2009-2010 Georgia Tech Predictions
2008 Record: (12-19, 2-14)
Coach: Paul Hewitt (10th year, 156-131 at Georgia Tech)
Assistants: John O’Connor, Peter Zaharis
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1

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Overview: The Yellow Jackets were extremely disappointing last year, winning just two ACC games. But that should all change this season or Paul Hewitt should really be on the hotseat. Hewitt is one of the top recruiters in the nation, but can’t seem to keep his stars. However, that appeared to change as junior Gani Lawal (6-9, 235), who tested the waters this past April, but came back for his junior season, He averaged 15pp1 and 9.5rpg, and should be one of the best big men in the ACC. At center, freshman Derrick Favors (6-10, 246), the nation’s top big man recruit enters the big time with tremendous expectations. He won MVP honors at both the McDonald’s All-America game and the Jordan Brand Classic this summer. The backcourt is the key. PG Iman Shumpert (6-5, 209) has great size but shot just 39% from the field last year. He’s another big-time recruit who has to cut down on his turnovers but is just a sophomore. Senior SG D‘Andre Bell (6-6, 220) is a defensive specialist and solid lefty shooter who needs to step up his offensive game (6.6ppg). At small forward, senior Zach Peacock (6-8, 235) is a big wing who is very athletic and a strong shooter (9.2ppg, 40% 3pt). The bench will be very young headed by guard Moe Miller (5.8ppg) and heralded freshman two-guard Glenn Rice Jr. (6-5, 195).

Outlook: The Yellow Jackets will compete with North Carolina up front because they have Lawal and Favors. The backcourt is strong athletically, but are they good enough to surpass UNC, Maryland and Duke, who have more experienced in the backcourt?

This ACC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college basketball betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com