Georgia Tech: Can the Yellow Jackets Go Dancing?

With only one game left in a surprising season, can Georgia Tech make it to the Big Dance?

By all definitions, it’s been a great year for Georgia Tech. In their first year under Josh Pastner, Tech has gone 17-13 and 8-9 in conference. The GT program was stuck in a state of mediocrity over the past few years with multiple coaching changes. The schools last NCAA tournament appearance came during the 2009-2010 season. Solid coaching and quality production on both ends of the floor have keyed this season’s success.

This team has been exciting and frustrating to watch at times this year. They have produced quality wins against UNC, Notre Dame, and FSU while losing to NC State and getting killed at Tennessee and Duke. The March Madness committee usually looks for consistency but quality wins absolutely help a teams case. Tuesday’s win vs Pitt was important and a win in the finale at Syracuse would be icing on the cake.

Continuing to build a resume in the ACC Tourney is key.

Another facet the committee looks at is the ACC tournament. GT has a great chance to impress by putting up a good performance. If the Jackets were to finish 9-9 in an extremely difficult conference and play well in the tourney then I have no trouble seeing an at large bid appearance. The ACC is arguably the best competition in the NCAA and seemingly could have bids in the double digits.

Georgia Tech has been helped also from quality play all around. Three players Josh Okogie, Ben Lammers, and Tadric Jackson are all averaging double figures. Lammers is also second in the nation in blocks at 3.4 a game while also bringing in nine boards a game as well. If this trio can continue to produce with help from guys like Quinton Stephens and Josh Heath, the Jackets could very well be going dancing.