2006 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Basketball Preview

2006 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Basketball Predictions

The Yellow Jackets look to make vast improvements over last season where they went 11- 17 overall and 4- 12 in the ACC. One thing they’ll need to find is a competitive edge, especially late in their games. They have talent returning and new talent too but can they turn those talents into victories?

Point guard Zam Fredrick (10.6 PPG, 3.9 APG) transferred to South Carolina. That move opens up the court for freshman Javaris Crittenton, who’s solid on both ends. Crittenton is big, strong and knowledgeable. Junior Anthony Morrow (16.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 44.3 FG%, 88.7 FT%) had the most accurate 3-point shot (42.9%) in the ACC last season and is an excellent shooter, but he needs to show more drive and develop defensively. Lewis Clinch (8.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 40.2 FG%, 56.7 FT%) proved late in the season that he can score.

The Yellow Jackets look good in the frontcourt. Junior center Ra’Sean Dickey (13.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 59.7 FG%, 72.3 FT%) can score down low and is an able shot blocker, while junior power forward Jeremis Smith (11.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 49.1 FG%, 54.8 FT%) uses his bulk to capture rebounds but must find more consistency in his shot. Freshman swingman Thaddeus Young is exceptionally skilled and should be a contributor from the start.

Coach Paul Hewitt, who in six seasons has compiled a 107- 83 record, had led the Yellow Jackets to the Final Four in 2004. But last season was dedicated to rebuilding. The coach now has some hard-earned smarts and experience on this team but can he instill a killer instinct? Hewitt is dedicating himself to getting the Yellow Jackets to the point where they can make tough defensive stops and compete underneath for rebounds.

Expect more from Georgia Tech than last year. No team wants to give up in the final moments time and again. The club should have some confidence this season and a sound understanding of what it takes to win—a full forty minutes of effort every game.

If you want more info on the 2006 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Maryland Terrapins and Virginia Tech Hokies.