2008 Georgia Basketball Predictions & Season Preview

Written October 17, 2008 by Luke Knight

Last year, the Georgia Bulldogs were 17-17 overall with a 4-12 record in the SEC. The Bulldogs then went on an improbable miracle run in the SEC tournament beating Ole Miss, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Arkansas to win the tournament and pick up an NCAA Tournament bid. The feel-good story ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament when Georgia lost to the Xavier Musketeers 73-61. Head Coach Dennis Felton’s job was likely saved by the SEC tournament miracle, but the Bulldogs have returned to reality, where the team’s second-leading-scorer, Billy Humphrey was kicked off the team in June after his third public incident in 8 months. The trip to the NCAA tournament should give the Bulldogs some confidence in training and developing to get better and improve this season. Georgia also lost Sundiata Gaines, who averaged 14.8 points per game, which led the team. The Bulldogs are also back to reality in the NCAA basketball odds. BetUS has Georgia at +1200 odds to win the SEC East.

Albert Jackson will be the key to Georgia’s post play this season. Jackson, a 6’10” junior, is the most physically imposing Bulldog, but he lacks the confidence to reach his potential. He has flashed glimpses of ability, but has shown no consistency and if he can’t give Georgia a post presence on offense and defense, the season could turn out a lot like last season, or worse. Jeremy Price, a sophomore, averaged 8.1 points as a freshman and has shown he can be a consistent starter, but the Bulldogs need a difference-maker in the frontcourt, not just another average player. Trey Thompkins, an incoming freshman and the biggest recruit of the Felton-era, averaged more than 30 points as a senior and was rated one of the nation’s Top 10 Power Forward prospects. He is a natural scorer who should play immediately. Incoming freshman Drazen Zlovaric turned down Texas, Maryland, and Arkansas to play for the Bulldogs.

The Georgia backcourt was bound to struggle this season as they were faced with the task of replacing Sundiata Gaines, the point guard who led the team in scoring, assists, rebounds, steals, and minutes played. With Humphrey being dismissed, the Bulldogs will have to replace both guards. Sophomore Zac Swansey was Gaines’ understudy last year, averaging 16.3 minutes per game, but is a far cry from the player and leader that Gaines was. The Bulldogs bring in Dustin Ware, who was the 32nd best point guard prospect in the country, who will get the chance to replace Gaines. Georgia has plenty of depth to replace Humphrey on the perimeter. Terrance Woodbury, a versatile 6’7” wingman, showed flashes of competency with his outside shooting last season. Sophomore Troy Brewer and walk-on senior Corey Butler will likely also get minutes at the shooting guard position.

Final Analysis

The Georgia Bulldogs are in an almost impossible spot. Despite being just .500 last season and only winning four conference games, the team made it to the NCAA Tournament by winning the SEC Conference becoming the feel good story of the nation. That is a tough act to follow with the season win-loss record and the loss of literally the team leader in every category in Sundiata Gaines. Georgia needs to improve on last year’s season numbers or Dennis Felton is likely going to again be on the hot seat, unless he can convince the athletics director that this program has turned the corner. We have the Bulldogs toward the bottom of the SEC East and failing to make the postseason this season, unless they make a well Georgia-like run in the conference tournament. Check out BetUS where the Bulldogs are +15000 odds at winning the NCAA Championship.

Looking to win more with your basketball betting this year? Take a look at the college basketball picks offered by our handicappers.

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