In case there was any lingering doubt where athletic director Greg McGarity stood regarding Mark Fox and the Georgia basketball program, those thoughts were made crystal clear during an interview with Georgiadogs.com on Tuesday.

“As I stated prior to the SEC Tournament, I am in support of Mark leading our team,” McGarity said. “My support has not wavered and our staff is fully focused on helping Coach Fox and the returning and incoming student-athletes prepare for the 2017-18 season.”

McGarity made the comments in a sit-down interview with John Frierson of Georgiadogs.com. You can read the full Q&A here. http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032817aaa.html

Georgia’s AD has not been available to Bulldog beat writers since the end of basketball season despite several requests.

“With nine lettermen returning that experienced significant playing time last year, and a strong recruiting class joining them, we are in position to be very successful next year. We missed the signature wins this season and that hurt us with our postseason aspirations,” McGarity continued. “Moving forward, winning those games against top RPI teams will be pivotal. I know we'll have a schedule that will provide these opportunities next season. Mark deserves credit for success in many areas of our program; we have a basketball staff and a group of young men that are committed to improvement in all areas of the program. Everyone associated with Georgia basketball is working hard to be more successful in elevating our program.”

Many Bulldog fans, however, are not pleased.

Despite finishing .500 or better for five consecutive seasons in the SEC, Georgia under Fox has only made two trips to the NCAAs, losing in the first round both times.

McGarity was asked what stands out about the basketball program as it stands right now.

“What hits me is that we've been at .500 or better in the SEC for five consecutive seasons. The winning foundation has been set, has been established, with five straight years of SEC play at .500 or better, and now it's time to take the next step into postseason play,” McGarity said. “That's everybody's aspiration, not just Mark's or our team's. It's everyone's desire, and we're no different, but we've got opportunities that we need to take advantage of next year.”

Others would argue that eight years is enough.

“We've got a winning foundation right now, a winning culture, because of our overall record and especially our SEC record. We just need to take the next step in our program,” McGarity said. “We've been to the NCAA Tournament twice and we know what it feels like and what it takes to get there. Now we just need to get to the point that we're making consistent appearances.”

Frierson also posed a question asking what McGarity would say to fans who might be wondering when that next step will occur.

“I appreciate the strong support of our basketball program by many of our fans, and I also acknowledge the disappointment expressed regarding our performance,” McGarity said. “I realize it's a mixed bag of opinions but I know our staff is fully committed to doing everything possible to be successful in our program.”