Chas Kelley’s Growth, Georgia Tech’s Rotation, and a Nod to Charlie Ward’s Toughness: Takeaways from CDS
Chas Kelley is starting to look like the player Georgia Tech envisioned when they brought him in - steady, composed, and in control of the offense. Head coach Damon Stoudamire saw flashes early on, but also noticed Kelley was pressing a bit, trying to do too much. So he pulled the young guard aside and delivered a message only a seasoned veteran can: “You don’t have to impress me - I’ve seen a lot of basketball.”
That conversation seems to have flipped a switch. Kelley’s embraced his role, and more importantly, he’s embraced the responsibility that comes with being a floor general.
Stoudamire emphasized that the assignment was simple: move the ball, keep the offense flowing. And as Kelley settled in, his minutes started climbing - not because of flash, but because of function.
He’s doing what the team needs, and that’s exactly why he’s earning more trust on the floor.
As for Georgia Tech’s recent matchup with Texas A&M, it wasn’t just another non-conference game - it was a proving ground. For Stoudamire, it was a chance to tinker with the rotation ahead of ACC play.
One of the biggest takeaways? Getting Baye some valuable run before the conference grind kicks in.
“That’s big for us,” Stoudamire said, pointing to the importance of getting everyone up to speed.
The game also served as a gut-check for the roster. With some starters limited in practice leading up to the game, Stoudamire had to stretch the minutes for guys like Lamar and Kowacie more than he ideally wanted to.
But that’s part of the process. In his words: “We’re not good enough to just get past anybody.”
Every game, even in December, matters - especially when you’re still figuring out your identity.
And then there’s the mutual respect between Stoudamire and A&M head coach Charlie Ward - a connection rooted in their time as NBA competitors. “I played against Charlie five times a year when I was with the Knicks,” Stoudamire recalled.
That history clearly left an impression. He praised Ward’s toughness, both as a player and now as a coach.
“His team tonight exuded toughness,” Stoudamire said, a nod to the grit and edge that Ward brings to the sideline.
But perhaps the most telling comment was a bit of what-if nostalgia. Stoudamire couldn’t help but reflect on Ward’s football background, expressing frustration that the Heisman winner never got a real shot in the NFL.
“It still rubs me the wrong way that he never got the opportunity to play football,” he said. “Based on how they do stuff in 2025, you might be looking at a number one pick.”
That’s high praise - and it speaks volumes about the respect between two former players now leading programs. But for Georgia Tech, the focus remains on the here and now.
With ACC play on the horizon, this team is still molding its identity. And with guys like Chas Kelley stepping into their roles, they might be finding their rhythm at just the right time.