2015-16 Outlook
What’s returning
“I think Yante had a terrific offseaStatistic Back from ‘14-15 Pct. son,” Fox said. “He recognizes this year there are more minutes, there are more Points 1346 of 2250 59.8 rebounds, there more shots if he’ll be Rebounds 657 of 1156 56.8 aggressive. And I think he’s had an Assists 304 of 411 74.0 aggressive approach all offseason, with Blocks 93 of 151 61.6 the idea he could play a bigger role. We Steals 124 of 183 67.8 would like to see him emerge and be more and more consistent and produc Starts 100 of 165 60.0 tive. His work ethic over the summer has Minutes 4288 of 6750 63.5 shown he wants the same thing.” *Rebounds are “individual” – “team” rebounds subtracted from total. Juniors Kenny Paul Geno and Houston “Charles and Kenny will play the same Kessler and sophomore Osahen Iduwe positions and they played major minutes return for the Bulldogs as well. last year, but they’ll have major leader Geno and Kessler both logged starts ship responsibilities because Marcus and last season, Geno for six late-season outNemi are not here,” Fox said. “Their role ings after Frazier’s setbacks. Kessler got is going to be a little bit different and the the nod at No. 1 Kentucky while Thornton chemistry is going to be different. They was out of action due to a concussion. are the older guys now and they have to Iduwe has one of the most interesting show these young guys the way.” and intriguing backgrounds of any Di The Bulldogs other returning “starter” vision I player in the nation. A native of is actually a mix of two juniors. Juwan Benin City, Nigeria, Iduwe did not begin Parker was on the floor for the tip of playing basketball until he was 15, Georgia’s first 14 games of last season about the same time Fox was named before a chronic Achilles injury forced Georgia’s head coach six years ago. him out of action. J.J. Frazier then joined Add to that mix a quartet of the starting five for the next 10 contests freshmen – Mike Edwards, Derek before a fractured orbital bone, concus- Ogbeide, E’Torrion Wilridge and sion and a hairline fracture in his left walk-on Connor O’Neill – and (shooting) hand slowed his ability to the Bulldogs have as much contribute. post depth as they’ve had in Georgia also expects a boost from quite some time. Edwards, freshman William “Turtle” Jackson II, Ogbedie and Wilridge whose name is familiar in the Athens earned All-State honors area. Jackson was a four-time All-State in Michigan, Georgia performer at Athens Christian School. and Texas, respectively, Junior Brandon Young, who received as seniors. the team’s Most Inspirational Award last Fox is eager for the season, also provides perimeter depth. different lineup options Georgia’s additional depth The frontcourt could provide. A year ago, While Fox expects Gaines and Mann the Bulldogs played much of to replace the leadership of Djurisic their schedule sifting through and Thornton, sophomore Yante Maten a series of injuries and illnesswill be looked up heavily to replenish es that forced seven players to the Bulldogs’ frontcourt statistically. All All offseason indicators point to Yante Maten enjoying indications are that Maten is eager to a much more productive campaign for Georgia during his sophomore year. assume that role.
acquire a combined 35 DNPs, 21 of those to regular starters. “Last year, because of the injuries, we got so restricted on how we could play,” Fox said. “We only had one option left. We feel like we should be able to play a little bit quicker. We have some flexibility within the roster to do some of that. “We’ll start out fairly traditional until guys get comfortable,” Fox said. “If we can stay healthy and get confident in roles, maybe we can look at some four-guard lineups and small ball. We’re bigger and more physical up front than last year even though we’re not as experienced.”
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