Cornell Game & Other Dribbles ...

[DT_PITT]

** One might think that the advantage of playing an Ivy League team would be that at least you’d learn a little something.

** But all we really learned tonight is that most guys going to Cornell are probably going to that particular school for academics as opposed to athletics, or more to the point, quality college basketball.

** Well, that’s not really fair. Cornell has had some fair basketball teams a few years back. But not lately for sure, and this year won’t be any better.

** Still, it doesn’t take a genius to know that these Panthers are better than last year’s version.

** How much? Well, we still don't know.

** This time last year, I was writing post game thoughts from a warm poolside bar in Maui. We had just beaten Kansas State in a game which served as a much needed sigh of relief.

** But the KSU win couldn’t mask the fact that the two Hawaii teams that the Panthers had just played (neither of them good ones) had both just shot over 50% from the field in each game.

** Tonight’s opponent doesn’t play home games anywhere near the tropics. And the Panthers’ defense kept them appropriately cold from the floor all game long. Heck, last year Chaminade shot 51% from the floor, and tonight the Big Red barely shot half as well. So maybe we are learning something. Maybe.

** But what can really be truly learned from tonight’s facts? Once again, the Panthers continue to play faster compared to the speed they have played in the past. I counted 69 possessions, which would be faster than the typical NCAA team of past years, but not this year. But still, faster for us.

** And it seems like a good speed too. As I see it, players are still taking good shots and more importantly, moving the ball to get good shots.

** Personally, I wouldn’t mind more layups, but one can assume that if we can continue to get good jump shots from all five spots, more shots closer to the basket will follow.

** A long time ago, I learned Jamie Dixon was pretty good at doing what it takes to teach his team to execute. What we don’t know this year is how Dixon is possibly going to know which of his 12 players he should pull for major minutes each game to allow the Panthers to be most successful.

** Strike that. It’s easy to know about Mike Young. And please allow me to testify a little more about Mike. I suspect we are on the brink of watching a special season from our fine #2.

** When did Mike learn to pass like this? He passed out of the post today as well as I can recall from a Pitt big in quite a while. Aaron had some moments, but not all of the time. I wonder if we’ll have to think all the way back to the #00 Ox.

** All game long, Cornell double teamed Mike. But the Big Red never learned, did they? Mike just looked up and found someone for an open jumper, including Jamel, Damon and Cam who he found for threes. And just to show off, Mike went behind the back to give Rafel a layup. Great stuff.

** Maybe we should know by now that Jamel looks plenty comfortable at the three. He and Mike make a pretty great pair.

** Despite tossing four nice assists, I still think we can still see more creation by Jamel off the dribble to find others. He fumbled with the handle a little tonight. And besides, when your point power forward is creating some much for everyone else, maybe it’s just your job to lead the game with 21 points.

** There’s nothing to be learned from James’ o-fer performance from the floor. He was just off, both long and short. James was never going to be a 40% deep shooter. 33% will do. But he passed and played well, especially on the defensive end. What we still must learn is whether he can get into the lane when that’s what his team needs most.

** Otherwise, the rotation is starting to make a little more sense. In both halves, Sheldon Jeter and Chris Jones came in to spell Alonzo Nelson Ododa and Sterling Smith with about 5 minutes to go, sliding Mike Young to the five until Ryan Luther spells Mike.

** This rotation turns our three headed center into a four headed one, and tonight Alonzo looked the best he’s looked all year, while the same can be said of Rafel. Ryan struggled a bit after his strong outing last time. Like we’ve said, Jamie is going to need to be a smart man to quickly pick out the best option night in and night out.

** The same truth about Jamie’s smarts could be suggested about who he selects to play the two in each game. But no one chosen tonight was an error. Chris and Sterling combined for 24 points on 6-9 shooting from three. And that doesn’t even include any production from Damon that he offered when at the two spot.

** And just for fun, Cam Johnson combined with Jamel for 30 points from the three. Yes, the perimeter is indeed stronger on the offensive end.

** Will we learn more from our test against Kent State on Saturday? Perhaps. They are likely the caliber of a team like Boston College or Virginia Tech in the ACC. And Boston College shot almost 48% against the Panthers at the Pete last year. Virginia Tech shot 44% from three when they beat us at their place last year. If the Golden Flashes don’t shoot 40%, nor do they score at least .9 points per possession, then we really might have something here.

** But if there’s anything I’ve learned in my time as a fan, it is that it’s better not to get too far ahead of myself in my expectations. So far, so good. That’s all I’m smart enough to say for sure.

 

[NTOP]

** One might think that the advantage of playing an Ivy League team would be that at least you’d learn a little something.

** But all we really learned tonight is that most guys going to Cornell are probably going to that school for academics as opposed to athletics, or more to the point, quality college basketball.

** Well, that’s not really fair. Cornell has had some fair basketball teams a few years back. But not lately for sure, and this year won’t be any better.

** Still, it doesn’t take a genius to know that these Panthers are better than last year’s version.

** How much? Well, we still don't know.

** This time last year, I was writing post game thoughts from a warm poolside bar in Maui. We had just beaten Kansas State in a game which served as a much needed sigh of relief.

** But the KSU win couldn’t mask the fact that the two Hawaii teams that the Panthers had just played (neither of them good ones) had just both shot over 50% from the field.

** Tonight’s opponent doesn’t play home games anywhere near the tropics. And the Panthers’ defense kept them cold from the floor all game long. Heck, last year Chaminade shot 51% from the floor, and tonight the Big Red barely shot half as well. So maybe we are learning something. Maybe.

** So what can really be learned from tonight’s facts? Once again, the Panthers continue to play faster compared to the speed they have played in the past. I counted 69 possessions, which would be faster than the typical NCAA team of past years, but not this year. But still, faster for us.

** And it seems like a good speed too. As I see it, players are still taking good shots and more importantly, moving the ball to get good shots.

** Personally, I wouldn’t mind more layups, but one can assume that if we can continue to get good jump shots from all five spots, more shots closer to the basket will follow.

** A long time ago, I learned Jamie Dixon was pretty good at doing what it takes to teach his team to execute. What we don’t know this year is how Dixon is possibly going to know which of his 12 players he should pull for major minutes each game to allow the Panthers to be most successful.

** Strike that. It’s easy to know about Mike Young. And please allow me to testify a little more about Mike. I suspect we are on the brink of watching a special season from our fine #2.

** When did Mike learn to pass like this? He passed out of the post today as well as I can recall from a Pitt big in quite a while. Aaron had some moments, but not all of the time. I wonder if we’ll have to think all the way back to the #00 Ox.

** All game long, Cornell double teamed Mike. But the Big Red never learned, did they? Mike just looked up and found someone for an open jumper, including Jamel, Damon and Cam who he found for threes. And just to show off, Mike went behind the back to give Rafel a layup. Great stuff.

** Maybe we should know by now that Jamel looks plenty comfortable at the three. He and Mike make a pretty great pair.

** Despite tossing four nice assists, I still think we can still see more creation by Jamel off the dribble to find others. He fumbled with the handle a little tonight. And besides, when your point power forward is creating some much for everyone else, maybe it’s just your job to lead the game with 21 points.

** There’s nothing to be learned from James’ o-fer performance from the floor. He was just off. James was never going to be a 40% deep shooter. 33% will do. But he passed and played well, especially on the defensive end. What we have still must learn is whether he can get into the lane when that’s what his team needs most.

** Otherwise, the rotation is starting to make a little more sense. In both halves, Sheldon Jeter and Chris Jones came in to spell Alonzo Nelson Ododa and Sterling Smith with about 5 minutes to go, sliding Mike Young to the five until Ryan Luther spells Mike.

** This rotation turns our three headed center into a four headed one, and tonight Alonzo looked the best he’s looked all year, while the same can be said of Rafel. Ryan struggled a bit after his strong outing last time. Like we’ve said, Jamie is going to need to be a smart man to quickly pick out the best option night in and night out.

** The same truth about Jamie’s smarts could be suggested about who he selects to play the two. But no one chosen tonight was an error. Chris and Sterling combined for 24 points on 6-9 shooting from three. And that doesn’t even include any production from Damon that he offered when at the two spot.

** And just for fun, Cam Johnson combined with Jamel for 30 points from the three. Yes, the perimeter is indeed stronger on the offensive end.

** Will we learn more from our test against Kent State on Saturday? Perhaps. They are likely the caliber of a team like Boston College or Virginia Tech in the ACC. And Boston College shot almost 48% against the Panthers at the Pete last year. Virginia Tech shot 44% from three when they beat us at their place last year. If the Golden Flashes don’t shoot 40%, nor do they score .9 points per possession, then we really might have something here.

** But if there’s anything I’ve learned in my time as a fan, it is that it’s better not to get too far ahead of myself in my expectations. So far, so good. That’s all I’m smart enough to say for sure.

I thought we played hard in the paint, w/o hacking too much. Confident on offense. Good year in the making.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mrs. DT & Slamming Sam..

 

[DT_PITT]

I thought we played hard in the paint, w/o hacking too much. Confident on offense. Good year in the making.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mrs. DT & Slamming Sam..

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all Pitt fans as well!

Great night for Slamming Sammy too. Watched the whole game through for the first time and commented on the game with me like we all dream they will when they are first born.

I love watching defense, but all these points surely make it much more fun for the 10 year old to watch. Late in the game though, he said, "they are scoring so easily it's getting a little boring."

How's that?

 

[steel_curtain]

** One might think that the advantage of playing an Ivy League team would be that at least you’d learn a little something.

** But all we really learned tonight is that most guys going to Cornell are probably going to that particular school for academics as opposed to athletics, or more to the point, quality college basketball.

** Well, that’s not really fair. Cornell has had some fair basketball teams a few years back. But not lately for sure, and this year won’t be any better.

** Still, it doesn’t take a genius to know that these Panthers are better than last year’s version.

** How much? Well, we still don't know.

** This time last year, I was writing post game thoughts from a warm poolside bar in Maui. We had just beaten Kansas State in a game which served as a much needed sigh of relief.

** But the KSU win couldn’t mask the fact that the two Hawaii teams that the Panthers had just played (neither of them good ones) had both just shot over 50% from the field in each game.

** Tonight’s opponent doesn’t play home games anywhere near the tropics. And the Panthers’ defense kept them appropriately cold from the floor all game long. Heck, last year Chaminade shot 51% from the floor, and tonight the Big Red barely shot half as well. So maybe we are learning something. Maybe.

** But what can really be truly learned from tonight’s facts? Once again, the Panthers continue to play faster compared to the speed they have played in the past. I counted 69 possessions, which would be faster than the typical NCAA team of past years, but not this year. But still, faster for us.

** And it seems like a good speed too. As I see it, players are still taking good shots and more importantly, moving the ball to get good shots.

** Personally, I wouldn’t mind more layups, but one can assume that if we can continue to get good jump shots from all five spots, more shots closer to the basket will follow.

** A long time ago, I learned Jamie Dixon was pretty good at doing what it takes to teach his team to execute. What we don’t know this year is how Dixon is possibly going to know which of his 12 players he should pull for major minutes each game to allow the Panthers to be most successful.

** Strike that. It’s easy to know about Mike Young. And please allow me to testify a little more about Mike. I suspect we are on the brink of watching a special season from our fine #2.

** When did Mike learn to pass like this? He passed out of the post today as well as I can recall from a Pitt big in quite a while. Aaron had some moments, but not all of the time. I wonder if we’ll have to think all the way back to the #00 Ox.

** All game long, Cornell double teamed Mike. But the Big Red never learned, did they? Mike just looked up and found someone for an open jumper, including Jamel, Damon and Cam who he found for threes. And just to show off, Mike went behind the back to give Rafel a layup. Great stuff.

** Maybe we should know by now that Jamel looks plenty comfortable at the three. He and Mike make a pretty great pair.

** Despite tossing four nice assists, I still think we can still see more creation by Jamel off the dribble to find others. He fumbled with the handle a little tonight. And besides, when your point power forward is creating some much for everyone else, maybe it’s just your job to lead the game with 21 points.

** There’s nothing to be learned from James’ o-fer performance from the floor. He was just off, both long and short. James was never going to be a 40% deep shooter. 33% will do. But he passed and played well, especially on the defensive end. What we still must learn is whether he can get into the lane when that’s what his team needs most.

** Otherwise, the rotation is starting to make a little more sense. In both halves, Sheldon Jeter and Chris Jones came in to spell Alonzo Nelson Ododa and Sterling Smith with about 5 minutes to go, sliding Mike Young to the five until Ryan Luther spells Mike.

** This rotation turns our three headed center into a four headed one, and tonight Alonzo looked the best he’s looked all year, while the same can be said of Rafel. Ryan struggled a bit after his strong outing last time. Like we’ve said, Jamie is going to need to be a smart man to quickly pick out the best option night in and night out.

** The same truth about Jamie’s smarts could be suggested about who he selects to play the two in each game. But no one chosen tonight was an error. Chris and Sterling combined for 24 points on 6-9 shooting from three. And that doesn’t even include any production from Damon that he offered when at the two spot.

** And just for fun, Cam Johnson combined with Jamel for 30 points from the three. Yes, the perimeter is indeed stronger on the offensive end.

** Will we learn more from our test against Kent State on Saturday? Perhaps. They are likely the caliber of a team like Boston College or Virginia Tech in the ACC. And Boston College shot almost 48% against the Panthers at the Pete last year. Virginia Tech shot 44% from three when they beat us at their place last year. If the Golden Flashes don’t shoot 40%, nor do they score at least .9 points per possession, then we really might have something here.

** But if there’s anything I’ve learned in my time as a fan, it is that it’s better not to get too far ahead of myself in my expectations. So far, so good. That’s all I’m smart enough to say for sure.

-I dont want to sound like I am picking on Robinson. But he is our senior leader for Christ sake and is currently 10th on the team in scoring, he's 4th on the team with assists, he's 10th on the team with rebounds, and he is dead last shooting the basketball on the entire team (6-26), a poor 23% and 18% from 3. And this is our starting senior point guard for pete sake.

-I don't want to make the NCAA Tournament this year. I want to beat teams in the NCAA Tournament this year. The passing on this team is very good. The scoring is very good. The shooting is very good. The rebounding is good. And Damon Wilson has already exceeded my expectations in 3 games.

-The weak link is Robinson right now. We have to get this guy going some how. He's not even rebounding the ball this year. His numbers are down across the entire board from his freshmen year.

-The field this year is so incredibly weak. Its there for the taking if this team wants it. But we have to fix our senior point guard somehow.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

I love watching defense, but all these points surely make it much more fun for the 10 year old to watch. Late in the game though, he said, "they are scoring so easily it's getting a little boring."

Geez, turning the 10 year old into a critic already. Good job dad!

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

-I dont want to sound like I am picking on Robinson. But he is our senior leader for Christ sake and is currently 10th on the team in scoring, he's 4th on the team with assists, he's 10th on the team with rebounds, and he is dead last shooting the basketball on the entire team (6-26), a poor 23% and 18% from 3. And this is our starting senior point guard for pete sake.

It's like as if you don't get that it's only three games. Just a guess, Robinson won't shoot 23% all season long.

 

[DT_PITT]

-I dont want to sound like I am picking on Robinson. But he is our senior leader for Christ sake and is currently 10th on the team in scoring, he's 4th on the team with assists, he's 10th on the team with rebounds, and he is dead last shooting the basketball on the entire team (6-26), a poor 23% and 18% from 3. And this is our starting senior point guard for pete sake.

-I don't want to make the NCAA Tournament this year. I want to beat teams in the NCAA Tournament this year. The passing on this team is very good. The scoring is very good. The shooting is very good. The rebounding is good. And Damon Wilson has already exceeded my expectations in 3 games.

-The weak link is Robinson right now. We have to get this guy going some how. He's not even rebounding the ball this year. His numbers are down across the entire board from his freshmen year.

-The field this year is so incredibly weak. Its there for the taking if this team wants it. But we have to fix our senior point guard somehow.

Your point about Robinson is understandable , but I believe the sample size and stage of games (that have counted) make it far too early to come to this conclusions you are making. Let's have the same conversation after the Purdue game and see what we think then.

I too like Damon, and I think he's passed Jonathan (who I also think is a good player). This may be the best understudy James has had to this point, and this will push James in a good way.

 

[pitt-girl]

** One might think that the advantage of playing an Ivy League team would be that at least you’d learn a little something.

** But all we really learned tonight is that most guys going to Cornell are probably going to that particular school for academics as opposed to athletics, or more to the point, quality college basketball.

** Well, that’s not really fair. Cornell has had some fair basketball teams a few years back. But not lately for sure, and this year won’t be any better.

** Still, it doesn’t take a genius to know that these Panthers are better than last year’s version.

** How much? Well, we still don't know.

** This time last year, I was writing post game thoughts from a warm poolside bar in Maui. We had just beaten Kansas State in a game which served as a much needed sigh of relief.

** But the KSU win couldn’t mask the fact that the two Hawaii teams that the Panthers had just played (neither of them good ones) had both just shot over 50% from the field in each game.

** Tonight’s opponent doesn’t play home games anywhere near the tropics. And the Panthers’ defense kept them appropriately cold from the floor all game long. Heck, last year Chaminade shot 51% from the floor, and tonight the Big Red barely shot half as well. So maybe we are learning something. Maybe.

** But what can really be truly learned from tonight’s facts? Once again, the Panthers continue to play faster compared to the speed they have played in the past. I counted 69 possessions, which would be faster than the typical NCAA team of past years, but not this year. But still, faster for us.

** And it seems like a good speed too. As I see it, players are still taking good shots and more importantly, moving the ball to get good shots.

** Personally, I wouldn’t mind more layups, but one can assume that if we can continue to get good jump shots from all five spots, more shots closer to the basket will follow.

** A long time ago, I learned Jamie Dixon was pretty good at doing what it takes to teach his team to execute. What we don’t know this year is how Dixon is possibly going to know which of his 12 players he should pull for major minutes each game to allow the Panthers to be most successful.

** Strike that. It’s easy to know about Mike Young. And please allow me to testify a little more about Mike. I suspect we are on the brink of watching a special season from our fine #2.

** When did Mike learn to pass like this? He passed out of the post today as well as I can recall from a Pitt big in quite a while. Aaron had some moments, but not all of the time. I wonder if we’ll have to think all the way back to the #00 Ox.

** All game long, Cornell double teamed Mike. But the Big Red never learned, did they? Mike just looked up and found someone for an open jumper, including Jamel, Damon and Cam who he found for threes. And just to show off, Mike went behind the back to give Rafel a layup. Great stuff.

** Maybe we should know by now that Jamel looks plenty comfortable at the three. He and Mike make a pretty great pair.

** Despite tossing four nice assists, I still think we can still see more creation by Jamel off the dribble to find others. He fumbled with the handle a little tonight. And besides, when your point power forward is creating some much for everyone else, maybe it’s just your job to lead the game with 21 points.

** There’s nothing to be learned from James’ o-fer performance from the floor. He was just off, both long and short. James was never going to be a 40% deep shooter. 33% will do. But he passed and played well, especially on the defensive end. What we still must learn is whether he can get into the lane when that’s what his team needs most.

** Otherwise, the rotation is starting to make a little more sense. In both halves, Sheldon Jeter and Chris Jones came in to spell Alonzo Nelson Ododa and Sterling Smith with about 5 minutes to go, sliding Mike Young to the five until Ryan Luther spells Mike.

** This rotation turns our three headed center into a four headed one, and tonight Alonzo looked the best he’s looked all year, while the same can be said of Rafel. Ryan struggled a bit after his strong outing last time. Like we’ve said, Jamie is going to need to be a smart man to quickly pick out the best option night in and night out.

** The same truth about Jamie’s smarts could be suggested about who he selects to play the two in each game. But no one chosen tonight was an error. Chris and Sterling combined for 24 points on 6-9 shooting from three. And that doesn’t even include any production from Damon that he offered when at the two spot.

** And just for fun, Cam Johnson combined with Jamel for 30 points from the three. Yes, the perimeter is indeed stronger on the offensive end.

** Will we learn more from our test against Kent State on Saturday? Perhaps. They are likely the caliber of a team like Boston College or Virginia Tech in the ACC. And Boston College shot almost 48% against the Panthers at the Pete last year. Virginia Tech shot 44% from three when they beat us at their place last year. If the Golden Flashes don’t shoot 40%, nor do they score at least .9 points per possession, then we really might have something here.

** But if there’s anything I’ve learned in my time as a fan, it is that it’s better not to get too far ahead of myself in my expectations. So far, so good. That’s all I’m smart enough to say for sure.

Just saying Kent State still rankles me.

 

[steel_curtain]

It's like as if you don't get that it's only three games. Just a guess, Robinson won't shoot 23% all season long.

-Joe, its more than 3 games. 1 game is a fluke. 3 games is a trend. 10 games is a collapse. 20 games is a monumental shift. Robinson hasn't been there since the start of ACC play last year. Winning by 40+ and blowing teams away with Elite offense looks great. But this is the difference in terms of potentially breaking though the Sweet 16 or not. Our car is flying right now on offense but we got air leaking in a tire if you catch my drift. I dont want air leaking. He needs to tighten it up and get it fixed now, not 10 games from now and have this happen again. He is holding us back. . At least most of his misses are short or long. So its not a mechanical issue. Its fixable. But I can't figure out how and why both his assist and rebound numbers are so low. For a senior, stats shouldn't be dropping all across the board like this. I dont like seeing it.

 

[Pittbaseball11]

He still has one of the highest assist rates in the country. This all seems very melodramatic.

 

[PittPoker]

When the team scores 93 points against a super weak opponent and our senior point guard (whom every year I hear has gotten better and this and that)scores a big fat ZERO, that raises some concerns.

If he can't score against Cornell and was bad against Detroit, are we to expect him to do well against Purdue, Duke or UNC??? He's been a mediocre point guard here his whole time at Pitt and underachieved greatly. It still continues.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

But I can't figure out how and why both his assist and rebound numbers are so low.

Because it's only three games. I can go through pretty much every player in America every year and pick out a three game stretch where they didn't play well (and I'm certainly not arguing that Robinson has played well).

For instance we were all pretty happy with the offense we got from Jamel Artis last year. In the three early season games against Hawaii, Chaminade and San Diego State Artis was a combined 3-17 from the field and 0-4 from three. That's 17.6% from the field and 0.0% from three. That's way worse than what Robinson has done in these three games. Mike Young was a combined 3-13, 23.1%, against Duquesne and St. Bonaventure. If you want to throw in a 3rd game add Indiana to that and make it 7-22, 31.8%. Sheldon Jeter had a four game stretch of 2-12, 16.7%, and then another five game stretch of 3-12, 25%. Chris Jones had a four game stretch of 7-24, 29.2%, and then later another four game stretch of 5-19, 26.3%. And so on, and so on, and so on.

And the reason for all that is that over the course of a season most guys have a two or three or four game stretch where they don't shoot the ball all that well. Robinson's happens to have come at the beginning of the season. As someone else pointed out, it's like a baseball player going 2-23 the first week of the season. Stretches like that happen to every player every year. But when it happens at the beginning of the season it's a lot more noticeable. If it continues then sure, it will be a cause for concern. My guess is that it won't, but as one former Pitt coach once said, time will time.

 

[Scruffy the Panther]

Because it's only three games. I can go through pretty much every player in America every year and pick out a three game stretch where they didn't play well (and I'm certainly not arguing that Robinson has played well).

For instance we were all pretty happy with the offense we got from Jamel Artis last year. In the three early season games against Hawaii, Chaminade and San Diego State Artis was a combined 3-17 from the field and 0-4 from three. That's 17.6% from the field and 0.0% from three. That's way worse than what Robinson has done in these three games. Mike Young was a combined 3-13, 23.1%, against Duquesne and St. Bonaventure. If you want to throw in a 3rd game add Indiana to that and make it 7-22, 31.8%. Sheldon Jeter had a four game stretch of 2-12, 16.7%, and then another five game stretch of 3-12, 25%. Chris Jones had a four game stretch of 7-24, 29.2%, and then later another four game stretch of 5-19, 26.3%. And so on, and so on, and so on.

And the reason for all that is that over the course of a season most guys have a two or three or four game stretch where they don't shoot the ball all that well. Robinson's happens to have come at the beginning of the season. As someone else pointed out, it's like a baseball player going 2-23 the first week of the season. Stretches like that happen to every player every year. But when it happens at the beginning of the season it's a lot more noticeable. If it continues then sure, it will be a cause for concern. My guess is that it won't, but as one former Pitt coach once said, time will time.

We are less than a week removed from a post saying Artis has regressed (after 2 games). Does this surprise you?

 

[Fsgolfdr]

JRobs ball just wasn't going in and Pitt looks good enough from the outside that he only needs to make a few of those shots/game to keep the defense honest. Pitt doesn't need him to be a scorer this year they a 2&3 they can .
Last yr at Montour what opened my eyes was how MYoung ran the floor ,handled the ball and passed ,thought he looked more like a 3 than a 5. There's a lot of talent there and he's only getting to get better.

 

[KiwiJeff]

We are less than a week removed from a post saying Artis has regressed (after 2 games). Does this surprise you?

You have to consider the sources. Not really bastions of great hoops analysis.

 

[KiwiJeff]

When the team scores 93 points against a super weak opponent and our senior point guard (whom every year I hear has gotten better and this and that)scores a big fat ZERO, that raises some concerns.

If he can't score against Cornell and was bad against Detroit, are we to expect him to do well against Purdue, Duke or UNC??? He's been a mediocre point guard here his whole time at Pitt and underachieved greatly. It still continues.

Underachieved what greatly? I agree he needs to shoot better, and he probably will, but the key point is we scored 93 without his scoring. He was hustling and playing good defense, I know, not enough. But he doesn't need to be a 15 ppg guy on this team. I like how he is pushing the pace more. If he can largely be a catalyst, I would rather have Young or Artis shooting anyway. We also have lots of 3 point shooters, so he need not be. He was always known as a great floor "leader" since HS. He has been doing that here. I don't think anyone ever had him pegged as a guy who would lead the ACC in scoring.

 

[Delpanther]

Your point about Robinson is understandable , but I believe the sample size and stage of games (that have counted) make it far too early to come to this conclusions you are making. Let's have the same conversation after the Purdue game and see what we think then.

I too like Damon, and I think he's passed Jonathan (who I also think is a good player). This may be the best understudy James has had to this point, and this will push James in a good way.

Robinson has a huge sample size over his career which is much more meaningful than what he did last night. Last night was just kind f typical of some games we've seen throughout his career: He is still capable of the absolute complete offensive clunker which in games against good opponents gets you an "L". He's going to play lots of minutes and against good competition, for Pitt to be successful, he will have to be a legitimate threat to score.

 

[KiwiJeff]

Robinson has a huge sample size over his career which is much more meaningful than what he did last night. Last night was just kind f typical of some games we've seen throughout his career: He is still capable of the absolute complete offensive clunker which in games against good opponents gets you an "L". He's going to play lots of minutes and against good competition, for Pitt to be successful, he will have to be a legitimate threat to score.

A threat to score or a scorer? I really think we can win without him scoring 10 ppg. I don't think all five starters have to average 15 ppg (and I know nobody suggested that, I am just saying....). We have a lot of depth that Jamie seems to be willing to use. We have Artis and Young who will be our top two scorers. Jones seems to be a capable scorer. I agree he needs to score some, but I don't think he needs to be one of our leading scorers for us to succeed.

 

[Delpanther]

JRobs ball just wasn't going in and Pitt looks good enough from the outside that he only needs to make a few of those shots/game to keep the defense honest. Pitt doesn't need him to be a scorer this year they a 2&3 they can .
Last yr at Montour what opened my eyes was how MYoung ran the floor ,handled the ball and passed ,thought he looked more like a 3 than a 5. There's a lot of talent there and he's only getting to get better.

Don't confuse the ease with which Pitt is scoring against these cupcakes as to how good the O will be against good opponents. Robinson was an offensive detriment in several games last year and he will be detriment again this year unless he's a real threat to score. Half the time last year his defender completely ignored him and harassed the 2 and jammed the paint because James either failed to shoot or couldn't score. James' offensive clunker last night wasn't an anomaly for him. He will play most of the minutes at PG-if Pitt's going to be anything more than a middle of the pack ACC team and more than an 8-9 seed in the tournament, the light bulb has to go on for Robinson. Playing 4 on 5 takes its toll.

 

[Delpanther]

Because it's only three games. I can go through pretty much every player in America every year and pick out a three game stretch where they didn't play well (and I'm certainly not arguing that Robinson has played well).

For instance we were all pretty happy with the offense we got from Jamel Artis last year. In the three early season games against Hawaii, Chaminade and San Diego State Artis was a combined 3-17 from the field and 0-4 from three. That's 17.6% from the field and 0.0% from three. That's way worse than what Robinson has done in these three games. Mike Young was a combined 3-13, 23.1%, against Duquesne and St. Bonaventure. If you want to throw in a 3rd game add Indiana to that and make it 7-22, 31.8%. Sheldon Jeter had a four game stretch of 2-12, 16.7%, and then another five game stretch of 3-12, 25%. Chris Jones had a four game stretch of 7-24, 29.2%, and then later another four game stretch of 5-19, 26.3%. And so on, and so on, and so on.

And the reason for all that is that over the course of a season most guys have a two or three or four game stretch where they don't shoot the ball all that well. Robinson's happens to have come at the beginning of the season. As someone else pointed out, it's like a baseball player going 2-23 the first week of the season. Stretches like that happen to every player every year. But when it happens at the beginning of the season it's a lot more noticeable. If it continues then sure, it will be a cause for concern. My guess is that it won't, but as one former Pitt coach once said, time will time.

Robinson's had a career where for the most part he's either been offensively timid or "off". Artis and Young were young guys at the beginning of last year finding their feet-that's not the case with Robinson. With Robinson, there's a lot more evidence to suggest that what you see is exactly what you get-a hesitant and very inconsistent shooter.

 

[NTOP]

Don't confuse the ease with which Pitt is scoring against these cupcakes as to how good the O will be against good opponents. Robinson was an offensive detriment in several games last year and he will be detriment again this year unless he's a real threat to score. Half the time last year his defender completely ignored him and harassed the 2 and jammed the paint because James either failed to shoot or couldn't score. James' offensive clunker last night wasn't an anomaly for him. He will play most of the minutes at PG-if Pitt's going to be anything more than a middle of the pack ACC team and more than an 8-9 seed in the tournament, the light bulb has to go on for Robinson. Playing 4 on 5 takes its toll.

4 on 5?? I guess EVERY good team gets scoring from EVERY player?? If you look at the stat line for our PGs last night, about 90% of NCAA teams would be envious. And I can assure you that Robby will be on the court late in close games. Low risk, few mistakes good from the stripe. With 4 legit P5 guards, we are in great shape. (And that doesn't count Jonesy or Slim, who will get minutes at SG) This is the deepest backcourt in Pitt history, and #2 isn't even close.

 

[Delpanther]

A threat to score or a scorer? I really think we can win without him scoring 10 ppg. I don't think all five starters have to average 15 ppg (and I know nobody suggested that, I am just saying....). We have a lot of depth that Jamie seems to be willing to use. We have Artis and Young who will be our top two scorers. Jones seems to be a capable scorer. I agree he needs to score some, but I don't think he needs to be one of our leading scorers for us to succeed.

You're not a threat unless you've proven to the opponent by past performance that you can hurt them if they don't guard you. By this definiton Robinson hasn't proven himself to be much of a threat. I don't think he has to be a guy who is one of the top 2 scorers either but I believe he needs to be a guy who can keep a defense honest(which he absolutely failed to at times during the last 2 years)and who makes a team pay for ignoring him and allowing his defender to play help defense on someone else the entire game. What that means is that while he may score only 8-10 per game(which is what I think he should be capable of doing ), it does mean that on occasion where a team sluffs off of him and makes life difficult for the rest of the team, that he should be able to "go off" and get you 15 points. It's his 4th year and if Pitt is going to have a very good year, he needs to pick up his game. Doesn't make much difference who surrounds Robinson or how much depth Pitt has, the offense will suffer if he doesn't step up his offensive game this year. Playing 4 on 5 always hurts you.

 

[Delpanther]

4 on 5?? I guess EVERY good team gets scoring from EVERY player?? If you look at the stat line for our PGs last night, about 90% of NCAA teams would be envious. And I can assure you that Robby will be on the court late in close games. Low risk, few mistakes good from the stripe. With 4 legit P5 guards, we are in great shape. (And that doesn't count Jonesy or Slim, who will get minutes at SG) This is the deepest backcourt in Pitt history, and #2 isn't even close.

Yea, that's correct-while there are some exceptions, on really good teams, all guys can score and hurt you if you ignore them.Robinson was not an asset last year, pure and simple. Pitt can be average or pretty damn good. They won't be very good with James playing the way he played last year and getting the lion's share of minutes at PG. Robinson is low risk, low mistakes and low production. That may work against Cornell but it won't get you beyond the middle of the pack in the ACC or beyond the first round of the NCAA tournament.

 

[Fsgolfdr]

Don't confuse the ease with which Pitt is scoring against these cupcakes as to how good the O will be against good opponents. Robinson was an offensive detriment in several games last year and he will be detriment again this year unless he's a real threat to score. Half the time last year his defender completely ignored him and harassed the 2 and jammed the paint because James either failed to shoot or couldn't score. James' offensive clunker last night wasn't an anomaly for him. He will play most of the minutes at PG-if Pitt's going to be anything more than a middle of the pack ACC team and more than an 8-9 seed in the tournament, the light bulb has to go on for Robinson. Playing 4 on 5 takes its toll.

Don't forget that last years 2 had NO outside presence ,I agree JRob needs to hit a few open shots but there does seem to be plenty of help this year. My what's the point post covers my opinion of playing grossly overmatched teams.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Uh... Dixon is NOT playing Wilson at SG at all. When he was out there was Robinson last game he had Robinson playing the off-guard (SG) slot (which was kinda strange). When he was out there with Milligan yesterday (I am pretty sure) he had Milligan playing the off-guard slot which he has done before.

He is using Wilson as a straight PG and that is good because we are in dire need of someone to spell Robinson this year and to start at PG next year and Wilson sure seems to fit the bill. Does the things you would want to see in a PG and... just seems to know what he is doing out there bringing the ball down the court and going from there.

Edit: Hmmmm... I think the thing about Wilson is when he brings the ball down the court he has his head up and is watching what is going on down there and THAT is what you want to see in a PG... allows him to initiate the offense much better because he knows what is going on. Milligan, is more the classic 'combo' guard that can play either position. Being 6'5" is more important for a PG than a SG because you can better see what everyone is doing.

 

[MrGee]

When the team scores 93 points against a super weak opponent and our senior point guard (whom every year I hear has gotten better and this and that)scores a big fat ZERO, that raises some concerns.

If he can't score against Cornell and was bad against Detroit, are we to expect him to do well against Purdue, Duke or UNC??? He's been a mediocre point guard here his whole time at Pitt and underachieved greatly. It still continues.

He's "serviceable" at best---after all this time

 

[KiwiJeff]

You're not a threat unless you've proven to the opponent by past performance that you can hurt them if they don't guard you. By this definiton Robinson hasn't proven himself to be much of a threat. I don't think he has to be a guy who is one of the top 2 scorers either but I believe he needs to be a guy who can keep a defense honest(which he absolutely failed to at times during the last 2 years)and who makes a team pay for ignoring him and allowing his defender to play help defense on someone else the entire game. What that means is that while he may score only 8-10 per game(which is what I think he should be capable of doing ), it does mean that on occasion where a team sluffs off of him and makes life difficult for the rest of the team, that he should be able to "go off" and get you 15 points. It's his 4th year and if Pitt is going to have a very good year, he needs to pick up his game. Doesn't make much difference who surrounds Robinson or how much depth Pitt has, the offense will suffer if he doesn't step up his offensive game this year. Playing 4 on 5 always hurts you.

I don't disagree at all. That being said, we have more guys capable of picking up the slack, as opposed to last year when our SG also couldn't score. I just think there is less urgency this season for him to score, because we have more options. That being said, he needs to be able to do what you said.

 

[Protes]

-I dont want to sound like I am picking on Robinson. But he is our senior leader for Christ sake and is currently 10th on the team in scoring, he's 4th on the team with assists, he's 10th on the team with rebounds, and he is dead last shooting the basketball on the entire team (6-26), a poor 23% and 18% from 3. And this is our starting senior point guard for pete sake.

-I don't want to make the NCAA Tournament this year. I want to beat teams in the NCAA Tournament this year. The passing on this team is very good. The scoring is very good. The shooting is very good. The rebounding is good. And Damon Wilson has already exceeded my expectations in 3 games.

-The weak link is Robinson right now. We have to get this guy going some how. He's not even rebounding the ball this year. His numbers are down across the entire board from his freshmen year.

-The field this year is so incredibly weak. Its there for the taking if this team wants it. But we have to fix our senior point guard somehow.

In fairness to JRob he only played 19 minutes last night. JD is playing everyone right now, as he should. If JRob played more minutes he would have scored. That said, I think most of us understand that JRob's game is limited. He's a steady PG who won't do anything spectacular. And his A/TO ratio is inflated because he doesn't attack the lane enough and look to dish. So, there is some legit concern here.

When DW is in the game you can see a whole different dynamic. He attacks and is aggressive. He's also active on the defensive end. Bright future and he is going to spell JRob and win us some ames this year IMO. That pass to Jeter last night on the break was something JRob would never have done.

LBNL, I still think the C position is our weak link right now. Last night we didn't need a center but we will in league play. Ododa is very mediocre and Luther and Maia are not as good as he is. Amazingly still, we are better at that spot than last year!

 

[Zaratoughda]

-I dont want to sound like I am picking on Robinson. But he is our senior leader for Christ sake and is currently 10th on the team in scoring, he's 4th on the team with assists, he's 10th on the team with rebounds, and he is dead last shooting the basketball on the entire team (6-26), a poor 23% and 18% from 3. And this is our starting senior point guard for pete sake.

-I don't want to make the NCAA Tournament this year. I want to beat teams in the NCAA Tournament this year. The passing on this team is very good. The scoring is very good. The shooting is very good. The rebounding is good. And Damon Wilson has already exceeded my expectations in 3 games.

-The weak link is Robinson right now. We have to get this guy going some how. He's not even rebounding the ball this year. His numbers are down across the entire board from his freshmen year.

-The field this year is so incredibly weak. Its there for the taking if this team wants it. But we have to fix our senior point guard somehow.

SC... I share you attitude here (the goal is to win an NCAA Tourney) as well as your concerns about Robinson.

But, where I differ from some is that I feel the problem is not with the player but with fatigue (he spent a LOT of time recovering from his surgery... more than was expected) and that he can hopefully get it going if Dixon plays him less minutes wherever possible and probably rests him more in the practices.

Of course, there are some that feel that fatigue along these lines does not exist and they tend to express themselves (and they are WRONG.. lol).

 

[dooz3]

SC... I share you attitude here (the goal is to win an NCAA Tourney) as well as your concerns about Robinson.

But, where I differ from some is that I feel the problem is not with the player but with fatigue (he spent a LOT of time recovering from his surgery... more than was expected) and that he can hopefully get it going if Dixon plays him less minutes wherever possible and probably rests him more in the practices.

Of course, there are some that feel that fatigue along these lines does not exist and they tend to express themselves (and they are WRONG.. lol).

Hmm, lets see, this is the guy who was 100% wrong about Artis at the three, this is the guy who was 100% wrong about Young at the 4this is the guy who was 100% wrong about Luther and of course he is 100% wrong about Robinson. But keep rewatching the game so you can find something to be wrong about again next week.

 

[wbrpanther]

** One might think that the advantage of playing an Ivy League team would be that at least you’d learn a little something.

** But all we really learned tonight is that most guys going to Cornell are probably going to that particular school for academics as opposed to athletics, or more to the point, quality college basketball.

** Well, that’s not really fair. Cornell has had some fair basketball teams a few years back. But not lately for sure, and this year won’t be any better.

** Still, it doesn’t take a genius to know that these Panthers are better than last year’s version.

** How much? Well, we still don't know.

** This time last year, I was writing post game thoughts from a warm poolside bar in Maui. We had just beaten Kansas State in a game which served as a much needed sigh of relief.

** But the KSU win couldn’t mask the fact that the two Hawaii teams that the Panthers had just played (neither of them good ones) had both just shot over 50% from the field in each game.

** Tonight’s opponent doesn’t play home games anywhere near the tropics. And the Panthers’ defense kept them appropriately cold from the floor all game long. Heck, last year Chaminade shot 51% from the floor, and tonight the Big Red barely shot half as well. So maybe we are learning something. Maybe.

** But what can really be truly learned from tonight’s facts? Once again, the Panthers continue to play faster compared to the speed they have played in the past. I counted 69 possessions, which would be faster than the typical NCAA team of past years, but not this year. But still, faster for us.

** And it seems like a good speed too. As I see it, players are still taking good shots and more importantly, moving the ball to get good shots.

** Personally, I wouldn’t mind more layups, but one can assume that if we can continue to get good jump shots from all five spots, more shots closer to the basket will follow.

** A long time ago, I learned Jamie Dixon was pretty good at doing what it takes to teach his team to execute. What we don’t know this year is how Dixon is possibly going to know which of his 12 players he should pull for major minutes each game to allow the Panthers to be most successful.

** Strike that. It’s easy to know about Mike Young. And please allow me to testify a little more about Mike. I suspect we are on the brink of watching a special season from our fine #2.

** When did Mike learn to pass like this? He passed out of the post today as well as I can recall from a Pitt big in quite a while. Aaron had some moments, but not all of the time. I wonder if we’ll have to think all the way back to the #00 Ox.

** All game long, Cornell double teamed Mike. But the Big Red never learned, did they? Mike just looked up and found someone for an open jumper, including Jamel, Damon and Cam who he found for threes. And just to show off, Mike went behind the back to give Rafel a layup. Great stuff.

** Maybe we should know by now that Jamel looks plenty comfortable at the three. He and Mike make a pretty great pair.

** Despite tossing four nice assists, I still think we can still see more creation by Jamel off the dribble to find others. He fumbled with the handle a little tonight. And besides, when your point power forward is creating some much for everyone else, maybe it’s just your job to lead the game with 21 points.

** There’s nothing to be learned from James’ o-fer performance from the floor. He was just off, both long and short. James was never going to be a 40% deep shooter. 33% will do. But he passed and played well, especially on the defensive end. What we still must learn is whether he can get into the lane when that’s what his team needs most.

** Otherwise, the rotation is starting to make a little more sense. In both halves, Sheldon Jeter and Chris Jones came in to spell Alonzo Nelson Ododa and Sterling Smith with about 5 minutes to go, sliding Mike Young to the five until Ryan Luther spells Mike.

** This rotation turns our three headed center into a four headed one, and tonight Alonzo looked the best he’s looked all year, while the same can be said of Rafel. Ryan struggled a bit after his strong outing last time. Like we’ve said, Jamie is going to need to be a smart man to quickly pick out the best option night in and night out.

** The same truth about Jamie’s smarts could be suggested about who he selects to play the two in each game. But no one chosen tonight was an error. Chris and Sterling combined for 24 points on 6-9 shooting from three. And that doesn’t even include any production from Damon that he offered when at the two spot.

** And just for fun, Cam Johnson combined with Jamel for 30 points from the three. Yes, the perimeter is indeed stronger on the offensive end.

** Will we learn more from our test against Kent State on Saturday? Perhaps. They are likely the caliber of a team like Boston College or Virginia Tech in the ACC. And Boston College shot almost 48% against the Panthers at the Pete last year. Virginia Tech shot 44% from three when they beat us at their place last year. If the Golden Flashes don’t shoot 40%, nor do they score at least .9 points per possession, then we really might have something here.

** But if there’s anything I’ve learned in my time as a fan, it is that it’s better not to get too far ahead of myself in my expectations. So far, so good. That’s all I’m smart enough to say for sure.

I get the feeling this team will have reliable performances from Mike and Jamel every night but will have different guys step up big in different games. Luther one night. Adoda the next. Jeter and Chris Jones. We have a whole lot of talented players for the first time in a while.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I am just blown away by how deep we are. I think this will be a very fun season. Not just deep, but my god when you have a 6'9" athletic Sheldon Jeter coming off the bench, that says a lot.

I think this team has a lot of guys who can fill a lot of roles, and what I like is if 1 or 2 is off, there are other guys.

Mind you the competition, but I am still kind of floored how deep this team is. By this time next week, we will have a better handle after Kent State and then Purdue.

 

[Gary77]

I am just blown away by how deep we are. I think this will be a very fun season. Not just deep, but my god when you have a 6'9" athletic Sheldon Jeter coming off the bench, that says a lot.

I think this team has a lot of guys who can fill a lot of roles, and what I like is if 1 or 2 is off, there are other guys.

Mind you the competition, but I am still kind of floored how deep this team is. By this time next week, we will have a better handle after Kent State and then Purdue.

But...but...but.................Do we have a 'go to' guy?

 

[R-M-U-h-o-o-p-s-f-a-n]

But...but...but.................Do we have a 'go to' guy?

Not yet. But the opposing defense wouldn't know who to guard if we had 3-4 guys that could hit the same shot. So, the depth will definitely help this team a lot.