Georgia Tech Basketball Preview 2014-2015
By Brad Rowland
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets forward Marcus Georges-Hunt (3) gets past Syracuse Orange guard Michael Gbinije (0) during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Georgia Tech won the game 67-62. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Frontcourt
As referenced in the backcourt portion of our program, Marcus Georges-Hunt is basically the lone “constant” from the 2013-2014 team. Georges-Hunt was the second-leading scorer on the squad last year, averaging 11.7 points per game despite struggling to just a 41.6% mark from the floor, and he is easily the best returning asset for Gregory and company. It remains to be seen whether Georges-Hunt can flourish as “the guy”, after Trae Golden took the majority of big shots last season, but for the Jackets to succeed, the versatile junior will need to have a breakout campaign.
Next to Georges-Hunt, the remainder of the starting frontcourt will likely be comprised of two transfers. Former Maryland forward Charles Mitchell and former Ole Miss center DeMarco Cox are penciled in as starters, and Mitchell may be the strongest offensive weapon outside of Georges-Hunt. The 6-foot-8 rising junior averaged 6.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in only 18.8 minutes per contest while with the Terrapins, and he was extremely efficient, converting 51.7% of his field goal attempts. Cox is also listed at 6-foot-8, but at more than 275 pounds, he is the bruiser of the group, and at the very least, he will bring toughness and experience to a front line that desperately needs both.
There also exists the possibility that Brian Gregory could go with a “big” lineup featuring Georges-Hunt at the shooting guard spot, and that would open the door for former East Carolina forward Robert Sampson. Sampson made 52 starts over three seasons at ECU, and last season, he averaged 6.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. 6-foot-9 sophomore Quinton Stephens could also be a valuable commodity off the bench in the frontcourt, and he was influential at times as a freshman, averaging 12.8 minutes per game.
Next: Predictions