Damon Stoudamire’s first season as Georgia Tech men’s basketball coach hasn’t been an easy one. The Yellow Jackets went into Tuesday night’s matchup against No. 3 North Carolina with a 2–7 record in the ACC and a 10–11 mark overall. However, Stoudamire’s squad has raised its game against the best competition. Georgia Tech notched victories at home over No. 21 Mississippi State and No. 7 Duke earlier this season. UNC is the latest Top 25 team to fall to the Ramblin’ Wreck at McCamish Pavilion, losing 74–73. Stoudamire was understandably emotional in the postgame locker room, acknowledging that he’s been hard on his players throughout the season. But now, the benefits of that approach are becoming evident.
“Nobody sees the way I lean on you guys,” Stoudamire said after being applauded by his players and staff. “I’m hard on you. I really am. I’m hard on you, but I’m hard on you for a reason. These are tears of joy because I put you all through that; it ain’t easy, man. I know it ain’t easy. I know how these games are; they’re f—— wars.” Up next for Georgia Tech is a visit to North Carolina State on Saturday. North Carolina’s 10-game winning streak ended with Tuesday’s loss. The Tar Heels host Duke on Saturday night.
