Predicting the 2014 – 2015 Georgia Bulldog basketball starters

Dec 21, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Marcus Thornton (2) looks at the scoreboard on the bench against the Western Carolina Catamounts in the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia defeated Western Carolina 65-63. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Center

The heart and soul of the Bulldog basketball team is redshirt senior Marcus Thornton and he will start at center.

After multiple knee injuries and a 2012 – 2013 redshirt season, last year Thornton stepped up for the Cagers in a big way. In 2013 – 2014, he led the team with three double-doubles and in rebounding. His career high point total came against Vermont, including a 3 point play with 1:34 to play, to propel the Dawgs to the NIT second round.

At 6’8” 235 pounds, the graduate of Westlake High School in Atlanta can still run, jump, rebound and defend. “The Professor” came to Athens as Mr. Basketball in Georgia and as a First-team All-America selection to the ESPN Rise All-America team. He already has a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate.

Multiple knee surgeries have diminished Thornton’s God-given athleticism. Nevertheless, last year Thornton occasionally demonstrated the offensive skills that earned him his high school reputation.

This past summer was the first in three years Thornton polished his game instead of rehabilitating from injury. Ever and always the cheerful warrior, Thornton has inspired his teammates for four years, never dwelling on his physical misfortunes.

It’s just an informed feeling, but the big man will have a big year – he certainly deserves one.