"TIM'S GEORGIA TECH NEWS"

Atlanta, Ga. The pressure of not winning finally caved in on Bobby Cremins Friday, as he announced his retirement from Georgia Tech basketball immediately following the 2000 campaign. Cremins, in his 19th season at Tech and his 25th as a head coach, will step down at the end of the 1999-2000 season, in which the Jackets currently have a record of 11-14 overall and 3-9 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Georgia Tech Athletic Association decided Wednesday to buy out the remaining three years of Cremins' contract, which would have carried through the 2002-2003 season. Cremins thrust Georgia Tech into the national basketball picture with a long line of great players, beginning with Mark Price and John Salley in the early 1980's, and continued with Duane Ferrell, Tom Hammonds, Dennis Scott, Brian Oliver, Kenny Anderson, Stephon Marbury and Matt Harpring. "Bobby Cremins is synonymous with Georgia Tech basketball," said Tech director of athletics Dave Braine. "If it weren't for the success of our basketball program from the mid 1980's through the early 1990's, it would have been hard to keep our athletics program afloat. "But Bobby has made this decision and feels it is time to make this change. "We're very appreciative of Bobby's 19 years of service and dedication to Georgia Tech. People across the country are going to miss seeing the famous man with the silver hair moving about our sideline during basketball season, as will we. Everybody knows Bobby Cremins. Nobody will ever truly take his place." Other ACC coaches voiced their opinions on coach Cremins. Duke coach Mike Krzyewski wore a blue shirt and gold tie to his Saturday game in honor of his good friend. "He is truly one of the great coaches in the history of the ACC, and he put Georgia Tech on the map", said coach K. Cremins graduated from South Carolina in 1970 with a B.S. degree in Marketing. He received the M.S. degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1972, also from USC. He was a three-year starter at point guard, leading the Gamecocks to some of their most successful seasons and a 61-17 record in three seasons. He and his wife Carolyn have three children: Liz, Suzie, and Bobby, III. Tim's Georgia Tech news will have more on the search for a replacement for Tech legend Bobby Cremins, in the coming days, and will also have a special page dedicated to Bobby Cremins. Thanks again Bobby for 19 years of memories, you will be missed.

What went wrong at Georgia Tech (Sporting News)

Cremins official statement of resignation

Cremins leaving Tech after 19 seasons (ESPN)

Perry Clark among names brought up as replacements

Editors comments I will have a full write up in a few days on Bobby Cremins' retirement. Tim Poulos

---

TECH'S LAST GAME FLORIDA STATE 7:00 PM EDT Raycom

---

AKINS LIGHTS UP A CAREER HIGH, TECH LOSES AT FLORIDA STATE 64-54

TECH FALLS TO 3-9 IN CONFERENCE

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Damous Anderson scored 26 points off the bench to spur Florida State to a 64-54 come-from-behind win over Georgia Tech in an Atlantic Coast Conference game Monday. Florida State (10-13 overall, 5-7 conference) had to overcome a barrage of nine 3-pointers by Georgia Tech's Tony Akins, the most this season in an ACC game. Akins finished with 33 points to lead all scorers. The loss continued the woes of Yellow Jackets Coach Bobby Cremins in his first game since announcing he won't coach the team next year. It was the third straight loss for Georgia Tech (11-14, 3-9), and dropped them into a tie with Clemson for last place in the ACC. Akins was 5-for-5 from 3-point range in the first half and was outscoring the entire Florida State team until just over a minute to play in the half. That staked the Yellow Jackets to a 34-26 lead at the half, but Florida State came alive in the second half, led by Anderson and Nigel Dixon, and nearly shut out Georgia Tech over the last four minutes of the game. Anderson ended the first half with a resounding dunk and started the second half with another dunk on a fast break that got the Seminoles' crowd into the game. He then hit a 3-pointer with just over 10 minutes left to pull the Seminoles to within one at 47-46 to shift the momentum for good. The lead changed hands a couple of times, but Anderson blocked an Akins shot from behind and hit a lay-up at the other end to give Florida State a 54-53 lead with 4:46 to play. It was a lead they would never relinquish. The Seminoles turned up the intensity on defense and the Yellow Jackets only managed one more point the rest of the way, and failed to score a field goal in the last 6:56 of the game. Ron Hale added 17 points for the Seminoles. Dixon had 8 rebounds off the bench to lead the Florida State defense. It was a very physical game and Florida State center David Anderson suffered a broken nose early in the first half when Georgia Tech's Alvin Jones backed into him hard after a rebound.

Georgia Tech @ Florida State BoxScore

---

RECRUITING UPDATE

---

Georgia Tech has signed 3 players during the early signing period, something unfamiliar with Bobby Cremins. Cremins has been more upbeat this offseason trying to get Tech Basketball back to where he feels it should be. "I want to take Georgia Tech back to where we were", said Cremins. The recruiting of Stephon Marbury caused a lot of Tech's downfall after he decided to leave the Flats after one year. "I maybe did not think long-run when I recruited Stephon Marbury", said Cremins. Cremins has a lot of support from Athletic Director Dave Braine. "I see Bobby working hard, and he has that intensity in his eye again." Tech seems to be in good position with the future. Here are the three basketball signees. For a complete look at who Georgia Tech is recruiting, please email me for the complete list.

Marvin Lewis 6-3 WG Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian- Lewis is a top 75 signee with Tech. Great shooter, who wont rely alot on athletic ability.

Top 200 Brendon Plavich 6-2 PG Dalton (GA) High- Plavich will be a solid 6th man for the Jackets. Big body for a PG, should be a great addition.

Top 300 Halston Lane 6-6 WF Oak Ridge (TN) High- Wing guard who played AAU ball with Brendan Plavich. Not a bad player, recruited my some small schools late in process.

---

COMMENTARY

---

NEW TECH RECRUITS SHARE A SPECIAL BOND

TECH RECRUITS WERE A "PACKAGE DEAL"

When Bobby Cremins decided to track down to South Louisiana for a recruiting trip, I wonder if he imagined a story as fabulous as the Ross Chouest, and Clarence "Mo" Moore story. When Clarence Moore's mother became sick, Gary Chouest, Ross' father and wealthy businessman decided to "adopt" Clarence Moore into the family. Ross' parents owned a palatial mansion outside of New Orleans where Ross and Clarence used the outside gym that was built for them and the South Lafourche basketball team. There Clarence and Ross Chouest bonded into best friends, and caught alot of slack about how South Lafourche was buying a State Championship, purchased by Gary Shouest. "I dont care what anyone says," said Ross' father. "We always made decisions based on what was good for our family and what was good for Mo". Clarence Moore's mother died just before their State Championship in 1997 and since then Clarence has been the legal guardian of the Chouests. Just a month ago, as reported on Georgia Tech News, the pair signed with Georgia Tech. Before the signing, Ross and Clarence always talked about playing together in college. "If we go to the same school on a package deal, or different schools, we will always be the best of friends", said Moore. "What his family did for me, I mean to take me in not knowing who I am, what kind of backround I have...... I mean that means so much to me." It is believed Clarence Moore's recruiting came with a price tag, and the tag was Ross Chouest. Chouest is a great defender who could provide Tech with a big lift off the bench. Clarence, on the other hand is the real deal, and Tech fans will get to know him quick. It is truly a great story on how 2 kids from the same high school with different backgrounds were able to become best friends and live out there dream of playing college basketball at Georgia Tech.

Akins, Collier and Jones invited to USA Basketball Try-outs

Willie Reese named Assistant Basketball Coach

---

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

---

MARK PRICE RETURNS TO GEORGIA TECH AS AN ASSISTANT COACH

One of the most well known sports figures at Georgia Tech returned Wednesday when Mark Price accepted Bobby Cremins' offer to be the assistant basketball coach at Georgia Tech. To make the move, Bobby Cremins moved Assistant Gary Leiner to Director Of Basketball Operations. Price who earned an All-American honor for 3 straight years at Tech is looking forward to the challenge. "It's a thrill to be able to come back to my alma mater and be a part of Bobby's coaching staff,"said Price. "Bobby coached me when I was here as a player and I'm looking forward to working with him and the players. I feel I can be an asset in the development of the players in our program." Cremins was equally excited about what Mark can bring to the table. "I'm very proud to announce that Mark Price will be joining our staff as the third assistant," said Cremins. "I respect Mark as a person and as a player and I'm hoping he will bring a lot of his qualities to our program. Mark will be heavily involved in individual player development and all aspects of coaching." After a dismal season, this move could be a major move to a re-birth in Tech basketball.

Tech hires Mark Price

Note: In the history of the NBA, there are only 3 players to shoot 50% from the field and 90% from the FT line. They are Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Mark Price.

---

1999 ACC TOURNAMENT

---

GEORGIA TECH (15-15;6-11 ACC) vs UNC (23-8;11-6 ACC)

UNC CRUSHES GEORGIA TECH 78-49 TO END DISMAL SEASON; COLLIER NAMED SECOND TEAM ALL-ACC

North Carolina started its mission to become the first team in 30 years to win the ACC Basketball Tournament 3 years in a row, in the 1st Round of the ACC Tournament. Georgia Tech, on the other hand, was looking for a win to gain some respect among Tournament voters. UNC, minus Jason Capel for the second straight contest against Tech, jumped out early and often, building a nine point lead before half, before Tech closed it to 7 at intermission. With Tech trailing by just 1 at 41-40 in the second half, UNC went on a 23-2 run to blow the game wide open and send Carolina into the semifinals where they will play Maryland. Tech simply had no answer for the inside game of Brian Bersticker, Brendan Haywood, and Kris Lang. Carolina was simply overpowering in the late stages of the second half. Tech, who was once again led by Jason Collier's 17 points, finishes the season at 15-15, and likely will get an invitation to play in the NIT. Next season figures to bring Tech fans a bright outlook. With the return of Dion Glover, and arrival of Sean Fein, Tech looks like they may be ready to put an end to the streak of missing the NCAA's. Now it is time to get ready for the NIT. I will have the pairings soon.

Georgia Tech - UNC Box Score

2nd Half Run Dooms Tech

The All ACC teams were announced on Tuesday and Georgia Tech's Jason Collier was named to the 2nd Team. Collier who transferred from Indiana was a dominant force this year for Tech averaging 17.6 ppg right behind Elton Brand of Duke, who averaged 17.7 ppg. Collier also managed to average 7.1 rebonds per contest. Alvin Jones, the 6-11 Sophomore from Lakeland, Florida had a solid year and was named on the honorable mention list averaging 12.4 ppg 9.8 rpg (2nd) and led the ACC in blocked shots with 106 for an average of 3.7 per game. Alvin and Jason figure to be an unstoppable line-up next season when Tech gets Dion Glover back. Once I have the complete teams I will publish them on the site, along with the All-ACC Tournament teams. On the other hand, Tech could be in trouble if Dion Glover decided to leave for the NBA. Just a couple months ago, it seemed possible that Tech was going to get Al Harrington. Could you imagine Tech's team next year? Harrington opted for the NBA.

---

TIM'S COMMENTARY

---

FIRING CREMINS WOULD BE BIGGEST MISTAKE TECH BASKETBALL COULD MAKE

Dave Braine, if you are listening, please listen carefully. Bobby Cremins is Georgia Tech Basketball. Long before Stephon Marbury, Kenny Anderson, Dennis Scott, and Tommy Hammonds there has always been Bobby Cremins. The years before Cremins set foot on Georgia Tech's campus are not even worth looking up in the Tech media guide, so save the embarassment. What Bobby Cremins brings to the table more any previous Tech basketball coach is class. It is pure and simple. Ask anyone who has spent time with Coach Cremins and they will tell you. He loves his players, loves his school, loves his fans. He just loves Georgia Tech. Show me another coach who cares more about his university and I'll argue. Nobody wants to hear that though, so I will tell you about Bobby Cremins the coach. Bobby Cremins the coach is the only coach I want to see run this team. Youth, experience, and a big injury (Dion Glover) have somewhat sidetracked the rebuilding season this year, but look at the future. Sean Fein, one of the nation's best JUCO players comes to Tech next year, along with Dion Glover and this year's Tech team a year older. The future looks bright for Tech basketball and Bobby Cremins should be included for something he has spent hard work and dedication to improve. Bring in another coach, and you throw out the best thing that has ever happened to Tech athletics since Bobby Jones. Coach Cremins has a home, and it is Georgia Tech. No further comment.

Terrence Moore article on Bobby Cremins

---

TOP STORIES FROM 1997-1998

---

(11-07-97)

TECH LEGEND AL CIRALDO DIES AT 75

Georgia Tech radio announcer Al Ciraldo died today of congestive heart failure complications. Al Ciraldo defined the qualities of a genuine man. Not once did I ever see Al without a smile on his face. Just to be able to see how Al carried himself through the last couple years should be an inspiration to us all. Al was a true Georgia Tech man, and it could be felt through the whole Athletic Association as word spread. "Everyone knows how much Al Ciraldo meant to Georgia Tech," said head basketball coach Bobby Cremins. "But Al meant so much to Bobby Cremins as well. When I first came here, he was instrumental in helping me get a feel for Tech, bringing the old players back, and rejuvenating Georgia Tech basketball." Al spent his last 43 years at Georgia Tech. So long Al, we are all gonna miss you.

---

This page maintained by Tim Poulos 1997, and made possible by Angelfire Communications. Thank you for visiting. You are theGT NEWS Visitor