Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Mercer Kicked Off Team

Sad turn of events.

I'm not saying that he shouldn't have been kicked off the team. It's sad, that's all.

Mercer.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Twin Futility

You know, I thought that both coaches would have much better years than they are having. You can blame injuries, but the fact is that both teams are struggling.

Georgia and Georgia Tech both have 9 and 10 records. Both are winless in the conference. Georgia lost to Mississippi State by 6 points. Tech lost to Clemson.

The one major difference between the two teams is that Tech has a top-notch signing class coming in. And recruiting is a distinction that makes a difference, because it's the reason why Coach Hewitt likely will be around next year and Coach Felton probably won't.

There's no joy in watching either team play. Georgia continues to lose. And even though Georgia Tech is losing, they will be much better next year, assuming Favors honors his commitment to Coach Hewitt.

Fred vs. Ezra

Fred Gibson's Albuquerque Thunderbirds squared off Saturday night against Ezra Williams' Austin Toro's, and it turned out to be another great game.

Ezra Williams played more minutes and won the statistical battle. He had 11 points and 4 rebounds in 25 minutes. Fred Gibson played 15 minutes and scored 6 points with 2 rebounds.

Ezra won where it really counted, as the Toro's edged the Thunderbirds in overtime, 125 to 121.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Daniel Miller Scores 18

Sounds like a decent game when a guy scores right at 20 points.

But when you look at the final score, you realize that the opposing team was not that competitive.

So, how is Miller doing, and will he be able to contribute next year? I think that Miller is a guy that Georgia will be able to bring along. He can get bigger and stronger.

If he grows another inch or two, and picks up 20 pounds of muscle, he'll be able to hold his own at some point. Next year? Based on his current competition, you think the answer is, maybe not. Year after? Maybe so.

One and Done

No, not Derrick Favors--

Mike Mercer.

I was disappointed to see the news that Mike Mercer was in trouble with the law again. Really wanted to see him get that second shot at college athletics at South Florida. I thought that if he could make it work this season he might be able to cobble together a decent career.

After he re-injured his right knee, he had to be very discouraged. If you've played basketball at a very high level all your life, and you think that it's your athletic ability that makes you special, then it must be devastating to face an injury that probably ends your playing career.

As difficult a trial as the second injury would bring, I had hoped that Mercer could still pull through and get his degree. Now, I just don't know. I'm yet hopeful that somehow something good comes of all this.

But from the response of Coach Stan Heath, Mercer's first year at South Florida might be his last.