2 • Friday, April 9, 2004 • Technique 2004 FINAL FOUR 2004 FINAL FOUR Technique • Friday, April 9, 2004 • 3

2003-2004 Season A season to remember Game -by-Game

From “Big Bird” to Big Man on Campus: Exhibition By Jody Shaw ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Associate Editor Tech 100 Team NIKE 89 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Schenscher develops into legitimate star Tech 112 Southeastern All-Stars 75 They saw the lack of a legitimate big man and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

By Kimberly Rieck ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the losses of the last two Atlantic Coast Confer- Malcolm Mackey and got tougher over Regular season

Sports Editor ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

ence Rookies of the Year. They saw a team that the summer,” said team captain Mar- Tech 79 Louisiana-Lafayette 45 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

struggled with consistency throughout its previ- vin Lewis. Tech 75 Hofstra 56 When Chris Bosh left Tech for ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

ous campaign. And they saw a team led by a young the NBA last summer and Ed Nelson Besides his teammates, coaches Tech 90 Cornell 69 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ head coach whose career winning percentage at transferred to Connecticut, many around the nation noticed Schenscher’s Tech 77 Connecticutt 61 improvements. “He’s just a different ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the Institute hovered in the .500 range. They sports pundits predicted the Jackets Tech 85 Texas Tech 65 simply saw too many unanswered questions to player [from November’s game against ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ would suffer from a lack of produc- Tech 73 Ohio State 53 predict anything for the team other than a sev- Connecticut], and he’s also grown seven ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ tion in the low post. However, Luke Tech 94 Tennessee State 43 enth place finish in the ACC.The preseason pun- inches, too. He’s got to be 8’3”. He ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Schenscher shocked the sports critics Tech 75 Saint Louis 62 dits only observed the individual parts; they failed dwarfed everybody on the court. He’s ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ shocked with sports critics with his Tech 74 Alabama A&M 41 to see that the whole is greater. the biggest guy I’ve seen in my life,” ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ growth and developed into a legiti- Tech 79 St. John’s 66

The transformation of this squad from a group said Connecticut head coach Jim Cal- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ mate star center. Tech 90 Marist 40 of individually talented young men to a well- “I saw [Bosh’s departure] as an houn. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tech 86 Virginia Commonwelth engineered team and then to a close-knit family is opportunity for me to step up. I knew Opposing fans, most notably the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Cameron Krazies, taunted Schenscher Georgia 83 Tech 80 (2OT) the story of the 2004 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets that I had to step up if the team was to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ season. It’s a triumphal story that capti- with chants of “Big Bird,” because of North Carolina 103 Tech 88 be successful. We needed someone to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ vated the entire country. his tall stature and curly red hair. His Tech 75 Virginia 57

fill that void of him leaving and I just ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Coach Paul Hewitt penned this tale’s opening teammates and coach, however, called Tech 81 Maryland 71

took it upon myself to make sure that ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ when he worked to instill in his players the impor- him “The Big Fundamental,” because Tech 73 Wake Forest 66

I could step up and help the team ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

tance of conditioning, a commitment to defense, of the fundamentally-sound, old-school NC State 76 Tech 72 out,” Schenscher said. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

an understanding of the lost art teamwork, and, style of center he played throughout Tech 76 Clemson 69 Schenscher spent all last summer ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ more importantly, the art of the extra pass on improving his skills in optional work- the season. Duke 82 Tech 74 Off the court, Schenscher has be- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ offense and “helping the helper” on defense. His outs, and adding weight to his thin Florida State 81 Tech 65 come one of the most popular figures ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ team bought into this system whole-heartedly, frame. When he arrived on campus Tech 77 Tennessee 62 and it made them greater than the previous one, on campus. A group of Industrial ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ two years ago, the 7’1” center weighed Tech 88 North Carolina 77 despite the fact it had less talent. Design students made “Luke Schen- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ only 215 pounds. “We did a lot as a Virginia 82 Tech 80 The players, however, drove the story’s plot scher has a posse” T-shirts that have ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ team to help him get bigger. We fed Tech 75 Maryland 64 and the development of the family. When Theo- been featured throughout the tourna- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ him. We were making sure he would Wake Forest 80 Tech 76 dius Tarver went down with a knee injury during ment. Schenscher’s teammates have ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ eat four, five, six meals a day to help NC State 79 Tech 69

an early fall practice, Clarence Moore and the donned the shirts at press conferenc- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ him get bigger. He played Tech 79 Clemson 60 other seniors made a decision. Since the moment with guys es, and the pep band and Buzz wore ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ them in San Antonio. Tech 76 Duke 68 of Tarver’s injury, the team said “family” as it like ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ broke each huddle to signify their commitment to “I do have one of those. I’m sending Tech 63 Florida State 60

each other. What they accomplished together on it back home to my mom so hope- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

the court demonstrates they meant it every time. fully she can sport it back home ACC Tournament ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

As a team, this Tech squad advanced further in in Australia. But yeah they’re Tech 83 North Carolina 82 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the NCAA basketball tournament than any bas- great. I’m pretty happy about Duke 85 Tech 71

ketball squad in Institute history and set a host of it,” Schenscher said. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

other school records, and every individual con- Schenscher’s family was un- NCAA Tournament ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ tributed to the team’s triumphs. able to make it to the Final Tech 65 Northern Iowa 60 Four but the family held view- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Captain Marvin Lewis became a vital on-court Tech 57 Boston College 54 leader. The previously-discounted center, junior ing parties at their home in ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tech 72 Nevada 67 Luke Schensher, worked to become a legitimate Hope Forest, Australia. “I think ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tech 79 Kansas 71 (OT) star in the post. Arizona transfer Will Bynum they were saying there were forty ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tech 67 Oklahoma State 65 brought an edge and swagger to a team that lacked or fifty people in the house watch- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

them. Senior forward Moore returned after a year ing the [Oklahoma State] game ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ National Championship away from the game to provide emotional and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

See Luke, page 11 Connecticut 82 Tech 73 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

See Commentary, page 9 Front Photo By Christopher Gooley / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 4 • Friday, April 9, 2004 • Technique 2004 FINAL FOUR

Final Four Recap Last-minute shot lands Jackets in biggest dance Lewis leads, Bynum finishes UConn ends Tech miracle, as Jackets outgun Cowboys confirms preseason ranking By Edward Tamsberg By Edward Tamsberg Staff Writer Staff Writer

With 1.6 seconds remaining on the clock, Will In a rematch of the pre-season NIT semifinal Bynum made a clutch layup that launched the game, Tech aimed to repeat its upset of the Jackets into their first National Championship University of Connecticut. The Jackets had soundly game in school history. The team tied a school defeated the then No. 1 Huskies 77-61 at Madi- record for the most victories in a season with the son Square Garden in November. win, matching the 1990 Final Four team. However, the tables were turned this time Oklahoma State was the favorite going into around, as the Jackets faced a strong Emeka Okaf- the game, and the Cowboys had a large crowd or, the Huskies’ star big man, who had suffered advantage. Orange-clad fans packed the Alamo- back spasms at last fall’s game. Okafor had 24 dome. points, 15 rebounds, and was later named Most The Cowboy’s Joey Graham, and Valuable Player for the Final Four tournament, as John Lucas were expected to be a tough combina- he led his team to an 82-73 victory. tion for Tech to handle, but as the first half pro- Though Tech closed the gap to nine points by gressed, the Jackets took the lead. Tech led by the end of the contest, the score fails to illustrate seven at halftime with the help of Marvin Lewis’ the Huskies’ overall domination. At halftime, the five shots from behind the arc. Jackets faced a 10 point deficit, which the Huskies “We pretty much depended on Marvin,” said increased to 25 points in the second half. Jarrett Jack after the game. “He put us on his back Tech suffered scoring problems throughout and we just followed his lead. We have always the night, as it shot under 30 percent from the been there together, but the first half, it was all field in the first half and 38 percent for the game. him.” Bynum led the Jackets with 17 points, B.J. Elder The Jackets also had great defense, holding had 14 and Schenscher had nine. Allen, the Big 12 leading scorer, to only five shots. “Tonight the ball just didn’t fall for me,” Elder Luke Schenscher also dominated the boards, with said. Elder was noe the only one for whom the ball 12 rebounds in addition to his 19 points. would not fall. In the second half, OSU fought back and closed Although Tech had found itself at the lowest in on the Jackets’ lead. Lucas made a three-pointer deficit of the season, the players and fans never and tied the game with 28 seconds left on the gave up and even cheered “family” toward the end clock. of the game during the Jackets’ final rally. “The game was tied and we knew we had the While the Jackets may have lost the national last shot,” said Jack “ The shot clock was off and championship, the team will never forget this the momentum was definitely in our favor.” year’s season. “We feel like we had a good run at Bynum was chosen by his teammates to take this thing. [We’re] still disappointed not to come the last second shot. “[The coaches and players] out with the victory,” Elder said. “We’ve done a had confidence in me to take the last shot. Luckily lot for this program, trying to get it back to where I made it,” Bynum said. it used to be and for the university as well. We’re The win against the Cowboys wasn’t the only really proud of that.” close game for Tech in the tournament. The team’s “We kept this thing going as long as possible,” last eight wins of the season were decided by less By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Lewis said. than 10 points. The Jackets also narrowly escaped Junior Guard Will Bynum drives past Oklahoma State star John Lucas, Jr. with time “We wish we would have got a win. But to the St. Louis regional with an overtime win against ticking down in the NCAA National Semifinal. Bynum’s lay-up gave the Jackets the keep this team together, this family atmosphere is Kansas. lead with less than two seconds remaining, sending them to the title game. going to be together forever.” 2004 FINAL FOUR Technique • Friday, April 9, 2004 • 5

NCAA Tournament Notebook - Final Four Tech to remember Texas trip for more than just Alamo By Kimberly Rieck game Perdue said. Sports Editor Before the game against Injuries plague Jackets Oklahoma State, the Jackets While B.J. Elder’s sprained Tech pays a visit to the Ad- received a pre-game pep talk ankle garnered the most me- miral from Georgia Gov. Sonny Per- dia attention, Elder wasn’t the While basketball was the due. The former Georgia foot- only one on the team with an main focus of the Final Four ball player put aside his college injury at the Final Four. Mu- weekend for the team, Asso- alliances on Monday after- hammad, known for his dunk- ciate Athletic Director Mary noon and addressed the Geor- ing ability, suffered from McElroy arranged a visit with gia Tech basketball team just tendonitis in his right knee. David Robinson for the Yel- hours before the NCAA Tour- Muhammad’s pain was obvi- low Jackets. McElroy and nament title game. ous in the Oklahoma State Robinson were classmates at “The whole state is proud game and forced him to re- the Naval Academy. The team of you,” Perdue told the Jack- turn to the bench. He had an took a trip to the retired San ets. MRI Sunday but was still able Antonio Spurs player’s Carv- Perdue, a member of the to play in Monday’s champi- er Academy, a school he found- Bulldogs’ football team in the onship game. McHenry had ed to provide underprivileged mid-1960s, arrived at the team to get five stitches on his chin children with the best educa- hotel in San Antonio on Mon- after he collided with Clar- tion possible. The school is day afternoon. He attended ence Moore at the team’s prac- based on George Washing- the Yellow Jackets’ pre-game tice at Trinity College last ton Carver and his goals, par- meal where he delivered a short Wednesday. Despite the in- ticularly “service and faith.” speech to the team. Perdue, juries, all three players were “I was overwhelmed. also made an appearance at able to play in Monday’s cham- to junior college for two years Those kids over there know the Yellow Jackets’ pionship game. before he transferred to Okla- four languages; I only know send-off Bynum reunites with Chi- homa State and became the one. When we first got there cago pals Big 12 player of the year I thought I really didn’t want San Antonio’s final four and OSU’s leading scorer to go because we had just got- lineup became a reunion during the regular season. ten out of practice, but after of sorts for junior point Allen and Bynum almost we got there, I was really over- guard Will Bynum. wound up together in col- whelmed Oklahoma State’s senior lege when Bynum consid- with what is guard Tony Allen and ered transferring to going on Duke’s Sean Dockery Oklahoma State. Bynum over there,” are both from the Chi- wanted to transfer from Ar- Anthony cago area. Allen and izona to a school closer to McHenry Dockery played togeth- home after his mother Rose said. er at Julian High School became ill. Bynum strong- Head before Allen transferred ly considered OSU and com- coach Paul to Crane Tech. mitted to Tech at the last Hewitt was Besides being minute because Oklahoma equally im- Bynum’s former team- State was out of scholarships pressed with Robinson. “I’ll mate, Allen is also one of and Bynum’s mother pre- tell you what, if his name is in Atlanta on Wednesday. Bynum’s closest friends. The ferred Tech, among other on the presidential ticket, I’m “This is a big deal for this two have been friends since reasons. voting for him. I have never state and a great testament to Bynum was in the seventh After Bynum made the ever met a more impressive Georgia Tech to be in this grade and Allen was in eighth game-winning shot to win By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS man than David Robinson,” championship. With the ac- grade. Bynum was the more the game against the Okla- Yellow Jacket fans rally outside the team’s hotel prior to its Hewitt said. ademic excellence they have, highly touted recruit and went games (top) and revel in the streets of San Antonio. Many Governor offers talk in pre- I'm very proud to be here,” to Arizona, while Allen went See Final notebook, page 9 students, alumni and friends of Tech made the trip to Texas.

No. 16 Cagers stomp on Roy William’s Tar Heels in thriller Cagers bring back “Thrillerdome”

Devoted Tech fans see hoop dreams come true in St. Louis Hoopsters win openers Jack proves he’s Tech’s “go-to” guy at the buzzer

Jackets win close calls against Northern Iowa, Boston College Jackets’ “Big Dance” begins today Thanks to the basketball team for a year of great headlines! Jackets knock off Jayhawks in regional final Tech faces Wolf Pack in Sweet 16 On the road to San Antonio No. 19 Cagers wreck Duke streak Hewitt signs top recruits Teammates step up in wake of Elder’s injury Cagers look to upset second No. 1 of the season Bynum leads Tech to ACC wins —TECHNIQUE 6 • Friday, April 9, 2004 • Technique 2004 FINAL FOUR 2004 FINAL FOUR Technique • Friday, April 9, 2004 • 7

Photos By Scott Meuleners and Christopher Gooley / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 8 • Friday, April 9, 2004 • Technique 2004 FINAL FOUR

Final notebook from page 5 Bynum’s heart key to tourney run homa State with 1.6 seconds left, cool with Ed. He’s still my friend, I By Kimberly Rieck Bynum, became ill and had to be game against Boston College, he was Allen came over to congratulate came in with him,” McHenry said. Sports Editor admitted to the hospital. Bynum disappointed because most of his Bynum aftwards. “He just congrat- Despite the negative reception left the trip to be with his mom. family had come from Chicago to ulated me for making the shot. He Nelson received from Tech’s stu- It was around 7:30p.m. when After she had recovered and he had nearby Milwaukee to watch him play. said, “You’ve got me this time,” dent section at the game, he wasn’t head coach Paul Hewitt heard on gone back to school, Bynum decid- “I didn’t come near him in Milwau- Bynum said. discouraged at all by the boos. I still ESPN that Will Bynum was trans- ed he wanted to trans- kee. I knew better to stay out of his Jack, Duhon share final as family have a lot of fans that supported me, ferring to Oklahoma State. Earlier fer to a school closer way then. We got back to Atlanta Not only did Duke’s Chris Du- for every certain amount that sup- that day, Bynum had called Hewitt to home. and had that conversation,” Hewitt hon and Jarrett Jack lead their re- ports you, you’re going to have some to tell him that he was transferring “The first deci- said. spective ACC teams to the Final that disagree with you,” Nelson said. to Georgia Tech. “I thought maybe sion was to go back to Hewitt and Bynum went out to Four, the two also share family ties. Lewis ties record he had changed his mind. About Chicago,” he said. “But dinner before the St. Louis Region- Duhon and Jack are second cousins Besides leading Tech to its first 11:00 that evening, the phone rings. then she was like, ‘It’s go- al and Hewitt explained his reasons through Jack’s national cham- ‘What are you doing? I thought you ing to be a distraction.’” f o r cutting Bynum’s minutes. He father’s side and pionship basket- were going to Oklahoma State,’ I Bynum then considered go- told Bynum that he Duhon’s moth- ball game, senior said. He said, ‘Coach, don’t listen ing to Oklahoma State to “would get his chance.” er side. The two “This is a big deal for Marvin Lewis to reports. I’m going to Georgia join Tony Allen, his close Bynum certainly did never got to has now tied Tech,’” Hewitt said. friend and former high against Nevada and Kan- know each grow- this state and a great former Tech Since Bynum’s arrival on cam- school sas, where he “delivered” ing up and didn’t testament to Georgia standout Mal- pus, the Chicago native has made a team- for the team on both occa- connect until colm Mackey for huge impact on the basketball team. mate. sions. Duhon’s senior Tech to be in this the most games Bynum scored the winning shot Ols- The pinnacle moment of year of high championship.” played at Tech against Oklahoma State with 1.6 his career at Tech came when school. Jack was in a career. Lewis seconds to go at the Final Four, and Bynum scored the game-win- Sonny Perdue reading the inter- started against received All-Tournament honors in ning shot against OSU. He also Governor of Georgia net about the top Connecticut in San Antonio. Bynum also made scored 17 points against Connect- high school play- his 130th game game-saving plays against Nevada icut in the championship game. ers in the nation, for the Jackets. and Kansas. “This is the biggest shot I ever and Jack’s father Elder’s home- Bynum’s road to Tech wasn’t en also took in my life. It’s like a dream mentioned that Duhon was his cous- town aids his mom exactly paved in gold. Bynum grew advised come true, making a shot like this at in. Jack contacted Duhon and the Not only has Elder’s success on up in a rough neighborhood in Chi- Bynum to this high level,” Bynum said. The two began staying in touch by phone. the court brought much pride to cago. “It’s hard growing up in Chi- transfer to shot came after Bynum had missed Duhon and Jack faced each other Tech, his hometown of Madison, cago. Any wrong move could be OSU, but a layup with 1:23 left on the clock. four times during the regular season Georgia is so proud that the town the end of your life, so I think I Rose Hewitt agreed. and the last time in college was at raised money to help pay for LaVonda try to take that as no pressure on Bynum “Will’s shot meant an awful this year’s ACC tournament. Du- Elder’s expenses while she attended the basketball court.” told her lot...He’s as tough a kid as I’ve hon graduates from Duke in May. the Final Four. “It costs a lot of A star at Crane Tech High son that coached. When I grabbed him at Braves to honor Jackets money for a lady to go to San Anto- School, Bynum averaged 27 Georgia half-court, he had tears in his eyes. The basketball team will throw nio for a few days,” Mayor Bruce points per game and was high- Tech was the That was huge for me to see him the ceremonial first pitch at Turner Gilbert said in the Atlanta-Journal ly recruited, eventually sign- place for him. enjoy that moment,” Hewitt said. Field Saturday night when the At- Constitution, “and every mama ing Lute Olsen’s Arizona After OSU was In the final game of the season, lanta Braves face the Chicago Cubs. should get to see her son play.” Wildcats. unable to find a Bynum scored a team-high 17 points Hewitt and the Jackets were origi- Elder was a star player and stu- Bynum was enjoying scholarship for him, and was named to the NCAA Final nally supposed to throw the first dent at Morgan County High, and his time at Arizona when he chose to join Four All-Tournament team, along pitch at the season opener, but the holds the school record for total ca- tragedy struck in the Hewitt’s team. with teammate Luke Schenscher. Tuesday night game time conflict- reer points. The town is also plan- summer after his Bynum quickly became “It’s a luxury to have a guy like ed with the team’s welcome-back ning a “B.J. Elder Day.” freshman year. known as “Will the Thrill” Will Bynum that can come in your celebration. “I have a lot of people in Madi- He was traveling on campus for his aggressive game after one of your top scorers Nelson consoles former teammates son who are real proud of me,” El- on a basketball style of play. “Will is a guy that gets hurt [B.J. Elder in the St. Louis When the 2001 Atlantic Coast der said. “They’ve given me a lot of tour of Austra- thinks he can take anybody in the Regional] and he’s not going to go Conference Rookie of the Year support. Knowing they’re behind lia with the Ari- country,” Hewitt said. out there and shrink in the mo- walked onto the court in the final me makes you feel real good.” zona team when When Hewitt sat Bynum out ment, he’s really going to play big,” minute of the championship game, B.J. says the posse is real his mom, Rose for most of the team’s second round Hewitt said. Ed Nelson was met with boos and At last Friday’s River Rally in jeers from many fan. Nelson had San Antonio, the entire Tech band transferred to UConn last summer substituted their usual uniform for to be closer to his family. the popular “Luke Schenscher has a Although Nelson is a Huskie, he posse” yellow T-shirts. “They’re went over to his former teammates great,” Schenscher said. “It’s a pret- after the game to console them. “The ty big thing on campus. I’m pretty first thing I did when I went on the happy about it.” court was console my former team- While the team wore their normal mates because I felt bad for them uniforms for the Oklahoma State losing, it was the first thought in my and Connecticut games, several band mind. I told them they had a great members wore dreadlock wigs and run and to celebrate it,” Nelson said. headbands in honor of senior of Since Nelson transferred schools, Clarence Moore. Team mascot Buzz he has kept up his Tech ties. “I’ve appeared in the national champi- talked to them all year, and there’s onship game wearing a giant Schen- more to life than basketball. There’s scher T-shirt and Moore head attire. strong friendships involved and we’ve One for the record books kept communication up. The other Tech’s victory against the Cowboys day we hung out [in San Antonio] Saturday night placed this year’s team and I went to lunch and dinner with in the record books for most wins in Luke [Schenscher], Dave [Nelson] a season. The 2003-04 team, with a and a lot of the guys.” 28-10 record, tied the 1989-90 teams “This is not our first time seeing for most wins in a season. The 1989- Ed on the other team, we saw him 90 team lost to eventual national when we played in the NIT. We champion University of Nevada-Las understand Ed’s decision and we’re Vegas in the national semifinals.

Commentary from page 2 spiritual leadership. These individual sub-themes B.J. Elder emerged as the team’s within this greater story could make leading scoring threat, Jarrett Jack for great bestsellers themselves—great established himself as one of the one-man stories. What made this best floor generals in the confer- team so special, however, is that those ence, and reserves Is’mael Mu- individual story lines never over- hammed led the nation in shadowed the epic they wrote col- Sportscenter highlights. Anthony lectively. Together they penned the McHenry served as the team’s best greatest chapter in the history of defender, and Tarver and Robert Georgia Tech basketball. And they Brooks provided key depth. did it the right way—as a family. 2004 FINAL FOUR Technique • Friday, April 9, 2004 • 9

NCAA Tournament Notebook - St. Louis Regional Lewis, Jack provide fire power in wake of Elder injury By John Scaduto and his teammates just kept feeding Staff Writer him. “Everybody said we’ve got to pick Tech vs. Nevada (72-67) up our games,” Lewis said. “B.J. is a Team responds to Elder injury guy that brings a lot of firepower in A collective gasp resounded from regards to scoring. He’s our leader. the Yellow Jacket faithful as B.J. But everybody just said, ‘we’ve got Elder went down clutching his an- to do without him and move on.’” kle early in the game. Nevada’s star, Lewis go 4-9 from beyond the Kirk Snyder, had failed to convert arc and score 23 points—the only an alley-oop, and as he tried to re- Jacket in double figures. The most cover he lost his footing and fell impressive stretch occured when right onto Elder’s leg. Tech finally gained the lead, 63-58, Elder was taken to the locker behind consecutive three-pointers room for x-rays where it was discov- by Lewis. ered that he had an ankle sprain. Tech vs. Kansas (78-71) With arguably the deepest guard set Team overcomes KU advantages in the nation, however, the rest of The odds were completely stacked the Jackets never lost against Tech for its composure. first Elite Eight ap- “Maybe they pearance since were hiding it from 1990. It faced a Kan- By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS me, but I never saw sas team that had Though outnumbered in droves by Kansas Jawhawks fans during the St. Louis regional, Jackets fans nonetheless them panic,” made the previous made themselves heard, as the cheered on their team’s overtime victory that earned Tech its final four trip. Coach Paul two Final Fours Hewitt said. “I brought nearly four With a selective defensive press more deliberate. hammad on the freshman phenom don’t even know times as many fans, that proved efficient and frequent A sloppy Tech offense turned Giddens. This led to a run that put if they realized being only five hours penetration by the guards, Tech dom- Kansas into the aggressor, as it con- Tech up 65-58 with 3:30 left to he wasn’t com- away from its Lawrence inated the first half. Kansas’ front- verted quickly on several missed shots play. It seemed like a comfortable ing back. They campus. On top of its court was non-existent, as the team and turnovers. Kansas took its first lead with the Jackets solidifying the just continued opposition, Elder re- implemented a quick double-team lead of the game at 43-42 on two defensive end and converting on the to play.” mained questionable to to counter KU big man Wayne buckets by Simien. It was now Kei- offensive. Captain play. Simien. He had no field goals in the th Langford that was slashing to the Kasas would come back to tie Lewis takes Behind Jarrett first half, and Tech enjoyed a 36-31 hoop and either finishing or kick- the game at x and force overtime, over Jack, any of those dis- lead at halftime. ing out to freshman J.R. Giddens but big plays by Jack and Bynum With tractions just seemed to Slow second half leads to overtime for three-pointers. down the stretch was too much for leading- fade away, as Tech opened After a high-speed first half in But Tech would not be denied. the Jayhawks to handle. The Jack- scorer Elder out for the remainder up the game aggressively, playing as which both teams looked to force Jack began to dominate, driving to ets scored the final eight points of of the game, Senior Marvin Lewis if it were the team trying to make a the tempo offensively with little stop- the hoop at will, and Coach Hewitt the extra period to earn their first caught the hot-hand for the night third consecutive Final Four. page of play, the second half seemed put defensive specialist Isma’il Mu- Final Four berth since 1990. 10 • Friday, April 9, 2004 • Technique 2004 FINAL FOUR

NCAA Tournament Notebook - Milwaukee Opening Rounds Jackets win close calls against Northern Iowa, Boston College By Jody Shaw family made the trip up Lake Mich- Jackets a 53-52 lead, and Jack would Associate Editor igan to take in the Tech game. add a key and dunk on the Not-so-neutral court fails to faze following position. Tech vs. Northern Iowa (65-60) Aside from a few hundred Tech Overall, the Jackets’ floor leader Bynum shines for family fans that made the trek to America’s added eight points, six assists, two With starter Jarrett Jack mired heartland, the Jackets faced hostili- steals and tremendous leadership, in foul trouble and struggling to ty from the great majority of the as Tech defeated the Eagles at their score against the defense of the North- over 18,000 fans at Milwaukee’s Bra- own game in a contest Coach Paul ern Iowa University Panthers dur- dley Center. The thousands of pur- Hewitt described as an “old fash- ing the NCAA Tournament’s opener, ple- and yellow-clad visitors from ioned Big East game.” Coach Paul Hewitt turned to back- Cedar Falls, Iowa formed a coali- Smith, who led the Eagles in scor- up Will Bynum. Bynum, who had tion with Boston College aficiona- ing throughout the season, unchar- struggled in recent weeks with his acteristically struggled to match offensive game, delivered in a big the play of his former teammate. way. Strangled by the Tech defense and “He was the one that saved the limited by foul trouble throughout day, as far as I’m concerned,” Hewitt the game, he played only 22 min- said in the postgame press confer- utes in the ballgame, contributing ence. two points, six rebounds and three After scoring just 13 points in steals. his previous three games and sitting Hewitt praised the BC players out Tech’s final home contest against for their effort, despite the struggles Florida State, Bynum scored 11 of their star. “We didn’t react well points, including five in a critical to their stepped-up defense,” Hewitt stretch during the second half in said. “They said ‘Look, Craig isn’t which the Panthers took a one-point here today, let’s make sure we keep lead after trailing by as many as 16. playing hard.’” He credited part of his poise at As teammates at Worchester that moment in the game to his Academy in Massachusetts, Smith previous trip to the big dance, as and Jack both shined. During the a member of the Arizona Wild- dos, 2001-2002 season, Smith averaged cats in 2002. who preferred a date with the Pan- 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, “I know that you have to be ag- thers to one with the Jackets, and leading the Hilltoppers to a 27-4 gressive at all times, because at any other attendees, who preferred a record, the best in school history. moment anybody can make a run,” bracket buster. Jack, meanwhile, provided 20.2 Bynum said. Tech vs. Boston College (57-54) points, 10.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds In addition to his points, Bynum Jack bests high school teammate and 3.1 steals under Coach Mo Cas- By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS also added two rebounds and two Jarrett Jack made big plays down sara during his senior year. Marvin Lewis looks to pentrate during Tech’s second round match-up with assists during his 19 minutes of work, the stretch when Tech needed them To dunk or to dribble Boston College . Though Lewis struggled during the first weekend of the and he looked to have recovered most against the Boston College That was the question for Jack, tournament, he led the team in scoring against Nevada in St. Louis. from minor injuries suffered earlier Eagles. No play was bigger than the as he made a key steal from BC’s in the season. Most importantly, one in which he drew a key foul on Steve Hailey in the closing seconds for an emphatic slam-dunk. Though well get the sure two and defend it. however, Bynum, along with for- former high school teammate and of the BC game. less than six seconds remained in As it worked out, that was the right ward Clarence Moore, provided in- BC star Craig Smith to put himself “I definitely wanted him to drib- the game, the decision forced Tech decision.” tangible emotion and energy. on the line and give the Jackets the ble it out,” Hewitt said. Tech al- to defend the Eagles a final time. The Jackets were able to hold To top it off, Bynum had his lead for good. ready held a one-point lead when “I wanted him to pull out, but the Eagles scoreless in the final six best game of late in a contest where “I knew Craig had four fouls, so Jack made the steal. [Jack’s] answer made an awful lot of seconds, but, for the second straight the Chicago native was closer to I went right at him,” Jack said. “He Jack, who has started to make sense,” Hewitt said. game, they held their collective breath home than any other this season. fouled me, and I made both shots.” late-game heroics a habit, had a dif- “He didn’t know how close some- as an opponent’s game tying three- Over 30 of Bynum’s friends and The second gave the ferent idea. He drove to the basket body was to him, so you might as pointer soared towards the basket.

Luke from page 2 with all of my family,” Schenscher Although Schenscher may be far said. Hope Forest is a farming com- away from his biological family, he munity in , and his has become an integral part of the parents own a farm with chicken, basketball team’s “family” atmo- sheep, and other animals. sphere. In the same way brothers One of Schenscher’s neighbors tease each other, Schenscher’s team- told him when he left for college, mates always make fun of his ac- “You’re going to make a name for cent. Hope Forest and people are going “They have a good time with my to know where accent. They’re Hope Forest is.” pretty terrible at While his doing the accent family may be “If you look at most of though. They’ve thousands of my big games this been around me miles away, the for three years Schenscher fam- year, most of them now, but they ily has been able have been when I still can’t get it,” to watch all of Schenscher said. Luke’s tourna- know my parents and Schenscher ad- ment games and family will be mits that Lewis several of his ma- is the worst imi- jor games. watching. They’re the tator when it “It kind of ones that have given comes to the ac- gives me extra cent. motivation to me a big edge.” In per- know that Luke Schensher haps his best they’re watching Junior center game, Schen- and that they’re scher led Tech thinking of me against Oklaho- at least. If you ma State with 19 look at most of my big games this points, 12 rebounds, an and year, most of them have been when one . I know my parents and family will After he became the first Austra- be watching. They’re the ones that lian to play in the Final Four, Schen- have given me a big edge. It just scher’s next goal is to achieve his helps to know they’re watching and Olympic dream. Schenscher is try- that they’re behind me,” Schenscher ing out for the Australian Olympic said. team in May.