Basketball

Georgia Tech Opens New Era Against Preseason No. 1 Florida

Scott Cross’s Yellow Jackets meet a star‑laden Florida squad in the Hall of Fame Series

Georgia Tech is gearing up for its inaugural season under head coach Scott Cross, a slate that opens with a high‑profile test against the Florida Gators in the Hall of Fame Series on December 12.

The matchup pits the Yellow Jackets against a Florida team that enters the year as the preseason No. 1 program, fresh off a national championship and bolstered by a roster that includes projected lottery pick Thomas Haugh, first‑round prospect Alex Condon and defensive standout Rueben Chinyelu.

A historic rivalry revisited

The game marks the first meeting between the two schools since 1987, a span in which Georgia Tech holds a 27‑20 edge in the all‑time series, adding a narrative layer of redemption for the Yellow Jackets as they seek to prove their program on a national stage.

Georgia Tech’s roster blends experienced transfers such as Colby Garland, Nasir Whitlock, Jackson Fields, Victor Valdes, Tylis Jordan and Jackson McVey with promising freshmen Moustapha Diop, Kayden Allen and Kaiden Bailey, creating a mix of depth and youthful energy.

The contest is part of a doubleheader that also features VCU facing Florida Atlantic, underscoring the event’s role in showcasing mid‑major programs alongside traditional powerhouses.

SEC foes on the horizon

Beyond Florida, the Yellow Jackets will also test themselves against the Georgia Bulldogs, Mississippi State and Butler in the coming weeks, a schedule designed to sharpen their mettle before conference play.

Excitement is building among fans and alumni, who view the Hall of Fame Series as an opportunity to spotlight the program and honor the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s legacy.

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