ACC Preview – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech just couldn’t figure out the ACC last season. After jumping out to a 9-4 non-conference start, the team finished with a final record of 16-17, winning just six ACC matchups. The Yellow Jackets were proficient in a few statistical categories, such as rebounding the ball and scoring defense, but they lacked the specialty in any particular area to exploit the weaknesses of better teams; their only notable win came against Syracuse, who was mired in an end-of-the-season slump.

With four outgoing and two incoming transfers, as well as a team dismissal, Georgia Tech will field a roster with a lot of new faces next season. Coach Brian Gregory certainly has his work cut out for him; roster turnover is never easy to manage, but with nine players leaving due to graduation or transfer, don’t count on the Yellow Jackets to take significant steps up the ACC ladder just yet.

 

Key Losses

Robert Carter Jr., F (11.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG)

While he led the team in rebounds, Georgia Tech will miss Carter Jr.’s post game the most. He was a reliable option down low, able to get a bucket or draw a foul almost at will, while also stretching defenses out of the paint. Carter Jr.’s transfer comes as a disappointment to the Yellow Jackets, especially since he landed with a formal ACC rival at Maryland.

Trae Golden, G (13.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.1 APG)

Originally a Tennessee commit, Golden transferred to Georgia Tech after three seasons with the Vols. Although his game is typically defined by his three point shooting, he struggled from behind the line last season, shooting a bland 33%; despite this, Golden still wound up leading the team in scoring and assists. With the dismissal of backup guard Solomon Poole, the Yellow Jackets have huge questions unanswered regarding the PG position.

 

Key Additions

Charles Mitchell, F (6.5 PPG, 6.3 PPG)

A Georgia native, Mitchell transferred from Maryland to be closer to his family. Especially with Carter, Jr.’s transfer, Mitchell is poised to play a key role in Coach Gregory’s rotation. Look for an improved Georgia Tech defense next year led by Chuck and his relentless hustle.

Tadric Jackson, G

Ranked 74th in ESPN’s top 100, Tadric Jackson will come to Atlanta with the expectation to score. Jackson can shoot the long ball efficiently, but he excels at finishing through contact and chooses to play the game above the rim. His passing and court vision are skills he must develop, but Jackson may have to play the point anyway given Georgia Tech’s lack of depth at the position.

ACC Preview – Clemson Tigers
ACC Preview – Clemson Tigers