It has hit the midway point for most of college basketball, and that comes with a slew of players that have either stepped up in big ways for programs, or have not necessarily played to the expectations that were there to start the season. The players on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets basketball team is no exception. Thus, here are three awards that I would like to give some of the players that have highlighted the Yellow Jackets season.
Biggest disappointment of the first half
The first honor goes to a guy that came into the 2024 season with high hopes for the Yellow Jackets, but just simply has not lived up to those expectations. That guy is Baye Ndongo. Ndongo averaged 12.4 points per game last season while also leading the team in rebounds with 8.2 While not having a bad season, and leading the team in rebounds per game, there is a sense that Ndongo was going to take a huge sophomore leap after having a stellar freshman season last year. This season, the numbers have dipped in both categories, and while he remains the most consistent big man on the team, it just provides a larger issue as a whole for the position group.
Biggest surprise of the first half
The Yellow Jackets have had a few players that have stepped up and took on bigger roles than expected this season, but perhaps none have made a larger impact on the team than Lance Terry. Terry has been on a tear this season, as he leads the team in points per game with 15, and has become a catalyst for the offense. Terry has put up at least ten points in 11 of the Yellow Jackets last 12 games and the go-to option on the offensive end of the floor.
First half MVP
The first half MVP is a player that has been the most consistent for the Yellow Jackets this season, whether it be getting the offense out of a scoring drought or a spark needed on defense, and that player is Naithan George. The Yellow Jacket guard is leading the ACC in assists per game this season with 6.5. But it’s also the combination of scoring that puts George over a lot of players, as he is also averaging 10.2 points per game this season. In an offense that is third in the ACC in assists per game with 16 per game.