After a trip to the NCAA tournament in 2009, the Jackets are looking for another strong season in the ACC. Redshirt freshman Kammeon Holsey is coming off an injury to his knee last season and looking to make a big impact on the court. At 6-foot-8, he’s got both size and speed, and his versatility should impact the way the team plays both offense and defense.
The team is looking to play with a new look on offense. The perimeter should be the highlight of the season as both Head Coach Paul Hewitt and the players believe that the guards are knocking down a lot of shots while handling the ball off the dribble well.
“We’re looking to pass the ball at least three or four times. We’re looking for open shots. Coach wants us to screen really hard. We can get easier shots and easier points by screening and going straight for the basket,” Holsey said.
In further discussion with Holsey, he reiterated that the team has some big goals in mind that start with the team getting more focused than last season. The other goals are to win the ACC championship this year, and to get to the NCAA tournament and win it. It’s going to be a tough task, especially replacing the talent lost after former Tech players Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors left for the NBA.
“We’ve got to come in every day and work as hard as we can. I just have to try to give as much as I can for my team. I have to be a team player and play my role. I’m versatile, I can keep my size on the inside and defend, or move out on the wing to defend the guards,” Holsey said.
Holsey was a highly touted recruit coming into Tech, who redshirted the 2009 season. In the preseason Holsey was coming off a nagging knee injury, but the team seems encouraged by the progress he has made, along with several of the other younger players on the roster.