Old-School Basketball Meets Modern-Day Rivals in Championship Game

Strategic Insights -

The Georgia Tech-Connecticut NCAA championship game is set to tip off, with both teams showcasing old-school basketball values in a thrilling matchup. Coach Paul Hewitt's Georgia Tech team is emulating the 1970 New York Knicks, playing unselfish, ballet-style basketball, while Connecticut is reminiscent of the late-1960s Boston Celtics, led by All-America center Emeka Okafor's Bill Russell-esque performance. The Yellow Jackets' system emphasizes the team over individual players, while the Huskies rely on their talented cast, including Okafor and guards Ben Gordon and Taliek Brown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Georgia Tech's unselfish approach has been a key factor in their success, with players willing to give up individual opportunities for the good of the team.
  • The Yellow Jackets have a deep bench, with multiple players contributing from game to game, including 19 points and 12 rebounds from Luke Schenscher in their semifinal win over Oklahoma State.
  • Connecticut's Okafor has been limited by foul trouble, but is a dominant force when on the court, leading the nation in blocked shots and the country in field-goal defense.
  • The Huskies rely heavily on their backcourt, with Gordon and Brown capable of scoring in bunches, and are confident heading into their rematch against Georgia Tech.
  • The game is expected to be an up-and-down affair, with both teams capable of exploiting each other's weaknesses.
  • Georgia Tech's speed and size could cause problems for Connecticut, while the Huskies' bigs who can run the floor may create issues for the Yellow Jackets.

Statistics:

  • Georgia Tech has won their five NCAA games by an average of four points, responding well when things get tight in the late stages.
  • Connecticut has a margin of victory in their five tournament wins of 14 points, with only Duke coming close to beating them.
  • The Yellow Jackets' top four scorers are guards, and coach Paul Hewitt uses them in combinations on defense to create mismatches.
  • Connecticut shoots 40.5 percent from beyond the arc, led by Gordon's 43.5 and Rashad Anderson's 41.5.

Sources:

  • [1] Paul Hewitt quote, "They are like the old Celtics," (AP Source)
  • [2] Jim Calhoun, "I think this year was extraordinary...we went from a 23-10 team to having all the answers in four months" (AP Source)
  • [3] Taliek Brown quote, "I think it's going to be an up-and-down game...they like to push the ball a lot and we like to push it" (AP Source)
  • [4] Ben Gordon quote, "Georgia Tech's speed and size could cause us problems...their guards are really good and they're quick and strong" (AP Source)
  • [5] Walt Frazier quote, "We all know if we play together and defend, we can succeed" (AP Source)
  • [6] Keys to the Game, "The matchup of true centers and their ability to avoid foul trouble will be vital to both teams" (AP Source)