With the loss of five seniors and the possible departure of star point guard Jarrett Jack, it's no wonder Georgia Tech men's basketball coach Paul Hewitt is glad-handing fans around the Southeast this summer.
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He needs to be making good with the alumni, like the 100 or so who came to hear him speak Monday night at St. Mark United Methodist Church - just in case his team's record slips next year.
These gatherings help with job security, right coach?
"No, I don't look at it that way," Hewitt said with a laugh. "We're going to be pretty good. We're going to have an NCAA Tournament team, regardless of whether Jarrett comes back or not."
Hewitt reiterated that optimism throughout his visit Monday. Georgia Tech likely will sport five new starters next season, but they're talented players mentored by Jack and seniors B.J. Elder, Luke Schenscher, Isma'il Muhammad, Will Bynum and Anthony McHenry - a group that reestablished the Yellow Jackets as a basketball power the past two years.
"We're losing a lot, but we have a lot coming back," Hewitt told the crowd.
A quartet of freshmen - post players Ra'Sean Dickey and Jeremis Smith and guards Anthony Morrow and Zam Fredrick - return, as do veterans Mario West and Theodis Tarver. With a strong incoming class, the Jackets should remain competitive in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Hewitt said.
Fredrick's return was in doubt after he was granted a release from his scholarship in April, but Hewitt allowed him to return to the team over the weekend.
Hewitt also answered several questions about departing players, particularly Jack.
A three-year starter at the position and the team's leading scorer this past season, Jack declared for the NBA Draft last month but has not hired an agent, giving him the option to return for his senior season.
That's unlikely, Hewitt said. Jack has begun the process of talking to NBA teams and is also speaking with potential agents. He is finally recovered from an ankle injury suffered during the ACC Tournament in March and began working out at full strength Monday, the coach added.
"If the right team gives him a guarantee they will pick him, he will stay in the draft," Hewitt said.
Elder, Bynum and Schenscher will work out with NBA teams this week.
Reach Adam Van Brimmer at (404) 589-8424 or adam.vanbrimmer@morris.com.
