Georgia Basketball: NCAA Tournament Ticket Within Bulldogs Reach
Jan 20, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Charles Mann (4) drives the ball past Mississippi Rebels forward M.J. Rhett (4) during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia defeated Mississippi 69-64. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Mann, Charles Mann.
Mann has been a tale of two cities, opening games with a bucket load of turnovers only to reverse himself to lead come back runs and make big plays down the stretch. The turnovers are frustrating enough, but Mann’s free throw shooting brings groans from the home crowd and much stronger responses in the living room. (It is only fair to note that regarding turnovers, the bad team total of 13.8 a night is very much a team effort.)
Mann’s field goal, 3- point percentages, rebounding, steals and assists all exceed his career average. Mann’s second half opening minutes against Florida and his shot-clock beating three pointer and laser guided assist to Nemi Djurisic down the stretch against Tennessee were Glory Glory moments.
Mann is learning to play three positions a game – a task thrust on him in mid-conference play with Frazier’s emergence and Parker’s injury . More than any other player, Mann is being asked to compensate for both the loss of Parker and the pre-season loss of Brandon Morris. It’s a heavy lift, no doubt. But Mann is a talented player with the physical size and strength to do the job. He must do the job with efficiency.
At the free throw line, there is every indication of a lack of confidence. If Mann puts a man sized Mann stroke on his free throws and reduces his game opening turnovers, Georgia will beat Texas A&M on Wednesday night and go on to win 20 games during the regular season.