Hewitt names third freshman starter for season-opening game

<p>Georgia Tech's No. 23 ranking in the preseason poll released Monday was a vote of confidence for the program's freshman class, and coach Paul Hewitt added another vote for the freshmen Tuesday.</p><p>Hewitt announced that three first-year players will start when the Yellow Jackets play host to Elon in Tech's season-opener on Friday night.</p><p>Tech finished last season with an 11-17 record.</p><p>As expected, freshman forward Thaddeus Young and point guard Javaris Crittenton will start. The surprise was Hewitt's announcement of a third freshman starter _ center Zach Peacock _ who will push junior Ra'Sean Dickey to the bench.</p><p>Hewitt said Dickey "has made some progress" but added "we just have a guy we think is playing better."</p><p>The 6-foot-9 Dickey averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds last season and was regarded as one of Tech's top returning players. He appeared to move past his problems with inconsistency when he scored in double figures in the last 13 games last season, averaging 16.2 points in that stretch.</p><p>"I'm thankful this team has enough depth that we can play the best five," Hewitt said.</p><p>Added Hewitt: "This is no ploy to motivate (Dickey)."</p><p>Peacock (6-7, 235) is a Miami native who averaged 21.2 points and 9.6 rebounds as a senior at Norland High School.</p><p>"Zach Peacock should be the guy based on what he has done in the preseason," Hewitt said, adding other players have</p><p>Peacock was an all-state player but was not as highly regarded as Crittenton and Young. Crittenton, from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, was one of the top-rated guard recruits in the nation. Young, from Memphis, also was a top-10 national recruit.</p><p>Tech also announced Tuesday plans to hold out another freshman, center Brad Sheehan, as a redshirt this season.</p><p>Hewitt said junior guard Anthony Morrow, who led Tech with 16 points per game last season, is recovering well from a stress fracture in his lower back. Hewitt said Morrow could play a limited role against Elon.</p><p>Other top returning players include forward Jeremis Smith, a returning starter, and guards Mario West and Lewis Clinch. When fully recovered, Morrow is expected to join Crittenton in Tech's starting backcourt.</p>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/11/113468