I'm still getting used to looking at a Pitt team that just doesn't look like the teams we've had in the past. Long, athletic, skillful. Sometimes grittiness is identified in teams that lack skills necessary to score easily, hence they're labeled. This team is not that, but it doesn't mean it can't be physical or tough. Just not physical and tough in comparison to past teams, but it doesn't need to be to be good.
1) JR doesn't need to shoot more to become more effective, he has to shoot better. I'm not confident that will happen, but he can still shoot gaps when the ball is being rotated and the defense is shifting. Unbeknownst to some, its unnecessary to beat your man off the dribble to penetrate and create. Catching after ball rotation and 2-3 decisive dribbles inside the lane forcing defenders to account for you is equally effective. JR is uncomfortable inside the lane after years of maximum ball protection, but merely being accounted for by attacking openings will create many opportunities where he doesn't even have to score.
2) With that said, he has to shoot much, much better. Have to be able to hit 45% on minimally contested shots 3 of 7 is all that's needed.
3) I'm encouraged with JD's tolerance of perimeter shots early in the shot clock. He has a record of yanking people when early shots are taken, but sometimes the shots are good ones.
4) Each year I look for players who exhibit significant skill improvement from summer hours spent in isolation.in the gym. There have been more than a few years where I've seen no significant skill level improvement. This year however, the winner (IMO) goes to Jamel Artis. Jamel has gone left a few times without slowing up to move his dribble back into his right hand. In fact he looks NBA'ish at times. He's always had great vision and anticipation. The best since Lamar IMO, but his improved handle has enhanced his ability to play the small forward position. He's completing his package.
5) Dixon's post game quote, something to the effect of "I can't believe how well we defended" is startling initself. This isn't about the competition. We've played schools of Cornell's ilk before, but last night's strong, consistent effort was uncommonly good for an opponent that's probably hard to get up for.
6) I'm as impressed with Damon Wilson's feel for the point position as any guard I've seen come through Pitt. JR and Levance didn't have to learn to play point, whereas most of the others did. At least adapting to a tempo that JD prefers. Wilson has it already.
7) Cam Johnson - Aggressiveness, a high competitive spirit and confidence is the only thing missing. A summer playing in the old Connie Hawkins league would take care of it. They hacked like hell and had grown men who would use you up if you allowed them to. Just a little playground/street hardness and he's a star. Can get it playing against older, stronger, seasoned men in mid-to late 20's. who do not care who you are. You have to bring it with them. Getting dogged by playground-er's, who talk xxxx the whole game until you do something about it (on the court) will advance one's competitive spirit quickly and permanently. Same with Luther, although his ceiling isn't as high.
1) JR doesn't need to shoot more to become more effective, he has to shoot better. I'm not confident that will happen, but he can still shoot gaps when the ball is being rotated and the defense is shifting. Unbeknownst to some, its unnecessary to beat your man off the dribble to penetrate and create. Catching after ball rotation and 2-3 decisive dribbles inside the lane forcing defenders to account for you is equally effective. JR is uncomfortable inside the lane after years of maximum ball protection, but merely being accounted for by attacking openings will create many opportunities where he doesn't even have to score.
2) With that said, he has to shoot much, much better. Have to be able to hit 45% on minimally contested shots 3 of 7 is all that's needed.
3) I'm encouraged with JD's tolerance of perimeter shots early in the shot clock. He has a record of yanking people when early shots are taken, but sometimes the shots are good ones.
4) Each year I look for players who exhibit significant skill improvement from summer hours spent in isolation.in the gym. There have been more than a few years where I've seen no significant skill level improvement. This year however, the winner (IMO) goes to Jamel Artis. Jamel has gone left a few times without slowing up to move his dribble back into his right hand. In fact he looks NBA'ish at times. He's always had great vision and anticipation. The best since Lamar IMO, but his improved handle has enhanced his ability to play the small forward position. He's completing his package.
5) Dixon's post game quote, something to the effect of "I can't believe how well we defended" is startling initself. This isn't about the competition. We've played schools of Cornell's ilk before, but last night's strong, consistent effort was uncommonly good for an opponent that's probably hard to get up for.
6) I'm as impressed with Damon Wilson's feel for the point position as any guard I've seen come through Pitt. JR and Levance didn't have to learn to play point, whereas most of the others did. At least adapting to a tempo that JD prefers. Wilson has it already.
7) Cam Johnson - Aggressiveness, a high competitive spirit and confidence is the only thing missing. A summer playing in the old Connie Hawkins league would take care of it. They hacked like hell and had grown men who would use you up if you allowed them to. Just a little playground/street hardness and he's a star. Can get it playing against older, stronger, seasoned men in mid-to late 20's. who do not care who you are. You have to bring it with them. Getting dogged by playground-er's, who talk xxxx the whole game until you do something about it (on the court) will advance one's competitive spirit quickly and permanently. Same with Luther, although his ceiling isn't as high.
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