ESPN REPORTS; Georgia Tech’s NIT Run, A Defining Moment For the Program’s Future

In today’s fast-paced world of college athletics, head coaches are often under immense pressure to deliver immediate results. For Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Damon Stoudamire, this season was a defining moment—one that required tangible progress to validate the hard work he and his team have put in over the past two years. That effort has now been rewarded, as the Yellow Jackets have earned an invitation to the prestigious NIT Tournament.

Due to tournament rules, only two ACC teams could receive invitations, and Georgia Tech was one of them, alongside the SMU Mustangs. This presents a golden opportunity for the Yellow Jackets to showcase their growth on a national stage and prove that they are a team on the rise.

For Georgia Tech, the NIT isn’t just another postseason tournament—it’s a crucial building block for the program’s future. Senior guard Lance Terry, a key contributor, will be playing his final games in a Yellow Jackets uniform. However, with a strong returning core, including promising young talents like Duncan Powell, Baye Ndongo, and Naithan George, the team is poised for a breakthrough season next year.

A deep run in the NIT could provide the momentum and confidence needed to establish Georgia Tech as a legitimate ACC contender in the 2024-25 season. The experience gained here will be invaluable, helping the team develop chemistry and resilience under pressure.

The Yellow Jackets begin their tournament journey on Tuesday, hosting the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at 7 p.m. ET. A victory would set up a second-round matchup against the winner of Northern Colorado and UC-Irvine, bringing them one step closer to making a statement in the postseason.

For Georgia Tech, this tournament is more than just an opportunity—it’s a stepping stone toward a brighter future.