Steven	Maxwell	Kam	Cody
47	89	80	47

2022-2023 Season: Bottom of the ACC

The Georgia Tech men’s basketball team endured a challenging 2022-2023 season, finishing with a 15-18 overall record and a 6-14 mark in ACC play. Under head coach Josh Pastner, the team struggled with consistency on both ends of the floor and lacked depth throughout the season. This was a continuation of their disappointing performance from the previous year, where they finished 12-20. The results remained largely unchanged despite returning 53% of the minutes from the prior season.

Offensively, Georgia Tech averaged 69.7 points per game, ranking 222nd nationally. Although this represented a slight improvement from the previous season, the team’s offense still placed them in the lower quartile of NCAA offenses. Sophomore guard Miles Kelly emerged as a standout player, averaging 14.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. His scoring ability was among the few bright spots in an otherwise unremarkable season. Senior forward Javon Franklin, standing at 6’7″, provided some interior presence, but the team’s field goal percentage of 42.3% ranked 299th nationally. Their three-point shooting was inconsistent, averaging 33.5% from beyond the arc. The roster’s lack of size, with the top eight contributors listed at 6’8″ or below, proved problematic against the larger lineups expected in the ACC.

Defensively, Georgia Tech faced significant challenges, allowing 70.8 points per game and ranking 202nd nationally. The team’s negative net-scoring ratio indicated that while they could compete defensively, their offensive struggles prevented them from maintaining competitiveness. The lack of size also contributed to issues with rebounding, as they were consistently outrebounded in key games.

Despite a notable upset victory over Miami in early January, the Yellow Jackets finished 13th in the ACC. They were eliminated in the second round of the ACC tournament, marking a disappointing end to their season.

2023-2024 Season: Damon Stoudamire Brings PG Mentality to Georgia Tech

The 2023-2024 season brought a new sense of optimism to Georgia Tech with the arrival of head coach Damon Stoudamire. Although the team faced similar challenges, there was a noticeable improvement in their performance. The Yellow Jackets ended the season with a 14-18 record and a 7-13 mark in the ACC, demonstrating growth and resilience under Stoudamire’s leadership. Early victories over top-25 teams like Mississippi State and Duke highlighted the potential for a turnaround.

Damon Stoudamire, a former first-round NBA draft pick with a decade-long professional career, brought a wealth of experience to Georgia Tech. His previous coaching stint at the University of the Pacific, where he was named WCC Coach of the Year in 2020, and his role as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics positioned him as a promising leader for the Yellow Jackets. Stoudamire’s analytical mindset and experience are expected to steer the program in the right direction.

Offensively, Georgia Tech showed improvement, averaging 71.0 points per game, though this still ranked 253rd nationally. Miles Kelly remained the team’s offensive focal point, averaging 13.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. The team focused on controlling ball movement and intentionally executing their offensive strategies. However, their shooting still lagged, with a field goal percentage of 42.1% (302nd nationally) and three-point shooting at 33.2%, a slight decline from the previous season. On a positive note, the Yellow Jackets made strides in rebounding, finishing 55th nationally, and improved their performance in turnover management, ranking 123rd.

Defensively, Georgia Tech remained challenged, allowing 75.2 points per game and ranking 276th nationally. The improved offense meant the team scored more, but they needed help with defensive consistency, leading to a negative scoring ratio. Stoudamire’s focus in his first season was more on offensive development rather than addressing defensive shortcomings.

Key contributors included Miles Kelly, who remained a major player, and newcomer Baye Ndongo, a versatile piece with intense athleticism who averaged 12.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Kowacie Reeves, a transfer from Florida, also emerged as a significant player, averaging 9.8 points per game and showing promise as a versatile guard. The Yellow Jackets’ season ended with a hard-fought game against Notre Dame in the ACC tournament.

Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Season

As the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets look forward to the 2024-2025 season, they return many key contributors and welcome promising new talent. Despite Miles Kelly’s departure via the transfer portal, the team is bolstered by a mix of returning players and exciting newcomers. The Yellow Jackets will retain 42.4% of their scoring from the previous season and 39.1% of the minutes played, which will be crucial for continuity.

Sophomore Baye Ndongo, who was named to the ACC All-Freshman team last season, will be a key player. He brings a dynamic presence as a rim-running big man. Kowacie Reeves, who is expected to continue in a significant role, will work on improving his efficiency.

Stoudamire’s recruiting efforts have been noteworthy. The team has added four-star talent from the Overtime Elite (OTE), including crafty combo guard Jaeden Mustaf and high-flying, athletic forward Darrion Sutton. Additionally, they’ve brought in 6’10” big man Doryan Onwuchekwa, a three-star prospect. The transfer portal has also been fruitful, with the addition of top-tier on-ball creator Javian McCollum from Oklahoma, who should thrive under Stoudamire’s guidance. The team also addressed size concerns by adding Ryan Mutombo from Georgetown, the son of elite shot blocker Dikembe Mutombo, and Duncan Powell from Sacramento State, a versatile forward. Luke O’Brien from Colorado adds further depth and versatility.

With these additions, Georgia Tech aims to improve upon the previous season’s performance. While there are still areas of concern, the combination of returning talent and new recruits provides a hopeful outlook. McCollum and Ndongo are expected to lead the charge, and the infusion of new talent and a solid system should give fans reason to be optimistic. If the offseason moves translate into on-court success, the Yellow Jackets could finish in the top six of the ACC and potentially secure a spot in the NCAA tournament, marking a significant step forward for the program.