Georgia Tech Basketball 2024-2025 Season Preview: Guards

Georgia Tech basketball is just around the corner when they are in action against West Georgia on Wednesday night. Let’s take a look at one of the Yellow Jackets’ deepest positions on the team, which is the defensive play. We have a number of veterans coming in as well as some young players looking to fill their roles for the Yellow Jackets this season.

Guards

Nait George- Georgia is probably one of the most exciting players to watch for the Yellow Jackets heading into 2024. The biggest question for Nait George is what step forward he takes for Georgia Tech this year. He provided a lot of spectacle and showed his potential and what he could be. After not starting the first four games of the season, the true freshman finished the year averaging 10.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 47.4 shooting percentage in the 28 games he played. He improved every game and showed that he can be counted on as a true point guard and facilitator for others, while also scoring the ball. The two areas to watch this season are three-ball and free throw percentage for George. He shot the three-ball at just a 31.4% clip last season. If George can become a more efficient shooter for the Yellow Jackets, the team will become even more dangerous. In terms of free throw percentage, he shot just 69% from the charity stripe. The more he improves the jumper, the more lanes will be open to drive into and create contact, leading to easier buckets for George. He is a great player with a bright future. If he can improve those key areas, Georgia will be a more complete player.

Lance Terry – Didn’t play last year due to a leg injury and decided to take a medical redshirt. This will be his final season in collegiate basketball. As for what he brings to the Yellow Jackets, he can spread the floor and knock down shots. Terry is a spark plug from three and has averaged 10 points and 37.2 percent shooting from long range over the course of his career. Before transferring to Tech, he played three years at Gardner-Webb. One of the best shooting seasons of his career came as a sophomore, when he shot 44% from deep. In three of his four career seasons, Terry has averaged double figures. An underrated part of his game is his athleticism. He can play above the rim at his size and if you’re not careful you could potentially end up on a poster. Terry will be an intriguing player to follow for the Yellow Jackets this year.

Kowacie Reeves – Reeves started every game for the Yellow Jackets last season and was one of two to do so (Myles Kelly). It was a career year for Reeves who set career highs in every statistical category last season except free throws made and attempted. Another key statistic in which he excelled was his three-point percentage. He knocked him down at an efficient clip of 38.3, ranking him second on the team. If you watch this tape, he is good at attacking the rim with his athleticism and good at finishing through contact. He is great at converting opponent turnovers into points. The Macon product has improved each season and is a reliable scorer for the Yellow Jackets. This will be Reeves’ final season and he looks to finish his collegiate career strong.

Javanese McCollum McCollum has proven that he can be a potentially prolific goal scorer. Last season, McCollum averaged 13.3 points, 3.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 0.8 steals at Oklahoma. McCollum set a school record for free throw percentage at 94.3% for the Sooners. For the Yellow Jackets, they are bringing in a dynamic scorer who can get anywhere on the floor. He scored in double figures in 21 of the 32 games played last year. He will likely be a starter when Georgia Tech opens the season against West Georgia. When you think of McCollum, you think of a great shot maker. The defense has been tough all game and you are struggling offensively. McCollum can get you a bucket. He is also a very efficient scorer, so he gives Georgia Tech an extra scoring boost offensively.

Jaeden Mustaf – A true freshman who immediately played at Overtime Elite. He was ranked as a four-star recruit known for his excellent size, court vision and scoring ability. Last season he averaged 11.1 points, 6.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds with the City Reapers. And he won an OTE title by beating RWE. It will be something to watch to see what kind of role he can fill as one of the guys. Mustaf is a physical guard who defends at a high level. It makes it difficult to reach certain spots on the floor.

Marcos San Miguel – He attended his local high school, Campbell here in Georgia, and was a four-year varsity letter winner and served as captain for three years. He completed high school with a weighted GPA of 4.77. He played in one game last year against Alabama A&M and finished with two shot attempts and a rebound. He had an older brother Nicolás who graduated from Georgia Tech in 2022. He is currently a walk-on for the Yellow Jackets and will largely serve as a role player.

Guard is a position that should pay big dividends for the Yellow Jackets this season. They have guys who each bring their own unique skills that can be useful to the team.

Additional links:

Georgia Tech Football: Zeek Biggers earns invitation to the 2025 Shrine Bowl

Bleav Georgia Tech: A Preview of the 2024-2025 Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball Season

ACC Football: Predictions for ten games each week