It’s been a long time since Georgia Tech was a serious contender on the national stage, but Damon Stoudamire is working to change that, one step at a time. In his second season as head coach, the Yellow Jackets took a positive leap forward, making it to the NIT and finishing 8th in the ACC. However, the journey is far from complete, and the roster suffered significant losses in the offseason, leaving Stoudamire and his staff with plenty of unknowns heading into the new season.
Last year, five Yellow Jackets averaged at least 11 points per game, each playing a key role in the rotation. But only Baye Ndongo returns from that group. Javian McCollum and Lance Terry graduated, while Naithan George and Duncan Powell both transferred out. Ndongo, a standout sophomore, was the team’s leading rebounder and showed strong overall numbers, while freshman guard Jaeden Mustaf also returns after a promising debut season.
The incoming freshman class includes a few 4-star prospects, but the transfer additions are more modest. While Georgia Tech landed some solid players, they didn’t quite make a splash in the transfer market. Still, they did bring in Peyton Marshall, a raw 7-footer from Missouri with significant upside, and added three guards to the mix. Kam Craft impressed last season at Miami-Ohio when given the chance, while Chas Kelly arrives after stints with Boston College.
The player to watch, though, is Lamar Washington, a 6-4 guard from Portland, Oregon. After two years as a backup at Texas Tech, where his production dipped in his sophomore season, Washington broke out at Pacific. There, he averaged 13.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, earning Second Team All-WCC honors and showing notable improvement. His experience in a power conference like the Big 12 should make him an important addition to the Yellow Jackets’ backcourt.
With the return of key players like Ndongo, Georgia Tech has a solid foundation, but the addition of a point guard like Washington will be crucial. Having battled in the Big 12, he’s no stranger to tough competition and has proven capable of leading an offense. That said, he still has areas to improve, particularly with turnovers, but his leadership will be essential, especially with a lineup filled with younger talent.
One thing is clear: Ndongo will continue to dominate inside. But with many question marks surrounding this team, Georgia Tech’s success will hinge on the development of its new faces, particularly Washington, who needs to step up and make a difference for the Yellow Jackets to be competitive in the ACC again.
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