Tom Crean Gets Signature Win at No. 9 Memphis
Georgia got the signature victory of the Tom Crean era in Memphis on Saturday.
The Bulldogs took out No. 9 Memphis 65-62 on the road for the biggest win in Crean’s short time in Athens. The win gives the Bulldogs a huge boost heading into conference play, which starts Tuesday in Athens against No. 17 Kentucky.
This team won’t be scared of Kentucky… they have no reason for that. Anthony Edwards is one of the top players in the nation. He’s not going to be scared of what Kentucky can bring. Edwards can explode at any time. Beating the Cats would continue Georgia’s trajectory towards the NCAAs, but it would also send a message that this program, after nearly two decades of having its collective high tops stuck in the mud, are a dangerous threat to the rest of the SEC.
The win at Memphis shows the progress the Bulldogs’ program have had under the second-year coach. Crean pulled in a top-ten recruiting class last cycle, and we are starting to see on the court what anyone who has been around basketball has known for a long, long time - talent matters.
Crean is doing his part as well. This team is getting better. It is not just a bunch of talented kids. They are actually trying on defense.
The Bulldogs weren’t powered by Anthony Edwards, who ended the day with only 13 points Saturday. But anyone watching the game can see the difference in athleticism, skill and talent for Georgia this winter. Unlike years gone by, there are multiple players who can put the ball in the basket.
In fact, it was Edwards’ pass to Sahvir Wheeler that allowed the Dawgs to take a 64-61 lead it cling onto for the win.
This team and program is still young. They are not where they will be by Valentines Day. It is probably a stretch to say these Dawgs will win the SEC, but it's not a stretch to say that, if they play like they did against Memphis, that they can win the league.
When is the last time we’ve been able to discuss UGA fighting for the SEC title? 2003? For so long Georgia basketball has been wondering about where on the bubble the Dawgs are in late February. That shouldn’t a a problem this season. This team should make the NCAAs.
They’ve collected ten pre-conference wins with spotlight wins over SMU and at Memphis. The losses to Dayton and Michigan State are perfectly fine losses away from home. The win at Memphis is going to be a huge win for the Dawgs on March 15th.
But the global point here is that Georgia matters in basketball again.
It’s about time.