who post on the regular DawgVent have been saying ever since our blowout lost to Gonzaga that they have given up on UGA basketball, that Georgia has never amounted to anything in basketball, and it never will. I think that’s a very shortsighted outlook, and it shows a certain ignorance because UGA has had some great teams/players in its history, just not consistently. Our problem has been one of support from the AD and the hiring of good coaches, going all the way back to Dooley through Brooks. ADJB has stated that he will fully support our basketball program and will do what it takes to build a basketball program that is consistently competitive at the highest level. Time will tell if he’s willing to make the tough decisions to accomplish this.
When teams like Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Florida, which just won the NC, can build basketball programs that are consistently competitive at the highest level, there is absolutely no reason why UGA cannot do the same. UGA has everything we need, ie, the money, facilities, location, and alumni support to get this done. We just need an AD who has the vision and the ability to do it. My patience is wearing very thin. This next season is vitally important for CMW (his fourth) and ADJB.
We used to argue this point about our football program. Many were satisfied with the mediocrity under Mark Richt, but many of us were not. When the change was finally made and Kirby Smart was hired, he took us almost immediately to the elite level. Football is harder to turn around than basketball (more players involved; it takes more time). With the portal, basketball can be turned around in a year or two with the right head coach.
When teams like Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Florida, which just won the NC, can build basketball programs that are consistently competitive at the highest level, there is absolutely no reason why UGA cannot do the same. UGA has everything we need, ie, the money, facilities, location, and alumni support to get this done. We just need an AD who has the vision and the ability to do it. My patience is wearing very thin. This next season is vitally important for CMW (his fourth) and ADJB.
We used to argue this point about our football program. Many were satisfied with the mediocrity under Mark Richt, but many of us were not. When the change was finally made and Kirby Smart was hired, he took us almost immediately to the elite level. Football is harder to turn around than basketball (more players involved; it takes more time). With the portal, basketball can be turned around in a year or two with the right head coach.
