Damon Stoudamire says Georgia Tech’s goal is clear but there’s more to the plan

Brian Schaible

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Damon Stoudamire says Georgia Tech’s goal is clear but there’s more to the plan image

Damon Stoudamire didn’t waste words. “We have one goal,” he said adamantly. “We want to make the NCAA Tournament!”

Now entering his third season at Georgia Tech, Stoudamire has quietly rebuilt the Yellow Jackets from the ground up, going 14–18 in year one and 17–17 last season, and he’s convinced the foundation is set. “We’ve got a talented group of freshmen that I’m excited about mixed with an older group that I’m excited about,” he said. “And I’m excited for Kowacie being able to come back and play another year for me. He’s one of the guys that’s really going to benefit with this crew.”

Sitting alongside veterans Kowacie Reeves Jr. and Baye Ndongo, Stoudamire took a moment to appreciate the continuity that’s rare in today’s game. “When I got this job, Wacie was the first guy out of the portal and Baye was the first high school guy. They’ve been with me three years. It’s a rarity, but I appreciate them.”

Asked how Georgia Tech fits into the ACC’s climb back toward national relevance, Stoudamire didn’t hesitate. “We’re a big part of that plan,” he said. “We’ve got a great institution and a great city, and we’re not that far away. Last year was crazy. We did what we did with six players. That’s what makes this year so exciting.”

Then came a nod to the bigger picture, conference perception. “If we can win 85 to 90 percent of our nonconference games, that changes perception,” he said. “Perception turns to reality for a lot of people, because they don’t watch TV. When you win early, you gain momentum, and that helps the whole league.”

And when one reporter asked how many points a 21-year-old Damon Stoudamire would average in today’s game, he just smiled. “You can’t touch anybody. You shoot a lot of threes,” he said. “I’d be 20 and 10. That wouldn’t be out of the question.”

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Brian Schaible

Brian Schaible is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience covering college and professional sports. Brian holds a master’s degree in journalism/public relations from Kent State University.