Georgia Tech thought this season would be different. With the arrival of consensus top 5 HS player Derrick Favors, and several other top 100 HS players including Mfon Udofia, Brian Oliver, and Glen Rice Jr. The Jackets sit 9-2, without a decent win except possibly the victory over the USC Trojans. The two quality teams Georgia Tech has played, Dayton in Puerto Rico and Florida State at home, they lost to. It looks like more of the same sloppy basketball that’s become indicative of recent Yellow Jacket basketball if you ask me. I was optimistic until I saw the Florida State performance. Now, I don’t know. Is Head Coach Paul Hewitt on the hot seat? Should he even be on the hot seat? Let’s forget for the moment that he has a massive buyout. If Georgia Tech wants Hewitt gone at the end of the season they’ll find a way. You can make several arguments why Hewitt should or shouldn’t be on the hot seat. Here goes…
Why Paul Hewitt should be on the Hot Seat.
1) Since the NCAA tournament appearance in 2004-2005, Hewitt has exactly 0 NCAA tournament wins.
2) There has been 1 post-season tournament appearance since the 2004-2005 season, and that includes 0 NITs.
3) Including last Sunday’s loss to FSU, Paul Hewitt is 21-44 in regular season ACC games since the 2004-2005 season.
4) He has had a losing overall record at the end of the season three of the last four years.
Why Paul Hewitt shouldn’t be on the Hot Seat.
1) Despite the loss to FSU, it’s far too early to write this season off. This team can still be very good.
2) Paul Hewitt is a great representative of Georgia Tech, plays by the rules, and either graduates or gets players to the NBA.
3) He took Georgia Tech to the final 4 in the 2003-2004 season, and that should always count for something.
4) His recent struggles have more to do with unexpected early departures and injuries than his coaching ability.
For me, as the poll to right asks, if Hewitt doesn’t make the NCAAs a change needs to made. This year’s team is a mixture of talented underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen. He needs to find a way to mesh this squad into a cohesive unit. Unfortunately for Hewitt it is a “what have you done for me lately world?” If you agree or disagree please comment away.
For more articles on Georgia Tech, the ACC, and other sports topics please visit my blog All About Sports