A Game of 20 Questions & Other Dribbles ...

[DT_PITT]

** I'm avoiding attempts to dissect the season any more at this particular point. Nor will I try to make any grand comments on direction or trends of the program.

** Despite the absence of the Panthers in this weekend's games, that doesn't mean there hasn't been a great deal for a College Basketball fan to love and about which to wonder.

** With that, let's try to have a little fun. I'm going to suggest a game of 20 questions for Pitt fans to offer their opinions to try to make things interesting as we prep for the NIT.

** First there's Virginia. I love how they play, but for them to have any real chance at getting to the Final Four or the title game, it would seem that Justin Anderson simply needs to get it going. Here's a simple question to get things started …
1. How far does Virginia go?

** I really enjoyed the Duke-Notre Dame game last night. This one left me with a couple of questions.
2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor?
3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky?
4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie?

** Justice Winslow can look pretty awesome at times, but at others he disappears a bit.
5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?

** While I think Villanova is good team and has a bunch of good wins (12-1 vs. the RPI top 50), they haven't notched a really good win this entire season. Their best RPI win is VCU (#19 RPI)?
6. How good is Villanova, really?

** With Duke and Virginia both losing before the ACC Title game, things are getting muddy among the top seeds. Besides Kentucky, does Villanova really deserve one? Beyond that, is it Arizona, Duke, Virginia, Gonzaga or Wisconsin? Maybe Maryland in the conversation if they win tomorrow?
7. Who would be your four number one seeds?

** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?
9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.

** At this point in the game, I previously had two questions about Kentucky vs. the Field, but LasPanteras screwed that up!

** Other that the aforementioned list of teams who could vie for a number one seed, there have been very few that have looked impressive to me in the least. I know so many Pitt fans think we weren't very good this year, but there had to be a reason that we were more or less "in" the Tournament less than 2 weeks ago. So in other words, even if we aren't very good, not too many other teams are either.
10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why?

** A week or two after the season ends, the Panthers will host their annual basketball banquet. One of the rituals of the event is to hand out a variety of team awards. One of those awards is for top defender, which seems a little tough for a team who is somewhere around #220 in defensive efficiency.
11. Who should get the award this year?

** The next question is inspired by some conversation on 93.7 the Fan between Joe Starkey and Chris Mueller. They were both talking about the kind of player this current team lacks.
12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why?

** Starkey and Mueller both got a kick out of a caller who said Dixon can only Coach "lemmings" and can't coach "talent." Starkey laughed and responded with evidence to the contrary such as Sam Young. But then Chris Mueller suggested that Levon Kendall was a talented player who Dixon didn't utilize well. As evidence for Kendall being this talented player, Mueller said Kendall once scored 40 points for his Canadian team in a game against the USA team.
13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking?

** Just about everyone agrees that Dixon's recruiting has been this team's problem this year. And many folks like to point to Jamie's recruiting "misses." With that, I think the next question is the toughest in the list.
14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?

** It will be interesting to learn what kind of interest Pitt fans will demonstrate for the NIT.
15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week?

** There seems to be a number of folks who believe that if Pitt is trending down, often utilizing our recent 36-36 conference record as evidence.
16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?

** Even if you were mostly disappointed with this season, to some extent you had to be pleased with some of our offensive progress this year.
17. Who will be next year's leading scorer?

** These last three questions won't get answers until next year, but should gauge the overall hopefulness of the fan base for our next season.
18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year?
19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament?
20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament?

** I invite everyone to offer their own answers to some or even all of these 20 questions, as I'll be adding my own at some point. If you want to know the correct answers, I'm sure Pittlaw will be around at some point to tell you want they are!

This post was edited on 3/14 9:09 PM by DT_PITT

 

[UPitt '89]

Originally posted by DT_PITT:
** I'm avoiding attempts to dissect the season any more at this particular point. Nor will I try to make any grand comments on direction or trends of the program.

** Despite the absence of the Panthers in this weekend's games, that doesn't mean there hasn't been a great deal for a College Basketball fan to love and about which to wonder.

** With that, let's try to have a little fun. I'm going to suggest a game of 20 questions for Pitt fans to offer their opinions to try to make things interesting as we prep for the NIT.

** First there's Virginia. I love how they play, but for them to have any real chance at getting to the Final Four or the title game, it would seem that Justin Anderson simply needs to get it going. Here's a simple question to get things started …
1. How far does Virginia go?

Elite Eight

** I really enjoyed the Duke-Notre Dame game last night. This one left me with a couple of questions.
2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor?

Nobody

3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky?

Okafor

4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie?

Don't Care

** Justice Winslow can look pretty awesome at times, but at others he disappears a bit.
5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?

Artis is more consistent, Winslow has greater upside

** While I think Villanova is good team and has a bunch of good wins (12-1 vs. the RPI top 50), they haven't notched a really good win this entire season. Their best RPI win is VCU (#19 RPI)?
6. How good is Villanova, really?

Will lose in Sweet 16 to a 4 or 5 seed.

** With Duke and Virginia both losing before the ACC Title game, things are getting muddy among the top seeds. Besides Kentucky, does Villanova really deserve one? Beyond that, is it Arizona, Duke, Virginia, Gonzaga or Wisconsin? Maybe Maryland in the conversation if they win tomorrow?
7. Who would be your four number one seeds?

Kentucky, Villanova, Virginia, Wisconsin

** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?

No

9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.

Mushrooms

** At this point in the game, I previously had two questions about Kentucky vs. the Field, but LasPanteras screwed that up!

** Other that the aforementioned list of teams who could vie for a number one seed, there have been very few that have looked impressive to me in the least. I know so many Pitt fans think we weren't very good this year, but there had to be a reason that we were more or less "in" the Tournament less than 2 weeks ago. So in other words, even if we aren't very good, not too many other teams are either.
10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why?

Iowa State and Duke. Because.

** A week or two after the season ends, the Panthers will host their annual basketball banquet. One of the rituals of the event is to hand out a variety of team awards. One of those awards is for top defender, which seems a little tough for a team who is somewhere around #220 in defensive efficiency.
11. Who should get the award this year?

Mike Young

** The next question is inspired by some conversation on 93.7 the Fan between Joe Starkey and Chris Mueller. They were both talking about the kind of player this current team lacks.
12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why?

Fella

** Starkey and Mueller both got a kick out of a caller who said Dixon can only Coach "lemmings" and can't coach "talent." Starkey laughed and responded with evidence to the contrary such as Sam Young. But then Chris Mueller suggested that Levon Kendall was a talented player who Dixon didn't utilize well. As evidence for Kendall being this talented player, Mueller said Kendall once scored 40 points for his Canadian team in a game against the USA team.
13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking?

Mueller is an ass clown.

** Just about everyone agrees that Dixon's recruiting has been this team's problem this year. And many folks like to point to Jamie's recruiting "misses." With that, I think the next question is the toughest in the list.
14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?

Cat Barber? (Did we offer him?)


** It will be interesting to learn what kind of interest Pitt fans will demonstrate for the NIT.
15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week?

7500

** There seems to be a number of folks who believe that if Pitt is trending down, often utilizing our recent 36-36 conference record as evidence.
16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?

Steven Adams flying back to New Zealand after the 2013 season.

** Even if you were mostly disappointed with this season, to some extent you had to be pleased with some of our offensive progress this year.
17. Who will be next year's leading scorer?

Mike Young

** These last three questions won't get answers until next year, but should gauge the overall hopefulness of the fan base for our next season.
18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year?
19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament?
20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament?


Yes to all three

** I invite everyone to offer their own answers to some or even all of these 20 questions, as I'll be adding my own at some point. If you want to know the correct answers, I'm sure Pittlaw will be around at some point to tell you want they are!

This post was edited on 3/14 9:09 PM by DT_PITT

 

[DT_PITT]

Thank you for playing but ...


On question #10, you can't pick Duke. They were one of the teams in the "above list." I don't think we ever offered Barber either.
This post was edited on 3/14 9:26 PM by DT_PITT

 

[ratking17]

1---UVA makes Final 4
2---Kevin Durant (Went back and read the entire question again. You said footwork and I stopped and answered. I didn't see that you included the caveat of low post player...Being that Durant played more of a face to the basket, I don't know if he should stay here as my pick. I would have to think about this longer...)
3---Kaminsky because he would stay longer
4---Turtleneck is horrible for anyone sitting inside.
5---Justice who???
6---Kentucky, Duke, UVA, Nova
7---Nova out in Sweet 16. First 1 seed to fall
8---I love Walton, but won't have what he is smoking with TJ
9---Walton still lives outside in a Wigwam. Enough said...
10---Wisconsin is so underrated as a 2 Seed. I know that sounds funny, but no one gives Bo that much credit other than the obligatory, "bo is a great coach" speech. I also know going with Wisconsin is no gamble...so to answer part 2, I will pick an out there pick...The other non-#1 Seed that could make the Final 4 or flame out in the 2nd round is Maryland. That would be my second pick.
11---Mike Young
12---Lots of easy picks here. Do you go Big Fella, a true PG in Knight, Fields, or Krauser, a Jaron Brown to shore up defending? I am going to go off the reservation here and go with either Gary McGee or Arron Gray. We need a true big that could clean up our guards not guarding the dribble penetration, and a big that could grab boards on both ends.
13---Mueller went to PSU correct? So is his favorite basketball team North Carolina, Duke, or Villanova?
14---I don't follow recruiting enough to comment on who we were close to signing vs who was really never in contention.
15---8,000 fans
16---Do you go with Scotty Reynolds or Nasir's brain fart? Being that we were able to nab a 1 seed two years after Nova, I would say Nasir's bone headed foul.
17---Artis and Young both average around 17 points per game. Johnson gets his act together and averages 15.
18---Maybe...I lean towards yes as historically Dixon brings his teams along as they turn into upper classmen.
19---Yes
20---Let's hope...but I vote yes just to be optimisitc...

Good stuff DT

This post was edited on 3/14 9:28 PM by ratking17

 

[UPitt '89]

Re: Thank you for playing but ...

Originally posted by DT_PITT:

On question #10, you can't pick Duke. They were one of the teams in the "above list." I don't think we ever offered Barber either.
This post was edited on 3/14 9:26 PM by DT_PITT

Iowa State and Arkansas

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

1) Elite 8

2) Olajuwon

3) Okafor

4) turtleneck

5) not very - Winslow way more dynamic

6) hard to tell but reminds me of Pitt teams - no superstars but great team play

7) Kentucky Wisky Duke Virginia

8 ) haven't seen enuf pac 10 don't know

9) Acid - new studies show even 1 time can have long term effects

10) Michigan State - Izzo enuf said. Gonzaga - they're due

11) to paraphrase Brewsters Millions - none of the above. Cancel the award this year.

12) Geat question here. And tough. I wanna say Fella but that moves Mike Young and Artis. Plus there was nobody I enjoyed watching more. Sticking with JaJaun (as Groat called him) toughness, heart, mean streak.

13) he's a moron. Makes me wonder if he's watched much.

14) Maybe another tie between Anya and Lacey

15) 4700

16) don't necessarily believe in such things but Gil Browns misses against Butler 17) Jamel

18) yes

19) yes

20) no

This post was edited on 3/14 9:37 PM by King Of All Message Boards

This post was edited on 3/15 9:04 AM by King Of All Message Boards

 

[BFo8]

More than likely Joe Young will be PAC player of the year, and well deserved.

 

[ratking17]

King...good choice with Akeem. Probably for a true center, the best low post footwork ever. But I only saw him in the NBA, but I would bet he was good in college. He had ballet type moves, and then would just finger roll the ball in the hoop.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

He was a monster in college as well. Loved Phi Slamma Jamma and still sick all these years later they lost to NC State.

 

[DT_PITT]

But remember ... as a frosh ...

... Akeem's footwork was still a little haphazard. The question was have you ever seen such good footwork as a freshman.

 

[DT_PITT]

On question #10 ... you can't select Gonzaga ... they are on "the list" ...

... I asked for teams not on the list.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Re: But remember ... as a frosh ...

Maybe my memory is foggy then. Either that or too many double IPAs.

Hell the maybe Fella deserves mention here too. Given his propensity for offensive rebounds and putbacks - it wasn't all brute force.

This post was edited on 3/14 10:14 PM by King Of All Message Boards

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Originally posted by DT_PITT:
** I'm avoiding attempts to dissect the season any more at this particular point. Nor will I try to make any grand comments on direction or trends of the program.

** Despite the absence of the Panthers in this weekend's games, that doesn't mean there hasn't been a great deal for a College Basketball fan to love and about which to wonder.

** With that, let's try to have a little fun. I'm going to suggest a game of 20 questions for Pitt fans to offer their opinions to try to make things interesting as we prep for the NIT.

** First there's Virginia. I love how they play, but for them to have any real chance at getting to the Final Four or the title game, it would seem that Justin Anderson simply needs to get it going. Here's a simple question to get things started …
1. How far does Virginia go?

I would guess Elite 8.
** I really enjoyed the Duke-Notre Dame game last night. This one left me with a couple of questions.
2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor?
Interesting question since in another thread I remarked how enjoyable it was to watch him. Freshman? Wow....I don't really know. Pure post play has become so rare.....and most guys are raw.
3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky?
Okafor.
4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie?

** Justice Winslow can look pretty awesome at times, but at others he disappears a bit.
5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?
The one coast to coast drive yesterday by Winslow though separates the two.

** While I think Villanova is good team and has a bunch of good wins (12-1 vs. the RPI top 50), they haven't notched a really good win this entire season. Their best RPI win is VCU (#19 RPI)?
6. How good is Villanova, really?
Finish in the top 4 in the ACC or Big 12.

** With Duke and Virginia both losing before the ACC Title game, things are getting muddy among the top seeds. Besides Kentucky, does Villanova really deserve one? Beyond that, is it Arizona, Duke, Virginia, Gonzaga or Wisconsin? Maybe Maryland in the conversation if they win tomorrow?
7. Who would be your four number one seeds?
UK, Wisconsin, Duke and Arizona

** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?
No, but McConnell is better than JRob and is the type of player Joe hates because you can't measure everything he brings with analytics.

9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.
I'll take hallucegenic drugs with 3 letters for $1000 Alex...

** At this point in the game, I previously had two questions about Kentucky vs. the Field, but LasPanteras screwed that up!

** Other that the aforementioned list of teams who could vie for a number one seed, there have been very few that have looked impressive to me in the least. I know so many Pitt fans think we weren't very good this year, but there had to be a reason that we were more or less "in" the Tournament less than 2 weeks ago. So in other words, even if we aren't very good, not too many other teams are either.
10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why?
Iowa State Michigan State. Why? Iowa State is good....Michigan State has the Izzo factor.

** A week or two after the season ends, the Panthers will host their annual basketball banquet. One of the rituals of the event is to hand out a variety of team awards. One of those awards is for top defender, which seems a little tough for a team who is somewhere around #220 in defensive efficiency.
11. Who should get the award this year?
Mike Young. As tough of a job as he had, rarely did a post player go off against us as a perimeter player

** The next question is inspired by some conversation on 93.7 the Fan between Joe Starkey and Chris Mueller. They were both talking about the kind of player this current team lacks.
12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why?

Wow....I actually thought about this the other day. Obvious answer to me would be Dejuan Blair. But honestly, I wouldn't be out of line in saying Brad Wanamaker. Blair obvious as to why. Wanamaker, cause he could add someone who could drive and create and definitely help defensively on the perimeter.

** Starkey and Mueller both got a kick out of a caller who said Dixon can only Coach "lemmings" and can't coach "talent." Starkey laughed and responded with evidence to the contrary such as Sam Young. But then Chris Mueller suggested that Levon Kendall was a talented player who Dixon didn't utilize well. As evidence for Kendall being this talented player, Mueller said Kendall once scored 40 points for his Canadian team in a game against the USA team.
13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking?

Levon Kendall also plays the piano.

** Just about everyone agrees that Dixon's recruiting has been this team's problem this year. And many folks like to point to Jamie's recruiting "misses." With that, I think the next question is the toughest in the list.
14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?

Oh man, Montrezl Harrell immediately comes to mind.

** It will be interesting to learn what kind of interest Pitt fans will demonstrate for the NIT.
15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week?

Announced or Actual?

** There seems to be a number of folks who believe that if Pitt is trending down, often utilizing our recent 36-36 conference record as evidence.
16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?

The two pronged punch of Khem Birch transferring and Steve Adams leaving early.

** Even if you were mostly disappointed with this season, to some extent you had to be pleased with some of our offensive progress this year.
17. Who will be next year's leading scorer?

Michael Young

** These last three questions won't get answers until next year, but should gauge the overall hopefulness of the fan base for our next season.
18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year?
Yes.
19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament?
Yes.
20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament?
Yes. I mean you got to have hope, especially considering we only lose one senior and in many instances that loss may look like an addition more than a subtraction considering he will be replaced by Durand Johnson.

** I invite everyone to offer their own answers to some or even all of these 20 questions, as I'll be adding my own at some point. If you want to know the correct answers, I'm sure Pittlaw will be around at some point to tell you want they are!

This post was edited on 3/14 9:09 PM by DT_PITT

This post was edited on 3/14 10:58 PM by recruitsreadtheseboards

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

OK, I'll play.....

1. How far does Virginia go? If Anderson were completely healthy I'd say Final Four. If Anderson were completely healthy they are one of the teams that could (not would, could) beat Kentucky. But he just isn't going to be 100% the rest of this season. So I will say they get knocked out in the Elite Eight.

2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor? I don't know.

3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky? If the question is who would I have rather had this season the answer is Kaminsky. He should be the POY. He does more for his team. If the question is who would I take right now to be on my team next season it would be Okafor. Because he's already close and he's only getting better.

4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie? Turtleneck. No one looks good in a turtleneck. No one.

5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?
They're close, but Jamel is clearly behind at this point.

6. How good is Villanova, really? They are good, but they are overrated. They aren't one of the four best teams in the country.

7. Who would be your four number one seeds? Kentucky, Virginia, Duke and Wisconsin if they win tomorrow, or Arizona if Wisconsin loses tomorrow and they win later on tonight.

8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified? No, but he deserved to be in the discussion. I don't know who actually won but I think I'd have gone with Delon Wright. He had a better year than TJ. About the only things that McConnell has done better this year is his assist rate and his steal rate (and Wright's isn't far behind in either of those). Wright is a better offensive rebounder, defensive rebounder, he turns the ball over less, he blocks more shots, he commits less fouls and he draws way, way more fouls. Wright shoots ones, twos and threes all better than McConnell (although he isn't way ahead in any of them) and because he draws way more fouls he's shot 162 foul shots to McConnell's 56. I can't imagine what kind of drugs you'd have to be doing to think that McConnell had a better year than Wright, but whatever it is I am pretty sure Walton is doing it.

9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now? He followed The Dead around for years, so the correct answer to this question is "all of them".

10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of
possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why? Well I won't pick any teams in the Final Four until I see the bracket, and I don't know that I'll pick either of these two anyway, but Iowa State and maybe Utah would be my two. Iowa State because if you've watched the way they've played the last couple of weeks, including tonight, they are never out of a game. They can score so many points so fast that you just can't count them out against anyone. In some ways Utah is the anti-Iowa State in that they win more with defense and they drag the tempo down ala Virginia, but they are a good team with a superior guard in Delon Wright (hey, I've seen that name somewhere before) and sometimes in the tournament superior guards drag their teams a long, long way. I might have considered North Carolina for what you saw some of tonight. When they are playing well they can take a team as good as Notre Dame (who is pretty good) and just manhandle them. Of course their problem is also what we saw tonight, and what we saw when they play us. They can also completely and utterly disappear for long stretches of games. If they could play at or near their best for three weeks they could beat everyone. But they can't, so they won't.

11. Who should get the award this year? Pitt's 2015 defensive player of the year. Talk about damning with faint praise. I guess Mike Young, kind of by default.

12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why? I think I'd take Jaron Brown, simply because he could defend three or maybe even four positions. And that's what this team needed the most.

13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller
has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking? Possible, but not in the same quantities.

14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you
believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on
our team? I don't pay enough attention to who we offered or didn't offer to answer this question.

15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week? As I said in another thread, it depends on the opponent. I'll guess between 3,000 and 4,000, but Pitt will announce 8,437 based on their consultations with attendance guru Steve Pederson.

16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point? I don't believe there is one such turning point, but if you force an answer out of me I'll say the moment that Naz Robinson committed that foul against Butler.

17. Who will be next year's leading scorer? Jamel Artis.

18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year? Yes
19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament? Yes
20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament? Yes, because where sports is concerned it's much more fun to be an optimist than a pessimist about the future. I might answer all three of these questions differently eight months from now.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Owt, I love your answer.....

to number 13. And I will take "Obscure Trivia About Pitt Players That Announcers Way Overused" for $800, and before Alex even reads the answer I'm buzzing in and answering "Carl Krauser was a boxer".

Number 14, I said I don't pay much attention to who we offered or who we didn't, but if we offered Harrell I'll second your nomination of him.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Speaking of these questions, in watching the Pac 12 championship game, how come I am guessing that ESPN play by play guys aren't exactly lining up and volunteering to do games opposite Bill Walton.

Yikes.

 

[thebadby2]

"Maybe Maryland if they win tomorrow"......

Unlikely since the Terps were eliminated by MSU today about 2 hours before you posted this.. It'll be Wisky v MSU, the two best coaches in the B10 going at it, as it should be.

Did you see the halftime score and just assumed that Maryland beat MSU when you posted this?

You should know better than to count Izzo out in March. He's the best in the business. He may lose tomorrow since Bo finally has the horse he has always needed to get to the next level, but Izzo will have something to say about what happens beginning next Thursday.

 

[DT_PITT]

Here's my answers

** First there's Virginia. I love how they play, but for them to have any real chance at getting to the Final Four or the title game, it would seem that Justin Anderson simply needs to get it going. Here's a simple question to get things started …
1. How far does Virginia go?

The key here is Anderson and he just doesn't seem to be close to where he needs to be. I'll go with Sweet 16, but lose before getting to the Elite 8

** I really enjoyed the Duke-Notre Dame game last night. This one left me with a couple of questions.
2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor?

The reason I asked the question is that I simply could not think of any freshman this polished offensively in the post.

3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky?

At this point in time, I would take Kaminsky. Okafor is the greater force down low, but he's not a very good defender nor the passer and team player Kaminsky is. And as evidenced by yesterday's game, his foul shooting is an issue. Okafor as a senior would be better than Kaminsky I suspect, but basketball is a team game, and right now, Kaminsky is better for a team.

4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie?

Jeezus Mike. Put on a damn tie! All college coaches can wear a damn tie. Only Huggy can pull off just wearing sweats and make it work.

** Justice Winslow can look pretty awesome at times, but at others he disappears a bit.
5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?

I think they are actually pretty close offensively. Winslow is stronger. Jamel is a better shooter though. Winslow is an OK defender. Jamel is a poor defender. That's the difference.

** While I think Villanova is good team and has a bunch of good wins (12-1 vs. the RPI top 50), they haven't notched a really good win this entire season. Their best RPI win is VCU (#19 RPI)?
6. How good is Villanova, really?

Like I said, it's so hard to say because we haven't seen them against an elite team. They will see an elite team in the Elite 8, and they won't get to the Final Four.

** With Duke and Virginia both losing before the ACC Title game, things are getting muddy among the top seeds. Besides Kentucky, does Villanova really deserve one? Beyond that, is it Arizona, Duke, Virginia, Gonzaga or Wisconsin? Maybe Maryland in the conversation if they win tomorrow?
7. Who would be your four number one seeds?

Kentucky, Wisconsin (if they beat Mich State), Virginia (they have earned it, even without Anderson) and Villanova. I don't think Villanova is one of the four best teams, but they have a #1 seed resume by all criteria. Arizona is better, though.

** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?

TJ is a very good player. He deserved to be first team All-Pac 12. But somewhere along the line, Walton got the impression that TJ was Bob Cousy, and no matter what happens in front of him, Walton doesn't see it. Here's an example of something Walton once said last year -- when asked what Arizona should do if they need a basket he said: "Clear out for McConnell and let him create." But that's not really what TJ does. He's not as much a creator as he is a facilitator. Even tonight he said "can Oregon contain TJ's penetration?" Again, TJ's really not that much of a penetrator. And without great players around him, he's less effective, even though he's a very good player, who can do a great deal to make those great players most effective. But without those guys, no one would be talking much about TJ, if at all. Players of the Year are the guys who you cannot do without.

Again, he's a very good player. I don't think he's PAC-12 Player of the Year.

9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.

I'll stay away from what happened in the 70's, but I'm guessing that lithium is somehow involved right now.

** At this point in the game, I previously had two questions about Kentucky vs. the Field, but LasPanteras screwed that up!

** Other that the aforementioned list of teams who could vie for a number one seed, there have been very few that have looked impressive to me in the least. I know so many Pitt fans think we weren't very good this year, but there had to be a reason that we were more or less "in" the Tournament less than 2 weeks ago. So in other words, even if we aren't very good, not too many other teams are either.
10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why?

Iowa State is the easy pick. We will have to see their draw, but you can almost like them to the Final Four if they are not in Kentucky's bracket. They are coached by a guy who can obviously do more than break dance. I also like Arkansas. I'd pick ND but like Pitt, they have a terrible NCAA track record. And Wichita State is also right there. Let's say Iowa State and Wichita State.

** A week or two after the season ends, the Panthers will host their annual basketball banquet. One of the rituals of the event is to hand out a variety of team awards. One of those awards is for top defender, which seems a little tough for a team who is somewhere around #220 in defensive efficiency.
11. Who should get the award this year?

Urggh, I suspect Cam Wright will get it, but I'd pick James Robinson. If he gets it, he should refuse it.

** The next question is inspired by some conversation on 93.7 the Fan between Joe Starkey and Chris Mueller. They were both talking about the kind of player this current team lacks.
12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why?

I thought this was such a good question when it was discussed on the radio. It's hard not to select a player as good a Big Fella. Maybe it's as simple as that. But I think I'm leaning to Carl Krauser. The largest part of our current problems are on the perimeter, both offensively and defensively. And our current group lacks toughness and real leadership. I think Carl would bring a different attitude to the current Panthers. An attitude that they need. Plus Carl could play the one and the two, both positions that need more help than the post. Blair would be great, and it would be great to move Mike to the four. But then we've lose the effectiveness of Jamel at the four.

I'm guessing Pittlaw will go with Aaron Gray because he's the "truest five."

** Starkey and Mueller both got a kick out of a caller who said Dixon can only Coach "lemmings" and can't coach "talent." Starkey laughed and responded with evidence to the contrary such as Sam Young. But then Chris Mueller suggested that Levon Kendall was a talented player who Dixon didn't utilize well. As evidence for Kendall being this talented player, Mueller said Kendall once scored 40 points for his Canadian team in a game against the USA team.
13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking?

I like Chris Mueller, but I don't think college basketball is his thing. I laughed out loud when I heard him say this about Kendall. I almost called the show. Well, not really.

** Just about everyone agrees that Dixon's recruiting has been this team's problem this year. And many folks like to point to Jamie's recruiting "misses." With that, I think the next question is the toughest in the list.
14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?

When I wrote this question, I had two players in mind. BeeJay Anya and Trevor Lacey. Since I think our biggest problem are on the perimeter, I'll go with Lacey, not really knowing if he can make much of a difference defensively.

** It will be interesting to learn what kind of interest Pitt fans will demonstrate for the NIT.
15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week?

I'll go with 7,268 announced and 5,699 in reality.

** There seems to be a number of folks who believe that if Pitt is trending down, often utilizing our recent 36-36 conference record as evidence.
16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?

I'll point to the moment in November of 2010 when Khem Birch decided to reclassify. Dixon was preparing everything for Birch to be here in 2012. Jaylen Bond wouldn't have left. And the 2011-2012 season wouldn't have been so kooky. Khem may never have come had he not reclassified (as Skerry left). But we would have been better off. He screwed up this program.

** Even if you were mostly disappointed with this season, to some extent you had to be pleased with some of our offensive progress this year.
17. Who will be next year's leading scorer?

Mike Young. Durand changes Jamel's role a bit.

** These last three questions won't get answers until next year, but should gauge the overall hopefulness of the fan base for our next season.
18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year?

No. Unless we lead how to defend.

19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament?

Yes, not enough other good teams.

20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament?



No. See the answer to question #18

This post was edited on 3/15 12:51 AM by DT_PITT

 

[DT_PITT]

Yeah ... busted ...

... I wrote that first part around 12:00 noon today and forget to edit.

 

[yc_ballcat]

Originally posted by DT_PITT:
** I'm avoiding attempts to dissect the season any more at this particular point. Nor will I try to make any grand comments on direction or trends of the program.

** Despite the absence of the Panthers in this weekend's games, that doesn't mean there hasn't been a great deal for a College Basketball fan to love and about which to wonder.

** With that, let's try to have a little fun. I'm going to suggest a game of 20 questions for Pitt fans to offer their opinions to try to make things interesting as we prep for the NIT.

** First there's Virginia. I love how they play, but for them to have any real chance at getting to the Final Four or the title game, it would seem that Justin Anderson simply needs to get it going. Here's a simple question to get things started …
1. How far does Virginia go?

** I really enjoyed the Duke-Notre Dame game last night. This one left me with a couple of questions.
2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor?

Haven't seen enough of Okafor. Maybe Michael Beasley although he was probably more of a 3 in a 4s body. Juwan Howard of Michigan, another Chicago native. He was overshadowed his FR year though so his footwork was not as obvious at that point but he was outstanding.

3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky?
4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie?

** Justice Winslow can look pretty awesome at times, but at others he disappears a bit.
5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?

** While I think Villanova is good team and has a bunch of good wins (12-1 vs. the RPI top 50), they haven't notched a really good win this entire season. Their best RPI win is VCU (#19 RPI)?
6. How good is Villanova, really?

They're at least close to Gonzaga or Wisconsin without Trevon Jackson. I don't buy the argument that Nova doesn't have enough size. Pinkston is somewhat undersized at 6'7 but is seasoned, strong, and crafty. Their guards are big and the other inside guy (African name) is 6'11.

** With Duke and Virginia both losing before the ACC Title game, things are getting muddy among the top seeds. Besides Kentucky, does Villanova really deserve one? Beyond that, is it Arizona, Duke, Virginia, Gonzaga or Wisconsin? Maybe Maryland in the conversation if they win tomorrow?
7. Who would be your four number one seeds?

UK, Duke, Nova, AZ.


** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?
9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.

LOL. The freewheeling / counterculture ethic of the 70s no doubt informs his style and commentary; his attitude is basically 'I can say whatever I want because I was one of the best college players of all time' too. I think he promotes the PAC-12 to balance the what might sometimes be seen as an East or Midwest-centric analysis from the major sources.

** At this point in the game, I previously had two questions about Kentucky vs. the Field, but LasPanteras screwed that up!

** Other that the aforementioned list of teams who could vie for a number one seed, there have been very few that have looked impressive to me in the least. I know so many Pitt fans think we weren't very good this year, but there had to be a reason that we were more or less "in" the Tournament less than 2 weeks ago. So in other words, even if we aren't very good, not too many other teams are either.
10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why?

ND would be my only sleeper. Grant could perhaps play the role of Napier or Burke, and the supporting cast is probably good enough. I think this is a year where three, possibly four 1-2 seeds get there and perhaps one totally out of the blue team.

** A week or two after the season ends, the Panthers will host their annual basketball banquet. One of the rituals of the event is to hand out a variety of team awards. One of those awards is for top defender, which seems a little tough for a team who is somewhere around #220 in defensive efficiency.
11. Who should get the award this year?

** The next question is inspired by some conversation on 93.7 the Fan between Joe Starkey and Chris Mueller. They were both talking about the kind of player this current team lacks.
12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why?

Carl Krauser. Tough, savvy, multi-skilled guard. Can break people down off dribble, score, and create opportunities for Young and Artis. Wants ball in critical moments. Having Krauser running the show would allow Wright to focus on defense & play more like last year than this year. Also would allow J-Rob to come off bench. 2nd choice: Wanamaker.

** Starkey and Mueller both got a kick out of a caller who said Dixon can only Coach "lemmings" and can't coach "talent." Starkey laughed and responded with evidence to the contrary such as Sam Young. But then Chris Mueller suggested that Levon Kendall was a talented player who Dixon didn't utilize well. As evidence for Kendall being this talented player, Mueller said Kendall once scored 40 points for his Canadian team in a game against the USA team.
13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking?

No, I'd chalk this up more as one of those negative consequences of having to fill so much air time with commentary.

** Just about everyone agrees that Dixon's recruiting has been this team's problem this year. And many folks like to point to Jamie's recruiting "misses." With that, I think the next question is the toughest in the list.
14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?

** It will be interesting to learn what kind of interest Pitt fans will demonstrate for the NIT.
15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week?

** There seems to be a number of folks who believe that if Pitt is trending down, often utilizing our recent 36-36 conference record as evidence.
16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?

** Even if you were mostly disappointed with this season, to some extent you had to be pleased with some of our offensive progress this year.
17. Who will be next year's leading scorer?

** These last three questions won't get answers until next year, but should gauge the overall hopefulness of the fan base for our next season.
18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year?
19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament?
20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament?

** I invite everyone to offer their own answers to some or even all of these 20 questions, as I'll be adding my own at some point. If you want to know the correct answers, I'm sure Pittlaw will be around at some point to tell you want they are!

This post was edited on 3/14 9:09 PM by DT_PITT

 

[Chairman Moe]

1. How far does Virginia go? Elite Eight

** I really enjoyed the Duke-Notre Dame game last night. This one left me with a couple of questions.
2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor? None that I recall
3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky? Kaminsky
4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie? Turtleneck - he looks like Howard Wolowicz from BBT in that garb

** Justice Winslow can look pretty awesome at times, but at others he disappears a bit.
5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow? ask me again after next year

** While I think Villanova is good team and has a bunch of good wins (12-1 vs. the RPI top 50), they haven't notched a really good win this entire season. Their best RPI win is VCU (#19 RPI)?
6. How good is Villanova, really? haven't seen them play too often; I'd say they're legit

** With Duke and Virginia both losing before the ACC Title game, things are getting muddy among the top seeds. Besides Kentucky, does Villanova really deserve one? Beyond that, is it Arizona, Duke, Virginia, Gonzaga or Wisconsin? Maybe Maryland in the conversation if they win tomorrow? Villanova - yes; Duke - no, but they'll get one anyway
7. Who would be your four number one seeds? KY - Villanova - Wisconsin - Duke

** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified? he is in the mix
9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now. LSD, PCP, shrooms - pick 1, maybe all three

** At this point in the game, I previously had two questions about Kentucky vs. the Field, but LasPanteras screwed that up!

** Other that the aforementioned list of teams who could vie for a number one seed, there have been very few that have looked impressive to me in the least. I know so many Pitt fans think we weren't very good this year, but there had to be a reason that we were more or less "in" the Tournament less than 2 weeks ago. So in other words, even if we aren't very good, not too many other teams are either.
10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why? Iowa State and Notre Dame

** A week or two after the season ends, the Panthers will host their annual basketball banquet. One of the rituals of the event is to hand out a variety of team awards. One of those awards is for top defender, which seems a little tough for a team who is somewhere around #220 in defensive efficiency.
11. Who should get the award this year? No award should be given - maybe JRob by default

** The next question is inspired by some conversation on 93.7 the Fan between Joe Starkey and Chris Mueller. They were both talking about the kind of player this current team lacks.
12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why? no answer

** Starkey and Mueller both got a kick out of a caller who said Dixon can only Coach "lemmings" and can't coach "talent." Starkey laughed and responded with evidence to the contrary such as Sam Young. But then Chris Mueller suggested that Levon Kendall was a talented player who Dixon didn't utilize well. As evidence for Kendall being this talented player, Mueller said Kendall once scored 40 points for his Canadian team in a game against the USA team.
13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking? yes

** Just about everyone agrees that Dixon's recruiting has been this team's problem this year. And many folks like to point to Jamie's recruiting "misses." With that, I think the next question is the toughest in the list.
14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team? Adams if he hadn't gone pro

** It will be interesting to learn what kind of interest Pitt fans will demonstrate for the NIT.
15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week? under 8,000 depending on the opponent. If it's a team from a P5 conference who's never played at Pitt, maybe 10,000


** There seems to be a number of folks who believe that if Pitt is trending down, often utilizing our recent 36-36 conference record as evidence.
16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?
Adams going pro and no effective post replacement

** Even if you were mostly disappointed with this season, to some extent you had to be pleased with some of our offensive progress this year.
17. Who will be next year's leading scorer? Artis

** These last three questions won't get answers until next year, but should gauge the overall hopefulness of the fan base for our next season.
18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year? No
19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament? Doubtful
20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament? see #19; if yes, then no. We will still lack a good defense and don't think our offense will be potent enough, lacking good guards, to make an impact

** I invite everyone to offer their own answers to some or even all of these 20 questions, as I'll be adding my own at some point. If you want to know the correct answers, I'm sure Pittlaw will be around at some point to tell you want they are!

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Here's a related question....

multiple choice, if you had to drink every time Walton said "conference of champions" on tonight's broadcast you would be:

A) Wasted
B) Dead

And the best part is Walton just said it again as I was typing this.

 

[panthers76]

Questions I have a strong opinion on (or enough knowledge

1. VA goes to Elite 8
4. Turtleneck is the worst look
5. so/so
6. Nova is sweet 16
7. UK UK UK UK
10. Arizona - TJ and Miller (ND and Maryland also have potential)
11. Damon Wilson
12. Jaron Brown
13. YES
14. Adams
15. 6250
16. Nasir Robinson foul on Gil's missed free throw? Attention on Adams and Birch really backfired... But worst was not getting a point guard to continue the legacy of Knight, Krauser and Fields. Brad developed nicely but Woodall was not up to that level and James is clearly not in the same mold.
17. Artis
18. Yes
19. Yes
20. Yes


This post was edited on 3/15 9:15 AM by panthers76

 

[storrsroars]

Originally posted by DT_PITT:

** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?
9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.

Bill Walton has been to the volcano. Have you?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcxHBCOm6SU

 

[PITTLAW]

Reply

Preliminarily, you were soliciting opinions...which contrary to some of you, can only be proven correct or wrong after what has been predicted transpires. So no, I have no intention of telling you or anyone what is right or wrong Here is my crack at these:

1. How far does Virginia go?

Will really depend on match ups. Unfortunately with Anderson not at full strength, they will lose in the Sweet 16.

2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor?

Anthony Davis

3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky?

Kaminsky, and it is not even close for me...he is a far better team player.

4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie?

He is poorly dressed in either look. The green shirt last night was horrible. I'd say he needs a makeover. Suits should not be worn without a tie...and turtlenecks are simply awful, especially on the sideline at basketball game.

5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?

Winslow based upon overall game.

6. How good is Villanova, really?

Hard to say as they played nobody out of conference. Shooting based teams are tough to predict in the NCAA tournament, as all they need is an off night and they go down. If they get a One Seed, they likely make the Elite 8.

7. Who would be your four number one seeds?

Kentucky, Virginia, Duke and Arizona

8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. I could care less about the PAC-12 Player of the Year.

9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.

He is a whacky guy and I do not enjoy his broadcasts. I suspect he has taken plenty of drugs, but whether it has actually effected his present on air personality....I'm not in a position to say.

10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why?

Iowa State, Gonzaga or Michigan State.

11. Who should get the award this year?

If it was me, or if Dixon had any balls and a sense of humor, he would award it to the OAKLAND ZOO.

12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why?

Steve Adams. If you were looking for a guy that stuck around, either Blair or Gray.

13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking?

I don't listen to terrestial radio and do not understand why people do, especially if the on air personalities are limited by the Pittsburgh market offerings.

14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?

BeeJay Anya or Jaylen Bond.

15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week?

I do not expect Pitt to get a home game. But should they, it will be announced as more than 5K, but it will be far less

16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?

The Khem Birch fiasco combined with a revloving assistant coach staff.

17. Who will be next year's leading scorer?

One of the Johnsons.

18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year?

No, unless Zeise's votes count?

19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament?

Really torn on this one....as the defense looks really bad, and I do not see it getting much better with the roster returning. However, also really tough to go against Jamie's track record. So I will say a SOFT yes

20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament?



Not likely, unless they receive a particularly favorable match up

Hail to Pitt!

 

[BargeDog]

#14. offered player who would have made a difference...

Anya
the missing piece

that one hurt (why does NC State seem to always win the head-to-heads in recruiting)
big body in the middle who can block shots rebound
and some o-talent
like to think they would have gotten him in better shape

Certain players were made to be at Pitt -- like Paul Harris
Anya is one them
shame
He'll be a beast the next 2 yrs

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

1. UVA to elite 8
2. DeJuan
3. Oak for
4. Turtleneck
5. Not similar players at all. Winslow much more athletic and quick. Artis better shooter.
6. Nova is above average. They could lose 3rd round or make FF. In another stronger year, they are no better that a top 15 team.
7. UK, Wisky, Zona and Duke
8. No for McConnell.
9. Walton probably experimented with everything.
10. Iowa St and Notre Dame.
11. Robinson. May not be the quickest, but does a better job of staying in front of his man than anyone else. When he gets picked, nobody helps.
12. Julius Page for his defense. Plus he was better on O than Cam.
13. No idea.
14. Lacey
15. Depends on the opponent. Pitt fans come more based on opponent than our own team. Somebody like UConn and have 7-9k. Non P5 and we are talking 3-5k.
16. Not really, but Butler loss did seem to change Jamie philosophy a bit for the worst.
17. Jamel.
18. Yes
19. Yes
20. Yes

 

[noelr]

*UVA to elite 8. Anderson is hurting the team right now. They are better off w/o him.
*Ewing had tremendous footwork
*Nova at 16 or 8 at most.
*UK, UVA, Duke and Nova
*I think Oklahoma could make a run. They have been under the radar all season.
*We could use just about anyone from the past decade. Krauser for leadership or heart. Troutman for D and rebounding. Blair for epicness. Gibbs for shooting. Brown for D and versatility.
*Recruits not panning out or leaving early or transferring after the high water mark in 2009.
*I think we make the tourney as a last pick, never sniff the top 25, and get bounced in the first.
This post was edited on 3/15 11:47 AM by noelr

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

1. Sweet 16
2. Fella
3 Kaminsky since he can actually defend some
4. Mock turtleneck worse
5. Winslow better handle and athleticism
6 good and balanced
7 not sure
8.no
9. Drugs
10. UNC because athletes
Uconn if they win today because guards and magic
11. Young
12. Carl krauser
13. His stupidity is likely a natural state
14. Trevor Lacey
15. No idea
16. hiring pat skerry
17. Young
18. No
19. I hope
20, no

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Originally posted by storrsroars:

Originally posted by DT_PITT:

** Bill Walton is certainly a "love him or hate him" kind of announcer. But when he does Arizona games, he carries on about T.J. McConnell so much that you'd think he was either his Dad or his agent.
8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?
9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.

Bill Walton has been to the volcano. Have you?

Walton was on fire last night. Some examples:

BW: "Oregon's Eljin Cook cannot help on defense, he must focus on Hollis Jefferson, TJ McConnell is driving by him for lay up after lay up".
Dave Pasch (play by play guy) "That was McConnell's first basket".

BW: "Oregon has grown so cold, I think it is the 14th glacier on Mt. Hood".

BW: "Have you even stood on the floor of the Grand Canyon and looked up?"

BW: "Nevada is the connective tissue between Oregon and Arizona"

BW: "I am going to see Ringo, then I am going to see the Stones, then I am going to Chicago"

BW: "While you are here glorifying hate, glorifying dirty play, glorifying flagrant fouls and selfish, individual play, I'm going to celebrate the birthdays of peace and love with Jack Kerouac, Liza Minelli and James Taylor, who have all been big-time headline performers right here in Las Vegas. The peaceful, relaxing meadows in the heart of the Mojave desert."

BW: "Arizona should get the #1 seed in the West. There is no one better in the West"
Dave Pasch: "Bill, the seeding doesn't work like that".
BW: "it should"

 

[TiredRam97]

Originally posted by DT_PITT:

14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?

Ryan Arcidiacono
Myles Davis
Jaylen Bond
Beejay Anya
Lennard Freeman

 

[SteelManiac55]

1. How far does Virginia go?
Honestly, if they end up a #1 seed (which is a big if), I think they'll be vulnerable in the potential 8/9 matchup. We've seen this script before. With a healthy Anderson? They're a contender. He's just a non-factor. I'm saying they're the first #1 seed to lose in the Round of 32.

2. Who was the last College Freshman you have seen with as good or better footwork and low post pivot moves than Jahil Okafor?
I bet Kareem was a sight to see in his Lew Alcindor collegiate days.

3. Which player would you take on your College Team first … Jabil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky?
Jahlil. Although, I think Wisconsin makes it further in the tourney.

4. Does Mike Brey look worse with the turtleneck look, or his current look with the suit coat and no tie?
He vacations at the same beach as us, same week every year. Dude never is poorly dressed! Not sure what happens when he goes courtside.

5. Because there are some similarities to their games and physical makeup, how close of a player is Jamel Artis to Winslow?
I don't quite think Winslow has the jumper of Artis. I don't think Artis is nearly as good of a penetrator.

6. How good is Villanova, really?
Better than us, unfortunately. I haven't had much of a chance to watch them this year.

7. Who would be your four number one seeds?
Kentucky, Arizona, Duke, Wisconsin (provided they beat MSU - not looking good). If Wisconsin loses, Villanova.

8. Is Bill Walton's often, often repeated claim that T.J. should be Pac-12 Player of the Year justified?
No.

9. What is it exactly that Bill Walton "took" in the 70's that made his brain the way it is now.
He has no clue.

10. Brackets notwithstanding, name two teams not in the above list of possible #1 seeds who you will pick in your Final Four and why?
Notre Dame. They can score. Tempted to say Iowa State but I'm not so sure they can keep living on the edge. MSU is dominating Wisconsin right now. They sure wouldn't be a fun team to play.

** A week or two after the season ends, the Panthers will host their annual basketball banquet. One of the rituals of the event is to hand out a variety of team awards. One of those awards is for top defender, which seems a little tough for a team who is somewhere around #220 in defensive efficiency.
11. Who should get the award this year?
Mike Lecak.

** The next question is inspired by some conversation on 93.7 the Fan between Joe Starkey and Chris Mueller. They were both talking about the kind of player this current team lacks.
12. If you could choose one player who has ever played for Jamie Dixon at Pitt to add to this team, who would it be and why?
Sam Young. Just keep adding wings. But who cares? Give me talent. Lets score 100+ a game. Wanamaker certainly would've made sense on this team. Fills a big time lineup void, great all-around player.

** Starkey and Mueller both got a kick out of a caller who said Dixon can only Coach "lemmings" and can't coach "talent." Starkey laughed and responded with evidence to the contrary such as Sam Young. But then Chris Mueller suggested that Levon Kendall was a talented player who Dixon didn't utilize well. As evidence for Kendall being this talented player, Mueller said Kendall once scored 40 points for his Canadian team in a game against the USA team.
13. By making this statement, do you think it's possible that Mueller has been taking some of the same things Bill Walton has been taking?
I'm sure Bill Walton has no problems sharing.

** Just about everyone agrees that Dixon's recruiting has been this team's problem this year. And many folks like to point to Jamie's recruiting "misses." With that, I think the next question is the toughest in the list.
14. Name one player who Pitt offered a scholarship to since 2011 who you believe would be making an important difference if he was currently on our team?
Anya would surely make a lot of sense. Lacey is the more talented player. I'll take Lacey.

** It will be interesting to learn what kind of interest Pitt fans will demonstrate for the NIT.
15. What's your guess for the attendance at the Pete if we get to play a home NIT game next week?
I'd go, depending on the matchup. If we get a name team? 7,000. Otherwise, I think it'd be in the 3-4,000 range.

** There seems to be a number of folks who believe that if Pitt is trending down, often utilizing our recent 36-36 conference record as evidence.
16. If you believe this, (and even if you don't) and can you note a moment in time or a particular event as the turning point?
Khem. Birch.

** Even if you were mostly disappointed with this season, to some extent you had to be pleased with some of our offensive progress this year.
17. Who will be next year's leading scorer?
Jamel Artis.

** These last three questions won't get answers until next year, but should gauge the overall hopefulness of the fan base for our next season.
18. Yes or No … the Panthers make an appearance in the Top 25 at any time during the 2015-2016 year?
Yes.
19. Yes or No … the Panthers return to the NCAA tournament?
Yes.
20. Yes or No … the Panthers win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament?
Yes. Why not? Might as well think positively.



This post was edited on 3/15 5:12 PM by SteelManiac55

 

[SteelManiac55]

Wisconsin/Michigan State is a tremendous basketball game.