ACC Basketball: Analyzing each team’s overall offense for 2020-21 season

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2019-20: 69.9 ppg in ACC play

Barely anybody can hit a three-point shot for Georgia Tech Basketball, luckily barely anybody attempts them, in turn, the defense does not have to guard the perimeter, thus defending the basket becomes much easier. With that said, teams still had a difficult time preventing 6’5 Michael Devoe from driving to the basket.

As the sole outside threat, Devoe’s 42 percent from beyond the arc would facilitate him getting to the rim, as defenders were forced to play close. Since James Banks was not an option in the post or on the roll, Devoe would use his dribble to keep defenders off balance and utilize screens only in last second possessions.

Accompanying Devoe in the backcourt will be 6’0 Jose Alvarado (14.4 ppg) who is a little less likely to connect from the arc, just as likely to drive to the basket, and little more likely to pass to Wright after using his screen. Alvarado is a consistent scorer and a streaky shooter who missed six consecutive games with an ankle injury where subsequently the Yellow Jackets averaged 60 points.

Just like the backcourt, the frontcourt will see all starters return with seniors Moses Wright (13 ppg) and Khalid Moore (3.3 ppg) as well as junior Jordan Usher 8.2 ppg). With James Banks no longer suiting up, Coach Josh Pastner will not be able to implement the double low post option with Usher as he did with Banks and Wright.

At 6’7, Usher’s effectiveness at power forward will depend on who is defending him. At 225 pounds he can overpower a small-ball lineup but slash to the basket with or without the ball against a traditional power forward. Moore will not be involved in the half-court offense very much, as he gets his points off the fast break, slashing to the basket and attempting fewer than a single three-pointer per game.

Bubba Parham will be key off the bench as he attempts to close the drop off between himself and Alvarado. As will 7’0 freshman Saba Gigiberia, who provides a replacement for James Banks if Coach Pastner wants to put the offensive responsibility on Wright at power forward.