Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia Men’s Bulldog basketball team invites the nation’s most storied college basketball program into the Stegman Coliseum for Senior Night this Thursday. (7:00) It is difficult to underestimate the opportunity this game presents for Georgia seniors Sherrard Brantley John Florveus, and Vincent Williams. A senior night victory would leave Georgia on track to finish above .500 in the SEC and provide  the sweetest of memories for a lifetime.

Sherrard Brantley was part of the Dublin High 2009 School State Championship team and came to Georgia as a sophomore from Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida.  As a JUCO, Brantley earned a reputation sharp shooting from the three-point arc at a 43% rate. Once at Georgia, Sherrard settled in as a role player specializing in three point shooting.  His playing time decreased from his sophomore to his junior season (12.7 minutes a game to 9.9 minutes a game.) This season he has averaged over 18 minutes per game and started 4 times. His three point shooting average stands at .366 and he has made 31 assists during the season.

After starring at Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, Florida, John Florveus played two seasons at Hillsboro Community College in Tampa. In his first season At Hillsboro he ranked 24th nationally in blocked shots (2 per game). He improved from 4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game his freshman year to 8.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game his sophomore year.  After transferring to Georgia, the emphasis was on improving and contributing in games at occasional moments. This season, Florveus started 19 games and averaged over 17 minutes a game. While he averages only 2 points per game and has committed 31 turnovers, he is shooting over .500. Florveus plays well his role as a space eating big man well, providing the room required for Georgia’s young guards to score and rebound.

John Florveus defends Tennessee Volunteers forward Jarnell Stokes (32) Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Vincent Williams bloomed late in his high school career and came to Georgia after graduating from South Dade Senior High School (Dade County, FL) He immediately became a valuable back-up point guard. As a junior, Williams averaged 12.1 minutes per game and had 11 starts. This season he is averaging nearly 20 minutes per game and has 21 starts.  His quickness and jump shooting are an excellent counter punch to the physical play of freshman Charles Mann

As the Dogs approached Christmas, the possibility of a successful Southeastern Conference campaign appeared unlikely. It also appeared unlikely any of the three seniors would have a significant impact on the season. Coach Mark Fox then put the team in the hands of seniors Sherrard Brantley, John Florveus, and Vincent Williams – a decision that has dominated conversation among the Bulldog faithful.

Closing with victories against Kentucky and Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Saturday, 4:00) and a Conference Tournament surge leading to post season play would be a storybook ending for these seniors.  However, the most significant legacy may have been written – a senior class that did not quit competing, that did  not give up on the season, and that turned a season a-round. How big a turn a-round will depend a great deal on the performance of the senior Bulldogs after they carry away their framed jersey’s on Senior Night.

Dancing With The Stars Cast 2011 (source: tvsquad.com)

 Well my wife and I are already ‘Dancing With The Stars” fans.  Its a date night every season for us everytime it comes on.  So, we will have an extra special reason to watch this season, as one of our all time favorite Bulldawgs, Hines Ward, will be a contestant on the show.  The new line up for the new season was announced today, which includes Ward. (source: tvsquad.com)

Every season the show usually has at least one NFL player as a contestant, and they usually hang in there all the way until the finals.  Sometimes they even win, ala Emmitt Smith.  Well, since a damn ‘gator has won, it is only right that a ‘Dawg win one. 

 Hines defintely has the moves to do it.  He, probably bar none, has been one of the most versatile players in Georgia Football history, having played almost every offensive position,  including quarterback, and excelled in all.  He has been an incredible veteran receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who of course just recently won another Superbowl.

 For those of you who have never watched Dancing With The Stars, or have been just occasional visitors to the show, I urge you to watch it this season and vote for our very own ‘Hinesey Boy’ each and every time.  LETS GET HINES WARD THAT MIRROR BALL TROPHY!

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