The NEXT: ACC Team To Look Out For (NEXT year)

Georgia Tech in 2009-2010 could be pretty good.

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"Future (could be) so bright, I gotta wear shades."

Visit the 2009 NEXT universe.

Bobby Cremins' shock of white hair. Paul Hewitt falling nine points short of a National Championship in '04. Point Guard U. There's no shortage of golden memories for hoops fans at Georgia Tech.

But who wants to live in the past? The Yellow Jackets have struggle to remain relevant in the tough ACC since that magical run to San Antonio, barely eking out 20-win seasons and early tourney exits in '05 and '07, with little else in-between. This year, Hewitt's youngish squad has limped to an 0-6 record and a home on the lowest rung of the conference standings.

But…FirePaulHewitt.Com is a dead link. Why? The future in this particular corner of Atlanta is still bright. Reliable twelve-point-per-game seniors Lewis Clinch and Alade Aminu will be gone in '09-'10, but several current contributors should return to form a nucleus that rivals any in the league.

All rosy predictions start with Gani Lawal. The sophomore is leading the team in points and rebounds, and figures to be the face on the media guide cover for a couple of years if he doesn't jump to the Association. 235-lb Zach Peacock would provide beef up front and some senior leadership. Hewitt's ability to keep elite prep post player Derrick Favors at home gives him a top-five recruiting class to add in.

All that is nice, but this is Point Guard U. We need to know who's handling the rock. It's got to be someone who can write his name on the wall next to Mark Price, Kenny Anderson, Jarrett Jack, and Starbury. The leading candidate is current frosh Iman Shumpert, who is already in the league's top five in steals and assists in his first year in the ACC. If he can add a better shooting stroke next season, it's look out world.

With North Carolina likely to lose a few dominant players to graduation/the Association, there will be room to move up in the ACC. With a dynamite combination of size, speed, and steady backcourt play, don't be surprised to see the Ramblin' Wreck zipping past in the left lane, headed for the top 25.

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