Head Coach: Paul Hewitt
2008-09 Record (ACC): 12–19 (2–14)
2008-09 Postseason: None
Key Losses: F Alade Aminu (11.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.8 bpg), G Lewis Clinch (15.5 ppg, 3.0 apg)

2009-10 ACC Prediction: 2nd

Every piece has fallen into place for Georgia Tech. And boy, the Yellow Jackets can use them all after a disastrous 12–19 season. First, coach Paul Hewitt signed a glittering recruiting class ranked as high as No. 4 nationally. Forward Derrick Favors — an NBA Lottery Pick if not for the age minimum rule — heads a six-member class that includes hard-nosed point guard Mfon Udofia and slasher Glen Rice Jr., son of the former Michigan and NBA star. Then senior wing D’Andre Bell, who underwent spinal surgery and took a redshirt last season, was cleared to return. Finally, Gani Lawal passed on the NBA and came back for his junior year.

Armed with a deep and talented roster, Hewitt should deliver the fifth NCAA Tournament berth in his 10-year tenure. If not, his job will be in jeopardy.

Hewitt likes to rotate nine players freely and force an up-tempo pace. That’s how Tech played in its run to the 2004 national championship game. While a similar run seems like a long shot, these Jackets are capable of playing the same style and getting back to the ACC’s upper echelon.

Frontcourt

Lawal cooled off after a dominant start last season as opponents increasingly double-teamed him. That won’t be a problem playing alongside Favors. The 6'10", 234-pound freshman will attract attention, freeing Lawal to feast on the offensive glass and beat solo defenders. Although he’s one of the most hyped recruits ever to arrive on The Flats, Favors doesn’t play a flashy game.

“He keeps it simple,” Hewitt says. “Derrick focuses on rebounding, blocking shots, playing good defense, running the floor and getting easy baskets. My guess is there’s even more he can do. But he does a good job of focusing on the basic stuff.”

Senior Zachery Peacock, coming off a so-so season, could start or come off the bench depending on the matchup. Junior center Brad Sheehan will spell Lawal and Favors. Freshman Brian Oliver looks to be an immediate contributor because of his defense and 3-point shooting. Freshman Daniel Miller, who originally signed with Georgia, has time to develop.

Even with the loss of Alade Aminu, Tech’s frontcourt will be among the ACC’s best. “A talent of Derrick’s level should be able to offset the loss of Alade, who had an outstanding senior year,” Hewitt says.

Backcourt

Tech’s backcourt crumbled last season: Point guard Moe Miller suffered two concussions and a broken nose, shooting guard Lewis Clinch was ineligible for the first semester, and Bell, a wing, had to undergo spinal surgery and redshirt.

A freshman, Iman Shumpert, shouldered the load. While the combo guard led ACC rookies in assists (5.0 apg) and ranked third in scoring (10.6 ppg), he wore down and was way too careless with the ball. Shumpert should benefit from his ACC trial by fire.

Clinch is gone, but Miller and Bell are healthy. Tech sorely missed Bell’s leadership, not to mention his ability to shut down opposing scorers.

Lance Storrs supplies 3-point shooting off the bench. Udofia is a heralded point guard who’ll get major minutes, and eventually become Tech’s floor leader. Rice is an intriguing prospect who can break down defenders.

“We’ve got more experience and depth on the perimeter,” Hewitt says. “Our frontcourt was outstanding last year, but our backcourt was a little short on experience and maybe a little talent.”

This year, he added, “there’s going to be a lot of competition in practice in the backcourt.”

Final Analysis

Coming off a 2–14 ACC embarrassment, Tech is poised for a dramatic turnaround. The Jackets lost 11 games by seven points or less, so they weren’t as bad as their record indicated.

Turnovers, especially late in games, were a big culprit.

“Hopefully the experience D’Andre brings back, the experience Iman Shumpert gained, and Moe Miller being healthy again will take care of some of those turnover problems,” Hewitt says.

Tech also must improve its horrific 63.0 percent free throw shooting. Lawal (55.9 percent) and Shumpert (65.6 percent) are certainly capable of better accuracy, and Favors is a solid foul shooter who’ll be at the line often.

If the Jackets shore up those two areas, they could play late into March.