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Volume 92 | Issue 5
Oct. 12
Wrong place, wrong time
A non-Georgia State offender was arrested at 4:24 p.m. at K-Stop on 140 Edgewood Ave for a drug law violation and an outstanding warrant.
THE BLOTTER
www.georgiastatesignal.com
CRIME BLOTTER
Oct. 12
I guess no alcohol this Saturday?
At the intersection of John Wesley Dobbs and Courtland St., the Georgia State University Police Department arrested a non-Georgia State offender for a liquor law violation at 9:45 p.m.
LOCAL
The 2028 Super Bowl will be held in Atlanta, Georgia
Super Bowl LXII will be held in Atlanta, Georgia in 2028, according to 11Alive. The league announced on Tuesday. This will be the fourth time Atlanta has hosted the game and the second time it has been held at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, according to CBSSports. The last time Atlanta hosted the game was in 2019 when the New England Patriots were against the Los Angeles Rams.
Oct. 13
This is a dorm, not a club!
The Georgia State Police Department arrested a non-Georgia State offender at 7:10 p.m. at University Commons on 141 Piedmont Ave. for disorderly conduct.
NEWS BRIEFS
NATIONAL
Threats against FEMA run rampant
The Federal Emergency Management Agency was subject to several threats amid outreach after Hurricane Helene. FEMA ended up pulling back on outreach after a threat resulted in an arrest against the employees, according to CNN. The individual who had a handgun and rifle was charged with “going armed to the terror of the public,” a misdemeanor. Rumors of misinformation are running rampant as well about diverting funds and aid. This, in turn, led to FEMA launching a webpage to address said rumors.
COMIC
Monday, October 21, 2024
Oct. 14
You don’t need to go to the gym that bad… At 6:40 p.m., the Georgia State University Police Department arrested a non-Georgia State offender for criminal attempt, obstruction and trespassing at the Student Recreation Center on 101 Piedmont Ave.
INTERNATIONAL
A snap election may be in Iceland’s future
Iceland may be headed towards a snap election after their Prime Minister announced that the nation’s three-party coalition collapsed. Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson asked President Halla Tómasdóttir to dissolve the parliament, the Althingi. Benediktsson’s Independence Party governed alongside the Progressive Party and the Left Green Movement. The coalitions have disagreed over a variety of issues including energy policy and the economy, according to the Associated Press.
Illustration by Shemar DeBellotte
New low-income housing developments are coming to Auburn Avenue
Construction is set to break ground in the next few weeks to revitalize the historic area.
Ahistoric corner of Sweet Auburn is just weeks away from undergoing a major renovation as part of the
Sweet Auburn Grande project, according to developers. The project aims to renovate the southwest and southeast corners of Auburn Avenue and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, a part of downtown Atlanta that has long stood in need of renewal.
Auburn Avenue, often referred to as “Sweet Auburn,” is one of the most historically significant streets in Atlanta. The area was a focal point during the Civil Rights Movement and has been known as one of the richest Black communities in the country. The Sweet Auburn Grande project is part of a larger movement to revitalize this historic district. The area is now being looked at for a string of developments that aim to bring more affordable housing to the city.
The two-phase development is being led by Gorman & Company, a Wisconsin-based firm known for its work in affordable housing. The Invest Atlanta Board of Directors recently approved a $28.3 million tax-exempt loan to support the project, which introduces over 90 units of affordable housing and restores several important historic structures.
The first phase of the Sweet Auburn Grande project will see the construction of 109 residences. Of these, 92 units will be reserved for residents earning 80 percent or less of the area median income (AMI), according to developers providing much-needed affordable housing in the heart of Atlanta. In addition to the housing, the project will include 8,700 square feet of commercial space at street level, potentially offering retail and other businesses into the community. Structured parking will also be included in the project, addressing parking challenges in the area.
The first phase of this renovation will preserve the historic 229 Auburn building, which dates back to 1908. This building is currently vacant, but once housed some of the city’s first Black-owned businesses including the Atlanta State Savings Bank, the first Black-owned bank in the city. Originally slated for demolition, the building will now be incorporated into the development, helping to maintain a connection to Sweet Auburn’s historic past.
Developers for the project have announced that building permits for the $56 million project have been finalized, with construction set to begin in November. The first phase is expected to take 23 months, with a targeted opening in October 2026.
Phase two of renovations will work to restore two more historic structures: the Butler Street YMCA and the Walden Building. Additionally, a new public greenspace, the Good Trouble John Lewis Memorial Park, will be added at the street’s corner, beneath the John Lewis HERO Mural. Developers hope that this park will become a key community space, honoring the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis. While a concrete timeline has not yet been announced, construction could begin as early as late 2025.
BioLab plant in Conyers prompts mass evacuation and shelter-in-place orders
Thousands impacted as toxic chlorine plume spreads.
On Sept. 29th, a pool and spa cleaning material storage warehouse, operated by company BioLab, caught fire, releasing
chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine compounds into the air of Rockdale County. Residents of the Atlanta area were reported to have been able to smell chlorine in the air from as far as 25 miles away. Following the incident, Rockdale County Emergency Management evacuated nearly 17,000 people and issued a shelter-in-place order for residents which lasted from Sept. 29th to Oct. 7th.
While it seems that the worst effects of the chemical plume have been endured, BioLab has a history of safety violations at its plants. This particular facility in Rockdale has had many problems over the years – in Sept. of 2020, I-20 was shut down and a shelter-in-place order was issued due to an incident at BioLab where chlorine vapor plumed into the air of Rockdale County. In 2016, a similar incident occurred, though without the need for shelter-in-place orders. In 2004, a chemical fire occurred which resulted in the evacuation of 500 Rockdale residents from their homes.
BioLab Conyers isn’t the only lab prone to these types of incidents. Just over three months ago, in July of this year, a BioLab plant in Westlake, Louisiana which contained many of the same chemicals stored at the plant in Conyers, caught fire, once again causing shelter-in-place orders and highway closures.
Sarah Ledford, an associate professor at Georgia State University’s geoscience department shared some of the concerns that come with incidents like this fire.
News Writer Loyd
“The main concern across both air and water quality is that we have very little understanding of what the chemicals were that were burning,” said Ledford. “Without that information, it’s hard to understand human health impacts and impacts to water quality.”
On Oct. 3rd, local community and government leaders held a press conference where they aired grievances and advocated for the closure of the BioLab facility in Conyers. Atlanta city council candidate, Devin Barrington-Ward, began the event by highlighting the incident as an example of environmental racism, wherein the lack of regulation and corporate accountability, as well as the lack of transparency from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, has disproportionately affected black and brown communities in metro Atlanta.
Rep. Rhonda Taylor underlined some of the problems with the shelter-in-place and evacuation orders, stating that many of her constituents may not be able to afford hotel rooms and that local businesses have lost thousands of dollars. Rep. Dorene Carter suggested that a state of emergency be declared to open up funding in order to support communities affected by the fire.
4
There is much that is uncertain about the future of this incident. BioLab has since created a website and community assistance center for local residents and businesses to make claims for reimbursement for financial damages, as well as debris cleanup services. However, the full range of effects from this event is yet to be seen.
Many residents have questions about the long-term health effects of this type of chlorine exposure, as well as what other chemicals may have been stored at the facility. BioLab has stated that the chemicals trichloroisocyanuric acid and dichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA and DCCA) were some of the chemicals stored at the warehouse but has not provided a list of all chemicals stored or involved in the fire. Gov. Brian Kemp was asked what punitive measures may be taken against the plant and said that the EPD and EPA would handle any enforcement actions.
News Editor David Hoffman
Photo by David Flannagan
Connelly
Illustration by Lilli Regnier
OPINIONS
Volume 92 |Issue 5
www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions
Hurricane Milton’s aftermath: The dangers of weather manipulation conspiracies
As Florida reels from another catastrophic hurricane, misinformation about government weather control fuels distrust and deepening divisions.
TMaria Victoria Sponar
his past week, news coverage has almost focused solely on the devastating impacts of Hurricane Milton.
Just weeks after being hit by its first category 4 hurricane, Florida began bracing for another destructive storm. However, one unprecedented danger arose: hurricane conspiracy theories.
Terror and panic swept across the state, leading many people to post updates and spread awareness on the internet. Unfortunately, in the midst of all of the chaos, some decided to add fuel to the fire by planting theories about how, incredibly, the government was behind these natural disasters.
Essentially, the theory is that President Biden and his government are “geo-engineering” the weather and purposefully creating hurricanes in Florida, a red state, to impede Republican voters from being able to participate in the upcoming Presidential election.
A pair of TikTokers, named “thegoodliars,” interview Trump supporters at rallies across the country. Days after the hurricane, they asked a Trump supporter who believed the conspiracy theory, why the United States would do something to hurt its people.
“They want to control certain places, if you look at where the hurricane is going, it’s a lot of red counties,” she responded. “They’re doing everything they can because [democrats] can’t rig the election.”
The conspiracy theory has been spread by more than just TikTok users and Trump supporters. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who represents Georgia’s 14th congressional district, chimed in.
“Yes they can control the weather,” she posts on X. “It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.”
It has been verified multiple times by various experts, that no type of technology could alter the trajectory of or create a hurricane. Nonetheless, this theory has gained momentum and poses significant dangers. The spread of these extreme narratives fuels paranoia, fortifies severe distrust in the government and leads to real-world violence, as followers are often driven to take extreme actions in what they perceive to be a “righteous mission.”
These and many more baffling theories have convinced millions of people to dismiss the veracity of confirmed incidents. The fact that these conspiracy believers are continuing to spread disinformation shows how far down the rabbit hole many have gone and why the spreading of such falsehoods needs to end.
Due to the ease of access to social media, it is important to remain aware of prevalent conspiracy theories to avoid falling into the trap of misinformation.
While many Americans are capable of distinguishing reality from conspiracy theories, the rapid spread of this theory underscores the need for more people to speak out about their inaccuracy. Addressing this issue through accurate public information could help curb the deepening of political divides, prevent further violence and restore trust in our government institutions.
In defense of small talk
Big Talk proponents neglect the benefit of human connection.
“Big Talk” has been posited as the thinking-man’s alternative to the rudimentary droll of small talk. The self-proclaimed “intellectual” can now take comfort in the wide variety of alternatives available to them. Instead of asking for someone’s opinion on the recent humidity, the latest UGA game, or their weekend plans, Big Talkers can now ask coworkers hot topics of supreme meaningfulness with none of the self-indulgent social motivations of small talk. These topics may include areas such as: Do you think there is a God? Is anything in our world real? Do aliens exist?
In a notable interview from the 1960s, presumed Big Talk advocate Woody Allen—famed boundary-pusher of filmmaking and legal marriage —asked model Twiggy for “her views on serious matters.” When he inquired about her favorite philosopher, she admitted she didn’t have one. When she turned the question back to him, he responded,
“All your basic philosophers… Just all of them.”
Big Talkers like Allen take pride in cutting through the superficiality of daily chatter, opting for enlightened conversations that promise to elevate one’s psyche. These topics of conversation seek to unravel the complexities of existence itself. Big Talkers reject meaningless engagement with everyday life, and bravely risk a reputation of pretension to promote elevated discourse with those around them
The revolutionary questions raised during Big Conversations lead to unprecedented enlightenment, unless, of course, you’ve read any meta
physical or moral philosophy produced over the last 300 years.
While Big Talkers might assert, perhaps somewhat correctly, that there is value in deepening our relationships by exploring more vulnerable topics, small talk is far from meaningless.
Research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business supports this, revealing that individuals who regularly engage in small talk with strangers tend to be happier overall. Small talk acts as a vital prelude to deeper connections, fostering a sense of community regardless of the given topic of discussion.
There is real value in engaging with the trivialities that shape our lives. Discussing small things like how our weekend plans might dictate our day with our neighbors, colleagues and classmates helps us gain a greater understanding of our positioning in our communities with respect to others.
Bonding over shared experiences—such as the weather or a recent episode of The Bear—often has a more immediate impact on our lives than abstract philosophical questions like “Are we truly conscious?”
The ritual of engaging in small talk can be deeply meaningful and an enriching way of inciting connections. Noam Chomsky often distinguishes between language and speech, where speech refers to words and language encompasses the experiences conveyed through those words. Although the speech of small talk may seem routine, the underlying language is rich and ever-changing, filled with simple exchanges that reflect our daily truths and experiences. Discussions of the latest football game with a coworker don’t solely communicate plays, they communicate a willingness to engage and connect with another person on matters outside of work.
While many find small talk uncomfortable, the consistent rhythm of classic small talk topics offers those willing to practice the skill a quick payoff. A willingness to engage in mundane and less “deep” conversations can be highly rewarding. These interactions often lead to genuine connections and foster a sense of community, proving that even the simplest exchanges can enrich our social lives.
Emma McMullan Opinions Writer
Illustration by Shemar DeBellotte
Photo by: Noah Zeches
Illustration by Lilli Regnier
Opinions Writer
ARTS+LIVING
Volume 92 |Issue 5
www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving
Horror in haute couture
How horror movies influence modern fashion.
When combined with other artistic mediums like film, photography and music, fashion encapsulates a society’s culture while leaving room for innovation. Film and fashion are two artistic realms that continually challenge societal norms.
Iconic horror films like “Jennifer’s Body,” “The Craft” and “Scream” utilize unique aesthetics to confront traditional views of femininity, identity and self-expression. Fashion and cinematic expression in these films show how horror allows viewers to face their fears and embrace transformation and individuality through fashion.
“Jennifer’s Body”
The 2009 film “Jennifer’s Body” explores the exploitation and sexualization of women through the lens of the “male gaze.” Jennifer, played by Megan Fox, is the hottest girl in school. Her wardrobe comprises denim mini-skirts, cropped velour tracksuit jackets and colored camisoles. These are all pieces reminiscent of early 2000s era fashion, a period often referred to as Y2K. This combination of femininity in contrast to her fierce nature contributes to her allure. With the resurgence of Y2K fashion into the 2020s, trends like low-rise jeans, graphic baby tees, chunky sneakers, bedazzled belts and satin fabrics move into the new generation. This balance of edginess and femininity has been reclaimed as a women’s empowerment movement. Celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Ice Spice rock this fun and colorful wardrobe.
“The Craft”
“The Craft” is a cult classic demonstrating the power of magic, following four girls who become witches while attending a Catholic high school. Each character is grappling with their mental health and social acceptance. The movie explores themes such as suicidal thoughts, racism, sexual assault and low self-esteem. The characters accessorize with rosaries and crosses, which in some cultures is controversial. Nancy Downs, played by Fairuza Balk, wears layered necklaces paired with crosses. At the climax, Nancy is consumed by her desire to possess dark magic. In this scene, Downs is corrupted by her new power. To signify this transformation, her clothes are dark and edgy. She wears a sleeveless black top, a black leather jacket and combat boots paired with a pleated skirt. In addition, the film features studded chokers, leather jackets and flowy floral dresses and skirts. This movie brought a gothic and punk feel to 90s-era fashion. One that is represented in 2020’s alternative style fashion. Today’s alternative fashion scene incorporates grungy elements of 90s-era fashion such as studded leather belts, leather pants and adorned crosses as in the case of the high-end fashion brand Chrome Hearts.
“Scream (1996)”
Released in 1996, “Scream” is a classic mystery-style slasher film. The movie follows a group of teenagers who attend high school in a well-off neighborhood. Sidney Prescott, who Neve Campbell plays is the main character and her outfits are distinct from the typical female horror protagonist. Sidney’s outfits are effortless and balance a slightly feminine look emphasizing comfort and practicality, unlike many female horror protagonists who are usually hyper-feminine and sexualized like in Jennifer’s Body. The other characters’ wardrobe borders on 90s street-wear style and casual vintage clothing similar to the cult classic film “Clueless.” The outfits consist of crew neck tees, baggy jeans, denim jackets, jerseys and layered pieces often accompanied by flannel. Today, celebrities like Rihanna and Tyler the Creator sport this style. Today, thrifting at second-hand or consignment has made this effortless vintage look attainable, accessible and affordable. Here at Georgia State University, some panthers wear baggy jeans, sneakers and layered basics, following 90s-era fashion.
8
Horror can be intimidating and so can making the perfect outfit, add some of these pieces to a new wardrobe and look stunning in this spooky season. Remember that while trends do reoccur, individuality is something that should remain constant when creating a wardrobe. Experiment with different colors, silhouettes and patterns to find an unforgettable look inspired by these iconic films. Who knows then maybe, on October 3rd he’ll ask you what day it is.
DreamHack Atlanta 2024 celebrates the heart of gaming culture
Creating connections that transcend video games.
experience.
Skylar Sanders
DArts & Living Writer
reamHack has come and gone for the
sixth time in Atlanta, leaving its mark on the local gaming community again with its well-loved atmosphere and dedication to creating a safe space for gamers everywhere. This year at the Georgia World Congress Center, the event spanned 3 days (October 4-6), showcased the latest gaming technology, hosted the collegiate esports invitational and brought over 40,000
the world for an unforgetta-
Created in 1994 in Sweden, DreamHack began as a LAN (local area network) party between friends in an elementary school basement. Now it’s one of the largest digital festivals in the world. The Atlanta event has been taking place since 2016 and has solidified its reputation as a must-attend event for gamers, developers and esports lovers alike. It combines tournaments, exhibitions and community activities to create an immersive experience that celebrates gaming in all its forms.
The event overlapped with Games Week Atlanta, the perfect combination for those looking to experience a full week of gaming activities and connection with the community. GeorgiaFIRST Robotics, which encourages students of all ages to learn about robotics and pursue STEM fields, could be seen around the convention center, controlling a robot programmed by its members.
For many, a key highlight of DreamHack Atlanta 2024 was the Collegiate Esports Invitational, which featured top teams from universities across the country competing in the popular titles of Rocket League, Valorant and Overwatch 2. This year’s invitational drew local teams from Georgia Tech, the Savannah College of Art and Design and Kennesaw State University, reflecting the growing interest in collegiate esports.
After intense competition, Kennesaw State University emerged as the champion in Rocket League, a welcomed victory after last year’s loss. South Carolina’s Winthrop University took home two championships in Valorant and Overwatch, impressing spectators with their gameplay.
The invitational highlighted the skill of collegiate gamers and underscored the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. Teams supported each other, fostering a sense of community that extended beyond the competition itself.
Over 500 gaming influencers attended the event, and creator panels included the familiar faces of Agent00, Amouranth, DrLupo and Brennan Lee Mulligan. Shaboozey, a popular country artist known for his recent hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” performed, and viral sensation Haliey Welch, host of the “Talk Tuah” podcast, also made an appearance.
An impressive lineup of activities entertained guests, including dedicated areas for tabletop games, free-play stations and an arcade. Emerging indie developers showcased their games at the “Indie Playground” where attendees tried their hand at gameplay and cast votes to celebrate standout titles. Popular games included “Smushi Come Home”, “The Song of Awakening” and “One-Thousand Cuts.”
At the LEGO booth, attendees collected LEGO pieces to contribute small, colorful panels to a large Fortnite-inspired mural. This collaborative artwork was completed by the end of the festival, a testament to the tight-knit nature of the gaming community.
The event also offered an expansive vendor area coined “Artist’s Alley,” where fans could purchase hand-crafted enamel pins, plushies, posters, stickers and other collectibles from creators in the space. Over half of these featured vendors were local to Georgia, offering fans an opportunity to support local small businesses.
Cosplay was also an integral part of the event, with participants showing off elaborate costumes and celebrating their favorite characters while participating in a catwalk competition. Beltline Cosplay, a group of cosplayers in Atlanta, was also included in the event and was a source of pride for local enthusiasts. “Drag & Drop” hosted by Biqtch Puddin, featured professional drag performances from Brigitte Bidet, Dotte Com and others.
The energy in the venue was palpable, as players engaged in friendly competition and shared their love for gaming. Whether through multiplayer tournaments or casual meetups, attendees found common ground, reinforcing that gaming is not just a pastime - but a way to build meaningful connections.
Zaria Johnson ashion is a powerful tool for self-expression.
Illustration by Jamari Stokes
Arts & Living Writer
Illustration by Jamari Stokes competitive players and casual enthusiasts together from around
ble
Can the panthers turn the corner?
How will the Panthers perform after a disappointing loss to Old Dominion?
Sports Writer Dianne Niyera
from their losses and their commitment to improvement throughout the 2024 season. Despite a disappointing loss to Old Dominion, which dropped their record to 2-3, the Panthers have consistently shown their ability to learn from setbacks and bounce back stronger.
Under the leadership of Coach Dell McGee, the team has undergone a significant transformation, particularly on the offensive line. While the defensive ranking has slipped to the 25thworst according to Fox Sports, the Panthers have showcased impressive defensive performances in several games. Kenyatta Watson’s interception against Georgia Tech, Kevin Swint’s sack and forced fumble against Vanderbilt, and Justin Abraham’s 11 tackles against Georgia Tech are just a few examples of the team’s defensive prowess. These performances highlight the potential of the defense and suggest that they can improve with continued development and effort.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Georgia State Panthers football program is their depth and versatility. The team boasts a flexible roster with multiple players capable of playing various positions, allowing them to adapt to challenges and maintain a high level of performance.
This depth was particularly evident when Justin Abraham, a key defensive player, suffered a shoulder injury against Chattanooga. Despite his absence against Vanderbilt, the defense maintained strong play, showcasing the team’s versatility and flexibility.
“We’ve got a lot of electric guys, so it’s going to be tough for teams to stop all of us because we can rotate and have fresh legs,” running back Freddie Brock noted. This depth gives the Panthers a significant advantage over their opponents, making it difficult for opposing defenses to focus on any one player.
The versatility also extends to critical roles such as the quarterback position. We saw this take effect in the Old Dominion game when Coach McGee’s decision to replace starting quarterback Veilleux with Zach Gibson proved to be a game-changer. Gibson quickly led the team on a touchdown drive, demonstrating the team’s depth and versatility even at the most crucial positions.
“I just thought the switch would provide a spark, and it did,” McGee said explaining his decision.
Georgia State’s offensive improvement, with flashes of defensive excellence, indicates that the team is on the right track. The Panthers’ willingness to adapt and evolve, as noted by Shawn Awtery in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is a testament to the coaching staff leadership and the players’ commitment to excellence.
While the Panthers have faced challenges, they have proven they have the character and ability to overcome adversity. With seven more games remaining in the season, Georgia State still maintains the prime opportunity to turn this season’s setbacks into valuable lessons and establish themselves as an improved competitive force within the Sun Belt Conference during this season.
By continuing to learn from their mistakes, develop their talent, and foster a strong team culture through hard work and dedication, the Panthers can build on their progress and achieve significant success within the season. Despite their three losses, Georgia State still holds the potential to mark and define this season as the ultimate beginning of a new era for the Panthers.
Atlanta Hawks enter 2024-25 season with defensive focus
Aden Kapadia
As the 2024-25 NBA season
Sports Writer kicks off, the Atlanta Hawks find themselves at a crossroads. After a 36-46 finish last season and an early exit in the play-in tournament, Atlanta’s front office reshuffled the roster to transform the team into a playoff contender. With star guard Trae Young leading the charge, the stakes are higher than ever, as the franchise attempts to construct
a stronger defensive identity to complement Young’s offensive firepower.
2023-24 Season Recap: Where Things Went Wrong
After a disappointing season, the Hawks aim to build a balanced roster around Trae Young. Sports Writer
Last season, the Hawks’ offensive and defensive stats painted a clear picture. They had a solid offensive foundation, ranking 12th in offensive rating at 116.4. But on the other side of the court, things fell apart. Atlanta’s defensive rating was a lowly 27th, allowing 118.4 points per game. With this imbalance, the Hawks struggled to maintain leads and close out close games, as evidenced by their 21-26 record in games within five points during the final five minutes.
“Atlanta’s defense ranked 27th in the league last season, allowing 118.4 points per 100 possessions,” Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World summed it up. “That’s a figure that needs drastic improvement if they hope to compete in the Eastern Conference.”
Offseason Changes: Building a New Identity
In the offseason, the Hawks made big moves, bringing in young talents like Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels while parting ways with notable players, including Dejounte Murray. Veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. and big men Cody Zeller and David Roddy add depth, with hopes that the revamped lineup can improve their porous defense.
Daniels and Risacher stand out as defensive assets. Daniels, known for his wingspan and versatility, could play a pivotal role alongside Young, taking on tough defensive assignments and adding flexibility. Meanwhile, Risacher showcases athleticism and defensive potential that the Hawks hope to bring throughout the season.
Mark Schindler of Basketball News observed, “Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher bring defensive versatility and length that should provide much-needed support for Young, who remains the offensive focal point for the Hawks.”
The Big Question: Can Atlanta Build a Viable Defense Around Young?
The Hawks’ primary goal will be to establish a balanced roster that can guard as well as score. Young is still a star in Atlanta but needs a robust defensive support system to make his offensive contributions matter. Head coach Quin Snyder has a variety of defensive tools at his disposal with Daniels, Risacher, and De’Andre Hunter, along with Jalen Johnson’s rebounding ability.
If Daniels can improve his shooting consistency and Johnson sustains last season’s form, Atlanta could lift itself out of the bottom tier of defensive efficiency. With Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu anchoring the paint, the Hawks might finally find the balance they need.
Best-Case Scenario: A Defensive Renaissance and Playoff Push.
The Hawks can produce a league-average or better defense, perhaps around 18th in defensive efficiency. A defensively improved squad, paired with Young’s scoring and playmaking, would be well-positioned for a playoff run. If Johnson continues to develop offensively, Hunter emerges as a consistent perimeter threat, and Young leads the team in scoring and assists, Atlanta could achieve a winning record, solidifying a playoff spot without the play-in tournament.
Worst-Case Scenario: Another Defensive Letdown
9
If the Hawks fail to improve their defensive capabilities, they could face another season of inconsistency and frustration. An ineffective defense could leave Atlanta stagnating around the same 36-46 mark, with limited offensive upside as opponents expose defensive holes in close games. In this scenario, the Hawks would likely revisit trade options, possibly parting ways with key players, even Young.
Fantasy Outlook
With Murray out, Young’s usage rate will likely climb above 30%, which could make him a solid first-round fantasy pick. Johnson, with his dual-threat potential, and Bogdan Bogdanović, as a scoring asset, also brings value for fantasy managers. Daniels could be a late-round steal if He sees minutes and his shooting improves. The Hawks are at a pivotal moment, and their season could go in either direction. With the talent and defensive potential they’ve added, the franchise is hopeful.
Photo by Jordan Crawford | 247Sports
he Georgia State Panthers football team has demonstrated their capability of learning
Photo by Trent Legaspi
KICKBACK
Oct. 2024
SUNDAY
10/20
10/21
Graduate Recital: Shelby Brooks, percussion at 2 p.m.
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
Junior Recital: Bernard Manela, piano
2 p.m
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
Trombone Studio Recital at 7 p.m.
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
10/28
10/27
GSU Women’s Soccer at Louisiana
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Lafayette, LA
GSU Men’s Soccer vs Marshall
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. GSU Soccer Complex
GSU Women’s Golf at Mercer
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Forsyth, GA, River Forest Golf Club
Brass Chamber Music
7 p.m.
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
Class Registration Period Starts!!
10/22
Conversation Club
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. CIRCLE, Langdale Hall 128
University Senate Meeting
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Centennial Hall, Auditorium
Campus Orchestra presents “Spells & Strings”
7 p.m.
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
10/29
GSU Women’s Golf at Mercer
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Forsyth, GA, River Forest Golf Club
Guest Artist: Mark Zwingelberg, trumpet masterclass
12:30 p.m.
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
10/23
Graduate Programs Fair By CASA Pre-PhD
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Student Center East Africana Studies Open House
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
One Park Place, 962
Pave Your Own Path
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
College of Law, 341
10/30 Halloween Costume Party
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Student Center East (Ballroom)
10/24
Campus Massage Services
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
75 Piedmont
Culture Café at the Intersection: Día de los Muertos
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Suite 210, Student Center East, The Intersection Lounge
College of Law Family Dinner
5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
College of Law, 139
10/31
GSU Women’s Soccer at Coastal Carolina
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Conway, SC Oktubafest
7 p.m.
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
10/25
GSU Men’s Tennis at Elon Invitational Elon, NC
GSU Volleyball at Marshall
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Huntington, WV
Opening Night! Two Acts of Murder: An Evening of Mystery Plays
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Marvin Cole Auditorium 3759-3773 Memorial College Avenue, Clarkston, Ga. 30021
11/1
GSU Men’s Tennis at Lipscomb Hidden Duals Nashville, TN
GSU Women’s Cross Country vs Sun Belt Conference Championship Foley, Ala.
School of Music Audition Day Rialto Center for the Arts GSU Volleyball vs Appalachian State
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Atlanta, GA, GSU Sports Arena
Last day to early vote!!
UPCOMING GAMES
MONDAY
GSU Women’s Golf at Tennessee
9 .a.m. - 12 p.m. Knoxville, TN, Cherokee Country Club
TUESDAY
GSU Women’s Golf at Tennessee
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Knoxville, TN, Cherokee Country Club
GSU Men’s Basketball vs North Carolina Central 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. GSU Convocation Center
GSU Men’s Soccer at West Virginia
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Morgantown, WV
10/26
GSU Men’s Tennis at Elon Invitational Elon, NC
GSU Football at Appalachian State Boone, N.C.
GSU Women’s Basketball at Samford Birmingham, AL säje | Newist Grammy-winning Female Jazz Vocal Quartet
8 p.m. Rialto Center for the Arts
11/2
GSU Men’s Tennis at Lipscomb Hidden Duals Nashville, TN
GSU Football at UConn
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
East Hartford, Conn. GSU Volleyball vs Appalachian State
