Jacksonville Game & Other Dribbles ...

[DT_PITT]

** Many of us, including Coach Capel, have talked about the Panther’s recipe for wins this year. Play slow with a grinding offense, physical defense, minimize turnovers, and hang around to the end when hopefully the game can be pulled out.

** Today we saw a pleasant addition to that combination, which was hitting a couple of shots too.

** No one would ever call today a good shooting performance. But it was also a step or so above some of the more miserable shooting performances that we’ve seen thus far this year.

** And while no one should also be ready to proclaim that we have “an efficient offense,” in the second half, it actually looked like “an offense,” with several moments of legitimate execution.

** In fact, we scored 36 points in roughly the final 16 minutes and, about 27 possessions, which is … well … not too bad at all.

** Personally, my only regret was that I spent far too much of my time in attendance waiting for the other shoe to drop on the Panthers, and I didn’t appreciate the second half surge nearly as much as I could have.

** I don’t think one could blame me though. The first half was our typical "lackluster," and the second half started slowly as well. So when the Panthers finally went up five at the under 12:00 TO, I remarked that I thought it might be nice to see the Panthers stretch that to 8 or 9, even though it wasn't likely since that is not something we have accomplished this year at all.

** But instead the Panthers stretched that 5 point lead to 15. How about that?

** What also happened during the entire 22-3 run was ball movement, good decisions, and good shots.

** I guess I will just have to enjoy it fully now.

** It seemed that in the middle of everything good that happened for the Panthers today was Mo Gueye. He rebounded and defended and blocked shots. He passed the ball and moved without it. And of course he scored too, from close and far away.

** My friend with whom I sit remarked that Mo was quickly become his favorite Pitt player this year. I suspect there are more than a few are starting to say the same thing. Maybe even me.

** If Femi has more shooting games like he did today, he’ll also be a favorite of many Pitt fans, or at least out of the doghouse. However, I should also add that I don’t know if Femi played particularly well, at least not for the early parts of the game. It felt like he was a bit unfocused nor did it appear as if he was bringing all of the defensive effort he needed to.

** But Femi was not as careless with the ball as he has been in past outings, and hitting jumpers can make any player look like they are playing well. So kudos to the young man for tying his career high. Hopefully he’ll build off of this going into the ACC season. We are going to need it.

** With that, I confess that it’s still hard to see how this game launches the Panthers with any particular momentum into the ACC season.

** Yet, it certainly does feel at least as if Capel has straightened some things out since complete debacle against UMBC. In this six game stretch, we’ve surrendered just 57.8 PPG. And with the exception of the first half against Monmouth, we’ve matched or outplayed all of our opponents.

** And if the above is true, it’s up to each Pitt fan to decide what that does for your hopes for the season. For me for now, it’s simply more evidence that this team won’t sink to the depths we faced in 2017-2018.

** Next week offers a winnable game against the Irish, a game I can also say I’m now looking forward to seeing. Just a few weeks ago, I’m not sure I would have said either of these things.

** But I hope more fellow Panther fans will join. Up to now, it’s been far too depressing watching games at the Pete with crowds of 1,500 or less.

** But until then, my most sincere Happy Holiday wishes to all!

 

[PittPoker]

** Many of us, including Coach Capel, have talked about the Panther’s recipe for wins this year. Play slow with a grinding offense, physical defense, minimize turnovers, and hang around to the end when hopefully the game can be pulled out.

** Today we saw a pleasant addition to that combination, which was hitting a couple of shots too.

** No one would ever call today a good shooting performance. But it was also a step or so above some of the more miserable shooting performances that we’ve seen thus far this year.

** And while no one should also be ready to proclaim that we have “an efficient offense,” in the second half, it actually looked like “an offense,” with several moments of legitimate execution.

** In fact, we scored 36 points in roughly the final 16 minutes and, about 27 possessions, which is … well … not too bad at all.

** Personally, my only regret was that I spent far too much of my time in attendance waiting for the other shoe to drop on the Panthers, and I didn’t appreciate the second half surge nearly as much as I could have.

** I don’t think one could blame me though. The first half was our typical "lackluster," and the second half started slowly as well. So when the Panthers finally went up five at the under 12:00 TO, I remarked that I thought it might be nice to see the Panthers stretch that to 8 or 9, even though it wasn't likely since that is not something we have accomplished this year at all.

** But instead the Panthers stretched that 5 point lead to 15. How about that?

** What also happened during the entire 22-3 run was ball movement, good decisions, and good shots.

** I guess I will just have to enjoy it fully now.

** It seemed that in the middle of everything good that happened for the Panthers today was Mo Gueye. He rebounded and defended and blocked shots. He passed the ball and moved without it. And of course he scored too, from close and far away.

** My friend with whom I sit remarked that Mo was quickly become his favorite Pitt player this year. I suspect there are more than a few are starting to say the same thing. Maybe even me.

** If Femi has more shooting games like he did today, he’ll also be a favorite of many Pitt fans, or at least out of the doghouse. However, I should also add that I don’t know if Femi played particularly well, at least not for the early parts of the game. It felt like he was a bit unfocused nor did it appear as if he was bringing all of the defensive effort he needed to.

** But Femi was not as careless with the ball as he has been in past outings, and hitting jumpers can make any player look like they are playing well. So kudos to the young man for tying his career high. Hopefully he’ll build off of this going into the ACC season. We are going to need it.

** With that, I confess that it’s still hard to see how this game launches the Panthers with any particular momentum into the ACC season.

** Yet, it certainly does feel at least as if Capel has straightened some things out since complete debacle against UMBC. In this six game stretch, we’ve surrendered just 57.8 PPG. And with the exception of the first half against Monmouth, we’ve matched or outplayed all of our opponents.

** And if the above is true, it’s up to each Pitt fan to decide what that does for your hopes for the season. For me for now, it’s simply more evidence that this team won’t sink to the depths we faced in 2017-2018.

** Next week offers a winnable game against the Irish, a game I can also say I’m now looking forward to seeing. Just a few weeks ago, I’m not sure I would have said either of these things.

** But I hope more fellow Panther fans will join. Up to now, it’s been far too depressing watching games at the Pete with crowds of 1,500 or less.

** But until then, my most sincere Holiday wishes to all!

DT do you think Capel is brought back for 1 more season? I thought definitely not a few weeks ago but now since we have won 2 in a row including against St. Johns I'm starting to think Heather brings him back. I hope she doesn't but that extension she gave him might be the reason. I mean if only we had a couple of recruits lined up for next season you know?

 

[Fsgolfdr]

The Panthers are giving us some hope for Christmas !

 

[Chescat]

* But Femi was not as careless with the ball as he has been in past outings, and hitting jumpers can make any player look like they are playing well. So kudos to the young man for tying his career high. Hopefully he’ll build off of this going into the ACC season. We are going to need it.

The reason "Femi was not
as careless with the ball"
is because he had the ball
a lot less. Burton and Ezzy
had it often, and Femi was
able to be in position to
shoot good, in tempo shots.
As opposed to running a pg
oriented offense, overdribbling,
over driving, and forcing, he
instead was more often the
recipient of some good and
timely passes. As I watch our
offense, I see a more calm,
non rushed, non forced type
of offense with Burton taking
more control of the ball.

This all isn't happening by
accident. Capel despite
getting a lot of deserved
criticism for this collection
of players....should get some
credit for a bit of a turn
around at this point. Let's
see if it continues.

 

[DT_PITT]

DT do you think Capel is brought back for 1 more season? I thought definitely not a few weeks ago but now since we have won 2 in a row including against St. Johns I'm starting to think Heather brings him back. I hope she doesn't but that extension she gave him might be the reason. I mean if only we had a couple of recruits lined up for next season you know?

I honestly don't know.

I've heard many rumors from many different credible places ranging from the money has already been pledged for his buyout and the search is underway (or Capel is in the process of negotiating his departure). On the other hand, someone who is fairly connected told me point blank that they are pretty sure those kinds of rumors are BS and that Heather is no where nowhere near any kind of decision.

So the answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. I do believe that there have been boosters who have made it known they would help pay for a buyout. But I also heard this right in the heat of the UMBC and Vandy losses.

It's also fair to say that maybe Heather has been doing some looking around to see who might be available to take over if Capel is not here not next year. Knowing that Capel is almost certain to have his 4th losing season in his 4 years, she is not doing her job if she's not already looking around.

My guess it that she might wait and see how things go in January to make up her mind. Getting Ithiel back could raise the bar a bit as well.

But everything I've just typed is almost completely pure conjecture on my part.

 

[DT_PITT]

The reason "Femi was not
as careless with the ball"
is because he had the ball
a lot less. Burton and Ezzy
had it often, and Femi was
able to be in position to
shoot good, in tempo shots.
As opposed to running a pg
oriented offense, overdribbling,
over driving, and forcing, he
instead was more often the
recipient of some good and
timely passes. As I watch our
offense, I see a more calmer,
non rushed, non forced type
of offense with Burton taking
more control of the ball.

This all isn't happening by
accident. Capel despite
getting a lot of deserved
criticism for this collection
of players....should get some
credit for a bit of a turn
around at this point. Let's
see if it continues.

Yes -- I totally agree.

 

[Fsgolfdr]

I honestly don't know.

I've heard many rumors from many different credible places ranging from the money has already been pledged for his buyout and the search is underway (or Capel is in the process of negotiating his departure). On the other hand, someone who is fairly connected who told me point blank that they are pretty sure those kinds of rumors are BS and that Heather is no where nowhere near any kind of decision.

So the answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. I do believe that there have been boosters who have made it known they would help pay for a buyout. But I also heard this right in the heat of the UMBC and Vandy losses.

It's also fair to say that maybe Heather has been doing some looking around to see who might be available to take over if Capel is not here not next. Knowing that Capel is almost certain to have his 4th losing season in his 4 years, she is not doing here job if she's not already looking around.

My guess it that she might wait and see how things go in January to make up her mind. Getting Ithiel back could raise the bar a bit as well.

But everything I've just typed is almost completely pure conjecture on my part.

My gut tells me that Pitt has no desire to buy him out and they’re hoping that he somehow wins enough games to justify another season .

I‘d also be surprised if they have enough donor cash to fund his buyout .

 

[DT_PITT]

My gut tells me that Pitt has no desire to buy him out and they’re hoping that he somehow wins enough games to justify another season .

I‘d also be surprised if they have enough donor cash to fund his buyout .

I get that, but on the other hand, even if Capel goes something like 7-13 in the ACC this year (which would be incredibly optimistic if not impossible), his four year ACC record would be 22-52 (a 30% win percentage). Add to that the fact that not a single recruit is on the way, and crowds have been 1,500 or less.

That's lots of data against keeping a coach.

So if she's holding out hope to get enough wins to keep him, that really doesn't seem like a sound overall strategy.

 

[Saboteur II]

** Many of us, including Coach Capel, have talked about the Panther’s recipe for wins this year. Play slow with a grinding offense, physical defense, minimize turnovers, and hang around to the end when hopefully the game can be pulled out.

** Today we saw a pleasant addition to that combination, which was hitting a couple of shots too.

** No one would ever call today a good shooting performance. But it was also a step or so above some of the more miserable shooting performances that we’ve seen thus far this year.

** And while no one should also be ready to proclaim that we have “an efficient offense,” in the second half, it actually looked like “an offense,” with several moments of legitimate execution.

** In fact, we scored 36 points in roughly the final 16 minutes and, about 27 possessions, which is … well … not too bad at all.

** Personally, my only regret was that I spent far too much of my time in attendance waiting for the other shoe to drop on the Panthers, and I didn’t appreciate the second half surge nearly as much as I could have.

** I don’t think one could blame me though. The first half was our typical "lackluster," and the second half started slowly as well. So when the Panthers finally went up five at the under 12:00 TO, I remarked that I thought it might be nice to see the Panthers stretch that to 8 or 9, even though it wasn't likely since that is not something we have accomplished this year at all.

** But instead the Panthers stretched that 5 point lead to 15. How about that?

** What also happened during the entire 22-3 run was ball movement, good decisions, and good shots.

** I guess I will just have to enjoy it fully now.

** It seemed that in the middle of everything good that happened for the Panthers today was Mo Gueye. He rebounded and defended and blocked shots. He passed the ball and moved without it. And of course he scored too, from close and far away.

** My friend with whom I sit remarked that Mo was quickly become his favorite Pitt player this year. I suspect there are more than a few are starting to say the same thing. Maybe even me.

** If Femi has more shooting games like he did today, he’ll also be a favorite of many Pitt fans, or at least out of the doghouse. However, I should also add that I don’t know if Femi played particularly well, at least not for the early parts of the game. It felt like he was a bit unfocused nor did it appear as if he was bringing all of the defensive effort he needed to.

** But Femi was not as careless with the ball as he has been in past outings, and hitting jumpers can make any player look like they are playing well. So kudos to the young man for tying his career high. Hopefully he’ll build off of this going into the ACC season. We are going to need it.

** With that, I confess that it’s still hard to see how this game launches the Panthers with any particular momentum into the ACC season.

** Yet, it certainly does feel at least as if Capel has straightened some things out since complete debacle against UMBC. In this six game stretch, we’ve surrendered just 57.8 PPG. And with the exception of the first half against Monmouth, we’ve matched or outplayed all of our opponents.

** And if the above is true, it’s up to each Pitt fan to decide what that does for your hopes for the season. For me for now, it’s simply more evidence that this team won’t sink to the depths we faced in 2017-2018.

** Next week offers a winnable game against the Irish, a game I can also say I’m now looking forward to seeing. Just a few weeks ago, I’m not sure I would have said either of these things.

** But I hope more fellow Panther fans will join. Up to now, it’s been far too depressing watching games at the Pete with crowds of 1,500 or less.

** But until then, my most sincere Happy Holiday wishes to all!

One game at a time.

 

[sonofabit]

The reason "Femi was not
as careless with the ball"
is because he had the ball
a lot less. Burton and Ezzy
had it often, and Femi was
able to be in position to
shoot good, in tempo shots.
As opposed to running a pg
oriented offense, overdribbling,
over driving, and forcing, he
instead was more often the
recipient of some good and
timely passes. As I watch our
offense, I see a more calm,
non rushed, non forced type
of offense with Burton taking
more control of the ball.

This all isn't happening by
accident. Capel despite
getting a lot of deserved
criticism for this collection
of players....should get some
credit for a bit of a turn
around at this point. Let's
see if it continues.

I’ve been beating this drum probably too much here. The collection of guards Capel had before the season was going to allow Femi to play more under control just by having seasoned upper class men alongside him. Two are missing from the rotation but Burton’s presence and production should help Femi understand his role as the team plays together. Maybe a bulb was lit.

 

[Fsgolfdr]

I get that, but on the other hand, even if Capel goes something like 7-13 in the ACC this year (which would be incredibly optimistic if not impossible), his four year ACC record would be 22-52 (a 30% win percentage). Add to that the fact that not a single recruit is one the way, and crowds have been 1,500 or less.

That's lots of data against keeping a coach.

So if she's holding out hope to get enough wins to keep him, that really doesn't seem like a sound overall strategy.

In an ideal world I agree , his time here as the savior has passed . Under the current circumstances at Pitt he‘s shown he can’t recruit the type of players he needs to be successful.

My big concern is that they can’t hire a coach who can and starting another rebuild with an unknown coach will just keep the Pete empty . They’re caught between a rock and …….

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

DT do you think Capel is brought back for 1 more season? I thought definitely not a few weeks ago but now since we have won 2 in a row including against St. Johns I'm starting to think Heather brings him back. I hope she doesn't but that extension she gave him might be the reason. I mean if only we had a couple of recruits lined up for next season you know?

There is absolutely no way that a decision has been made yet, nor should it.

As DT said above, if we hadn’t lost Mintz, maybe we wouldn’t be so down on the team.

Now, I know we still aren’t a good team, but I am not so sure that I can continue saying we are a bad team. And I know how many hate Capel and slam him for everything he does, but if you are going to slam him for the failures of this team, you definitely need to give him some credit for the teams performance in the last 6 games.

I still don’t think this team will win too many, but I think we will be in a bunch of games.

 

[DT_PITT]

There is absolutely no way that a decision has been made yet, nor should it.

As DT said above, if we hadn’t lost Mintz, maybe we wouldn’t be so down on the team.

Now, I know we still aren’t a good team, but I am not so sure that I can continue saying we are a bad team. And I know how many hate Capel and slam him for everything he does, but if you are going to slam him for the failures of this team, you definitely need to give him some credit for the teams performance in the last 6 games.

I still don’t think this team will win too many, but I think we will be in a bunch of games.

If we can continue to defend, we can have a shot at lots of games. That's where most of the improvement has taken place. Our D has been quite good since UMBC.

We are definitely playing a much better zone defense, and we are getting to the corners like we weren't at the beginning of the year.

Offense will be a big issue all year regardless.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

The reason "Femi was not
as careless with the ball"
is because he had the ball
a lot less.

The other, probably more important reason, is that until well into the second half Jacksonville showed no interest what so ever in putting pressure on our guards with the ball. That's a big part of the reason that they only had two fouls at half time, one of which was with about a minute to go in the half on a foul shot rebound that was clearly a "hey, we've only called one foul on them all half, we better call another one here" variety.

It's a lot easier to not turn the ball over when the other guys don't seem to have any interest in trying to force them.

 

[Vader_Storm]

If we can continue to defend, we can have a shot at lots of games. That's where most of the improvement has taken place. Our D has been quite good since UMBC.

We are definitely playing a much better zone defense, and we are getting to the corners like we weren't at the beginning of the year.

Offense will be a big issue all year regardless.

A lot this year is going to ride with Femi offensively imho and I said this before. If he plays like the player he was at the tail end of last year when he had Nike and Horton as his sidekicks at the end of the season, then our offense has another gear. If he plays like he played today or in the 2nd half against Monmouth when we roared back in the 2nd half of that game after we were down by about 20, our offense has another gear.

We were heavily carried by 2 players today on offense. Femi and Gueye on offense, both were Elite good. There wasn't another player on our entire roster today that played just average on offense because statistically, everyone else besides those 2 players today were "below average or simply bad". And we won the game convincingly in the 2nd half with only 2 players playing well on offense.

We played 2 quality halves of basketball on offense in the last 3 games. And Femi was a big driver of the comeback in the Monmouth game when we outscored them by 13 in the 2nd half and he followed that up today with another big game overall. He is the guy that can step up and take this team to another level this year (besides Horton potentially coming back). I dont know if it will happen meaning he becomes much more consistently good on offense, but it needs to happen for the teams sake. Femi was just ok on defense today.

 

[BTisinDC]

I honestly don't know.

I've heard many rumors from many different credible places ranging from the money has already been pledged for his buyout and the search is underway (or Capel is in the process of negotiating his departure). On the other hand, someone who is fairly connected told me point blank that they are pretty sure those kinds of rumors are BS and that Heather is no where nowhere near any kind of decision.

So the answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. I do believe that there have been boosters who have made it known they would help pay for a buyout. But I also heard this right in the heat of the UMBC and Vandy losses.

It's also fair to say that maybe Heather has been doing some looking around to see who might be available to take over if Capel is not here not next year. Knowing that Capel is almost certain to have his 4th losing season in his 4 years, she is not doing her job if she's not already looking around.

My guess it that she might wait and see how things go in January to make up her mind. Getting Ithiel back could raise the bar a bit as well.

But everything I've just typed is almost completely pure conjecture on my part.

I don't see how HL can give him a vote of confidence, and without it, I don't see how he's going to change the recruiting fortunes. It's become circular.

Although there's plently of time left for this to change, I give him credit for keeping this team playing hard. There's definitely been defensive improvement, and that takes effort.

Side question: did Femi actually jump on his made 3's today? With the exception of one, they looked like set shots from where I was sitting.

 

[DT_PITT]

I don't see how HL can give him a vote of confidence, and without it, I don't see how he's going to change the recruiting fortunes. It's become circular.

Although there's plently of time left for this to change, I give him credit for keeping this team playing hard. There's definitely been defensive improvement, and that takes effort.

Side question: did Femi actually jump on his made 3's today? With the exception of one, they looked like set shots from where I was sitting.

He jumps a little bit. But not much.

 

[Chescat]

It's a lot easier to not turn the ball over when the other guys don't seem to have any interest in trying to force them.

Yeah, they definitely made
it easier for us by not
pressuring us out front. I
still feel we're better, and
more in tempo when Femi
isn't running a pg oriented
offense. Burton, Ezzy, and
Femi controlled the ball,
with Burton setting the
pace and tempo more than
Femi. When teams give us
more pressure, as I'm sure
they will, I hope we maintain
this balance out front.

BTW, we seem to do it better
with Jeffress off the floor. It
also allows Gueye to be more
of a presence inside, and along
the baseline.

 

[Vader_Storm]

Yeah, they definitely made
it easier for us by not
pressuring us out front. I
still feel we're better, and
more in tempo when Femi
isn't running a pg oriented
offense. Burton, Ezzy, and
Femi controlled the ball,
with Burton setting the
pace and tempo more than
Femi. When teams give us
more pressure, as I'm sure
they will, I hope we maintain
this balance out front.

BTW, we seem to do it better
with Jeffress off the floor. It
also allows Gueye to be more
of a presence inside, and along
the baseline.

Burton's scoring is helping Femi out and the team out. Burton's offense has been quite a bit better his last 5 games as opposed to his first 5 games. And his defense is rounding back into form. It took a few games for him to shake off the injury that he had, but he's been a help to Femi.

I dont think Femi's turnovers are as big a deal as some people are making it out to be. Brandin Knight averaged 3.2 turnovers for his entire Pitt career. Carl Krauser was always over 3 turnovers per game when he was a starter. Femi is sitting at 3 turnovers per game and given the circumstance of how this season started with the lack of guards and zero help early on, that is not bad at all. More importantly, Femi's turnover percentage for the entire season has dropped down to 22%, a significant shift since the beginning of the season and that disaster of a game against West Virginia when no one helped him with the double teams he was getting when he turned the ball over 8 times in a single game. Femi's usage rate is still high, currently sitting at 27.3% for the season. He is still putting a heavy usage load on his shoulders this season, including the last 4 games where his usage was high in the offense.

Eze has done a much better job too. His turnover percentage for the season is down to 33% Even though that is still high. His ball control has been much better lately without turning it over. He's also hit some key shots which has put us in a position to win some games.

 

[Duneaux Harm]

** Many of us, including Coach Capel, have talked about the Panther’s recipe for wins this year. Play slow with a grinding offense, physical defense, minimize turnovers, and hang around to the end when hopefully the game can be pulled out.

** Today we saw a pleasant addition to that combination, which was hitting a couple of shots too.

** No one would ever call today a good shooting performance. But it was also a step or so above some of the more miserable shooting performances that we’ve seen thus far this year.

** And while no one should also be ready to proclaim that we have “an efficient offense,” in the second half, it actually looked like “an offense,” with several moments of legitimate execution.

** In fact, we scored 36 points in roughly the final 16 minutes and, about 27 possessions, which is … well … not too bad at all.

** Personally, my only regret was that I spent far too much of my time in attendance waiting for the other shoe to drop on the Panthers, and I didn’t appreciate the second half surge nearly as much as I could have.

** I don’t think one could blame me though. The first half was our typical "lackluster," and the second half started slowly as well. So when the Panthers finally went up five at the under 12:00 TO, I remarked that I thought it might be nice to see the Panthers stretch that to 8 or 9, even though it wasn't likely since that is not something we have accomplished this year at all.

** But instead the Panthers stretched that 5 point lead to 15. How about that?

** What also happened during the entire 22-3 run was ball movement, good decisions, and good shots.

** I guess I will just have to enjoy it fully now.

** It seemed that in the middle of everything good that happened for the Panthers today was Mo Gueye. He rebounded and defended and blocked shots. He passed the ball and moved without it. And of course he scored too, from close and far away.

** My friend with whom I sit remarked that Mo was quickly become his favorite Pitt player this year. I suspect there are more than a few are starting to say the same thing. Maybe even me.

** If Femi has more shooting games like he did today, he’ll also be a favorite of many Pitt fans, or at least out of the doghouse. However, I should also add that I don’t know if Femi played particularly well, at least not for the early parts of the game. It felt like he was a bit unfocused nor did it appear as if he was bringing all of the defensive effort he needed to.

** But Femi was not as careless with the ball as he has been in past outings, and hitting jumpers can make any player look like they are playing well. So kudos to the young man for tying his career high. Hopefully he’ll build off of this going into the ACC season. We are going to need it.

** With that, I confess that it’s still hard to see how this game launches the Panthers with any particular momentum into the ACC season.

** Yet, it certainly does feel at least as if Capel has straightened some things out since complete debacle against UMBC. In this six game stretch, we’ve surrendered just 57.8 PPG. And with the exception of the first half against Monmouth, we’ve matched or outplayed all of our opponents.

** And if the above is true, it’s up to each Pitt fan to decide what that does for your hopes for the season. For me for now, it’s simply more evidence that this team won’t sink to the depths we faced in 2017-2018.

** Next week offers a winnable game against the Irish, a game I can also say I’m now looking forward to seeing. Just a few weeks ago, I’m not sure I would have said either of these things.

** But I hope more fellow Panther fans will join. Up to now, it’s been far too depressing watching games at the Pete with crowds of 1,500 or less.

** But until then, my most sincere Happy Holiday wishes to all!

Show up. They actually deserve it.

 

[lunzhegu]

We all know that the team has been a disappointment to many posters. But all this Board’s talk of firing Capel is more than boring: it’s absurd. Capel knows what he is doing, and he knows what he is dealing with. Who will step up and say that the great Coach K himself kept Capel as his associate head coach out of charity or pity, or was it just to sit beside him? Which one of the Capel bashers wants to say that Coach K is a fool? Without his two older guards, Capel is doing a good job with a very, very young team. They are playing with heart, and they are rebounding, and they are playing defense, and they are improving. That is what we want to see. The posters who keep bashing Capel are the same ones who keep bashing the kids. Those posters who give them credit or take pleasure in their development are few and far between.

The reality is that the problem is PITT, not Capel. Pitt fans should give up their delusions of grandeur. Barnes and Stallings killed the program. Pitt became the worst P6 program in the country, maybe the worst in history. Pitt set the ACC records for the worst home loss ever. Pitt is a joke, and a laughing stock to our formal rivals. Who would want to come here to play? Who would want to come here to coach? Pitt is lucky to have someone of Capel’s stature and respect. Capel needs at least five years or six years or more just to make Pitt respectable. And that goal should be enough.

 

[Drew1208]

We all know that the team has been a disappointment to many posters. But all this Board’s talk of firing Capel is more than boring: it’s absurd. Capel knows what he is doing, and he knows what he is dealing with. Who will step up and say that the great Coach K himself kept Capel as his associate head coach out of charity or pity, or was it just to sit beside him? Which one of the Capel bashers wants to say that Coach K is a fool? Without his two older guards, Capel is doing a good job with a very, very young team. They are playing with heart, and they are rebounding, and they are playing defense, and they are improving. That is what we want to see. The posters who keep bashing Capel are the same ones who keep bashing the kids. Those posters who give them credit or take pleasure in their development are few and far between.

The reality is that the problem is PITT, not Capel. Pitt fans should give up their delusions of grandeur. Barnes and Stallings killed the program. Pitt became the worst P6 program in the country, maybe the worst in history. Pitt set the ACC records for the worst home loss ever. Pitt is a joke, and a laughing stock to our formal rivals. Who would want to come here to play? Who would want to come here to coach? Pitt is lucky to have someone of Capel’s stature and respect. Capel needs at least five years or six years or more just to make Pitt respectable. And that goal should be enough.

You never have to settle for mediocrity in basketball.
Capel has had enough good players so far to get us to respectability.
His own failings of roster management is where the buck stops and that's on Capel.
I enjoy this team. I don't think Capel is this horrible no nothing coach. That criticism is silly.
But he deserves a hot seat.
He's had some bad luck. But i believe you make your luck to a big degree and he hasn't helped himself.

However I'm starting to think he gets a few wins in ACC and saves his job for a year. If that's true the biggest recruits he'll have are already on the team.
He has to make sure the wrong guys don't leave after this year.

 

[Chescat]

Burton's scoring is helping Femi out and the team out. Burton's offense has been quite a bit better his last 5 games as opposed to his first 5 games. And his defense is rounding back into form. It took a few games for him to shake off the injury that he had, but he's been a help to Femi.

I dont think Femi's turnovers are as big a deal as some people are making it out to be. Brandin Knight averaged 3.2 turnovers for his entire Pitt career. Carl Krauser was always over 3 turnovers per game when he was a starter. Femi is sitting at 3 turnovers per game and given the circumstance of how this season started with the lack of guards and zero help early on, that is not bad at all. More importantly, Femi's turnover percentage for the entire season has dropped down to 22%, a significant shift since the beginning of the season and that disaster of a game against West Virginia when no one helped him with the double teams he was getting when he turned the ball over 8 times in a single game. Femi's usage rate is still high, currently sitting at 27.3% for the season. He is still putting a heavy usage load on his shoulders this season, including the last 4 games where his usage was high in the offense.

Eze has done a much better job too. His turnover percentage for the season is down to 33% Even though that is still high. His ball control has been much better lately without turning it over. He's also hit some key shots which has put us in a position to win some games.

Ok, some yes and some
no's to your response to
my post regarding Femi.

Once again, be careful of
using only stats to support
your explanation. Many of
Femi's TO's didn't get
measured as TO's because
they were forced drives to
the hoop resulting in poor
contested shots. He'd either.
miss, eat it, or have it go
out of bounds. THOSE are
NOT listed as TO's. Anyone
even slightly familiar to Bball
realizes that the ball is now
going the other way. All
coaches accept that as the
same as a TO, even though
it's not listed as one.

Now, your point about his
TO percentage improving,
yes I agree. You look at the
22%....I look at the WHY it's
better. The why is obvious,
the other guards are handling
the ball more. Also, Burton
settles the offense, and this
puts Femi in position to do
what he does. I like Femi,
but I don't think he's the
answer as a pg. For that
matter, neither is Burton,
but combined with Ezzy,
they all can contribute.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I sure hope we offer Kevion Nolan

 

[Chescat]

I sure hope we offer Kevion Nolan

That dude can shoot. He
was 50% from the field
against us. Even better
on 3's....6-11.

BTW, Femi was also hot.
9-13 from the field and
5-7 on 3's. FT's? go figure
5-10.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

That dude can shoot. He
was 50% from the field
against us. Even better
on 3's....6-11.

BTW, Femi was also hot.
9-13 from the field and
5-7 on 3's. FT's? go figure
5-10.

Nolan is shooting 45% on the year from 3. I sure hope someone got his cell number in the handshake line. He'd be one of the best shooters we've had in years.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

BTW, Femi was also hot.
9-13 from the field and
5-7 on 3's. FT's? go figure
5-10.

5-6 on foul shots until the last minute, when I think the chance to have a 30 point game got in his head.

 

[Chescat]

5-6 on foul shots until the last minute, when I think the chance to have a 30 point game got in his head.

He's actually improved his
FT% from earlier in the yr.
He's at 61.8% which is not
all that good, but considering
that he was at 49% last yr.,
there is some improvement.
It's obviously in his head, as
it is with most players who
struggle from the line.

Maybe some lessons from
Herb Magee...the legendary
Shot Doctor.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

We all know that the team has been a disappointment to many posters. But all this Board’s talk of firing Capel is more than boring: it’s absurd. Capel knows what he is doing, and he knows what he is dealing with. Who will step up and say that the great Coach K himself kept Capel as his associate head coach out of charity or pity, or was it just to sit beside him? Which one of the Capel bashers wants to say that Coach K is a fool? Without his two older guards, Capel is doing a good job with a very, very young team. They are playing with heart, and they are rebounding, and they are playing defense, and they are improving. That is what we want to see. The posters who keep bashing Capel are the same ones who keep bashing the kids. Those posters who give them credit or take pleasure in their development are few and far between.

The reality is that the problem is PITT, not Capel. Pitt fans should give up their delusions of grandeur. Barnes and Stallings killed the program. Pitt became the worst P6 program in the country, maybe the worst in history. Pitt set the ACC records for the worst home loss ever. Pitt is a joke, and a laughing stock to our formal rivals. Who would want to come here to play? Who would want to come here to coach? Pitt is lucky to have someone of Capel’s stature and respect. Capel needs at least five years or six years or more just to make Pitt respectable. And that goal should be enough.

The only thing around here that is absurd is your post. It takes a good coach 2-3 years to turn around a program at any Power 6 school. This is year 4 of Capel’s tenure and we are looking at a losing record with no recruits. You are either a troll, or have some connection to Capel.

 

[Vader_Storm]

The only thing around here that is absurd is your post. It takes a good coach 2-3 years to turn around a program at any Power 6 school. This is year 4 of Capel’s tenure and we are looking at a losing record with no recruits. You are either a troll, or have some connection to Capel.

Not that this matters because other situations are not equal to our situation,

But Scott Drew had 4 losing seasons in a row at Baylor when he took over, and he didnt win more than 4 conference games 1 time in his first 4 seasons. Drew is now one of the hottest coaches in the country. He made the NCAA Tournament 1 time in his first 6 years at Baylor.

Tony Bennett also made the NCAA Tournament 1 time in his first 4 seasons as a coach at Virginia.

Bruce Pearl didnt get into the NCAA Tournament at Auburn until his 4th season. He had 3 losing SEC seasons in a row in a conference that wasn't even good when he went into it. And Auburn is a big time cheat in multiple sports.


The only other thing Im going to say is, the Kevin Stallings team is the worst Power 6 team I have ever seen and its not even close. Statistically, I cant name 1 other team that was even close to being as bad as that one was that year. We are talking about a team that literally was blown out most games in conference play. The rebuild, by anyone except maybe Rick Pitino, was going to realistically take 4 years considering how dire of a position we were in, with zero big men and it normally takes years to develop bigs.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

Not that this matters because other situations are not equal to our situation,

But Scott Drew had 4 losing seasons in a row at Baylor when he took over, and he didnt win more than 4 conference games 1 time in his first 4 seasons. Drew is now one of the hottest coaches in the country. He made the NCAA Tournament 1 time in his first 6 years at Baylor.

Tony Bennett also made the NCAA Tournament 1 time in his first 4 seasons as a coach at Virginia.

Bruce Pearl didnt get into the NCAA Tournament at Auburn until his 4th season. He had 3 losing SEC seasons in a row in a conference that wasn't even good when he went into it. And Auburn is a big time cheat in multiple sports.


The only other thing Im going to say is, the Kevin Stallings team is the worst Power 6 team I have ever seen and its not even close. Statistically, I cant name 1 other team that was even close to being as bad as that one was that year. We are talking about a team that literally was blown out most games in conference play. The rebuild, by anyone except maybe Rick Pitino, was going to realistically take 4 years considering how dire of a position we were in, with zero big men and it normally takes years to develop bigs.

Bennett won 16, 22, and 23 games in years 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

Pearl won 18 games in year 3 and then 26 in year 4.

Baylor Basketball was essentially SMU Football coming off the Death Penalty when Drew took over.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Bennett won 16, 22, and 23 games in years 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

Pearl won 18 games in year 3 and then 26 in year 4.

Baylor Basketball was essentially SMU Football coming off the Death Penalty when Drew took over.

So in summary his coach comparisons are about as good as comparing Femi to BK.

 

[Vader_Storm]

So in summary his coach comparisons are about as good as comparing Femi to BK.

The Stallings team was just as bad as the death penalty. Because I cant name a Power 6 team as bad as that one, ever, in any type of memory going back 40+ years in college basketball from a power 6 conference.

Do you not understand how hard it is to go 0-19 in conference play? And get killed almost every game doing it?

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

The Stallings team was just as bad as the death penalty. Because I cant name a Power 6 team as bad as that one, ever, in any type of memory going back 40+ years in college basketball from a power 6 conference.

Do you not understand how hard it is to go 0-19 in conference play? And get killed almost every game doing it?

No I don’t. Please write 17 paragraphs on it (if you can limit it to that) so maybe a dummy like me will get it.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

The Stallings team was just as bad as the death penalty. Because I cant name a Power 6 team as bad as that one, ever, in any type of memory going back 40+ years in college basketball from a power 6 conference.

Do you not understand how hard it is to go 0-19 in conference play? And get killed almost every game doing it?

At least they didn’t lose to THE Citadel by 15 and UMBC by 10.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

At least they didn’t lose to THE Citadel by 15 and UMBC by 10.

I agree that Stallings’ team was epically bad but Capel’s been an abject failure by nearly any measure. I mean it seems some people are excited thinking that now maybe this team can now win 5 conference games. And to beat it to death some more - zero recruits. It’s a joke.

 

[TWPitt]

I agree that Stallings’ team was epically bad but Capel’s been an abject failure by nearly any measure. I mean it seems some people are excited thinking that now maybe this team can now win 5 conference games. And to beat it to death some more - zero recruits. It’s a joke.

Nah it’s better for the next 3 months to beat the same drum your beating. That doesn’t get old.

 

[Vader_Storm]

At least they didn’t lose to THE Citadel by 15 and UMBC by 10.

Just so some people dont forget.

This is what the Stallings team looked like at home in Conference play

The Stallings team lost to Duke at home by 35
The Stallings team lost at home to Louisville by 44
The Stallings team lost to Virginia at home by 29
The Stallings team lost to Boston College at home by 23
The Stallings team lost to the 13th place ACC team at home by 15 against Georgia Tech

We should have just forfeited that season. It would have been better off for everybody. Most of these games were total blowouts 10 minutes into the game.

 

[gary2]

Nah it’s better for the next 3 months to beat the same drum your beating. That doesn’t get old.

Have you seen enough time to make a judgement? How much time is enough?

What is the average, not the most, not the least, leash a coach is given?

 

[gary2]

Just so some people dont forget.

This is what the Stallings team looked like at home in Conference play

The Stallings team lost to Duke at home by 35
The Stallings team lost at home to Louisville by 44
The Stallings team lost to Virginia at home by 29
The Stallings team lost to Boston College at home by 23
The Stallings team lost to the 13th place ACC team at home by 15 against Georgia Tech

We should have just forfeited that season. It would have been better off for everybody. Most of these games were total blowouts 10 minutes into the game.

What does Stallings have to do with making a decision on Capel?

Capel is in year , not year 1.