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Georgia Bulldogs
Predicted finish: 6th
Key returners (last season’s stats)
F- Caliya Robinson- 6’3, JR- 13.7 PPG, 49%FG, 27% 3pt, 6.9 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 27 MPG, All Defensive
F- Mackenzie Engram- 6’2, SR- 11.3 PPG, 42%FG, 27% 3pt, 6 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 20 MPG
G- Haley Clark- 5’9, SR- 4.1 PPG, 33%FG, 1-3 from three, 3.9 APG, 33 MPG
Biggest losses (last season’s stats)
G- Pachis Roberts, 5’11- 14.5 PPG, 44%FG, 30% 3pt, 6.9 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 36 MPG, Second Team All-SEC
F- Shanea Ambrister, 6’2- 6.7 PPG, 37%FG, 26% 3pt, 4.4 RPG, 28 MPG
Newcomers
G- Taja Cole, 5’7, (Lousiville), R-SO- Ranked #26 in 2015 class, #7 point guard
G- Que Morrison, 5’6, (Riverdale, GA), FR- Ranked #33 in 2017 class, #9 shooting guard
G- Gabby Connally, 5’6, (San Antonio, TX), FR- Ranked #48 in 2017 class, #10 point guard
C- Malury Bates, 6’3, (Roanke, VA), FR- Ranked #69 in 2017 class, #9 shooting guard
G- Maya Caldwell, 5’11, (Charlotte, NC), FR- Ranked #78 in 2017 class, #12 guard
* Ranked as the #9 recruiting class in the country*
Head Coach- Joni Taylor, 3rd season
It is always difficult to replace a successful head coach, especially when that coach is a Hall of Fame member and the only head coach in the history of the program. Andy Landers was, and still is, one of the most colorful personalities in the game, but Joni Taylor has already made her mark as his heir apparent. Certainly Taylor benefited from serving as an assistant and associate head coach for four years at UGA prior to taking over the reigns, but she took over the job fearlessly and her mark is being felt already. Taylor has led the charge on the recruiting trail that has already proven to be successful as the 9th ranked class is one of the best in recent Georgia history. Taylor’s team has been tenacious defensively, often keeping games in the 50’s or low 60’s. This has enabled Georgia to stay in some games that they might not have been able to otherwise. Now equipped with some offensive firepower, Taylor could very well end up being the SEC Coach of the Year this season if the Bulldogs match their potential.
Key non-conference games
Nov. 25- @ BYU
Dec. 3- Texas
Dec. 17- Georgia Tech
Outlook
The only knock against Georgia is their inability to consistently beat good teams. While they did notch wins against Tennessee (3 points) and Texas A&M (10 points) they also had losses to Florida twice and Ole Miss, not to mention non-conference losses to Oklahoma State and Samford. That lack of success against better competition is the only reason their projection isn’t higher. It is worth noting, however, that the Bulldogs had both South Carolina and Mississippi State dead-to-rights on the road only to let the game slip away. A 3-8 road record and 61 PPG for this offense has to improve. If they put it together, this team could absolutely be in the title chase last in the SEC season. The non-conference schedule is a concern as it is extremely light, but with so many new faces it is understandable. Caliya Robinson is another under the radar player for people not paying attention and if the freshman, along with highly regarded transfer Taja Cole. can jump right in and play at the level they are capable of, there is not one team in the SEC that Georgia can’t beat night in and night out.
Best Case Scenario- Defense remains excellent, offensive clicks, Robinson and Engram become three point threats and the Bulldogs challenge for the SEC crown, ultimately coming in 3rd
Worst Case Scenario- Offense continues to be an issue, non-conference schedule causes them to be unprepared for SEC play, no step forward is made and the team ties for 8th for the second straight season