Dwight Miller, a 6'8" forward, will be joining the Panthers next year. He's currently playing basketball in Houston, Texas for St. Pius X. So where does he fit in with the University of Pittsburgh?
According to our source the staff would like to see him redshirt a year so he can add some weight, he currently weighs around 22o pounds. However, he is a player that could contribute right away, if Sam Young leaves early. He has that much potential.
It is believed that Miller is more of a face-up type of player, compared to a physical inside player. However, if he adds some bulk, that could change. He is, as Pitt fans have become accustomed, an intelligent player that the coaches consider a student of the game.
The good news is Miller continues to progress every day and loves the game. Although when you're labled as having NBA potential by Hall of Fame finalist Hakeem Olajuwon, how could you not love the game?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Pitt-Cincy Game Recap
- The stretch is here, the play is tighter, the margin of error is lower and teams are rounding into their best form of the year. Understandably, Pitt is a little behind the curve, but last night's result was encouraging. Ignore the record, Cincy has developed into a good team; out of the two teams that played last night, Cincy was the one that came into the game with a winning conference record. Pitt didn't give their best effort, but the effort they gave was enough to win a tight and highly competitive ballgame.
- Pitt did some sloppy things last night, but give credit to Cincy, because their style of play caused a lot of those things. Cincy is a very bad match up for the Panthers. Out of the teams in the conference, I believe Cincy is on the list of bad match ups for Pitt, which also includes: Louisville, Marquette, Villanova and Seton Hall. All tough teams that put a lot of pressure on the ball.
- I thought Dixon's rotation was much better last night . . . he really got down to the bare essentials. Each game now has high importance and he needs his best players out there at the right times. I though the could have played Gil Brown and Tyrell Biggs more, but other than that, I think he played things almost perfectly.
- I am still of the opinion that to erase all doubt, Pitt needs to win out . . . the next three are highly important. Pitt could still potentially get in with a 9-9 conference record, but I wouldn't want to leave anything to chance. 11-7 definitely gets them in no matter what they do in the Big East Tourney, and 10-8 probably does the same, even though I would feel more comfortable with a tournament win with that record.
- Player of the Game = DeJuan Blair. Big on both sides of the ball and he just looked stronger out there than the past few games. More explosion and more jams. He is this team's energy . . . when he is up, the team is up, when he is down, the team is down. I thought he handled the double team better too, which is an improvement over earlier this season.
- Young is really playing great offensively . . . and he just keeps building on things. I am not going to get on him for the rebounding stat, because at least he had the steals to offset it. And the guy he was guarding is a very tough player to go up against . . .Young needs to play the hedges better though . He possibly plays them the worst, because his recognition of where to go afterwards is bad . . . very bad.
- Fields makes so much of a difference with ball movement and just getting guys open shots . . .everyone equally benefits from his presence. People may have forgot, but when he went down, he looked a lot like a consistent 18 PPG player . . . for Pitt to reach a higher level, he has to get back toward those numbers in terms of point production. What he is giving now is good enough to win against the teams that they play coming up, but he needs to keep improving. On a side note, I thought he moved much better laterally and was much better on D as a result.
- Benjamin had a huge run of points last night . . . I love the fact that he gets them near 10 every game . ... in terms of points, he has replaced the hole they had when Cook went out . . . Pitt still misses how Cook created, but Benjamin has shown himself able to get the points, which is huge.
- It was nice to see a non-hesitant Ramon out there firing 3s, even if he wasn't hitting at a great rate.
- I thought Brown and Biggs gave them great minutes off of the bench . . . I thought Wanamaker was good during his little run . . . I think McGhee is getting pushed around a little too much in there. I think Gary needs strength work in the legs, because guys move him a little too easy in my view.
- Pitt did some sloppy things last night, but give credit to Cincy, because their style of play caused a lot of those things. Cincy is a very bad match up for the Panthers. Out of the teams in the conference, I believe Cincy is on the list of bad match ups for Pitt, which also includes: Louisville, Marquette, Villanova and Seton Hall. All tough teams that put a lot of pressure on the ball.
- I thought Dixon's rotation was much better last night . . . he really got down to the bare essentials. Each game now has high importance and he needs his best players out there at the right times. I though the could have played Gil Brown and Tyrell Biggs more, but other than that, I think he played things almost perfectly.
- I am still of the opinion that to erase all doubt, Pitt needs to win out . . . the next three are highly important. Pitt could still potentially get in with a 9-9 conference record, but I wouldn't want to leave anything to chance. 11-7 definitely gets them in no matter what they do in the Big East Tourney, and 10-8 probably does the same, even though I would feel more comfortable with a tournament win with that record.
- Player of the Game = DeJuan Blair. Big on both sides of the ball and he just looked stronger out there than the past few games. More explosion and more jams. He is this team's energy . . . when he is up, the team is up, when he is down, the team is down. I thought he handled the double team better too, which is an improvement over earlier this season.
- Young is really playing great offensively . . . and he just keeps building on things. I am not going to get on him for the rebounding stat, because at least he had the steals to offset it. And the guy he was guarding is a very tough player to go up against . . .Young needs to play the hedges better though . He possibly plays them the worst, because his recognition of where to go afterwards is bad . . . very bad.
- Fields makes so much of a difference with ball movement and just getting guys open shots . . .everyone equally benefits from his presence. People may have forgot, but when he went down, he looked a lot like a consistent 18 PPG player . . . for Pitt to reach a higher level, he has to get back toward those numbers in terms of point production. What he is giving now is good enough to win against the teams that they play coming up, but he needs to keep improving. On a side note, I thought he moved much better laterally and was much better on D as a result.
- Benjamin had a huge run of points last night . . . I love the fact that he gets them near 10 every game . ... in terms of points, he has replaced the hole they had when Cook went out . . . Pitt still misses how Cook created, but Benjamin has shown himself able to get the points, which is huge.
- It was nice to see a non-hesitant Ramon out there firing 3s, even if he wasn't hitting at a great rate.
- I thought Brown and Biggs gave them great minutes off of the bench . . . I thought Wanamaker was good during his little run . . . I think McGhee is getting pushed around a little too much in there. I think Gary needs strength work in the legs, because guys move him a little too easy in my view.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
2011 Pitt Panther Target: Sterling Gibbs
Some of the Pitt staff believe that he has a chance to be the best PG in the nation for his class. They feel he is definitely the best prospect in New Jersey at his age. The kid's game is so mature you'd think he was a junior. He can see the floor, handles the ball well, is quick and loves the game.
Ashton is pushing him very hard, and he comes from a great family who accepts nothing but the best. Sterling is very smart and acts like he's 18. It is really amazing. He loves Pitt. I jokingly asked him one time when he was going to commit to Pitt, and he said "as soon as I get the letter". I met him at Pitt when we played in the tournament when Ashton, Travon, Sterling, and Kevin Jones were here. Sterling was the ring leader, and kept everyone laughing the entire weekend. You forget how young he is when you talk to him.
He is only about 5'8" now I would guess, but I'm sure he'll grow to be around 6'0". He had several games this year where he was in double figures, around 14 and 15. And he averaged a nice amount of assists per game. Ashton was highly rated when he was younger, but Sterling seems to be more highly thought of at the same point of their careers. So we could luck out here, and have a family connection. It could be huge, because Sterling is going to be a stud. Now can Pitt fans wait the 3 years he has of high school to complete.
Ashton is pushing him very hard, and he comes from a great family who accepts nothing but the best. Sterling is very smart and acts like he's 18. It is really amazing. He loves Pitt. I jokingly asked him one time when he was going to commit to Pitt, and he said "as soon as I get the letter". I met him at Pitt when we played in the tournament when Ashton, Travon, Sterling, and Kevin Jones were here. Sterling was the ring leader, and kept everyone laughing the entire weekend. You forget how young he is when you talk to him.
He is only about 5'8" now I would guess, but I'm sure he'll grow to be around 6'0". He had several games this year where he was in double figures, around 14 and 15. And he averaged a nice amount of assists per game. Ashton was highly rated when he was younger, but Sterling seems to be more highly thought of at the same point of their careers. So we could luck out here, and have a family connection. It could be huge, because Sterling is going to be a stud. Now can Pitt fans wait the 3 years he has of high school to complete.
Pitt Notes
Mike Cook
Some Pitt fans are wondering if Mike Cook will return for another year, unfortunately he won't be. The coaches might have applied for it originally, but Mike has said he thinks it is best to just keep working hard on the rehab, and just let both sides move on. His rehab is going great, but his injury was so severe and rare, that there is no chance he comes back next year. Initially people thought he'd be done forever from playing basketball, but the rehab is going great and he can probably start getting back to working out in a couple months so he can try to play overseas.
Recruiting Areas
Basketball recruiting is not necessarily like football. The coaches just recruit whatever areas they have connections to. Coach Antigua basically goes to New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Ohio. And Coach Herrion goes everywhere else (Virginia, Maryland,> DC, Midwest, etc.).
A New 2011 Target
There is another Gibbs to drool over. His name is Sterling, and he's Ashton's brother. He's already his High School team's starting point guard as a freshman! He's believed to be a potential top 10 talent.
We'll have a more in-depth write up on Sterling Gibbs coming soon.
Some Pitt fans are wondering if Mike Cook will return for another year, unfortunately he won't be. The coaches might have applied for it originally, but Mike has said he thinks it is best to just keep working hard on the rehab, and just let both sides move on. His rehab is going great, but his injury was so severe and rare, that there is no chance he comes back next year. Initially people thought he'd be done forever from playing basketball, but the rehab is going great and he can probably start getting back to working out in a couple months so he can try to play overseas.
Recruiting Areas
Basketball recruiting is not necessarily like football. The coaches just recruit whatever areas they have connections to. Coach Antigua basically goes to New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Ohio. And Coach Herrion goes everywhere else (Virginia, Maryland,> DC, Midwest, etc.).
A New 2011 Target
There is another Gibbs to drool over. His name is Sterling, and he's Ashton's brother. He's already his High School team's starting point guard as a freshman! He's believed to be a potential top 10 talent.
We'll have a more in-depth write up on Sterling Gibbs coming soon.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Pitt Panther Recruit: Nasir Robinson Part 2
We left off before getting to the third question, which is where will he guard at a higher level? In college, he is going to be able to guard the 3 right off of the bat. He will be competitive against most; I think he will struggle at first against the pure guard types (think 2s) . . . but he should adjust because he is a smart player.
Still, if he only adjusts, it is not going to be enough at a higher level against better players . . .if he made it to the NBA, he would have to guard 2s or 1s . . . he is not tall enough to play the 3 in the NBA . . . Robinson is 6’4 at most . . . that is NBA PG or SG size . . . NBA 3s would just go right over him and maybe around him depending upon how much he improves physically in terms of quickness. He would have to be able to guard those positions (PG or SG and optimally both) and until he improves physically, you are not going to be able to project where he can really guard . . . I don’t think it is fair to talk much about it now, because he has a long way to go.
On what he does well: His handling, finishing ability and vision are top rate, especially the vision. You will find better ball handlers out there (not too many), there are better finishers (once again, not many and Robinson actually has mastered body control),but the vision is great.
He is explosive . . . I don’t think he is as explosive as Brad Wanamaker or Keith Benjamin, but Nasir can explode past people. Brad and Keith have the most explosion on the squad presently . . . if Nasir was on the team, he would probably be third (maybe Young has more). Nasir can get by guys and if he can’t get by, he uses his body as a shield.
I want to distinguish quickness and explosion in my own terms . . . I see quickness as lateral movement or quick reaction . . . I see explosion as pure power moving forward or upward.
He can elevate well . . . he throws down two handed alley-oops and put back dunks . . . at probably 6’3and ½ . . . he needs time to elevate, he isn’t overly springy, but he can get up.
Nas has really good length in his arms that allows him to play bigger than he is . . . just like DeJuan Blair or Sam Young. And he has more power than most all basketball players outside of the freaks, like Terrelle Pryor.
He has a nastiness and plays with passion . . . I like his attitude for the most part, but he is going to have to tone it down at points . . . he can go over the edge at points.
He is a great team player, he just wants to win and he is willing to let other guys take the limelight . . .he has a great attitude in that way.
My prediction on Robinson: I am really not ready to make one. Once again, I think he could end being anywhere from a great bench player for Pitt to a star.. . . if he is a bench player, it will be because of the competition. Wanamaker, Gibbs, Brown, Dixon, Patterson and Dodson are rough competition . . . there are guys with NBA potential in that group too.
But, he is ready to play now and he will contribute next year. Pitt needs him badly, whether they add another guy or not. I think we should revisit this question at this same juncture next year . . . we will obviously know a lot more by then.
Still, if he only adjusts, it is not going to be enough at a higher level against better players . . .if he made it to the NBA, he would have to guard 2s or 1s . . . he is not tall enough to play the 3 in the NBA . . . Robinson is 6’4 at most . . . that is NBA PG or SG size . . . NBA 3s would just go right over him and maybe around him depending upon how much he improves physically in terms of quickness. He would have to be able to guard those positions (PG or SG and optimally both) and until he improves physically, you are not going to be able to project where he can really guard . . . I don’t think it is fair to talk much about it now, because he has a long way to go.
On what he does well: His handling, finishing ability and vision are top rate, especially the vision. You will find better ball handlers out there (not too many), there are better finishers (once again, not many and Robinson actually has mastered body control),but the vision is great.
He is explosive . . . I don’t think he is as explosive as Brad Wanamaker or Keith Benjamin, but Nasir can explode past people. Brad and Keith have the most explosion on the squad presently . . . if Nasir was on the team, he would probably be third (maybe Young has more). Nasir can get by guys and if he can’t get by, he uses his body as a shield.
I want to distinguish quickness and explosion in my own terms . . . I see quickness as lateral movement or quick reaction . . . I see explosion as pure power moving forward or upward.
He can elevate well . . . he throws down two handed alley-oops and put back dunks . . . at probably 6’3and ½ . . . he needs time to elevate, he isn’t overly springy, but he can get up.
Nas has really good length in his arms that allows him to play bigger than he is . . . just like DeJuan Blair or Sam Young. And he has more power than most all basketball players outside of the freaks, like Terrelle Pryor.
He has a nastiness and plays with passion . . . I like his attitude for the most part, but he is going to have to tone it down at points . . . he can go over the edge at points.
He is a great team player, he just wants to win and he is willing to let other guys take the limelight . . .he has a great attitude in that way.
My prediction on Robinson: I am really not ready to make one. Once again, I think he could end being anywhere from a great bench player for Pitt to a star.. . . if he is a bench player, it will be because of the competition. Wanamaker, Gibbs, Brown, Dixon, Patterson and Dodson are rough competition . . . there are guys with NBA potential in that group too.
But, he is ready to play now and he will contribute next year. Pitt needs him badly, whether they add another guy or not. I think we should revisit this question at this same juncture next year . . . we will obviously know a lot more by then.
Pitt Panther Recruit: Nasir Robinson Part 1
In talking about Nasir Robinson and his long-termpotential, I think it is right to start with the questions that have to be answered. I have four questions: (1) How good of a shooter can he become? (2) Is he willing to commit to being in better shape? (3) Does he have enough quickness? (4) Where is he going to be able to guard, long term?
These questions can be separated into 2 groups:Question 1 and Questions 2,3,4. The final three are all related in some fashion.
On the first group, consisting of Question 1: He has great touch, but awful form. He has a bad hitch in his shot which causes for him to lose rotation . . . I think it also causes him to shoot inconsistently as well (explaining the FT problems).
Usually, your awful shooters either: don’t have touchor they have really odd rotation or awful form or they don’t use their entire body in their shot. Most bads hooters actually have a combination of these things. Robinson has good touch and he gets his body into the shot most of the time. But, his form is bad in terms of his release, which in turn causes him to have rotation problems at times.
I don’t think he is a guy that has limited potential as a shooter other wing types like Sam Young or Jaron Brown . . . Robinson has the touch those guys lack and he gets his body into the shot better than either(even though Young is not bad at that). Robinson is highly coordinated, so if he just gets the form correct, he should always shoot on target.
I think he can eventually become a good shooter, but it will take a lot of work. But, if he does, it will really open up the rest of his game and turn him intoa very, very good college player at the least. If Robinson had a jump shot, he would be much more highly regarded and he is already highly regarded.
On the second group, consistent of the last 3questions: He is in good enough shape to play and play well. I think I come off sounding in a way I don’t want when I say he needs to get in better shape. Robinson has elevation and power 90% of college ballplayers don’t have already, even without being in optimal shape. I just feel that he could be in bettershape physically.
He is not soft at all, but I just think he can get alot better . . . think Carl Krauser in his Jr. year and then Krauser in his Sr. year . . . Krauser could play ball all day during his Jr. year, but his Sr. year he made the proper commitment and lifted his body to whole other level . . . Robinson is similar . . .and could do the same in terms of improvement in my view . . . but remember, Robinson is a much better athlete than Krauser.
This actually leads directly into quickness . . .Krauser got in better shape, became much quicker and it helped him in basketball and specifically, in college. But, even after getting in better shape,when he played against the best players, the future NBA guys, he was quick enough to get by (to compete)athletically when added to his skills, but he wasn’t quick enough to excel on a consistent basis. Competing and excelling are two different things . . .you want a guy to excel, meaning play very well consistently, but as he can compete, then everything is okay at the least.
Robinson has the skill set that if he doesn’t get in better shape, he can still compete with top players. He can really handle and he knows how to use his bodyto his advantage. He is going to be able toconsistently get to the hoop against most college kids, just like Krauser could before and after getting in better shape. But, if he doesn’t make the effortto improve more physically, I feel that he won’t beable to excel against the best guys, the true NBA guys. And even if he gets in better shape, I don’tknow what will occur in terms of quickness for him,because it is a hard thing to project. It is a wait and see.
These questions can be separated into 2 groups:Question 1 and Questions 2,3,4. The final three are all related in some fashion.
On the first group, consisting of Question 1: He has great touch, but awful form. He has a bad hitch in his shot which causes for him to lose rotation . . . I think it also causes him to shoot inconsistently as well (explaining the FT problems).
Usually, your awful shooters either: don’t have touchor they have really odd rotation or awful form or they don’t use their entire body in their shot. Most bads hooters actually have a combination of these things. Robinson has good touch and he gets his body into the shot most of the time. But, his form is bad in terms of his release, which in turn causes him to have rotation problems at times.
I don’t think he is a guy that has limited potential as a shooter other wing types like Sam Young or Jaron Brown . . . Robinson has the touch those guys lack and he gets his body into the shot better than either(even though Young is not bad at that). Robinson is highly coordinated, so if he just gets the form correct, he should always shoot on target.
I think he can eventually become a good shooter, but it will take a lot of work. But, if he does, it will really open up the rest of his game and turn him intoa very, very good college player at the least. If Robinson had a jump shot, he would be much more highly regarded and he is already highly regarded.
On the second group, consistent of the last 3questions: He is in good enough shape to play and play well. I think I come off sounding in a way I don’t want when I say he needs to get in better shape. Robinson has elevation and power 90% of college ballplayers don’t have already, even without being in optimal shape. I just feel that he could be in bettershape physically.
He is not soft at all, but I just think he can get alot better . . . think Carl Krauser in his Jr. year and then Krauser in his Sr. year . . . Krauser could play ball all day during his Jr. year, but his Sr. year he made the proper commitment and lifted his body to whole other level . . . Robinson is similar . . .and could do the same in terms of improvement in my view . . . but remember, Robinson is a much better athlete than Krauser.
This actually leads directly into quickness . . .Krauser got in better shape, became much quicker and it helped him in basketball and specifically, in college. But, even after getting in better shape,when he played against the best players, the future NBA guys, he was quick enough to get by (to compete)athletically when added to his skills, but he wasn’t quick enough to excel on a consistent basis. Competing and excelling are two different things . . .you want a guy to excel, meaning play very well consistently, but as he can compete, then everything is okay at the least.
Robinson has the skill set that if he doesn’t get in better shape, he can still compete with top players. He can really handle and he knows how to use his bodyto his advantage. He is going to be able toconsistently get to the hoop against most college kids, just like Krauser could before and after getting in better shape. But, if he doesn’t make the effortto improve more physically, I feel that he won’t beable to excel against the best guys, the true NBA guys. And even if he gets in better shape, I don’tknow what will occur in terms of quickness for him,because it is a hard thing to project. It is a wait and see.
The Scholarship Crunch
Looking at Pitt's roster, one has to wonder where all the scholarships are going to come from. We spoke to somebody close to the situation and here's what we were told...
A scholarship will open up for Jermaine Dixon by way of a current Panther's departure, that player almost left around Christmas, but Pitt is still waiting to see if another opens for Kane. It could come from a transfer or a player leaving early.
Right now Pitt has enough room for Dixon, but they need another scholarship for Kane.
A scholarship will open up for Jermaine Dixon by way of a current Panther's departure, that player almost left around Christmas, but Pitt is still waiting to see if another opens for Kane. It could come from a transfer or a player leaving early.
Right now Pitt has enough room for Dixon, but they need another scholarship for Kane.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Pitt Panther Target: DeAndre Kane
D Kane has popped up on message boards as the flavor of the day, but there are still several questions about him. Our source gives us answers to some questions about D Kane.
Q. Does DeAndre Kane have a written offer?
A. There is no written offer. The staff is waiting to see if the kid qualifies first.
Q. Is Pitt still pursuing DeAndre and is he a high target?
A. He is ALL over Pitt's radar. He is also Pitt's final target for the 2008 class.
Q. There have been concerns over DeAndre Kane's grades. Is he qualified, and if not does it look he will be qualified?
A. His grades are a question mark, but so were Dejuan's at this point. I am pretty confident he will qualify.
Q. How close is DeAndre and DeJuan Blair?
A. He is very close to Dejuan. He considers him a brother. Dejuan's uncle calls him his nephew.
Q. Who is his lead recruiter?
A. His lead recruiter is Orlando Antigua, but Brandin Knight is also very influential. The kid has been mentoring him for a couple years. He is like a role model for him.
Q. And finally, does Kane want to be a Panther?
A. He wants to be a Panther in the worst way. He would do anything to get here. He wants to play with Dejuan so bad, and stay around family. He is a very good kid.
Q. Does DeAndre Kane have a written offer?
A. There is no written offer. The staff is waiting to see if the kid qualifies first.
Q. Is Pitt still pursuing DeAndre and is he a high target?
A. He is ALL over Pitt's radar. He is also Pitt's final target for the 2008 class.
Q. There have been concerns over DeAndre Kane's grades. Is he qualified, and if not does it look he will be qualified?
A. His grades are a question mark, but so were Dejuan's at this point. I am pretty confident he will qualify.
Q. How close is DeAndre and DeJuan Blair?
A. He is very close to Dejuan. He considers him a brother. Dejuan's uncle calls him his nephew.
Q. Who is his lead recruiter?
A. His lead recruiter is Orlando Antigua, but Brandin Knight is also very influential. The kid has been mentoring him for a couple years. He is like a role model for him.
Q. And finally, does Kane want to be a Panther?
A. He wants to be a Panther in the worst way. He would do anything to get here. He wants to play with Dejuan so bad, and stay around family. He is a very good kid.
Pitt-Louisville Game Summary
- A really disappointing loss today . . . lots of silver linings to talk about . . . but one unavoidable reality . . . Pitt is officially bubble, and they really need to win the next 4 or 3 of 4 plus a Big East tournament game to assure an NCAA bid.
- Dixon may have lost this game for them with some odd substitution in the first half . . . why he would put Wanamaker and Benjamin into the game at the same time at the 1 and 2 is puzzling, especially considering he now has two PGs . . . a 5 possession swing occurred and it killed Pitt's momentum and may have lost them the game in the long run.
- Pitino also scouted Pitt out very well . . . the constant pressure and the targeting of Ramon were very smart.
- I don't like sitting Brown at the beginning of the game . . . but, it is what it is, I guess.
- By the way, Wanamaker played an awful 2-4 minutes . . . if he wants to play from here on out, he can't play D like that . . . honestly, one more performance like that and I think it is time for Pitt to completely shorten and cut him out . . . it may be time anyway, because these upcoming games are very, very important and Pitt can't afford inexperienced play and mistakes.
- Player of the Game - I want to go with Fields, but his defense lacked at points, he isn't moving great laterally yet. So, I am going with Sam Young, who seemingly hit every big shot to keep Pitt in this game. Young is playing like a true NBA 3 right now offensively . . . he looks like a bigger Jason Richardson. He has it all working right now and he is making much better decisions with the ball. And he even played some inspired defense late, along with some strong board work. He had some of his normal lapses, but for the most part I thought the effort was there.
- Fields was outstanding offensively . . . he helped Pitt get those 3-5 easy buckets that they missed without him . . . his ball movement is outstanding . . . the handle is excellent . . . honestly, I think he has kept himself in great shape while he was out . . . he has to work more into basketball shape (which in turn will help his lateral movement, which is a little lacking right now), but his explosion going forward right now is very impressive. He shed Sosa and Knowles multiple times and they are very quick guards . . . it was highly impressive. I think his explosion is affecting his jumper a little, but it will be better with more play.
- Except for the missed bunny at the end, Blair was excellent offensively. He also was great on the boards and played pretty decent defense . . . players scored on him, but he was where he should have been and stayed away from bad fouls.
- Brown still can't buy a 3, but the rest of his game was encouraging . . . I loved the aggressiveness and the D . . . he can get anything he wants in the midrange . . . and his length just really challenges other teams offensively.
- Benjamin played good today . . . Pitt needed a little more O from him, but the D was better than it has been . . . he took some gambles he should not have taken down the stretch though . . .
- Ramon was a lot better in shorter minutes today . . . Pitt needs his contribution badly, but I just believe he is a better player when he is under 30 minutes . . . honestly, I think he is even better around 25.
- Biggs was pretty invisible today, nothing really good and nothing really bad.
- Dixon may have lost this game for them with some odd substitution in the first half . . . why he would put Wanamaker and Benjamin into the game at the same time at the 1 and 2 is puzzling, especially considering he now has two PGs . . . a 5 possession swing occurred and it killed Pitt's momentum and may have lost them the game in the long run.
- Pitino also scouted Pitt out very well . . . the constant pressure and the targeting of Ramon were very smart.
- I don't like sitting Brown at the beginning of the game . . . but, it is what it is, I guess.
- By the way, Wanamaker played an awful 2-4 minutes . . . if he wants to play from here on out, he can't play D like that . . . honestly, one more performance like that and I think it is time for Pitt to completely shorten and cut him out . . . it may be time anyway, because these upcoming games are very, very important and Pitt can't afford inexperienced play and mistakes.
- Player of the Game - I want to go with Fields, but his defense lacked at points, he isn't moving great laterally yet. So, I am going with Sam Young, who seemingly hit every big shot to keep Pitt in this game. Young is playing like a true NBA 3 right now offensively . . . he looks like a bigger Jason Richardson. He has it all working right now and he is making much better decisions with the ball. And he even played some inspired defense late, along with some strong board work. He had some of his normal lapses, but for the most part I thought the effort was there.
- Fields was outstanding offensively . . . he helped Pitt get those 3-5 easy buckets that they missed without him . . . his ball movement is outstanding . . . the handle is excellent . . . honestly, I think he has kept himself in great shape while he was out . . . he has to work more into basketball shape (which in turn will help his lateral movement, which is a little lacking right now), but his explosion going forward right now is very impressive. He shed Sosa and Knowles multiple times and they are very quick guards . . . it was highly impressive. I think his explosion is affecting his jumper a little, but it will be better with more play.
- Except for the missed bunny at the end, Blair was excellent offensively. He also was great on the boards and played pretty decent defense . . . players scored on him, but he was where he should have been and stayed away from bad fouls.
- Brown still can't buy a 3, but the rest of his game was encouraging . . . I loved the aggressiveness and the D . . . he can get anything he wants in the midrange . . . and his length just really challenges other teams offensively.
- Benjamin played good today . . . Pitt needed a little more O from him, but the D was better than it has been . . . he took some gambles he should not have taken down the stretch though . . .
- Ramon was a lot better in shorter minutes today . . . Pitt needs his contribution badly, but I just believe he is a better player when he is under 30 minutes . . . honestly, I think he is even better around 25.
- Biggs was pretty invisible today, nothing really good and nothing really bad.
Pitt Panther Target: Zeke Marshall
very tall and lanky...listed as tall as 7'0", but he's closer to 6'10"...he's a bean pole that will HAVE to put some weight on to be a force for a D-1 team...his McKeesport team was upset by WPIAL AAAA champ Central Catholic in the semis...they have already qualified for the PIAA playoffs...
Marshall is a superb defender and has good control of his body when playing defense...he moves his feet really well and knows how to play angles...he is a stud rebounder, which shouldn't be a surprise since his father is John Marshall, who played at PSU and still holds some PSU rebounding records...I don't know how well his high school coach used him, against Hempfield Area in the first round of the AAAA playoffs Marshall had at least a 5 inch advantage, yet McKeesport didn't go inside...
It could be that the coach feels the same way as I do, Marshall needs a lot of work on the offensive end...he has one move, straight up...that's fine if you're playing against 6'6" players, but not against AAU or D-1 competition...he desperately needs some bulk and he needs to get used to getting bumped under the hoop...
I'm excited to see his AAU play this summer as it will be against much tougher competition.
Marshall is a superb defender and has good control of his body when playing defense...he moves his feet really well and knows how to play angles...he is a stud rebounder, which shouldn't be a surprise since his father is John Marshall, who played at PSU and still holds some PSU rebounding records...I don't know how well his high school coach used him, against Hempfield Area in the first round of the AAAA playoffs Marshall had at least a 5 inch advantage, yet McKeesport didn't go inside...
It could be that the coach feels the same way as I do, Marshall needs a lot of work on the offensive end...he has one move, straight up...that's fine if you're playing against 6'6" players, but not against AAU or D-1 competition...he desperately needs some bulk and he needs to get used to getting bumped under the hoop...
I'm excited to see his AAU play this summer as it will be against much tougher competition.
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