Georgia Tech at Virginia Basketball Preview

The Virginia Cavaliers are back home Saturday to host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.  It’ll be a special day at John Paul Jones Arena, as former head coach Tony Bennett will be honored at halftime.  Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM Eastern, televised on CW Network. 

The Cavs enter with a 4-8 record in ACC play, while Georgia Tech sits at 5-7.  Both teams are coming off arguably their best wins of the season.  UVA pummeled Pitt earlier this week and the Yellow Jackets survived a late night triple-overtime thriller at Clemson.  

About Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is led by second-year head coach Damon Stoudamire.  The former Arizona star played 13 seasons in the NBA.  He had a previous head coaching stint at Pacific, followed by a few years as an assistant with the Boston Celtics before taking on the Georgia Tech job.  His overall record as a college head coach is 96-107.  

Stoudamire’s team enters with an 11-12 overall record, 5-7 in conference play. Despite being hit by a rash of injuries, the Yellow Jackets are playing their best basketball of late.  They’re riding consecutive upset wins over Louisville and Clemson.  The NCAA’s NET rankings slot them at 119, five spots behind Virginia.  

Georgia Tech’s Personnel 

The Yellow Jackets have been short-handed recently.  I’ll get into the injuries below.  The predicament has led to Stoudamire sticking to a very short rotation, with a core group of six players getting heavy minutes. 

G - Naithan George (6’3” Sophomore, 11.8 points and 6.3 assists per game)

G - Javian McCollum (6’2” Senior, Oklahoma transfer, 12.2 points and 3.4 assists per game)

G - Lance Terry (6’3” Senior, 15.6 points per game, 38% from 3)

F - Baye Ndongo (6’9” Sophomore, 11.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game)

F - Ibrahim Souare (6’9” Freshman, 2.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game)

Sacramento State transfer forward Duncan Powell (10.3 PPG) played 49 minutes off the bench in Tuesday’s triple-overtime win.  

Hoos Available?

Both teams are dealing with key injuries.  For Virginia, it’s starting forward Elijah Saunders (11.8 PPG).  He’s been out for the last three games.  There seems to be a good chance of his return Saturday.  If not, then very soon.  The San Diego State transfer is having a breakout season, UVA’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder, while hitting better than 40% from deep. 

The questionable player for Georgia Tech is senior guard Javian McCollum (12.2 PPG).  He got banged up early in their last game, and didn’t return.  Their need for him is amplified due to other injuries that have depleted any depth.  Stoudamire has been without three important rotation players for a while now.  Kowacie Reeves (9.3 PPG), Jaeden Mustaf (9.1 PPG), and Luke O’Brien (6.4 PPG) are all reportedly getting closer to a return, but probably not quite yet.  

Up Next

The Wahoos will have a break coming up before heading to Blacksburg next Saturday for a rematch with the Hokies.  That’s followed by a quick turnaround Monday night home game against Duke. 

Be sure to tune in for the pregame show, beginning 30 minutes before tipoff.  Available on the Locker Room Access Facebook page and YouTube channel.  

(Featured Image Credit: Emily Faith Morgan)