DAN MATHEWS
ATLANTA, Ga – It’s no secret that the non-football months around these parts can sometimes feel like we’ve traveled out to the vast abyss. That is going to change this winter/spring.
If you weren’t watching Tuesday afternoon’s Georgia-Michigan State game at the Maui Invitational, then you missed out on a treat. Freshman Anthony Edwards is a bright star for the Bulldogs Men’s Basketball team.
The standout from Atlanta wowed the nation with a 37 point, six rebound and four steal performance against the Spartans. He helped spark a nearly perfect comeback for the Dawgs, from a deficit that was once over 20 points.
Yes, Michigan State ended up winning the game 93-85. But the performance of Edwards had those within view of the game believing that Georgia basketball will be fun to watch this season.
That has not been the case in recent years. The Bulldogs have only made the NCAA Tournament twice in the last 10 years. Their previous appearance came in 2015, when they coincidentally lost to Michigan State.
For the most part, basketball season has brought a lukewarm interest for area fans. Mostly it was passed over in popularity by college football’s National Signing Day and spring practices/scrimmages.
For the first time in a long time, there will be people eagerly wanting to watch the Bulldogs play in Stegeman Coliseum and on the road. Anthony Edwards has created that anticipation.
The fact he’s even at Georgia, is astonishing in itself. Players like Edwards usually head to North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA and schools of that caliber.
He stayed here in Georgia. He might have opened the door for other players of his ability to say they don’t have to leave.
Yes, Tom Crean is helping to create this new attitude in the Georgia basketball program. He with what Kirby Smart is doing in football, will only help raise the athletic profile of the university.
Won’t it be nice to see UGA play Kentucky and think they have a chance to win? I for sure am looking forward to this being a huge possibility.
In addition to Edwards, we are also lucky to have Trae Young with the Hawks. He truly is must-see TV in every game that he plays.
The Bulldogs could put themselves in position to make a run at the tournament this season. The Hawks are currently in a seven game losing skid and appear to be heading towards another step in their quest to building a roster that can compete in the NBA’s Eastern Conference and the league.
Here’s to hoping that Edwards shortens the football offseason a little more than it has in recent years. Judging by yesterday’s performance, I don’t think that is too far from reality.
