So I have written before about my unhappiness with our hoops program, today I will try to turn to a more positive outlook for the team after they have had back to back wins over pretty decent opponents. First up was the 22 point win against Arkansas. Yes, fully aware Arky has not won a road game all year, but let's face it, we have lost several home games in conference this year already, so that game was far from a gimme. We came out and just took it to them, the offense looked crisp, moving the ball all around the court and Gerald Robinson was on fire. More importantly to me, Marcus Thornton scored 10pts, actually hit a couple threes. If that kid could ever provide us with some offense, that REALLY improves our overall team and our overall outlook. KCP also played well and really stepped up the next game, at Miss State. Miss State was ranked #20, we never play well over there, they are a very solid team, especially at home. We took them to OT and actually won the game. GREAT WIN right there. KCP and GR really carried the show and although Marcus didn't score like he did against Arky, he still did a nice job on the boards, leading us with 9. Donte' Williams continues to also become more of a factor, against State he has 11 pts, and 7 boards.
Next up is a struggling South Carolina team on the road. Can we make it three in a row-that would be huge then heading into a weekend game against Vandy. Vandy is a TOUGH team with loads of experience and shooters but if we come in off of 3 straight wins, the fact we played them a tight game in Nashville, we could very well win that. IF that happens, we suddenly find ourselves at 5-7 in conference play!! WOW. With games left at LSU, home vs UF and SCarolina, then at UK, we could easily win 3 or those 4 and finish, 8-8-now how much of a shock would that be. I know a lot of hoops left to be played but if Coach Fox can get this team to 6 wins, that will be a very good rebound from what started off as a complete nightmare of a season. Granted 6-10 is not getting any post season invites but I honestly believed we had a chance to finish the season 1-15 just a week ago after bad losses at AU and UT. I am still concerned about next year, because we are now seeing just how important Gerald Robinson is for this offense. I think Ware can be replaced but I am not sure Robinson can be. But, the continued good play of Donte, Nemi has been a pleasant surprise and if Marcus Thornton can finally provide us with a little bit of offense, this team might not be as bad as I had thought for next year. Next up is at SCarolina tomorrow night, let's see if the momentum can indeed continue.
For all the hoop fans out there, Seth Emerson wrote a nice article about two former players now playing with the LA Clippers, Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie. Obviously our hoops team would be MUCH better if those guys had returned for their senior years but they are making nearly 500K a year sitting on the bench, not a bad life. Get paid 400K+ to practice/play the game you love, or sit in class and play college hoops. I can't say I blame those guys for leaving, they are learing more sitting on the bench there than they would playing in Athens-I do believe that becuase they get to learn the NBA, practice against better players, simply just work on their craft without the distractions of going to class etc.
http://www.macon.com/2012/02/14/1904004/frick-and-frack-georgia-pair-making.html
Finally, another top prospect picks UGA for class of 2013, this time Shaq Wiggins, corner from Sandy Creek HS. This kid is a 4 star prospect from a school we have NOT had much luck with in recent history. This same school produced Calvin Johnson, also the recent 2012 recruit Jaquay Williams. They have some talented kids in that program so always nice to see us getting in there and making some noise. Wiggins of course plays a position of need, especially since we will lose Smith, Commings, Rambo and Williams after this season, also Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders were kicked off the team (although there is a chance one or both end up back at UGA after spending time at JUCO). We now have 4 verbal commitments for the class of 2013, all are 4 start or better prospects so recruiting is off to a good start.
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