Last year did not seem to go to plan for the Georgia Bulldogs. This year will be different. They lost good players, but some talented ones returned. A darkhorse in the SEC, this team matches up awkwardly for many schools. It will be interesting to see whether these players have what it takes to beat some of the stronger teams on their schedule. The overall weakness of the Bulldogs’ schedule is in favor of a team with young talent and will help to push the younger players into stepping up in response to some all important match-ups in February. Expect a solid finish to the year and an important win somewhere in the SEC tournament to make it to the NCAA tournament.
Player to watch:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This Sophomore Guard is something special. Averaging nearly 2 steals, 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and a 30% three point shots as a freshman, this young guard is a game changer. In his second year he’ll understand the offensive scheme much better, and being one of the major returning scorers he’ll have more freedom, and necessity, to shoot. Expect big things and big games from this player.
Upset Watch:
The non-conference schedule is pretty easy, so expect most of Georgia’s upsets to be in the SEC. The Bulldogs will likely be taking one from the Florida Gators, Kentucky Wildcats, or Missouri Tigers. Georgia will need at least two of these wins if they want to make it to the NCAA tournament because of the weakness of their non-conference schedule. Oh, and circle Monday November 19th when the Indiana Hoosiers travel to Athens. The Bulldogs are not going down without a fight.
Predicted Regular Season:
17 – 11 (Doesn’t look impressive? See the Tennessee Volunteers second place finish last year with an even worse record)