** I start these thoughts today from the end, which was Coach Capel’s comments to close the Open Practice event at the Pete.
** Coach spoke for a just few minutes, saying most of the things one would expect a coach to say. This included how hard the team was working, about how a few players were injured, some notes regarding their practice schedule, and a thought or two about some upcoming games.
** When he concluded,
@whirlybird optio said something along the lines of how Capel’s comments were fine, but perhaps somehow it didn’t feel his like his heart was in it. We both agreed that we could certainly understand why.
** Maybe it should be said that even as spectators, our hearts were a little less in this than they might have been just 24 hours earlier. Still, my Son and I enjoyed sitting with Whirly and his family along with
@PittMBA, even though we couldn’t help to reminisce about past times when we would enjoy each other’s company at gatherings in Green Tree or at game watches.
** On this occasion, we sat down with our tasty Panera Sandwiches and fine fruit cups, spending the first 10 minutes or so trying to figure out which Diaz brother was which. And as I type this, I still don’t know if we figured it out.
** Since the twins were both on the court shooting before any of the other Panthers, we’ll start there. Whirly said it well, suggesting that one of the reasons fans go to events like this is to walk away very optimistic about players such as the Diaz pair. However, none of us could say such a thing about them this day.
** That isn’t to say they looked disappointing. Both showed nice form shooting the ball and running the court, but they just didn’t instantly jump out as major players.
** But there were a few guys that jumped out a little bit in a more positive way – those being Nike Sibande and Blake Hinson. We were all impressed that at no point during the practice did Nike look like a guy who was coming off of a knee injury. Hinson reminded as a Panther who may have played at Pitt a decade or so ago. He looks thick and strong (think Jamel Artis – but a little taller and without the handle) and hopefully tough.
** Personally, I was a little disappointed with the notion that I almost didn’t notice Nelly Cummings. Of course, It was just a practice, and it was mostly just drills so I can’t really say what I should have noticed.
** And in fairness, we didn’t really “notice” Jamarius Burton today either, and we already know what he brings to the court.
** One player our group did notice was Nate Santos. In fact, it was stated that he may have stood out more than anyone else during the hour. You can decide if you think this is a good thing or a not so good thing.
** For the first half of the practice, PittMBA noticed that Greg Elliott seemed like he was going through the motions a bit. He even wondered aloud if Greg was injured or perhaps under the weather. But almost seconds after this concern was verbalized, Greg appeared to pick it up nicely, almost in response.
** I talked to
@Bethlehemjohn after the event, and he mentioned that he saw the coaches give Greg a little “pep talk,” so many they made an impression.
** I described Fede Federiko as an “Airport All-American” in that he certainly looks good on his way to the game (think Amare Stoudamire). But tall and sleek and muscular doesn’t necessarily mean he can play.
** John Hugley and Will Jeffress walked the sidelines with injuries. John was walking without a brace or crutches, but perhaps a very slight limp. Will was sporting a nifty knee scooter.
** And the course, the guy we would previously have come to see was elsewhere.
** Otherwise, I’ll avoid any additional comment on the situation with Dior. Nevertheless, regardless of anything I watched today, it’s hard for me to see how this Pitt team without Dior is remarkably different than last year’s team.
** All I can say for sure after watching today is that our offense moves the ball well against a defense of two coaches, and our offensive rebounding looks stellar in the same situation. Lastly, Jeff Capel's jump shot now looks poor.
** I’m one to always enjoy events like this despite the Dior downer, so I was still glad to join the 100 or so fans who were to able to go today. But forgive me if my heart wasn’t in it. Hopefully this team will offer some greater reasons to love them as this year progresses.
