ACC Basketball: Projecting each team’s key player production for 2021-22

Georgia Tech: Jordan Usher and Khalid Moore

Decrease in production: Jordan Usher

Jordan Usher had what could be considered a breakout season in 2020-21. After two years with USC and being in the Yellow Jackets starting line-up in all 49 games he appeared in over the last two seasons, Usher finished the season off by being named to the 2021 All-ACC Second Team.

Not only did Usher average 15.3 points in the final six games, but he also did so by scoring at least fourteen in each. With little competition for playing minutes, one would think the 6’7 forward would be prepared to usher in another season of improved stats. Usher is, however, undersized to play the four-spot in the frontcourt and the loss of ACC Player of the Year Moses Wright (17.4 ppg) will not be supplemented by Ryan Howard.

Usher will continue to be valuable on the defensive end as he averages over a steal per game, but his almost three assists per game and the room to slash to the basket will decrease with Wright’s absence.

Increase in production: Khalid Moore

It is difficult to not mention Michael Devoe when discussing players who will increase their production. Despite scoring fifteen per game last season, the departure of fellow guard Jose Alvarado (15.2 ppg, 4.1 apg) will provide ample opportunity for DeVoe.

Returning starting small forward Khalid Moore who averaged fewer than five points is also primed to increase his production. Moore started eleven of the 25 games he played, including the final nine on the Yellow Jackets’ schedule when Coach Pastner sent 5’10 Bubba Parham to the bench.

The 6’7 forward averaged fewer than eight despite his ability to take defenders off the dribble to get to the rim.  Moore is also able to play minutes at the power forward spot if Coach Pastner attempts to go with three guards again and insert Dallan Coleman.