season. And for all the kudos from last season, we have to remember we only tied for 3rd place in the ACC - so there is HUGE room for improvement.

I love where the program is going, but Duke still gets their pick, and probably will even more so now that Coach K has decided to stay.

In other recruiting news, here are some mention of recruits that we are in competition with Kansas over, including CJ Miles, Kevin Rogers and Austin Jackson:

Kevin Rogers, 6-8, 220, South Oak Cliff High, Dallas: Rivals' No. 36-rated player wants to attend the same college as 6-6 C.J. Miles of Skyline High in Dallas. Rogers, who plans to visit KU with Miles this fall, lists KU, Texas, Arizona, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Baylor, UConn and North Carolina.

C.J. Miles: Rivals' No. 30-rated player, who will attend this week's Nike camp with Rogers, lists KU, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Texas and Arizona.

Austin Jackson, 6-1, Denton, Texas: Rivals.com's No. 41-ranked player, who like Henry is a standout baseball player, lists Oklahoma, Illinois, UConn, Georgia Tech and KU.

A CAUTIONARY TALE
Here is the story of Josh Powell, the talented NC ST star who left college for the draft, but went undrafted. He is now trying to catch on with the Heat 2 years later, having not played in the NBA yet. However, did you know that in his heart he wanted to go to Georgia Tech? Check it out:

Powell, from Riverdale, Ga., went to N.C. State only because his mother and stepfather preferred the school. If he had followed his heart, Powell would have attended Georgia Tech, where then-coach Bobby Cremins was churning out NBA players almost every year.

Powell says he entered N.C. State with an open mind, but he never felt like the program had its priorities in order. Though Powell never mentioned the player by name, it seemed to him that the team was catering to blue-chipper Julius Hodge, and Powell was taking the lumps that came with it.

Wake Forest Basketball

Quick prospectus about WF hoops in the upcoming season. If you think GT hoops will have high expectations, check out WF. They return all their starter and lose hardly anyone. They return 98.2% of their scoring and 97.1% of their rebounding. They have been tabbed pre-season #1 by the Blue Ribbon College Yearbook.

So while GT will be better, so will most other ACC schools, including WF. What's funny is that the least improved team might be Duke. FSU is not far behind, as losing Tim Pickett is huge. But they have a young group of talented players ready to step up.

The ACC was brutal in 2003/2004. Next will probably make last year look like a cake-walk.

Recruiting - Hoops and OSU

Interesting article on OSU taking advantage of their Final Four appearance on the recruiting trail. As we know, we beat them in the Final Four, so it should be interesting to see how GT takes advantage.

Clemson media looks at GT

Imagine my surprise when I picked up the Greenville News over the weekend and found this article profiling GT.

Clemson University doesn't foresee Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball providing verbal inspiration this time.
Before facing Clemson last season, Ball said the Yellow Jackets weren't going to lose another game the rest of the year.

By the time it reached 10 p.m. in Atlanta that Saturday, Clemson sacked the confident Ball five times and racked up 436 yards en route to a 39-3 Atlantic Coast Conference win.

It was Clemson's largest margin of victory against Georgia Tech in 100 years and a performance inspired by the freshman quarterback's bold words.

"I remember they had him on the news, and he was saying since they played Florida State close they weren't going to lose another game," Clemson senior linebacker Leroy Hill said. "It's a new season and I doubt he says that same stuff again."

They do go on to say nice things about how his game will mature and he will make better decisions.

Where are they now - Nomar G

Nomar is back in the swing, having a nice weekend at the plate. But the real question - if he was ready for the Braves, why on Earth did he skip that marathon game against the Yankees. No doubt he has taken a lot of criticism for missing that game and then turning around a playing as soon as that series was over. But Nomar is a gamer and a competitor, so he should know what's best for the team. I'm sure it killed him NOT to be on the field.

I told you so

I knew Coach K wouldn't leave - see here. Here's the story. In a few minutes we will hear his scheduled press conference and here is what he will say:

- lot's of soul-searching
- not about money
- heart is in Durham
- Duke is everything to me
- Still like teaching / leading young people
- There could be some crying

So he stays to terrorize ACC and national coaches until he retires. And you know what - if you thought Duke got their pick of recruits before, just wait now. Now Coach K is the coach that the Lakers wanted to pay more than anyone. This is the coach that Kobe wanted to play for. So while Coach K will have to be much more careful who he goes after, he will more than ever get his pick of the best.

Even Phil Taylor over at SI.com thinks so:

For the rest of his career, Coach K can tell wide-eyed recruits, "Yeah, Kobe wanted me to come and save the Lakers' franchise, but then I wouldn't have had the chance to recruit outstanding young men like you, son." Other schools can never again credibly suggest to recruits that Coach K might abandon them for the pros if they go to Duke, because if he turned down the Lakers, what other offer could lure him away?

Where are they now - Tara Knudsen

Hitting well - link here.

There is a reason the Texas affiliate in the National Professional Fastpitch softball league drafted Tara Knudsen to play in the Lone Star State last season so it could reap the rewards of days like yesterday.
Unfortunately for the Texas Thunder and fortunately for the New England Riptide Knudsen said thanks, but no thanks to San Antonio, and chose to stay one more year at Georgia Tech before turning pro, allowing the Riptide to use its first-ever draft pick on the all-time top home run hitter in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

High School Recognition - Anthony Morrow

Small mention about standouts at Charlotte Latin High School in Charlotte NC, including our own Athony Morrow:

Also, Anthony Morrow received a basketball scholarship to Georgia Tech;

Where are they now - Matt Murton

Looks like Murton is doing quite well - link here.

Murton, who earned all-star honors in the Florida State League and won the home run derby, said he has refined his swing in recent weeks with help from the Sarasota coaching staff, though he also credited the Lowell staff, minor league hitting coordinator Orv Franchuk, and consultants Carl Yastrzemski and Dwight Evans for their tips.

"You take a bit from everybody and see how it fits," Murton said. "It has helped to give me some consistency, and I've felt comfortable the last 20 days or so."

A righthanded batter who is projected to hit for power and average, Murton's plan is to move rapidly through the system without rushing his development so much that it sets him back.

"I feel like I can help a big league ball club one day down the road," he said. "I hope I can continue to move through the organization and help the Red Sox win."

Recruiting - Beesball

Story on a GT recruit we are in contact with, Mike Wanamaker - link here.

PJ gets minor media mention as rising Hiesman candidate

No doubt a strong start to the season will be key to getting any shot at Hiesman consideration for PJ Daniels. From the Corpus Cristi Caller Times:

Eyes were popping this past January when Georgia Tech running back P.J. Daniels ran through and around the Tulsa defense for 307 yards at the Humanitarian Bowl. It was the conclusion of a season that saw Daniels have three other games with 162 yards or more.

The junior from Houston will get the chance to do more damage in a offense that returns its quarterback and most of the offensive line.

Where are they now - Brian Burks

Burks got his first minor league victory - link here.

Brian Burks got the first win of his minor league career on Saturday. Burks was selected by the Padres in the 2004 amateur draft out of Georgia Tech. Burks throws four pitches, a fastball, slider, changeup and curve. Burks went an inning and a third, allowing just a walk to earn the win. He entered the game in the eighth and struck out a batter with two outs and two men on. Burks has not allowed an earned run in his five innings of work over five games

Global Games Update - USA beats Peurto Rico

Another tight one, but USA eeks out a win 108-107, to win the bronze medal. Here's the line for our recruits:

Anthony Morrow
13 points, 5-11 FG, 1-3 3pt, 2-2 FT, 5 boards, 2 assists, 4 fouls

Zam Fredrick
8 points, 3-6 FG, 1-1 3pt, 1-2 FT, 3 boards, 2 assists, 1 foul

Ra'Sean Dickey
12 poitns, 4-8 FG, 0-0 3pt, 4-6 FT, 11 boards, 1 assist, 4 fouls

Jeremis Smith
7 points, 3-8 FG, 0-0 3pt, 1-2 FT, 3 boards, 0 assists, 5 fouls

Potential signees
Byron Eaton
0 points, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3pt, 1 board, 1 foul

Kevin Rogers
0 points, 0-1 FG, 2 boards

No doubt this was the best all-around night for the GT group combined. They combined for 40 points, 22 boards and 5 assists. Link to boxscore...... Here's an article on the game. Evidently there was a scare when J-Smith landed on his head and was unconscious for a brief moment:

With 9:12 left in the fourth quarter of the fifth-place game against Puerto Rico, former Dunbar player Jeremis Smith fell and hit his head, rendering him unconscious for a brief period of time.

"I didn't know I was on the ground until I saw everybody standing above me and looking at me," Smith said.

Smith was helped off the court and sat behind the Team USA bench as he recovered.

He returned with 5:21 to play in regulation and connected on a key three-point play in the final minute before fouling out in overtime in Team USA's 108-107 victory.

"Mainly, I wanted to help my team," Smith said. "I didn't want to quit on my team. I got the three-point play and made the free throw like I was supposed to and then my team finished it up from there."

Smith and teammate Anthony Morrow, a fellow Georgia Tech signee, were both named to the All-Global Games Team.

Also note that 28 of 30 NBA teams had representatives at the Games. Ukraine wins the gold, defeating Croatia.

One more article on the game and this on J-Smith:

Team USA received a scare with 9:12 left in the fourth quarter, as Fort Worth Dunbar product Jeremis Smith was motionless on the court after falling and hitting the back of his head. The Georgia Tech signee returned with 5:21 left. He said his head hurt after the game.

Where are they now - David Newhan

Nice story on persistance.

Newhan wouldn’t let himself give up.

Not at a Southern California high school where the 5-foot-10 kid was thought to be too small to play baseball for a living. Not after he received no Division I scholarship offers after batting better than .500 his senior year.

Not after finally making it to baseball powerhouse Georgia Tech or after being drafted in the 17th round by the Oakland A’s in 1995.

“I have always believed in myself,” he says matter-of-factly.

Newhan, son of Hall-of-Fame baseball writer Ross Newhan of the Los Angeles Times, grew up around baseball. He loved playing it. He just needed some good fortune.

Chan Gailey - baseball star

Evidently he was a pitcher down at Americus - check it out.

"His junior year in the baseball playoffs, we went down to play Americus, where they had a pitcher named Chan Galey, who's now the football coach at Georgia Tech. It was Ray against Chan and neither team could score. We played 12 scoreless innings, before they took Chan out. Ray stayed in for 15 innings. We won 1-0 in the 15th.
"That was on Friday night. Game Two of the best-of-three series was on Tuesday night. We looked over at their dugout and Chan Galey's arm was in a sling. Ray, of course, pitched a shutout for us that night."

Funny Stuff on Coach K

Funny article on why Coach K needs to stay at Duke - link here. Some highlights:

They don't slap their palms on the floor in the NBA. (If Shaq gets any thicker this offseason, he might not be able to see the floor beneath his feet, much less bend over and slap it.)

They don't have those precious group-hug huddles after every foul in the NBA. (Unless they're plotting a way to get the coach fired by the next TV timeout. Or, to be Laker-specific, plotting how to dynamite the ball out of Kobe's hands.)

They don't let big-name coaches bully refs into getting all the calls. (They save that for the big-name players.)

They don't have college newspapers to browbeat in the NBA, and they don't generally cotton to coaches ignoring the media for days on end. ("I love my kids," might no longer suffice as a multipurpose quote, either.)

They don't do the Cameron Crazies thing in L.A. (Go ahead, ask the Gucci Row crowd to put on the face paint and matching T-shirts and jump up and down for two solid hours. OK, maybe Dyan Cannon signs on. But that's it.)

And they don't do Krzyzewskiville. (In case you missed it, Duke students held something of a midnight vigil upon hearing the news of Coach K's possible departure. The same students who camp out for days in advance of a big game. At Staples Center they're happy if half the lower arena is full before the second quarter.)

I remember a TV timeout in a big game a few years ago, a game your team was losing at the time. I remember being behind the Duke bench to hear your right-hand man, Johnny Dawkins, drop screaming F-bombs into players' faces and obscenely impugn the masculinity of every starter in the huddle. Your face indicated that you had no problem with it, perhaps even encouraged it.

Dog-cussing the players within earshot of the stands clearly won't play in the NBA, where the chain of command works a little differently than at your alma mater, West Point.

This article is just as funny - link here.

Trust me: the first time Bryant drops a dismissive, contemptuous f-bomb on Krzyzewski during a time out, the resulting Coach K nostril flare -- is that special, special spittle on the corner of his mouth? -- will be well worth your efforts.

Worst of all, I hardly can stand to pick up Sports Illustrated's college basketball preview issue, because some overhyped Dukie like Steve Wojciehowski is always grinning back at me. Even in the years the special, special Blue Devils aren't No. 1.

So help me out. Consolidate my hate. Give me a chance to focus. Give me a chance to live. Breathe. Exhale. Leech the toxins from the oil-spill beachscape of my jet-black heart.

Set me free -- free to detest just one team.

Sports Store to Open in Macon

Not a big deal, but thought I would mention it - link here.

Kruder said Sports Fan-Attic is different from many other sporting goods stores.

"We don't deal in basketballs. We don't do sneakers," Kruder said. "If you want to go to a game and you want a jersey to wear, we've got it."

The store is licensed to carry merchandise from all the major league sports, NASCAR and the NCAA, Kruder said. Because of the store's location in Macon, Sports Fan-Attic will focus on Georgia teams including the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, he said.

Sports Fan-Attic will employ about 7 or 8 people and will be located on the second floor of the mall, next to Dillard's department store. Kruder said the opening is scheduled for Aug. 1.

Eric Henderson on Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List

Link here.

UGAg writer with a chip on his shoulder

Wow, talk about unbiased reporting - NOT. This article, addressed to GT fans attempts to sarcastically explain the UGAg problems and pokes barbs at GT. Well, isn't the net great, any Tom, DICK or Harry can get published. That's progress I guess.

Hewitt and Cremins speak out on Coach K

From Coach Cremins - link here.

"This is not about money with Mike," said former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins, a longtime friend of Krzyzewski. "This is not about security. This is about him being challenged and him being happy."

More from Cremins in this article:

"When you think about ACC basketball, it's usually Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski," former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins said. " It would be a tremendous blow to the ACC."

Here's what Coach Hewitt had to say, along with a lot of other people, from foxsports:

Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt, on Krzyzewski's possible motivation: "I hesitate to try to put myself in his shoes, but what I can tell you is I sense a growing frustration about the rules being put in our game and how little input we have about the rules that govern our game. People talk about the kids going pro early as a source of frustration. I really don't think a lot of coaches are frustrated by that. I think what we're frustrated by is that we have no input on how our game is governed and managed, and I think that may be the source of a lot of frustration for coaches."

Global Games - USA loses again

Well, maybe that's what you get when a bunch of high school players play an international group of men. USA loses 94-76. Here's how the GT recruits stacked up:

Anthony Morrow
13 points, 4-10 FG, 2-5 3pt, 3-3 FT, 4 boards, 2 assists

Buck Fredrick
9 points, 3-7 FG, 1-4 3pt, 2-2 FT, 2 boards, 1 assist

Ra'Sean Dickey
5 points, 1-6 FG, 0-0 3pt, 3-6 FT, 5 boards, 1 assist

Jeremis Smith
23 points, 8-14 FG, 0-0 3pt, 7-10 FT, 12 boards, 1 assist

Potential signees
Byron Eaton
0 points, no shots, only 1 board

Kevin Rogers
0 points, 0-1 FG, 1 board

I think it is safe to say that J-Smith was the man for Team USA with 23 points and 12 boards, both highs for the team. Virtually all of his points were right around the hoops, so I imagine "workhorse" is the right word.

The DVD Cover

Well, we haven't seen the DVD and the date keeps getting pushed back. To tease you a little, here is a cover shot, courtesy of theGooley

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday

Here's hoping everyone has a great holiday. Have fun, enjoy the 4th and remember those troops protecting us around the world so that we can eat hot dogs and watch fireworks in peace. Thanks and God Bless!!

Take the Money and Run

That's the message to Coach K over at MSNBC - link here. They even mention the difficulty in walking the tightrope with attracting high school recruits and site Coach Hewitt with J.Jack:

Look at what Paul Hewitt endured at Georgia Tech to get a point guard like Jarrett Jack. Hewitt purposely did not recruit a point guard one year to make sure Jack knew the spot was all his if he picked Tech over Michigan.

What a tightrope that is to walk. What if Jack had not picked Tech?

Hey, speaking of Dookies, check out this article pointing out the test scores of Duke's hoops team versus the rest of the student body.

At Duke, the average SAT score for incoming freshmen is in the 1460range. This means that to be considered for admittance, a candidate would seemingly need to score at a similar level to that standard. Since a perfect score is 1600, this SAT score makes Duke University one of the more selective in the country.

Last year, Duke won this NCAA basketball tournament for the third time since 1991. Many saw this achievement as truly special, almost as if a Harvard or Yale had accomplished as much on the basketball court as they do traditionally in the classroom.

But recent research has shown that the members of the Duke basketball team do not approach the academic status of their collegiate peers. The basketball team's average SAT score of 960 falls far below the 1460 score mentioned earlier.

Yes, even at Duke, individuals with athletic prowess get admitted while numerous other students with much higher academic credentials get turned away.

Now, I don't really have a big problem with this. Stanford is the same way. Stanford is hard to get into, but not for the most talented athletes, as long as they can handle the coursework. For GT it is slightly different imo, because maintaining your status and the coursework is where things are hard at GT. As I've said before, Stanford is hard to get in, GT is hard to get out.

Grand-Am Daytona Results

Well, the old "Spark of Georgia Tech" finished 27th at Daytona. Link here.

27. (39) Chris Hall, Port Orange; Larry Huang, Ponte Vedra, DP, The Spark of Georgia Tech Pontiac Crawford, 62.

Miami T-shirt companies talking smack

Well, the t-shirt companies are trying to get ready for the ACC. Check out the following 2 shirts for sale (thanks to GTJay at the Hive):





Here is the link to buy them.

My Prediction - Coach K ain't going anywhere

I think he will be back. Here are a couple of reasons:

- The 2004/2005 season will be Duke's 100th season of hoops. You telling me he doesn't want to be around for that?

- Duke has a new president. This could be a power ploy to make sure "the new guy" knows who's boss.

- Money - get Duke to make him the highest paid coach in the game - which he is not

- The NBA is fickle. If it is not working out a few years from now, they'll dump him in a heartbeat

- Lastly, I think he could be sending a message to recruits. You guys are free agents and want to take advantage of the system. You're not holding all the cards.

I could come up with reasons on the other side as well, but my guess - he'll be back. Now why is all this happening? M.DeCoursey over at Fox says it's because that' what Kobe wants.

Welcome to the ACC

Today is the first official day that Maimi and VaTech are part of the ACC. Welcome, and please (to Miami in particular) try to maintain some semblence of standards. I could not believe me ears when I heard that Miami's incoming recruit Willie Williams could still end up playing in the fall. This is the kid who has been arrested 10 times in the last 5 years, recently violated his probation, committed 3 felonies on his official visit to U of FL....... and he could STILL end up playing. Amazing.

Well, you are what you are I guess.

Free Content at Insiders.com

Heat over to the Jackets insiders.com site until Sunday - all content is free until then. Lots of good stuff to check out. Link here.

Rumor of the Day

Heard this on sports radio on the way home. Unconfirmed reports are that Coach K of the Duke Blue Devils is in discussions to be new head coach of the Los Angelas Lakers. Here is the ESPN story, so it has some credibility. Here is the story from a Duke site. Boy, talk about a changing ACC landscape. Here are a couple of thoughts off the top of my head:

- Coach K hated ACC expansion because it focused on football. Maybe he doesn't want to share the limelight with football as the #1 conference sport

- Coach K really got hit hard with the NBA draft. His top freshman Deng went pro after one year and his PG of the future S.Livingston ended up getting drafted #4 before ever stepping foot on campus. Maybe he just realizes that his team won't meet "Duke" standards in the next few seasons.

- The Los Angelas Lakers are probably the one team that fits the size of his ego. Anything less would be lowering himself.

- The Lakes without Kobe and Shaq could be like the Bulls after disbanding with Jordan / Pippen. They would suck. Maybe he knows expectations would be drastically lower with Kobe / Shaq elsewhere. Success would be defined but a lot less than a championship ring.

Interesting developments. If I hear more, I'll let you know.

Global Games

Article with mention of J-Smith. Note that he might participate in a slam-dunk contest tonight.

If the Fort Worth school district ever put together a Dream Team, it would have definitely included Southwest's Brent Hackett and Dunbar's Jeremis Smith each of the past few seasons.

Hackett, a TCU signee who has a knack for seeing plays develop, and Georgia Tech signee Smith, a dominating presence in the paint, have played together on summer-league teams but never in school.

"[Hackett] and Jeremis do have a good rapport with each other," Southwest coach Scott Gray said. "That would have been something. ... That would've been three state titles there."

The two have been teaming up this week at the Global Games at Moody Coliseum. On Wednesday, Team USA suffered its first loss in pool play, 96-91 in a physical battle with Croatia.

Ranking the ACC Wide Receivers

link here. On GT:

9. Georgia Tech: Nate Curry is a very reliable receiver, but due to lack of experience, depth and their top player of a year ago Jonathan Smith, who received 1,100 of Reggie Ball’s 1,900 passing yards, Georgia Tech sits here at #9.

Georgia Tech fans hope help is on the way in the form of true freshmen Calvin Johnson, who has star written all over him. Johnson will have some growing pains this year though and will be tough to rely on for consistent production as a true freshmen. Darius Bilbo is a big, strong athlete and could be a major source of production for this unit.

All the reviews are saying the same thing - lose J.Smith, big question marks. Again, I've covered this already - link here. I think we lack experience, not talent, and we will see how it plays out.

NC ST hoops

CBSsportsline.com story on NC ST and the strong program.

Where are they now - K-Fox

The Chiefs agreed to terms with K-Fox. Link here.

GT to face Gonzaga in hoops

Well, our paths never collided in the NCAA tourney, even though they should have. Gonzaga will get their chance, as both teams will play in the Las Vegas Showdown December 18, which will be televised on ESPN. Guess what time the tip-off is? How about 12:30 am eastern time. Get you coffee, jolt and nodoze ready. Story here.

The real purpose of college athletics

Yeah, winning is important, but that's not really what it is all about. The winning just helps fund and grow opportunities like this - Habitat for Humanity - great job by Coach Gailey is showing these kids the right way to support the community, to work together as a team, and to never forget how lucky we really have things. Story here.


photo from www.ramblinwreck.com

Global Games Update - USA vs Croatia

Well, team USA could not beat the Croatian team, losing 96-91. The were behind the whole game and could not get a lead. Here are how GT recruits fared:

Anthony Morrow
5 points, 2-6 FG, 1-4 3pt, 0-0 FT, 3 boards, 2 assists, 4 fouls

Buck Fredrick
0 points, 0-3 FG, 0-2 3pt, 0-0 FT, 0 boards, 2 assists, 1 foul

Ra'Sean Dickey
16 points, 7-9 FG, 0-1 3pt, 2-2 FT, 5 boards, 0 assist, 5 fouls

Jeremis Smith
14 points, 5-9 FG, 0-0 3pt, 4-6 FT, 6 boards, 1 assist, 5 fouls

Potential recruits

Byron Eaton
11 points, 2-6 FG, 1-2 3pt, 6-6 FT, 1 board, 4 assists, 3 fouls

Kevin Rogers
0 points, 0-2 FG

Here are some comments on our players from various boards (Oregon board, ctjacket at Hive, RRed) from people who attended the games

- J-Smith reminds one person of an undersized Amare Staudamire. Undersized, but seems to handle taller players without difficulty. "aggressive, agile and strong".

- Dickey seemed more "raw", but nice post-up game. Good footwork, drop-step, finishes strong. A back-to-the-basket player.

- A.Morrow has been getting a lot of minutes and seems to be a floor leader. Vocal with teammates. Active on defense. Think Marvin Lewis part II, but a bit more athletic.

- Byron Eaton (a rising senior considering GT for hoops and football) - powerful, very quick, however selfish with the ball (at least in these games).

By the way, if you live in the Dallas area, you can party with the recruits at Jack's Pub and Volleyball Club July 3 at 8pm - 2am.

Also, in the never-ending quest to rid the net of references to "Georgia Tech University", I emailed the Global Games website because they had us listed as such on their alumni section. Guess what - they changed it today - VICTORY. Link here. What you will find interesting is that GT has had the most players in the Global Games with 11. The 2nd most is Missouri and Oregon with 7. If Eaton or Rogers go to GT we will grow that number. No doubt Coach Hewitt is a big supporter of this event - he has said it really shows the players how tough the next level of play can be compared to high school. Also gives our recruits a chance to bond and get to know one another.

Recruiting - Hoops 2005

More on the players in the 2005 class from USAToday.