Georgia Basketball: 5 Improvements the Bulldogs Must Make in SEC Tournament
Marcus Thornton
Marcus Thornton opened conference play producing like an All-SEC selection, and he is one. He raised his season free throw shooting average. Growing sure handed and confident, he ran the court like a stallion. Thornton patrolled the defensive paint with malice and repeatedly drove and spun for points and fouls at the offensive rim.
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Then came the concussion.
Thornton is the undisputed leader of this Bulldog basketball team. His teammates call him “the boss.” He still leads the team in scoring. But the professorial fifth year senior and graduate student is not yet back to his former formidable self.
There are a few theories, but more than likely, at this high level of play, losing a week of practice and games is a major setback, especially for a player like Thornton who thrives on hard work.
There have been glimpses of the old Thornton, the most dramatic the final four minutes of the Dawgs’ win in Oxford over Ole Miss. Georgia needs its old Marcus back. The old Thornton alongside the elevated play of Nemi Djurisic is the ultimate piece to the Bulldog Tournament puzzle.
If the Dawgs get the old Marcus back, all the way back, they can run to the SEC Tournament Finals and take their NCAA battle within 10 minutes of a Sweet Sixteen berth – or further.
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