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Mark Price after his first C-USA tournament win. Photo by Benjamin Robson.
March 26 is becoming an important date for Charlotte basketball.
On this date in 2015, Mark Price was introduced as the tenth basketball coach in Charlotte history. A year later, Price denied his alma mater, Georgia Tech, from becoming the fourteenth coach in their history.
Price released a statement of loyalty to the Charlotte program and luck to Georgia Tech in their search for the next Yellow Jackets head coach.
Statement from @Mark25Price: "I am committed to the Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball program." pic.twitter.com/G0ZwLeARDs
— Charlotte Basketball (@49ersBasketball) March 26, 2016
“I am excited and very encouraged by the progress that we [Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball] made this past season,” Price said in the statement. “I feel that the future is bright as we continue to build something special here at Charlotte.”
The job opening at Georgia Tech comes at a familiar time for Price. Upon Price’s arrival to Atlanta in 1982, Georgia Tech was coming off their third consecutive losing season. Price sparked a turnaround in the program, being named a two-time All-American and leading Georgia Tech to an 85-41 record during his collegiate career. It was something Price acknowledged in his introductory press conference at Charlotte.
“Georgia Tech was the worst basketball program in the country. Moving into the ACC, people said they could never win there,” Price said. “All I know is that two years later, we won the ACC championship and preseason number one in the country by the time I was going into my senior year.”
Georgia Tech now finds themselves in a similar situation as they did in the early 80’s. Brian Gregory was released from his duties as head coach at Georgia Tech after compiling a 76-86 record during his five seasons. With the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) representing half of the Elite Eight teams, Georgia Tech was beginning to fall into irrelevancy in the power conference. There was speculation that Price would return to save the Yellow Jackets’ program.
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Charlotte in the huddle during the final seconds vs UAB. Photo by Benjamin Robson.
But, as Price said in his statement, something special is being built in the Queen City.
After a tough start, in a brutal non-conference schedule, to his first season, Price led the 49ers to a 15-19 record. While the overall record was on the wrong side of .500, Charlotte exceeded expectations in conference play, finishing 9-9 and picking up a victory over Rice in the Conference USA tournament.
The good news is that much of the team is returning. Despite losing Joseph Uchebo to graduation and Ridell Camidge’s transfer from the team, the main producers will be back.
Charlotte will be led by the terrific trio of Curran Scott, Jon Davis and Andrien White. White and Davis were named to the Conference USA all-freshman team. All three averaged double figures in scoring, as well. Braxton Ogbueze and Anthony Vanhook will head into their senior season. Ogbueze led Charlotte in scoring last season with 14.5 points a game, converting on 43 percent of his threes. As for Vanhook, the Chapel Hill native did it all, averaging seven points, four rebounds and three assists.
There will be new faces as well. Incoming freshman Quentin Jackson Jr. is sure to impress. The three-star prospect will be another scoring option in the backcourt after averaging 20.6 points his senior season. Add Clemson transfer Austin Ajukwa and TCU transfer Hudson Price, son of coach Price, the Charlotte backcourt is solidified. Fellow incoming freshman Najee Garvin will add needed depth to the Charlotte frontcourt.
“I just believe the potential here is tremendous,” Price said in his introductory press conference. “It’s a hidden gem here in Charlotte.”
Coach Price showed the progress that many did not expect in his first season. With his commitment, this hidden gem may shine sooner rather than later.