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 David Dacus |
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| Manager Jim Morris sorts through laundry in the locker room after Sunday's North Carolina game. |
Georgia Tech basketball fans see the finished product that is the Yellow Jackets on the court, but few see the individuals that work behind the scenes. These unsung heroes are the student managers.
The men's basketball team's seven managers can be seen during games at the end of the bench handing out water and towels, but the job is much more than that.
"We take care of most of the details for the team," said head manager Matt Judy. "Plus, if there's any special circumstance, we usually have to take care of that."
On gamedays, each manager has a role. Head manager Matt Judy keeps track of fouls and timeouts. Paul Giaccio is in charge of the area behind the bench. Others shuttle equipment and collect warmups.
On a typical day, managers arrive for practice 45 minutes early and stay roughly an hour afterwards. Plus, if a player wants some extra practice, a manager must assist them. For example, one manager has been dubbed "Matt Harpring's personal rebounder."
In addition to games and practices, managers take care everything from scouting film to ordering shoes.
"It's not being a waterboy. It's much more than that."
Matt Judy
Head Manager
Junior Jim Nichols is the team's film director. He's in charge of taping games of future opponents. He sorts the tapes into offensive and defensive plays and specific situations that the coaches request. Nichols estimates he breaks down about 10 to 15 games a week.
Each of the seven managers got involved in a different way, but most knew someone within the program. Judy's father, Pres, played for the Jackets in the mid-'60's. Nichols went to school with Bobby Cremins' son, while Giaccio simply went to the basketball office and offered to help.
Although the managers are not paid, most are on either full or partial scholarships. However, the demolition of the Omni has meant a financial boon for the managers. All the Hawks opponents pay to have their laundry done.
The association has earned Giaccio a job with the pro franchise next season as an assistant manager.
Making contacts like that is one of the prime benefits, according to Giaccio.
"I've made so many contacts through this job," said Giaccio. "I never thought I'd meet so many people and travel as much as I have."
Judy hopes to goes into coaching someday.
"This is a great way to get your foot in the door," said Judy. "If you want to stay in basketball, it's a great opportunity."
While the perks are abundant, the work can be tiring and time-consuming. Judy estimates that the time commitment can breach 35 hours some weeks.
"The best part is that you're part of a Division I program," explained Judy. "Everyone respects you, and you're really part of the team. It's not being a waterboy. It's much more than that."