Things haven’t been the greatest under new head coach, Josh Pastner, for the Yellow Jackets. This would include a combined (34-35) for this program under him. However, this team should be looking up because, although Pastner hasn’t had the best record, he shows signs of a truly unique head coach. Look for Georgia Tech and what they can do this year.
Returning Players:
Georgia Tech returns three of their five starters from the 2017-18 season to help out with this year’s campaign. These three are made up of Jose Alvarado (guard), Brandon Alston (guard), and Abdoulaye Gueye (forward). These three weren’t the most productive members of the team last year, but made up a good margin of the play. I am most interested to see how Brandon Alston adjusts to now being more relied on more in result of the absence of Jose Alvarado. This will force Pastner to form a newer system to adjust for the positions they lack in. These three will be the runners of this offense with a new point guard most likely coming out of Curtis Haywood II or Malachi Rice. However this main lineup is posed, I am sure it will be capable of scoring and keeping a strong, physical defense.
Incoming Players:
The Yellow Jackets have brought in three new recruits on to join their program. The three would be 4-star recruit Michael Devoe (guard), 3-star recruit Kristian Sjolund (forward), and 3-star recruit Khalid Moore (forward). This was a good recruitment class for the program, since there has been a lack in forwards. Also, you can see Georgia Tech’s approach for the offseason when they bring in larger, taller players to help with their defensive unit. I am most excited to see how Michael Devoe develops into a system where the point guard is a much-needed spot for a leader. If Devoe can develop into the young leader that Pastner would need him to be, then I think you might see a surge of good play come out of Atlanta.
Key Games:
Nov. 13 at Tennessee – I am not looking at this game and expecting Georgia Tech to walk away with the win, but rather to see how they deal with tough teams on the road. It is no surprise that Georgia Tech will face many challenges like this along their season track.
Dec. 22 v. Georgia – This is a great home game that the Yellow Jackets get this year. Nothing better than hosting your rival in a game that you might be able to pull off and hopefully build up a winning slate. Look for Georgia Tech to dethrone Georgia in rivalry play.
Feb. 16 v. Florida State – The Yellow Jackets will host the Florida State Seminoles after after a tough road slate against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. This would be a chance late-season to pull off some in-conference upsets and wins.
Projected Season:
Record: 14-17
ACC Tournament: First Round
NCAA Tournament: MISS
Photo Credits: https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2017/9/25/16358700/50-days-to-tipoff-how-georgia-tech-will-use-2017-nit-run-to-their-advantage
