Georgia Tech Basketball: 5 reasons why the Jackets will dance in 2019-20

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 19: Khalid Moore #12 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Shembari Phillips #2 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets talk at half court against against the Louisville Cardinals at Hank McCamish Pavilion on January 19, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) /

Talent

Simply put, this is the most talented roster Coach Pastner has had since taking over the program. Now, that said, none of these players are Josh Okogie or Ben Lammers. However, the quality depth of talent on this roster is something that the program has lacked in recent seasons.

During the trip to Spain, Pastner basically played two groups of five for 20 minutes per game. The group’s personnel varied from game to game, but we were able to see nearly everyone on the roster play significant minutes. I would say that every one of those ten players displayed moments that showed they belonged on an ACC roster.

While the staff has reportedly been scouring the world (literally) for another big man to add to the 2019 recruiting class, the Jackets displayed a nice stable of wings and guards on their European trip. Khalid Moore, Kristian Sjolund, Mike Devoe, Jordan Usher, Bubba Parham, Shembarri Philips, and even freshman Asanti Price all provided moments of brilliance during the trip.

Now, it has come to light that transfer Jordan Usher will not pursue a waiver for immediate eligibility (so he will not play until December), but he already looks very comfortable with his Georgia Tech teammates. At this particular juncture, I am also not very optimistic that Bubba Parham will be playing at all this year. The NCAA seems to be sticking to its new guidelines for transfers, at least when it comes to Georgia Tech and its football program in recent days, so I am not getting my hopes up there.

Even with the likelihood of Parham’s absence, there is still reason for optimism given the depth mentioned above. It should also spawn optimism for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 teams as those backcourts will boast an Alvarado-Devoe-Parham trio in 2020 and a Parham-Devoe duo in 2021. I like that outlook.

I have not even mentioned Moses Wright yet, who was fantastic in the final six games last season, averaging 14.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and shot 57% from the field. Look for him to make a major leap this season at either playing the four spot or backing up Banks at the pivot.

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