Oct. 29, 2014
Gregory transcript | Georges-Hunt, Heyward transcript | Twitter coverage from Charlotte | Photo Gallery
Charlotte, N.C. – Expressing great optimism for an opportunity to make big strides in Brian Gregory’s fourth season as head basketball coach at Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jacket skipper, Marcus Georges-Hunt and Corey Heyward spent the day meeting members of the media at the 53rd annual ACC Operation Basketball.
All 15 head coaches and two players from each ACC team spent half the day meeting writers and broadcasters at the Westin Hotel in downtown Charlotte and the other half of the day doing live interviews and photo shoots at the ESPNU studios.
The Tech trio spent the day extolling the Yellow Jackets new-look team, which includes three freshmen and four transfers along with five returning letterwinners, the first time Gregory has worked with a roster filled entirely by players he and his staff have brought in. The common themes: outstanding chemistry in the locker room, blue-collar work ethic, more physical play, depth and versatility everywhere on the court.
From the ACC’s Live Blog:
Georgia Tech guard Corey Heyward receiving some strict orders from head coach Brian Gregory at the end of last season. Heyward took them to heart – and to stomach.
“Coach told me to lose weight and body fat,” Heyward said. “I lost about 20 pounds. I can’t tell you the last time I was at McDonald’s.”
Heyward doesn’t mind missing a few meals if it helps the Yellow Jackets improve on last season’s 16-17 showing that included a 6-12 mark in ACC play. Heyward emerged as one of the players the Yellow Jackets were counting on in the future, starting 14 of the Yellow Jackets’ final 15 games with a 2-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and committing zero turnovers in seven of his 15 ACC starts.
“I see ourselves as a team that’s fighting to make an imprint, especially in the ACC and college basketball, and we are a team of guys that want to fight and sacrifice and kind of your guys that will blue collar, definitely,” Heyward said in sizing up this season “We have something to prove, especially with the new guys coming in, as well, have something to prove and kind of be a big impact on the team and the conference, as well.”
About Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball
Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team is beginning its fourth year under head coach Brian Gregory. The Yellow Jackets have been a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference since 1979, won three ACC Championships (1985, 1990, 1993), played in the NCAA Tournament 16 times and played in two Final Fours (1990, 2004). Connect with Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball on social media by liking their Facebook Page, or following on Twitter (@GTMBK).
For more information on Tech basketball, visit Ramblinwreck.com. Tickets for men’s basketball can be purchased
