College Basketball analyst gives realistic expectations for each Georgia Tech transfer this season
Georgia Tech Basketball has been one of the busiest teams in the transfer portal this offseason as new head coach Damon Stoudamire is aiming to turn things around in Atlanta.
The Yellow Jackets transfer class ranks 17th on 247Sports and in a recent 247 analyst Isaac Trotter gave his thoughts on the new additions for Georgia Tech, as well as their realistic expectations for each player:
1. Kowacie Reeves (Florida)- "Wing rotation, potential starter. The idea of what Reeves can be is tantalizing. The 6-foot-6, 190-pound wing has pogo-stick bounce, and the jumper has a chance to stick. But the decision-making needs to progress for Reeves to become one of the ACC’s best wings. Reeves shot selection left a lot to be desired at Florida last season, but he should earn a huge role alongside Miles Kelly to give Georgia Tech a tools pair of high-upside wings. Georgia Tech is planning to provide Reeves with a second chance to get his career on track. If he pops, no one will be surprised. He’s got it in him"
I think that Reeves is a high-upside addition to Stoudamire's team and if he hits his ceiling, this team could surprise in the ACC. Reeves has an intriguing size and a great skillset that just needs some coaching, which might fit with Stoudamire well, who is a former NBA assistant. He is a 6'6 192 LBS guard that is a former four-star recruit and a top 50 player nationally according to 247Sports.
Here is the scouting report coming out of high school on Reeves courtesy of 247 director of basketball scouting Jerry Meyer:
"Possesses nice length and athleticism for a wing shooter. Top notch shooter with a quick release. Shoots well off catch and dribble. Has niche shot turning or dribbling right where he doesn't fully square up. Much prefers to go right. Comfortable with the ball but is an upright handler. Needs to develop a more physical side as a rebounder. Comes up with steals defensively. Fits the mold of valued shooters with length and athleticism."
Kowacie Reeves is a high upside addition for Georgia Tech
2. Amaree Abram (Ole Miss)- "Backcourt rotation, potential starter. Abram showed a ton of promise in his freshman season at Ole Miss. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound lead guard shot 44% on catch-and-shoot 3s, and he got into the lane and uncorked a hard-to-stop, lefty runner. Abram has lots of areas where he can improve (finishing at the rim, cutting down on turnovers), but the sophomore should quickly earn on-ball reps right away for Georgia Tech. Abram could be one of the ACC’s best newcomers."
Last season as a freshman, Abram averaged 8 PPG, 2 APG, and 2 RPG in 21 minutes per game. He also shot 36% from three-point range last season.
I think this is a very good get for this team next season. Abram could be the starting point guard and this team is a lot more athletic than it was a year ago. Abram will be a big part of Stoudamire's first team in the 2023-2024 season.
3. Tafara Gapare (UMass)- "Wing rotation. Gapare is a blur of arms and legs. The 6-foot-9, 200-pound sophomore was a stocks (steals and blocks) machine for UMass last season. Gapare has a smooth 3-point stroke, and he can slip through tight areas really well for a tall wing. Gapare’s body control should only improve with time. Gapare is more of a play-finisher than anything else right now, but there’s so much to work with here. Gapare needs time to refine his game, but he can be a pivotal rotation weapon right away for Georgia Tech. His eight-point, six-rebound, two-assist, five-block, two-steal showing against St. Louis gave a glimpse of what he can bring to the table. Gapare is one to keep a really close eye on."
Gapare is an intriguing 6'9 205 LBS forward who originally hails from New Zealand. Gapare played one season for the Minutemen last season and averaged 3.4 PPG and 2.1 RPG last season. He played in 31 games and averaged a little over 12 minutes a game last season.
You get a sense of what type of player Stoudamire wanted to bring in this season. All three of the players listed above bring length and athleticism and give lineup flexibility. If this coaching staff can get the most out of these players, watch out.
4. Tyzhaun Claude (Western Carolina)- "Frontcourt rotation, potential starter. Claude does all his work in the paint. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward wants to get to his right hook constantly, and he used it to become one of the most dominant big men in the Southern Conference. Claude delivered an 18-point, seven-rebound showing against Georgia. He followed it up with 12 points and seven rebounds against Maryland. Claude has the athleticism to compete against high-major frontcourts, but he likely won’t be relied upon to be a major offensive hub for Georgia Tech. Claude’s rebounding will play from Day One."
Claude played in 31 games for the Catamounts last season and averaged 15.4 PPG and 8.6 RPG in 26 minutes played per game. His best scoring game came against Samford this season, when he put up 24 points. There was only one game all season where Claude failed to score double-digit points. His season-high in rebounding came in a loss to the Citadel, where he gathered 17 boards.
5. Ebenezer Dowuona (NC State)- "Frontcourt rotation. Dowuona was at his best in the dunker spot for N.C. State. When burly big man DJ Burns drew two defenders, Dowuona could make opponents pay with rim-rocking slams. That’s likely his best role at Georgia Tech, but he can really help the Yellow Jackets’ rim defense. Dowuona has great shot-blocking instincts, and he’s a true difference-maker on the back line."
If Dowuona can be a true rim protector and shot blocker, that will give Georgia Tech something they have been lacking. The Yellow Jackets have not had an impactful big man in recent years and Dowuona can give them that.
This is a strong group of transfers that Stoudamire has brought in and they have upside. They are all raw in some areas of their game though and this team could take some time to gel early on, but by the time conference play rolls around, they could be a very competitive unit.
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