It is going to be here before you know it. The college basketball season is right around the corner and Phenom Hoops wants to take their shot at previewing teams around the country for this upcoming season. All throughout the upcoming weeks, we will be previewing teams for this upcoming season, so be sure to check out all the latest talk.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
2020-21 Season:
Record: 17-9 (11-6 ACC)
Points per game: 74.9
Rebounds per game: 30.3
Assists per game: 15.8
Points allowed: 70.0
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Moses Wright (17.4)
Rebounds per game: Moses Wright (8.0)
Assists per game: Jose Alvarado (4.1)
Field goal percentage: Moses Wright (53.2)
Big losses from last season
Georgia Tech surprised many, securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament and finished 17-9 overall and with 11 conference wins. But a key part of that was the production level from guard Jose Alvarado and forward Moses Wright, who combined for nearly 32 points last year while also being productive on the boards and in leading the charge both offensively and defensively. Both though are now gone, so who will step up in their place' The Yellow Jackets do return a few key guys including players like Michael Devoe and Jordan Usher who started all 26 games last year.
Big season for Michael Devoe
Devoe has been incredibly productive throughout his career. He had a strong freshman season in which he played in 32 games and nearly averaged 10 points per game. He backed that up with a sophomore season in which he averaged 16.0ppg and then finished his junior season last year averaging 15.0ppg and shooting 45 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three. Now, as a senior, Devoe will be counted on once again to help lead the charge. If the Yellow Jackets make another strong push in the ACC, Devoe will be a key reason and could be in the mix for a First-Team All-ACC type season.
Breakout season for a few'
Khalid Moore, a 6'7 senior that started in 11 games and saw action in 25, could be a prime candidate for a player to break out. He played significant minutes and will be counted on even more this year to produce as a starter. He averaged 4.8ppg and 3.0rpg but will need to see those numbers take a big jump this season. Rodney Howard, a 6'10 center from Ole Miss, is another one to watch, hoping to help replace the production from Wright. He could be another breakout-type candidate to watch for. As far as other players that could see more minutes, the Yellow Jackets could look at 7'1 sophomore center Saba Gigiberia, junior guard Kyle Sturdivant, and senior Bubba Parham. Also, look for players like Tristan Maxwell to get a bigger role.
Incoming players that can help
Georgia Tech was able to secure a nice recruiting class along with a key transfer. Mississippi State transfer Deivon Smith is one to watch, as Smith averaged 5.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in 33 games for the Bulldogs. He will be looked at as one that could certainly help. Jalon Moore is a 6'6 athletic prospect that can get to the rim and can guard multiple positions. Miles Kelly is a 6'5 guard that can help from deep with his perimeter shooting. Deebo Coleman was a big win for Georgia Tech, as he was named Florida's Mr. Basketball and can bring a scoring power with a strong build. And don't forget 6'6 Jermontae Hill, a player that can help in several areas and can be a play-maker as a wing.
Key Stat to Watch
Georgia Tech ranked 1st in the ACC in field-goal percentage but also ranked 10th in the ACC in 3-pt field-goal percentage. They also struggled at times on the boards, especially on the offensive boards, ranking 13th in the ACC in offensive rebounding percentage (22.3).
