Georgia Bulldogs 2008 Hoops Preview

The Georgia Bulldogs were an incredible story last season and awakened a lot of die-hard football fans in Athens. After a sour 13-16 finish in the regular season, the Bulldogs crashed the SEC Tournament party by doing the unthinkable: winning the SEC tournament.

Even more incredible was how they pulled it off, playing two games in one day after an untimely tornado ripped through downtown Atlanta.

Georgia would lose to Xavier in the first round of the NCAA tournament 73-61. However, this team finished as the subject of one of the most remarkable Cinderella sports stories in years.

The Dogs were no powerhouse last season, and none expect them to be this year. But if last year was indicative of anything, there should be no reason for Georgia fans to pass off catching a glimpse of those pesky Dawgs in 2008.

Unfortunately, Georgia will begin their first campaign in four years without the sensational Sundiata Gaines. Gaines, the super point guard from New Jersey, left last season as arguably one of the greatest players to ever step on the hardwood at UGA.

Gaines led the Bulldogs in just about every statistical category imaginable for the past two seasons. However, it was his will and big play potential that made him one of the most valuable Bulldogs ever.

Replacing Gaines will be sophomore point guard Zac Swansey and freshman Dustin Ware. Swansey already got plenty of playing time last season and has showed glimpses of greatness as well. Granted, he is no Sundiata, but Swansey may have what it takes to keep the wheels rollin'.

Ware, a 5'11", 175-pound frosh out of North Cobb Christian in Powder Springs, is expected to play early and often as well for the Dawgs' backcourt. How well these two play will sink or sail the ship for Georgia.

In the wake of Gaines' absence, senior guard/forward Terrence Woodbury will assume the leadership role this season. Woodbury evolved from a nobody to a solid competitor and deadly sharpshooter last season, and he served as a key contributor in Georgia's SEC tourney run.

At 6'7", 220, Woodbury has the length and the shooting ability to be a major threat for defenses inside and out. Look for "Woodshop" to have a fantastic senior year.

The other senior who brings experience and leadership is guard Corey Butler. A former walk-on, Butler stepped in and played a serious role in Georgia's late season heroics as well. As all successful walk-ons will do, Butler should bring plenty of intensity and willpower to the Georgia team.

Inside, Georgia will be anchored by super-sophomore Jeremy Price and junior Albert Jackson. Price and Jackson were consistent starters all of last year and bring plenty of experience to the helm. At 6'10", Jackson is the tallest player on the team and will spend most of his time at center in '08.

Price, with a monster 6'8", 265 frame, showed star potential last season with the Bulldogs as a freshman. Price brings a deceptive hook shot into the mix. Watch out for this big man to make a splash in the SEC this year.

The biggest story of the offseason has been the arrival of Howard "Trey" Thompkins out of Lithonia, GA. Thompkins was one of the biggest recruits in the country and may be the biggest signee Georgia has ever had. There has been a lot of buzz over this 6'8", 245 forward. However, injuries have kept Thompkins sidelined nearly all summer.

Nobody knows when Thompkins will be healthy and ready to start playing, but don't expect to see this superstar bloom until later on in the year.

Plagued by injury last year, sophomore forward Chris Barnes should be healthy and ready to play in '08 as well. Other key reserves include freshman Travis Leslie out of Decatur, GA, and sophomore guard Troy Brewer.

If you haven't noticed already, Georgia will no longer feature the three-point dagger that was Billy Humphrey. Humphrey, who has had a number of serious altercations with the law in the past, was kicked off the team earlier this year.

With all of that said, here is a look at Georgia's potential lineup.

G: Zac Swansey (No. 5)
G: Terrence Woodbury (No. 30)
F: Howard Thompkins (No. 33)
F: Jeremy Price (No. 50)
C: Albert Jackson (No. 34)

Bench: guard Dustin Ware (No. 3), guard Corey Butler (No. 23), forward Chris Barnes (No. 4), forward (No. 22) Travis Leslie, guard Corey Brewer (No. 20)

Reserves: forward Tyler Whatley (No. 0), guard Ricky McPhee (No. 10), guard Matt Bucklin (No. 12), guard Ebuka Anyoarah (No. 25), forward Drazen Zlovaric (No. 41)

Georgia will play a tough non-conference schedule this season. However, expect a number of those games to be on television. Here's a look at Georgia's non-conference schedule.

Nov. 14   USC Upstate  
Nov. 17   Loyola, Illinois
Nov. 21   Presbyterian  
Dec. 2     @ Western Kentucky
Dec. 6     @ Illinois
Dec. 9     Virginia Tech
Dec. 20   Wofford
Dec. 22   Texas A&M- CC
Dec. 28   North Carolina A&T
Dec. 31   Kennesaw State
Jan. 3      Missouri
Jan. 6      @ Georgia Tech

SEC Preview

Georgia likely will not be favored in any of their SEC games this season, especially in the SEC East. Tennessee, Florida, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky all look to be forces in the SEC this year. Georgia has spent the offseason in the shadows of that conversation. The West poses some serious threats as well. Just like last season, Georgia will once again assume the underdog role.

Conclusion

Georgia may lose Sundiata Gaines, but an incredible SEC tournament and a national tournament appearance served as huge ladders for the Georgia program. The Bulldogs return a handful of players from last season who grew up and played prominent roles in Georgia's late season success. However, losing Gaines and Billy Humphrey definitely hurts.

Georgia has talent though, and there is no doubt a very strong recruiting class that includes Howard Thompkins could push this team to another milestone in '08.

Oh, and until proven otherwise, Georgia fans should take every opportunity they can to brag and chant, "SEC champs!"