Gibbs update

[Sean Miller Fan]

http://zagsblog.com/articles/sterli...ate-uconn-expects-to-decide-soon/#more-134615

He visited Pitt with Ashton on Tuesday and they drove out to Columbus to visit Ohio State today. He's visiting UConn next week. I haven't read anywhere where he's visiting the other finalists, Baylor, VCU, and NCSU. That would seem to indicate we're up against the Buckeyes and Huskies.

His dad said in the article, "We only have one year, it’s gotta be a great fit for him. We can’t make a mistake on this.” Maybe some of you that know the rosters of OSU and UConn better can shed more light on how he'd fit in at those places. At Pitt, he's guaranteed to start and be THE MAN. The offense would run through him. The Gibbs's pretty much know what they're getting since Ashton essentially played the same role in the same offense. The main difference would be that Wanamaker did the playmaking getting Ashton open looks. Whereas it would be up to Robinson to get Sterling shots in the current offense.

 

[wbrpanther]

http://zagsblog.com/articles/sterli...ate-uconn-expects-to-decide-soon/#more-134615

He visited Pitt with Ashton on Tuesday and they drove out to Columbus to visit Ohio State today. He's visiting UConn next week. I haven't read anywhere where he's visiting the other finalists, Baylor, VCU, and NCSU. That would seem to indicate we're up against the Buckeyes and Huskies.

His dad said in the article, "We only have one year, it’s gotta be a great fit for him. We can’t make a mistake on this.” Maybe some of you that know the rosters of OSU and UConn better can shed more light on how he'd fit in at those places. At Pitt, he's guaranteed to start and be THE MAN. The offense would run through him. The Gibbs's pretty much know what they're getting since Ashton essentially played the same role in the same offense. The main difference would be that Wanamaker did the playmaking getting Ashton open looks. Whereas it would be up to Robinson to get Sterling shots in the current offense.

How good is Sterling Gibbs? That's the question. Are you sure he would automatically step in and start? Legit question.

 

[JoseLind13]

Artis and Young may have something to say about who is "THE MAN" on next year's team.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Smith is 2 inches taller and maybe 15 pounds heavier than Gibbs... and Smith is listed as a SG while Gibbs is listed as a PG or a combo guard.

So, you (probably) would start Robinson and Gibbs then get Smith in the game early, probably spelling Gibbs then when you spell Robinson you bring Gibbs back in at PG.

So, you would have Robinson/Gibbs at PG and Gibbs/Smith at SG.

This would leave no significant PT for players like Newkirk, Wilson, Jones and Cam Johnson, with the latter two battling Jeter for minutes at SF.

You would still need someone to play PG if someone can't go or gets into foul trouble but that is where Wilson and Newkirk come in... Lecak in an emergency.

The thing is, Robinson, and Smith, and Gibbs if he comes here, will all be gone after this coming year.

 

[steel_curtain]

http://zagsblog.com/articles/sterli...ate-uconn-expects-to-decide-soon/#more-134615

He visited Pitt with Ashton on Tuesday and they drove out to Columbus to visit Ohio State today. He's visiting UConn next week. I haven't read anywhere where he's visiting the other finalists, Baylor, VCU, and NCSU. That would seem to indicate we're up against the Buckeyes and Huskies.

His dad said in the article, "We only have one year, it’s gotta be a great fit for him. We can’t make a mistake on this.” Maybe some of you that know the rosters of OSU and UConn better can shed more light on how he'd fit in at those places. At Pitt, he's guaranteed to start and be THE MAN. The offense would run through him. The Gibbs's pretty much know what they're getting since Ashton essentially played the same role in the same offense. The main difference would be that Wanamaker did the playmaking getting Ashton open looks. Whereas it would be up to Robinson to get Sterling shots in the current offense.

-The team next year would be leaps and bounds better with Gibbs. I would go as far to say Top 3-5 in the ACC caliber good and maybe better. The reasons are this.


1) Our guards suck.

2) If we had anyone, ANYONE, that played at the 1 or 2 guard positions that could score consistently, especially from the outside, the entire offense opens up for Artis and Young. Our offense would, not could, but would be really good with 1 power guard that can score with these 2. Robinson offers nothing on offense but if we get some contributions from the role players with Gibbs, we will have an exceptional offense.

3) We have no guard depth. None. Newkirk now has 1 leg. Wilson isn't going to qualify. What else do we have?

4) Our guards can't shoot. Jones can shoot but he is so timid when he plays. Jones can be a player, not just there yet. Jones as a backup with Gibbs would be a legit combo.

5) Spacing for the entire offense improves


-Our team would improve more than any other team in the country with Gibbs in the fold. Because we are dead last in the ACC with guard talent. Dead Last. 1 Legit guard with Artis and Young in the frontcourt, well, now things change fast and Pitt becomes good overnight.

-All that said, Gibbs isn't coming to Pitt. Not with this current staff. We don't have a single closer on this staff that can recruit. Nice effort getting him to visit, but its a pipe dream. Get him to come here, and there is some life and credibility left with Jamie Dixon and the Pitt program won't be a punching bag next year.

 

[mvk112]

They have gotten two of the three guys that have visited in past few weeks to commit, yet they can't close? Interesting take.

If Gibbs comes here, he starts alongside Robinson and Smith. Wilson backup guard. Jones & Jeter backup wings, Maia & Nix see time at center in reserve.

Not sure if Robinson-Gibbs-Smith-Artis-Young would defend anyone, but they'd be capable of scoring at a nice clip.

That said, I don't think he's going to wind up at Pitt, he's going to want to play 30 mpg at the PG spot to try to get to the NBA.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

How good is Sterling Gibbs? That's the question. Are you sure he would automatically step in and start? Legit question.

Yea, I'm quite sure he beats out Jones, Smith, and

 

[LeftCoastPanther]

If Gibbs came to Pitt, go with a three-guard offense of James, Smith, Gibbs with Artis and Young rounding out the lineup. Maia, Jeter, Jones, Newkirk or Wilson as the backups. Cam heals another season while Luther and Nix redshirt.

 

[Jeffburgh]

They have gotten two of the three guys that have visited in past few weeks to commit, yet they can't close? Interesting take.

If Gibbs comes here, he starts alongside Robinson and Smith. Wilson backup guard. Jones & Jeter backup wings, Maia & Nix see time at center in reserve.

Not sure if Robinson-Gibbs-Smith-Artis-Young would defend anyone, but they'd be capable of scoring at a nice clip.

That said, I don't think he's going to wind up at Pitt, he's going to want to play 30 mpg at the PG spot to try to get to the NBA.

I agree with both points. I think, assuming Smith can really play, there is no way JD would not end up playing JRob, GIbbs and Smith at the 1, 2, 3 close to 30 minutes a game, Jones/Artis/Jeter as the backup SFs with Smith swinging to 2G so Gibbs could give JRob a rest.

However, I don't know how the roster looks at the other schools, but JRob seems to be the hangup for Pitt with him from a practical standpoint.

 

[B_Man]

UConn has Ryan Boatright and Rodney Purvis already entrenched in their back court. They also have Omar Calhoun and Sam Cassell Jr in the mix with 5-star guard Jalen Adams coming in next season. So, even with the transfer of Terrence Samuel, their backcourt is pretty crowded.

Ohio State has commitments from Jaquan Lyle, 5-star shooting guard, AJ Harris, 4-star PG, and Austin Grandstaff, 4-star SG. However, they graduate Shannon Scott and D'Angelp Russell is headed to the NBA lottery. The only returning guard they have is Kam Williams.

I think it will be very hard for any school to fight off Ohio State for Sterling Gibbs. They can basically hand him their starting PG position (which I do not think is necessarily Sterling's best position/role) and I am sure that is what they are looking for.

Sterling seems to be more suited to a combo guard position. Having a strong distributing PG to share the backcourt duties with seems to suit his game best, but they are probably looking for the keys to the backcourt...as it is his senior season and likely needs to be a true PG.

Ohio State is probably the clear front runner based on roster composition.

 

[thebadby2]

-The team next year would be leaps and bounds better with Gibbs. I would go as far to say Top 3-5 in the ACC caliber good and maybe better. The reasons are this.


1) Our guards suck.

2) If we had anyone, ANYONE, that played at the 1 or 2 guard positions that could score consistently, especially from the outside, the entire offense opens up for Artis and Young. Our offense would, not could, but would be really good with 1 power guard that can score with these 2. Robinson offers nothing on offense but if we get some contributions from the role players with Gibbs, we will have an exceptional offense.

3) We have no guard depth. None. Newkirk now has 1 leg. Wilson isn't going to qualify. What else do we have?

4) Our guards can't shoot. Jones can shoot but he is so timid when he plays. Jones can be a player, not just there yet. Jones as a backup with Gibbs would be a legit combo.

5) Spacing for the entire offense improves


-Our team would improve more than any other team in the country with Gibbs in the fold. Because we are dead last in the ACC with guard talent. Dead Last. 1 Legit guard with Artis and Young in the frontcourt, well, now things change fast and Pitt becomes good overnight.

-All that said, Gibbs isn't coming to Pitt. Not with this current staff. We don't have a single closer on this staff that can recruit. Nice effort getting him to visit, but its a pipe dream. Get him to come here, and there is some life and credibility left with Jamie Dixon and the Pitt program won't be a punching bag next year.

Only commenting on one part of your post--I agree that Jones has some potential, but he's a tweener at the 2-3. he's not a natural fit at either spot. He really isn't quick enough or a good enough ball;handler to be a very good 2. He's more or less a shooter and he can't defend the 2 or 3, where the best athletes on opposing teams play. So I think his upside is very limited by practical constraints.

I don't think Gibbs will come here either, but that isn't because of our coaches. I also don;t think that if he did come to Pitt, he will be this savior that you are pumping him up to be.

 

[thebadby2]

UConn has Ryan Boatright and Rodney Purvis already entrenched in their back court. They also have Omar Calhoun and Sam Cassell Jr in the mix with 5-star guard Jalen Adams coming in next season. So, even with the transfer of Terrence Samuel, their backcourt is pretty crowded.

Ohio State has commitments from Jaquan Lyle, 5-star shooting guard, AJ Harris, 4-star PG, and Austin Grandstaff, 4-star SG. However, they graduate Shannon Scott and D'Angelp Russell is headed to the NBA lottery. The only returning guard they have is Kam Williams.

I think it will be very hard for any school to fight off Ohio State for Sterling Gibbs. They can basically hand him their starting PG position (which I do not think is necessarily Sterling's best position/role) and I am sure that is what they are looking for.

Sterling seems to be more suited to a combo guard position. Having a strong distributing PG to share the backcourt duties with seems to suit his game best, but they are probably looking for the keys to the backcourt...as it is his senior season and likely needs to be a true PG.

Ohio State is probably the clear front runner based on roster composition.

I think you're right. OSU will have a lot of talent in the backcourt but they will benefit a lot by adding a solid, experienced combo guard. As much as I've seen enough of JROB, the least dynamic guard in major college basketball, over the past 3 years, realistically nobody is going to unseat him as our full time PG in his senior year. Smith didn;t transfer to Pitt to play 15-20 minutes/game. Plus, OSU has a better chance at going somewhere in March as well.

I don't see Gibbs coming to Pitt for those reasons.

 

[steel_curtain]

Only commenting on one part of your post--I agree that Jones has some potential, but he's a tweener at the 2-3. he's not a natural fit at either spot. He really isn't quick enough or a good enough ball;handler to be a very good 2. He's more or less a shooter and he can't defend the 2 or 3, where the best athletes on opposing teams play. So I think his upside is very limited by practical constraints.

I don't think Gibbs will come here either, but that isn't because of our coaches. I also don;t think that if he did come to Pitt, he will be this savior that you are pumping him up to be.

Makeup of the entire team completed changes

This past season

3 point firepower, total made 3 balls for the entire season

Cam Wright-4, thats right, 4 made 3 balls the entire season shooting 20%. 50% free throw shooter
Jrob--28 made 3 balls, 29% 3 point shooter, 83% free throw shooter
Newkirk-22 made 3 balls, 30% 3 point shooter, 65% free throw shooter



The two Sterling's.

Sterling Smither-76 made 3 balls last season shooting 42% from 3, 78% from the free throw line
Sterling Gibbs-75 made 3 balls last season shooting 43% from 3, 70% from the free throw line


Pitt will be good with Sterling Gibbs.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Gibbs would make Pitt a NCAA tourney team. He can shoot that well! His highlights are impressive

 

[Ski11585]

Most of the players that Pitt signs do not have offers by similar or better programs. Our best selling point seems to be, "we're the best program that offered you." Even with Smith and Maia, we didn't have to beat out any bigger programs. Louisville offered Smith but even Smith acknowledged he would have a lesser role at Louisville so while they are the better program, he chose to go to Pitt where he would have a good chance of starting and playing a lot.

Ohio State and UConn are better programs than us. That means, we'll need one heck of a sales job to overcome that. Not only that, anytime you recruit against Ohio State, there's always the money factor. That's the shadiest place there is.

So, the poster was correct, in a way, that our staff can't close when recruiting against similar or bigger programs.

Is it necessary to always downplay anything Pitt does relative to other programs? I really mean that. "Pitt never beats out other programs of similar or better caliber. But when they do, here are reasons x, y, and z for why we didn't REALLY beat out those other schools."

It's such a stupid position to take.

 

[B_Man]

Only commenting on one part of your post--I agree that Jones has some potential, but he's a tweener at the 2-3. he's not a natural fit at either spot. He really isn't quick enough or a good enough ball;handler to be a very good 2. He's more or less a shooter and he can't defend the 2 or 3, where the best athletes on opposing teams play. So I think his upside is very limited by practical constraints.

I don't think Gibbs will come here either, but that isn't because of our coaches. I also don;t think that if he did come to Pitt, he will be this savior that you are pumping him up to be.

I agree thebadby2....

Sterling Gibbs is not a savior by any means. He would be a very good fit at the 2-guard and secondary ballhandler. He is a good shooter that can also score putting the ball on the floor, which gives him the edge over Sterling Smith who is more of a pure shooter. If you land Gibbs...coupled with Newkirk's injury...you could redshirt Newkirk allowing for a complete recovery.

He had really good numbers for a team that completely tanked last year and solid numbers the prior year for a non-postseason team. This after lasting a year at Texas. He is a good player that would fit in well here at Pitt and play a very important role. He would make, what I feel, a solid to good team better.

However, all that being said...the fit at Ohio State just looks too perfect. Usually when these guys in this type of situation announce a transfer, after maintaining he was staying, there is a destination in mind. While I do think Pitt is being considered, I do think he is OSU's to lose...but, anything can happen.

 

[JS School]

Most of the players that Pitt signs do not have offers by similar or better programs. Our best selling point seems to be, "we're the best program that offered you." Even with Smith and Maia, we didn't have to beat out any bigger programs. Louisville offered Smith but even Smith acknowledged he would have a lesser role at Louisville so while they are the better program, he chose to go to Pitt where he would have a good chance of starting and playing a lot.

Ohio State and UConn are better programs than us. That means, we'll need one heck of a sales job to overcome that. Not only that, anytime you recruit against Ohio State, there's always the money factor. That's the shadiest place there is.

So, the poster was correct, in a way, that our staff can't close when recruiting against similar or bigger programs.

Pitt beats Louisville for Smith, but Dixon gets no credit for that because Smith would have had a lesser role with Louisville. On the other hand, Illinois beats Pitt for Thorne because he would have had a lesser role at Pitt. Dixon gets condemned for that, however. Seems like an inconsistent argument to me.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Assuming Gibbs does not come here.... then IMO what we are looking at is Smith starting at SG and spelled by Cam Johnson and/or Chris Jones. Slim and Jones are good players and there is not enough time for them at SF along with Jeter so IMO this all should not be a problem.

On the other hand, where the problem is, is who spells Robinson? Robinson was clearly running out of gas as the season wore on, which drastically affected his play IMO... and it would not be good news if we had the same situation (lack of a reliable backup) again. The only player that would normally play PG other than Robinson was Newkirk and he had a hideous season. Was so bad that right near the end Dixon sat his butt down and replaced him with Lecak.

Some of us were hoping Wilson would come in and be that reliable player to spell Robinson... but now there are concerns re him qualifying (I imagine this is just because his HS has a reputation for that).. but this might still indeed happen.

But, if it doesn't happen and Newkirk is not up to speed come the start if the season... then the ONLY player we have to spell Robinson is Lecak (Smith at PG? that would not be good).

So, if Gibbs does not come here.... Dixon will still have that open scholly so we will have to see if he can do anything with it. Would want to bring in a 5th year senior to play PG but, he may not be able to find anyone.

 

[NTOP]

Assuming Gibbs does not come here.... then IMO what we are looking at is Smith starting at SG and spelled by Cam Johnson and/or Chris Jones. Slim and Jones are good players and there is not enough time for them at SF along with Jeter so IMO this all should not be a problem.

On the other hand, where the problem is, is who spells Robinson? Robinson was clearly running out of gas as the season wore on, which drastically affected his play IMO... and it would not be good news if we had the same situation (lack of a reliable backup) again. The only player that would normally play PG other than Robinson was Newkirk and he had a hideous season. Was so bad that right near the end Dixon sat his butt down and replaced him with Lecak.

Some of us were hoping Wilson would come in and be that reliable player to spell Robinson... but now there are concerns re him qualifying (I imagine this is just because his HS has a reputation for that).. but this might still indeed happen.

But, if it doesn't happen and Newkirk is not up to speed come the start if the season... then the ONLY player we have to spell Robinson is Lecak (Smith at PG? that would not be good).

So, if Gibbs does not come here.... Dixon will still have that open scholly so we will have to see if he can do anything with it. Would want to bring in a 5th year senior to play PG but, he may not be able to find anyone.

Please drop the Lecak stuff....he played only a few minutes. That's as irrelevant as Josh Ko's trey in Hawaii. Frankly, Lecak was as much a fill-in for Wright. We all know that we need guards, but we have Wilson & Smith on board, plus Slim coming back.. That's 3 guys with size, too.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Pitt beats Louisville for Smith, but Dixon gets no credit for that because Smith would have had a lesser role with Louisville. On the other hand, Illinois beats Pitt for Thorne because he would have had a lesser role at Pitt. Dixon gets condemned for that, however. Seems like an inconsistent argument to me.

If you look at the stats for Smith and Lee, the guy that went to Louisville, pretty close but Lee was considered the better prospect. Lee was looking at Louisville and Arizona... but Arizona had some situations with new players coming in and the like so Lee choose Louisville. Smith, was the backup plan for Louisville in case Lee went to Arizona and when he choose Louisville then that made Smith's decision (Louisville might not have been interested at all anymore) easy and he choose us.

In this case, a matter of Dixon having to play second fiddle to programs like Louisville and Arizona but.... you never know and Smith could turn out to the the better player.

As far as Thorne is concerned... if he came here and started Dixon would have started Young at PF and, would probably have had to bring Artis off the bench and... Dixon was probably not willing to make that commitment and thus Thorne choose Illinois. So, in this case a better match for the player.

Bottom line: We are still second fiddle to programs like Louisville but the bottom has not fallen out of the barrel and Dixon can still bring in solid players like Smith and Maia.

To improve on that... Dixon has got to start making some noise in the NCAA Tourney.

 

[JS School]

Thorne's decision was just as easy as Smith's. Look at it through his eyes, not the eyes of a Pitt fan. Pitt's two best players were it's returning C and PF. Illinois had nobody at C.

Dixon's biggest weakness is that he is not able to look a kid like Thorne in the eye and feed him some bs about Artis transitioning into a great SF and Young moving almost exclusively to PF. Some coaches probably could have convinced Thorne of that scenario.

Dixon deserves credit for landing a guy like Maia under those circumstances.

 

[gary2]

Thorne's decision was just as easy as Smith's. Look at it through his eyes, not the eyes of a Pitt fan. Pitt's two best players were it's returning C and PF. Illinois had nobody at C.

Dixon's biggest weakness is that he is not able to look a kid like Thorne in the eye and feed him some bs about Artis transitioning into a great SF and Young moving almost exclusively to PF. Some coaches probably could have convinced Thorne of that scenario.

Dixon deserves credit for landing a guy like Maia under those circumstances.

I think Maia may prove to be better than Thorne

 

[Zaratoughda]

Please drop the Lecak stuff....he played only a few minutes. That's as irrelevant as Josh Ko's trey in Hawaii. Frankly, Lecak was as much a fill-in for Wright. We all know that we need guards, but we have Wilson & Smith on board, plus Slim coming back.. That's 3 guys with size, too.

NTOP.... why don't you DROP replying to my posts??

Aron Phillips-Nwankwo last year was our best player inside spelling Young and Artis. This is as much of a reflection on APN playing good, for a walk-on, as it was on Randall and Uchebo being terrible (was not Uchebo's fault... it was his knee) for scholarship players.

Slim... is NOT a PG (played PG in HS but has played no PG for us... Dixon is in fact using him at SF).

Wilson... may not qualify as has been pointed out in this board.

Newkirk... was so bad last year Dixon started replacing him at times with Lecak... and now will be recovering from knee surgery.

So.... I am sure Dixon's plan... if things get really bad... is to use Lecak to spell Robinson.

Not saying Mike Lecak is the next answer to Levance Fields.... but in fact saying that.. unless Dixon does SOMETHING... our situation at PG could turn out to be as bad this coming year as our situation inside was last year.

Yeah, you didn't seem to understand that I was saying this in my last post so, doubt you will with this one.

 

[Zaratoughda]

I think Maia may prove to be better than Thorne

You may be right Gary... but my guess is Dixon is still gonna start Young and Artis so, it may be difficult for Maia to make as big an impact as he might otherwise.

Yeah, I don't know how Dixon managed this one. Maia is going from a starter position at Brown to most likely coming off the bench here. Should be a good experience for Maia though regardless.

 

[NTOP]

NTOP.... why don't you DROP replying to my posts??

Aron Phillips-Nwankwo last year was our best player inside spelling Young and Artis. This is as much of a reflection on APN playing good, for a walk-on, as it was on Randall and Uchebo being terrible (was not Uchebo's fault... it was his knee) for scholarship players.

Slim... is NOT a PG (played PG in HS but has played no PG for us... Dixon is in fact using him at SF).

Wilson... may not qualify as has been pointed out in this board.

Newkirk... was so bad last year Dixon started replacing him at times with Lecak... and now will be recovering from knee surgery.

So.... I am sure Dixon's plan... if things get really bad... is to use Lecak to spell Robinson.

Not saying Mike Lecak is the next answer to Levance Fields.... but in fact saying that.. unless Dixon does SOMETHING... our situation at PG could turn out to be as bad this coming year as our situation inside was last year.

Yeah, you didn't seem to understand that I was saying this in my last post so, doubt you will with this one.

So, you want a free pass to post garbage?? Lecak played ONE MINUTE in our last 5 games....vs. GW. But you are SURE that Dixon's plan is for Mike to spell Robinson???
And I talked about GUARDS, not just PGs. Wilson can play the point, if needed Slim was a PG in high school, , and he was used as a 2G early last year.....Artis & Jeter at the 3. So, will Josh Ko spell Young???

 

[Zaratoughda]

Dixon deserves credit for landing Smith. I didn't say he doesn't deserve credit. Its just a lot easier for our staff to sell the fact that he's going to possibly start an definitely play a lot for us versus being a role player at Louisville. Apples to apples, he doesn't come here. Similarly, if Gibbs comes here, I would guess Smith jets.

As for Thorne, he was going to start and Young was going to play the 4. Come on now.

Dixon has got to start beating out "better" programs for players. He can start with Gibbs.

Smith has committed so I don't think he is in a position to jet. If Gibbs comes here it will be a three man rotation at guard of Robinson, Gibbs and Smith. THAT would be a pretty good rotation!

But, as others have pointed out, Gibbs probably goes to OSU as it seems to be a better match there.

Maybe not. He should make his decision within a week or so.

 

[JS School]

Thorne was going to start.

Maia may be better than Thorne.

Young will start ahead of Maia.


Interesting differences of opinion. Personally, I have no idea who is correct.

 

[B_Man]

Young, Artis and Jeter is our starting front court. All big men, outside of Cheick Diallo, have been recruited to add depth and versatility to the front court.

Thorne is a big guy, somewhat lumbering and not overly athletic. Young was a more productive 5 in the ACC than Thorne was in a gutted C-USA> Thorne is a decent player, but would not be one of our best and would not be a better option for the majority of minutes at the 5. Would he spell him? Yes...and do so MUCH more effectively than anyone we had last season. He also would get some time WITH Young on the floor and a few occasional match-ups against similar Centers he might even have gotten the majority of the minutes at the 5...but, that wouldn't happen often.

Maia is likely a notch below Thorne, and he will play the same role intended for Thorne in the recruitment...depth, but solid minutes in the rotation.

Pitt did struggle defensively and rebounding. A big man will help...Maia is a good rebounder and looks pretty strong defensively in the post from a physical make-up, but not overly athletic. Thorne is a big body, good hands...but, again, not very mobile for the ACC.

 

[DT_PITT]

So, you want a free pass to post garbage?? Lecak played ONE MINUTE in our last 5 games....vs. GW. But you are SURE that Dixon's plan is for Mike to spell Robinson???
And I talked about GUARDS, not just PGs. Wilson can play the point, if needed Slim was a PG in high school, , and he was used as a 2G early last year.....Artis & Jeter at the 3. So, will Josh Ko spell Young???

Actually, Lecak is considered a 2, but not a 1.

 

[gary2]

Young, Artis and Jeter is our starting front court. All big men, outside of Cheick Diallo, have been recruited to add depth and versatility to the front court.

Thorne is a big guy, somewhat lumbering and not overly athletic. Young was a more productive 5 in the ACC than Thorne was in a gutted C-USA> Thorne is a decent player, but would not be one of our best and would not be a better option for the majority of minutes at the 5. Would he spell him? Yes...and do so MUCH more effectively than anyone we had last season. He also would get some time WITH Young on the floor and a few occasional match-ups against similar Centers he might even have gotten the majority of the minutes at the 5...but, that wouldn't happen often.

Maia is likely a notch below Thorne, and he will play the same role intended for Thorne in the recruitment...depth, but solid minutes in the rotation.

Pitt did struggle defensively and rebounding. A big man will help...Maia is a good rebounder and looks pretty strong defensively in the post from a physical make-up, but not overly athletic. Thorne is a big body, good hands...but, again, not very mobile for the ACC.

What I really liked seeing about Maia was that last season he had one more assist than turnover. That is pretty impressive

Also - I am not convinced that Dixon will start Jeter. Maybe C.Jones?

 

[heybandguy]

I hope Newkirk gets a medical RS. Rebuild his mind & body for playing.With so many questions consistently popping up about Wilson - just plan on not having him.The need to land Gibbs. I think even with the rotation of Robinson & Smith, Gibbs could see 25 minutes a game (provided they are good minutes). I think Johnson sees some time at the 2, as physically he may not be able to match up well with some 3s. I agree about Jones being a tweener at the 2-3, though I feel like they get better minutes from him at the 3. These boards have for months asked for better players on the roster and more depth at positions. This is an opportunity to do just that. We needed help at the 2 - Pitt lands Sterling Smith. Pitt needs help at the 5 - they got Maia. We now need some help at the PG due to Newkirks injury - Gibbs visits. Let JD worry about the playing time and managing minutes after summer league play and work outs. I'd rather have the problem of don't know who to give playing time because of too many viable options rather than too few.

 

[JS School]

Regarding Wilson, if he is ruled ineligible is it probable that Diallo and Dillard would be, too? It seems that the problem was with the school's curriculum, not his grades.

 

[B_Man]

What I really liked seeing about Maia was that last season he had one more assist than turnover. That is pretty impressive

Also - I am not convinced that Dixon will start Jeter. Maybe C.Jones?

I do agree that Jeter could be susceptible to losing a starting spot to a 3rd guard.

 

[DT_PITT]

I do agree that Jeter could be susceptible to losing a starting spot to a 3rd guard.

As do I.

Although Dixon does seem to like Jones in a role coming off the bench. Much could also depend on who plays any defense.

 

[Zaratoughda]

I do agree that Jeter could be susceptible to losing a starting spot to a 3rd guard.

The problem with Jeter, as I saw it, is it took him a while to get his game going in the games that he played well. In other words, really started bringing it in the second half and down the stretch in particular.

So, if his time gets reduced due to more good players he may not be making much of an impact at all. Which would be kinda sad as he is a hard worker and positive team player. Yeah, he could stand to put more work into his D.

The advantage of playing Jeter, is he is able to get inside and rebound, and that helps the rebounding.

However, he hits some 3ball but not many. This is where Chris Jones comes in... as well as Slim.

Given Young and Artis inside.... would be really nice to have 3ball shooters at all 3 perimeter positions. Would really open things up inside for Young and Artis. If you start Robinson, Smith and Jeter.... then you really only have one 3ball shooter and that might not be enough.

Another thing here. is last year Dixon made enough time for both Jeter and Jones by sometimes playing Jeter at PF and Jones sometimes at SG, but with Maia on board the guess is Mike Young is gonna get those minutes at PF. So, you got less minutes available for these two to start with and also Cam Johnson is now in the picture. If Gibbs signs with us, then any extra minutes at SG will be gone as well.

So, yeah, we are just gonna have to see how Dixon handles all this.

 

[gary2]

I do agree that Jeter could be susceptible to losing a starting spot to a 3rd guard.

While I am not convinced that Dixon will have Jeter in the starting lineup, I am convinced that a front line of Young, Artis and C.Jones will not provide adequate rebounding.

 

[sherepower]

I agree thebadby2....

Sterling Gibbs is not a savior by any means. He would be a very good fit at the 2-guard and secondary ballhandler. He is a good shooter that can also score putting the ball on the floor, which gives him the edge over Sterling Smith who is more of a pure shooter. If you land Gibbs...coupled with Newkirk's injury...you could redshirt Newkirk allowing for a complete recovery.

He had really good numbers for a team that completely tanked last year and solid numbers the prior year for a non-postseason team. This after lasting a year at Texas. He is a good player that would fit in well here at Pitt and play a very important role. He would make, what I feel, a solid to good team better.

However, all that being said...the fit at Ohio State just looks too perfect. Usually when these guys in this type of situation announce a transfer, after maintaining he was staying, there is a destination in mind. While I do think Pitt is being considered, I do think he is OSU's to lose...but, anything can happen.

I don't know how much you watched Gibbs play this year..............However, I watched them play at least 10 times. Gibbs played point for them most of the year(if not the whole year). His game is light years better than J Rob's. Gibbs can get to the rim when the shot clock is running down. He has great vision. He can shoot with the best of them. He is a score first guard with a great handle who hits big shots. If he comes to Pitt. He gets at least 30 plus minutes a game. If he doesn't? That would explain Jamie's lack of getting big time guards into the program the last 4 or 5 years.

To take it a little further. A blind guy could see how much better Gibbs is compared to what we have now......just sayin

 

[ameoba defense]

UConn has Ryan Boatright and Rodney Purvis already entrenched in their back court. They also have Omar Calhoun and Sam Cassell Jr in the mix with 5-star guard Jalen Adams coming in next season. So, even with the transfer of Terrence Samuel, their backcourt is pretty crowded.

Ryan Boatright has graduated. Gibbs would step right into his spot at UConn.

 

[Piranha]

There are too many holes defensively if you trot out a starting 5 of Young, Artis, Jeter, Jones, JR

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I don't know how much you watched Gibbs play this year..............However, I watched them play at least 10 times. Gibbs played point for them most of the year(if not the whole year). His game is light years better than J Rob's. Gibbs can get to the rim when the shot clock is running down. He has great vision. He can shoot with the best of them. He is a score first guard with a great handle who hits big shots. If he comes to Pitt. He gets at least 30 plus minutes a game. If he doesn't? That would explain Jamie's lack of getting big time guards into the program the last 4 or 5 years.

To take it a little further. A blind guy could see how much better Gibbs is compared to what we have now......just sayin

Maybe Gibbs can play PG for us. 20 min for him there (with him getting another 10-12 at the 2). Robinson could get 20 min backing up Gibbs.

Gibbs was at OSU for 4 days and the Columbus Dispatch had a fairly long article on it with quotes from his dad. It would seem that OSU is the favorite. Matta seldom loses recruiting battles.