Georgia Tech rebounding after tough start

RALEIGH, N.C. --- Forget the Alabama game, thats in the past. At least thats how Georgia Tech sees it. The Yellow Jackets were creamed at home by the Crimson Tide just more than a week ago, but that game is so far in their past, they barely even identify with it now. I was not happy with our performance against Alabama in terms of our dedication and commitment to playing the way were supposed to play, Tech coach Brian Gregory said following Wednesday nights game at N.C. State. Gregory is pleased now. In the three days separating the 25-point home loss to Alabama and a home game with Duke, Gregorys team changed its shell. No longer soft, they adopted a physical and mental ruggedness necessary when navigating the treacherous waters of the ACC, even when its down, like it is this season. And the only way to get through without imploding is to raise the level of focus, intensity and execution, and thats exactly what Georgia Tech has done in losing to Duke at home by seven points and winning at previously-hot N.C. State by 11. Its almost as if the alarm clock to the season sounded last week, not in early November. Theres a pride that goes into playing in the ACC, and everybody knows it, Techs first-year coach said. The intensity of the games might pick up and its the most important thing around, its the most prestigious league, and guys kind of get geared up a little bit more. Gregorys task has been multi-pronged. The previous regime left a lot to be desired in skills development, defense, how the players think the game and in preparation. Even basic practices have radically changed. And as the old adage goes, you have to walk before you can run, in sports you have to practice well before you play well. Georgia Tech is living proof. A team that lost at home to Mercer, at Fordham and the blowout versus the Crimson Tide had no business competing with Duke and beating an N.C. State team that certainly passes the NCAA Tournament eye test. Even with improved practices, Gregory couldnt possibly have seen this coming, not yet, anyway. Hell no. No, he said. I liked the way we played on Saturday. Our guys are starting to grasp the idea that its hard to play well if you dont practice well, and its hard to play well and practice well if you dont play hard or practice hard every day. But as Mfon Udofia learns Gregorys system on both ends of the floor, Jason Morris and Glenn Rice Jr. will more quickly mesh playing with their point guard, expect the Jackets win total will rise. They are just 8-8 overall and 1-1 in the ACC after Wednesdays win, but theres no reason the Jackets cant snare more than a handful more ACC games and build toward a possible springboard season next winter. They already have the respect of the Wolfpack. They made some tough shots, N.C. State senior C.J. Williams said. They made shots with a lot of pressure on them, they made contested shots. Thats all you can really ask for is contest their shots, take away what they want to do and make them uncomfortable. But they were able to hit shots and they were able to win the game. Translation: Tech controlled the game. They beat a quality team in its own building on a night both teams played hard, but only one played well. Im pleased with their commitment to the things that we need to do to be successful, and thats rebound the ball and play pretty solid defense, Gregory said. I thought our half-court defense was good. The rough early ACC slate continues as Tech heads to Maryland on Sunday before hosting nationally ranked Virginia, visiting Clemson, hosting Miami, and traveling to North Carolina and Florida State. Its probable the conference record wont indicate the teams improvement, but given how the focus has changed, expect more consistent progress.