Did I miss the match up previews and staff picks for the game tonight? Not trying to be a jerk but I rely on that content especially for a big game like tonight.

After listening to the first three player interviews today, there seems to be pretty consistent message. Veilliuex, Seymore, and Reynolds were all fairly adamant that Pitt will throw the ball much more in 2023 than they did in 2022. Reynolds said that the fact that Pitt will be throwing the ball a lot is what excites him the most about being at Pitt.

It’s an interesting departure from the message this time last year, when the opposite theme was emerging. At the time, most of us felt that Pitt would be more balanced but not necessarily the run first offense they largely became.

The other thing that caught my attention was the subtle shade that was being thrown at Slovis. Veilleux said something to the effect of “the film shows that receivers were open all over the place.” Seymore said that it was the first year in the offense and Pitt had a good RB, so they played to their strength.

I don’t think the players are coming up with these statements on their own. I imagine they are being told these things by Cignetti and the other coaches.

Looking through, there are some major head scratchers.

Pitt:
Q1- 3-2
Q2- 4-4
Q3-1-0
Q4- 7-1

Texas A&M
Q1-2-4
Q2- 2-1
Q3- 3-1
Q4 8-1

They are 47, we are 61.

Oral Roberts:

Q1- 0-4
Q2- 1-0
Q3-2-0
Q4- 13-0

They are 41

It’s astonishing how ridiculous these are

Who would you say is the most improved Pitt play since the Howland days to present and why? I don’t have an immediate answer but I am struggling with Aaron Gray and Sam Young. But there a bunch to choose from.

I appreciate some of these guys doing this out in the open but how in the world is this not pay for play? A booster using money to recruit a kid to a school is still an NCAA violation.

Too bad the Preseason NIT and Pitt/Syr at Yankee Stadium will be a week and a half apart. Could have made for a fun weekend.

Pitt is #62 at 15-7, 8-3 with 3-2 in Q1, 4-4 in Q2. I Examined some above them such as Oregon, VaTech, etc, etc. Doesn't make sense to me. If any of you know why Pitt isn't higher with their credentials, please reply.

I'll link the Pitt mailbag but I think that is ridiculous. Most on here were thinking 5-4 and Pitt should get in.

It's crazy to me both of these Pitt beat writers think they have to do much better than that.

They both also said they can see Capel getting an extension after the season if Pitt makes the NCAA Tournament smh. Chris Carter says Heather likes stability and Jeff brings that. I mean is this guy for real? The man has had 4 awful seasons here, so far 1 nice one with more TBD and both of them think Capel could get an extension? I'm sorry that's insane to me. Yeah if we make the Elite 8 or better that might change my mind, other than that I think he needs to show us more than 1 season of success.


https://www.post-gazette.com/sports...el-panthers-bracketology/stories/202301310073

Intention of this thread is to track all the recruiting news focusing on PA kids (not just Pitt related)

With the December LOI signing day gaining more and more momentum each year. How long do you think it will take before the February signing day goes away altogether?

and installing new Turf because of too many injuries on grass.

Titans switching to Turf

What time today is the official release?

Hoping we don't get Noles, and Irish back to back. Also tired of Heels on Thursday nights every tme they come here.

You watched Chris Ford play and felt terrible when he died.
That’s bad enough.
But ONE ON ONE with Robby Benson is on Turner Classic Movies today.
Time to get serious about finding a place to plant me.

Opening line is much bigger than I anticipated. What do you guys think?

TeamRankings Bracketology 2023

I use this site every so often for sports wagering insights... was very surprised to see they only give Pitt a 7% chance of making the tournament.

Computers really do not like this Pitt team, I think that is pretty clear.....have to hope the committee weighs the eye test more than the numbers.

Meanwhile, keep stacking wins!

With a daunting September, two rivalry games on the road, a 10-year anniversary game and a trip to Yankee Stadium, there’s no shortage of storylines in Pitt’s 2023 schedule.

The thread about Fede’s brother got me really thinking. Let’s say we take his brother then next year we have 4 legit 7 footers. But we have only really seen Fede and Gdiaz. And they will be very good and have done some good things. But from a development point for them to take the next step they each have to develop at least one offensive skill that fits with our offense. That could be a three point shot off a pick and pop from the top when they set the screen. It could be a floater AKA Steven Adam’s does very well in the nba when he picks and slips to the basket for a dump pass and he turns and floats the shot up in the lane. They could develop a 15 ft shot fro the elbow or either side. We dont use the post but having a basic drop step or mini hook would be beneficial. And of course they need to get stronger and put on a lot of weight. I am not hating on them just saying the next steps in the progression to be a real threat.

Now the questions is how long does that development take. I think it varies by player based on their coordination, experience, their muscle memory, and how much time they dedicate. A rough guess is 2-3 years to develop a new offensive skill and be able to use it consistently in ACC play. That’s probably somewhat conservative. It took Zanna 3 years plus to develop a little back to the basket game and a 15 foot jump shot.

So add in the other Diaz and younger Fede. They both need even more development just to get where Fede and Gdiaz are now. That would also make a 1/3 of our lineup all basically 5 positions who aren’t scorers. We could be really good rebounders and protect the rim. It basketball is a guard and wing game now with dribble drive and lots of threes.

It’s hard to say not to take a chance on Fede’s brother or another player like him like Bballinsider is saying they are a bunch teaching out to him.

But I don’t think with the transfer portal and the ability to get older guys who are already more developed, you really don’t want more than 2 big developmental types on your roster at any one time. So I would really hesitate against taking another developmental big on the next two classes.