There’s been a quiet ACC men’s basketball story developing in the month of February.
Georgia Tech entered the month 9-12 ( 3-7). The injuries were mounting and the season was going nowhere. Freshman stars Baye Ndongo and Nait George weren’t developing into the sophomores many expected. There was growing frustration by Georgia Tech fans disappointed in a season where there were pre-season NCAA tournament whispers.
Nearly a month later the Jackets went 5-2 (5-2), with wins over the ACC’s 2nd and 3rd best teams. Georgia Tech is the only team in the month of February to beat either Louisville or Clemson. They went on the road for their 3rd Q1 win of the month by winning at reeling Pittsburgh Tuesday night.
All year we’ve heard the ACC lacked Q1 opportunities and in general yes that’s true, but Georgia Tech proved they are out there.
They now stand 14-14 (8-9). It’s a testament to how Damon Stoudamire has held his team together. He’s had at least 5 of his top 8 contributors miss time during the month. Kowacie Reeves and Luke O’Brien haven’t played at all.
Nobody would have noticed if Georgia Tech had just played out the string of the season, but a funny thing happened. Georgia Tech became the team Pitt, Wake Forest, and SMU wanted to be. A team that could steal those Q1 victories, at home or away. A team that has improved as the season progressed, and a team despite injuries found a way to win.
Louisville’s Pat Kelsey is going to be the ACC COY. Jon Scheyer and Duke are the conference’s best team, and Brad Brownell has Clemson surging, but we shouldn’t overlook the month Stoudamire has coaxed out of team.
Georgia Tech’s depth issues still at times bite them, but make no mistake Stoudamire has them believing they still have plenty to play for.
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