Jan 27, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Charles Mann (4) dribbles the ball past Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 70-62. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Turnovers
Over the last decade, turnovers are a significant indicator of Georgia basketball success. The Bulldogs may have bucked that trend this year, but turnovers are the Dawgs’ biggest flaw. Georgia turns the ball over more than 60% of Division 1 teams.
Georgia improved its turnover numbers throughout the season, lowering a 13.5 per game season average to 13.0. In the basketball world, that improvement is a big deal. In fact, the Bulldogs averaged 10.6 turnovers in their last five games, so the Dawgs are trending the right direction. Join us in the weeds for a moment and we’ll highlight the significance of turnovers.
Georgia scores 1.08 points per possession. All of Georgia’s current starters average more than one turnover per game. If each starter reduced turnovers by one in every four games, it would be enough to move the needle on the Dawgs offense (68.8 to over 70 points per game), likely lifting the Dawgs national scoring rank from the top 40% to the top 25% of all D1 schools.
Over the course of a season, that wins Georgia an additional couple of games. In the SEC quarterfinals and beyond, including the NCAA Tournament, the difference could earn Georgia a second shot at Kentucky in the SEC Finals and a chance to play for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Dawgs must continue to lower the average turnovers per game. They can, and that rhymes with Mann.
More than any other player, Charles Mann has stepped up to overcome the injuries that have plagued the Dawgs all season, playing first at the point and then at the small forward position and now, with the injury to Kenny Gaines, at shooting guard.
Despite playing and adjusting to multiple positions and competing against different types of players, Mann’s turnover per game average has dipped to 3.4. There is both room and opportunity for more improvement. If Mann can knock that number down by another .5 turnovers per game, the Dawgs have a great shot at playing on Sunday.
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