Looking a bit ahead until next year

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Not sure with what we got. We subtract ONE big component, James Robinson. And not sure how much this is a subtraction, aside from the fact he played a role and was someone with this group that only could play this role.

You have Young, Artis and Jeter back. All 3 are capable of scoring 15-20 points per game. All 3 can do a lot on the offensive end. All 3 aren't very good at defense.

You have Ryan Luther who figures into that above pack, because he is no 5. He is as offensively gifted as the 3 guys above, with maybe a bit more grit, edge and can step out and hit the 3.

You got Cam Johnson who is a 6'8" wing, a shooter, who shown some athleticism in driving to the hoop against UNC's uber athletes. With some more work, he actually reminds me a lot of Tayshaun Prince of UK fame. I think he has the potential to be a star.

Damon Wilson is a talent. He is 6'5". He can get into the paint and take the ball to the whole. He is not a knock down 3 point shooter, but he isn't horrible. But his handle is suspect for a PG.

We got a lot of talent, but it is a lot of same talent. Too bad we cannot trade in college BB. We could trade an Artis/Young or Jeter to some team for a defensive player at the 5 who can rebound and block shots.

All in all, it is going to depend on our play at the point, and can we find some force down low. But other than that, we have a lot of talent 2,3 and 4, with I think Cam Johnson becoming a star next year.

 

[88Pitt88]

Not sure with what we got. We subtract ONE big component, James Robinson. And not sure how much this is a subtraction, aside from the fact he played a role and was someone with this group that only could play this role.

You have Young, Artis and Jeter back. All 3 are capable of scoring 15-20 points per game. All 3 can do a lot on the offensive end. All 3 aren't very good at defense.

You have Ryan Luther who figures into that above pack, because he is no 5. He is as offensively gifted as the 3 guys above, with maybe a bit more grit, edge and can step out and hit the 3.

You got Cam Johnson who is a 6'8" wing, a shooter, who shown some athleticism in driving to the hoop against UNC's uber athletes. With some more work, he actually reminds me a lot of Tayshaun Prince of UK fame. I think he has the potential to be a star.

Damon Wilson is a talent. He is 6'5". He can get into the paint and take the ball to the whole. He is not a knock down 3 point shooter, but he isn't horrible. But his handle is suspect for a PG.

We got a lot of talent, but it is a lot of same talent. Too bad we cannot trade in college BB. We could trade an Artis/Young or Jeter to some team for a defensive player at the 5 who can rebound and block shots.

All in all, it is going to depend on our play at the point, and can we find some force down low. But other than that, we have a lot of talent 2,3 and 4, with I think Cam Johnson becoming a star next year.

Agree. I Have said on here before that we probably were at the bottom at the end of last season or even early this season. I think there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about next year. You pointed out some of them.

The arrow is no longer pointing down for Pitt hoops. It has reversed course for next season and I think if we get any help from Manigault or Nix inside, we can win 23 or 24 ballgames next year. Not quite back to where we were, but definitely not sweating out selection Sunday.

Hope Jamie can keep it going, and put some good classes together here. Jamie isn't going anywhere and I am thankful for him, he is the right leader for our team!

 

[bobfree]

-We will miss Robinson more than most believe.

-I'm not 100 percent sure Artis and or Young come back. Artis particularly doesn't seem to care if we win and he will be 24 next season. Maybe he plays over seas next season.

--I think people are way over estimating Nix and the impact he will have. He averaged 10 points at the jc in Florida. Benji bell averaged almost 20 last year which translated to about 3 points a game this year at Florida state.

--manigault will be a quality player but not sure he will be ready next season.

--kithcart looks like a steal and great player but he probably isn't even a top 10 incoming freshmen in the acc.

--schedule is actually and surprisingly tough next season.

--more of the same next season but maybe the wrong side of the bubble

 

[Scruffy the Panther]

-We will miss Robinson more than most believe.

-I'm not 100 percent sure Artis and or Young come back. Artis particularly doesn't seem to care if we win and he will be 24 next season. Maybe he plays over seas next season.

--I think people are way over estimating Nix and the impact he will have. He averaged 10 points at the jc in Florida. Benji bell averaged almost 20 last year which translated to about 3 points a game this year at Florida state.

--manigault will be a quality player but not sure he will be ready next season.

--kithcart looks like a steal and great player but he probably isn't even a top 10 incoming freshmen in the acc.

--schedule is actually and surprisingly tough next season.

--more of the same next season but maybe the wrong side of the bubble

I would be ok with Nix averaging 3 points if he is a monster on the boards and on D.

 

[Swervin27]

I would be ok with Nix averaging 3 points of he is a monster on the boards and on D.

I think any coach in America would take that at Center.. Realistically, to expect someone with an offer from us and well, no one else, to come in and be a "monster" on the Boards and D is not too likely.. How bout we temper our expectations to someone that can play decent post defense and not be a complete liability on offense..

 

[Swervin27]

I cant see Artis leaving.. Where is he going? Europe? What's the difference between playing in Europe as a 24 year old vs 25 year old? 65k will be there in a year, no need to expedite the process.. Not a bad life at all, fresh out of school, playing ball in Europe, seeing the world, crushing international squirrel between games, I think it's pretty solid way to spend your mid/late 20s but I just don't see leaving school early to do it..

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

The problem with Pitt BB IN MY OPINION, is when you look at my post, we have too much of the same thing. And we have been accumulating these types of guys. What we are lacking are those defined role players, guys who just wanted to win, and didn't care about stats.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Jamie was very complimentary a few days ago on Jeter's improved defense (he didn't mention Young or Artis). Really hoping he can take another step for next year. He, along with Cam and Luther, have provided the real spark this year, though rarely at the same time.

 

[Swervin27]

The problem with Pitt BB IN MY OPINION, is when you look at my post, we have too much of the same thing. And we have been accumulating these types of guys. What we are lacking are those defined role players, guys who just wanted to win, and didn't care about stats.

Agree, enough of the hybrid 3-4 player.. " He is athletic enough to play the wing but big enough to play in the post, he'll be a matchup nightmare" Uh, no he wont. If he was, we wouldn't be a fanbase waiting for selection sunday, praying we'll get in..

 

[NTOP]

-We will miss Robinson more than most believe.

-I'm not 100 percent sure Artis and or Young come back. Artis particularly doesn't seem to care if we win and he will be 24 next season. Maybe he plays over seas next season.

--I think people are way over estimating Nix and the impact he will have. He averaged 10 points at the jc in Florida. Benji bell averaged almost 20 last year which translated to about 3 points a game this year at Florida state.

--manigault will be a quality player but not sure he will be ready next season.

--kithcart looks like a steal and great player but he probably isn't even a top 10 incoming freshmen in the acc.

--schedule is actually and surprisingly tough next season.

--more of the same next season but maybe the wrong side of the bubble

If we can get 5-6 points + that many RBs from Nix, plus some good minutes from Manigault, we'll be a good bit better. Milligan/Kithcart/Wilson/Jones/Clark give us some flex in the backcourt. The schedule is as brutal, in-conference, as we've ever played. Need to protect our home court. I think the worst is over for our slide.

 

[levance2]

The problem with Pitt BB IN MY OPINION, is when you look at my post, we have too much of the same thing. And we have been accumulating these types of guys. What we are lacking are those defined role players, guys who just wanted to win, and didn't care about stats.

To be fair, Luther is probably farther along at this point than he was expected upon signing. If you assume he redshirts the NIT year, he is a little-played FR this year, and ready to take some time from departing Young/Artis in 2018. The fact that he's arguably in the mix for serious minutes in 2017 is a pleasant problem.

I expect Kithcart to start at PG. Maybe Luther starts at C, maybe Nix. I don't expect Nix to score much at all, but Dixon didn't expect Maia or Adams or McGhee to score ever. Hopefully he at least keeps the defense honest so the others can drive more. That's our biggest failure today.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I think we will be shopping for a grad transfer Center. I dont think Nix is a major college player but I could be wrong.

I think I'd start

Kithcart
Jones/Johnson
Artis
Jeter
Young

Luther playing 18-20 MPG at 4 and 5

 

[Pittbaseball11]

I think we will be shopping for a grad transfer Center. I dont think Nix is a major college player but I could be wrong.

I think I'd start

Kithcart
Jones/Johnson
Artis
Jeter
Young

Luther playing 18-20 MPG at 4 and 5

Of all of your crazy ideas, starting Mike Young at the 5 is definitely the craziest.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

I think any coach in America would take that at Center.. Realistically, to expect someone with an offer from us and well, no one else, to come in and be a "monster" on the Boards and D is not too likely.. How bout we temper our expectations to someone that can play decent post defense and not be a complete liability on offense..

I agree with you. However, from the picture attached, is it surprising the player on the left got no real offers?? Hopefully the player on the right can bang, rebound and rebound better than the one on the left.

 

[Swervin27]

View embedded media

I agree with you. However, from the picture attached, is it surprising the player on the left got no real offers?? Hopefully the player on the right can bang, rebound and rebound better than the one on the left.

good point.. maybe looking at offers isn't a good thing.. Dixon has done well developing big men, it's a long process but guys look no further than Gray as proof positive of someone who was very awkward who turned into a very good player.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

good point.. maybe looking at offers isn't a good thing.. Dixon has done well developing big men, it's a long process but guys look no further than Gray as proof positive of someone who was very awkward who turned into a very good player.

The picture on the left is his high school picture. He had lost some weight when he was playing JUCO ball and wasn't that big. From what I recall when they recruited and signed him Dixon told him it's a must to lose more weight and get in better shape and he's done that. And it sounds like he continues to work hard from everything I've read on him. Will it be enough? Remains to be seen.

I don't know who offered officially but he was said to be considering South Carolina and Loyola Marymount. But I think that's when SC hired Martin and he didn't want Nix.

 

[pittbb80]

Way too many wild cards to predict how things will shake out.

1. PG play will be critical. I have been hard on JROB at times but it's clear there is no one on the team currently who is ready to take hi is place. Depending upon how quickly Kithcart adjusts to the college game and whether or not Miligan can improve his game, the PG position could be anywhere from far worse to a nice upgrade.

2. I think its important for Artis and Young to be leaders on the team and work hard n the offseason to become physically stronger athletes and improve their respective games, particularly in the toughness area. BTW I think Artis gets a bad rap from fans........I think hes basically a good kid but does not show a ton of emotion so it comes off as not caring. He does have to find a way to be more consistent.

3. Cam and Luther have to improve. If cam especially can become the tall wing with a deadly shot, that will help take some pressure of the PG.

4. Between NIx and Maginault, or a grad transfer big, they need to find some defense and rebounding from the 5. Scoring wont be important but they need a guy who will bring some toughness.

Artis and MY are decent D1 players but neither guy by themselves can carry a team. They need help. When they got it this year form inspired play by Cam, Jrob or CJ, the team was pretty good. When they had little help, the team performance was ugly. If your an optimist, you'll lean towards most of the issues above breaking the teams way. I'd like to think this team will at least make the tourney again.

 

[Scruffy the Panther]

I think any coach in America would take that at Center.. Realistically, to expect someone with an offer from us and well, no one else, to come in and be a "monster" on the Boards and D is not too likely.. How bout we temper our expectations to someone that can play decent post defense and not be a complete liability on offense..

No expectations in my post. Just hopes. Which is the approach I think most people are taking with Nix.

Of course, I also hope he scores more than points a game.

 

[PHATWOOD]

It's so hard to judge whether next year will be a step forward or another step back. The loss of a very good point guard with no heir apparent is a pretty big one.

Pitt has some decent wings now, and the progression of Luther and Johnson in the late part of the season gives you hope that they'll grow even more.

But now we're a team that hasn't had a good center for years, with no proven or experienced point guard, and a bunch of guys that seem to dislike playing defense. To me that seems like a recipe for disaster. If these guys don't decide during the offseason that they're going to commit to getting stops on the defensive end we better hope they can score 80 points every single night.

 

[Pitt79]

Another thing to consider again, is get some more senior transfers, accept get better ones, with Pitt's recruiting as bad as it is, we should look at this avenue every year.

 

[pittzap]

good point.. maybe looking at offers isn't a good thing.. Dixon has done well developing big men, it's a long process but guys look no further than Gray as proof positive of someone who was very awkward who turned into a very good player.

Just rebound and change some shots. Any points over 4 per game is a bonus. We have no size or strength inside. Just be "Rozelle the Hotel" and clog up the middle a bit.

 

[TiredRam97]

I'm bullish on Kithcart. I think he's our PG from day one and will quickly make us forget about JRob(and that's not a shot at James).

And if Artis leaves, so be it. I think we will be able to replace him with Jeter, Luther, and Manigault on the roster.

I just wish Jamie would stop pissing around with this last scholarship and save it for 2017. All the recruiting eggs need to be in that classes basket.

 

[Panthervision]

And if Artis leaves, so be it. I think we will be able to replace him with Jeter, Luther, and Manigault on the roster.

I think we would miss Artis' ball handling and passing. Even though he was erratic in some games this year, when he was on, Pitt was tough.

Jeter, Luther and Manigault will be able to make up for Jamel's inside game. However, Jamel's perimeter game will need to be made up for by Cam Johnson.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Agree, enough of the hybrid 3-4 player.. " He is athletic enough to play the wing but big enough to play in the post, he'll be a matchup nightmare" Uh, no he wont. If he was, we wouldn't be a fanbase waiting for selection sunday, praying we'll get in..

Well....I mean those players are great. But 3-4 of them, are not necessarily the best thing for the team.

 

[Delpanther]

All of these analyses sluff over the key point that the core of this team was way deficient on intangibles like grit, heart, toughness and leadership. It's easy to forget about these factors after a game like the Duke game but they hit you smack in the face after the games at VT and GT. It's therefore a little short sighted to predict how this team will do in 2017 unless these issues on intangible qualities that all good teams have are successfully addressed.

 

[drunkinoakland]

Yeah, regardless what happens we aren't going to play defense next year, so who cares?

 

[InfoManiac]

If Nix can just give some minutes to battle some of the bigger post players Pitt encounters that would be very useful. He probably won't ever be a starter but could play a key role in certain games. I hear his hands are not outstanding but are above average, so he should rebound well

 

[LeftCoastPanther]

So outside of the 2K Classic and a matchup versus an unknown B10 team on the road, who else is Pitt playing in the nonconference for the tough schedule label?

Thanks.

 

[Pitt79]

Artis particularly doesn't seem to care if we win and he will be 24 next season. Maybe he plays over seas next season.

Have you talked to him? Has he told you he doesn't care if he wins or loses? I mean people come up with this BS, it's laughable! Does he have to fall to the floor and cry or you think he doesn't want to win?

 

[NTOP]

Another thing to consider again, is get some more senior transfers, accept get better ones, with Pitt's recruiting as bad as it is, we should look at this avenue every year.

We only have one spot to fill....at least as of today. Perhaps someone transfers (Jones?) or goes pro (?).
I'd go that route only if we can't get a solid commit....rare this late. Otherwise, save it for 2017.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

All of these analyses sluff over the key point that the core of this team was way deficient on intangibles like grit, heart, toughness and leadership. It's easy to forget about these factors after a game like the Duke game but they hit you smack in the face after the games at VT and GT. It's therefore a little short sighted to predict how this team will do in 2017 unless these issues on intangible qualities that all good teams have are successfully addressed.

". . . the core of this team was way deficient on intangibles like grit, heart, toughness and leadership." You could be right; but I doubt it. What evidence other than your own personal opinion? That is a totally subjective opinion and is at best no more than that--just an opinion based on no more facts than you didn't like the outcome of some close games that were lost. I saw no evidence of the players quitting or giving up. I will continue to believe you are wrong.

 

[bobfree]

Have you talked to him? Has he told you he doesn't care if he wins or loses? I mean people come up with this BS, it's laughable! Does he have to fall to the floor and cry or you think he doesn't want to win?

"Doesn't seem"

That's as in appears to me.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Of all of your crazy ideas, starting Mike Young at the 5 is definitely the craziest.

Nobody has any glue if Nix is a D1 player even. He might be really good but nobody knows. If Nix isnt good and Manigault isnt ready, might not have a choice but to play Young a lot of minutes at the 5.

 

[Harve74]

The picture on the left is his high school picture. He had lost some weight when he was playing JUCO ball and wasn't that big. From what I recall when they recruited and signed him Dixon told him it's a must to lose more weight and get in better shape and he's done that. And it sounds like he continues to work hard from everything I've read on him. Will it be enough? Remains to be seen.

I don't know who offered officially but he was said to be considering South Carolina and Loyola Marymount. But I think that's when SC hired Martin and he didn't want Nix.

He took an official visit to Martin and South Carolina just shortly before committing to Pitt. Martin definitely wanted him. He also officially visited Loyolla in September. This info is in the News section of his Rivals profile. Rosy played above 400# in high school, was at 385 when he got to juco and about 335 at the beginning of hs sophomore year. He was measured at 6-10 1/2, 308 here.

The South Carolina article says Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee VCU and Xavier were also recruiting him last Fall. They say he spent most of his USC visit with Martin.

Hey, he's neither quick nor a leaper. But, he IS big and works hard. He takes up a lot of space under the rim and REALLY works at boxing out. He may not get 5 rebounds a night. But, whoever he's guarding will get 5 LESS.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

He took an official visit to Martin and South Carolina just shortly before committing to Pitt. Martin definitely wanted him. He also officially visited Loyolla in September. This info is in the News section of his Rivals profile. Rosy played above 400# in high school, was at 385 when he got to juco and about 335 at the beginning of hs sophomore year. He was measured at 6-10 1/2, 308 here.

The South Carolina article says Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee VCU and Xavier were also recruiting him last Fall. They say he spent most of his USC visit with Martin.

Hey, he's neither quick nor a leaper. But, he IS big and works hard. He takes up a lot of space under the rim and REALLY works at boxing out. He may not get 5 rebounds a night. But, whoever he's guarding will get 5 LESS.

I stand corrected. My memory isn't what it once was. Thanks for the correction.

 

[Pitt79]

"Doesn't seem"

That's as in appears to me.

It just seems funny to me, you see a guy averaging double figures on a winning ACC team and you seem to think he's not trying?

 

[Pitt79]

Nobody has any glue if Nix is a D1 player even. He might be really good but nobody knows. If Nix isnt good and Manigault isnt ready, might not have a choice but to play Young a lot of minutes at the 5.

If he's Toree Morris 2, that's OK too. He doesn't have to be the greatest.

 

[DT_PITT]

I

Not sure with what we got. We subtract ONE big component, James Robinson. And not sure how much this is a subtraction, aside from the fact he played a role and was someone with this group that only could play this role.

You have Young, Artis and Jeter back. All 3 are capable of scoring 15-20 points per game. All 3 can do a lot on the offensive end. All 3 aren't very good at defense.

You have Ryan Luther who figures into that above pack, because he is no 5. He is as offensively gifted as the 3 guys above, with maybe a bit more grit, edge and can step out and hit the 3.

You got Cam Johnson who is a 6'8" wing, a shooter, who shown some athleticism in driving to the hoop against UNC's uber athletes. With some more work, he actually reminds me a lot of Tayshaun Prince of UK fame. I think he has the potential to be a star.

Damon Wilson is a talent. He is 6'5". He can get into the paint and take the ball to the whole. He is not a knock down 3 point shooter, but he isn't horrible. But his handle is suspect for a PG.

We got a lot of talent, but it is a lot of same talent. Too bad we cannot trade in college BB. We could trade an Artis/Young or Jeter to some team for a defensive player at the 5 who can rebound and block shots.

All in all, it is going to depend on our play at the point, and can we find some force down low. But other than that, we have a lot of talent 2,3 and 4, with I think Cam Johnson becoming a star next year.

Interesting thoughts.
But it's so tough to know what to think for next year until we see what happens with the roster, particularly Artis.

Beyond that, there are two HUGE questions. If Young, Artis and Jeter all return, they are the core of the team. It's hard to know how good of a thing that would be.

And I don't know WHAT to think about replacing James. All of the downsides people suggested are true (can't get by people) but the fact that he didn't turn it over was MUCH bigger than some realize.

 

[NC Panther]

Kithcart and Milligan at the 1
Jones and Wilson at the 2
Artis and Johnson at the 3
Young and Jeter at the 4
Luther and Nix (or Manigault) at the 5

I know there will be a lot of different matches depending on the game and the opponent but, that's 10 players.

All of these are "ifs" but, if Kithcart does turn out to be a steal, plus Milligan was pretty highly rated and has a year under his belt.

Wilson, Artis, Jeter, Young, Jones, Cam and Luther all improve - to what degree who knows but say they do....

If these things happen, we will be very good next year.

 

[Wednesday Morning]

Unless Nix surprises the hell out of me or Manigault can be ready from day one, we won't have much size to bang with ACC level frontlines.

Transfers rarely work out for us, so I ain't counting on that.

I was never a JRob fan and still not. Seemed like a great positive and level headed kid and he worked his tail off, but he always infuriated me more than any Pitt PG outside of Woodall. Just too inconsistent offensively, way too conservative and athletically limited for me. Too bad we have so many question marks behind him.

D Wilson can penetrate and can shoot a little bit. Unfortunately, he's not a good passer right now and seems hesitant and lost at times. Maybe they are trying to change him to play more like JRob than just letting him play his game. I don't know. I think he can be a lock down defender, though with experience. He has the quickness and length.

I know nothing about Kithcart except he was like our 4th or 5th PG recruiting option behind Winston, Gibbs, Moore, and maybe White. He looks quick in his videos, but that's high school. Milligan is also supposed to be quick. We'll see..

Who will be our leader? Young seems to whine and complain too much to be a leader. Artis seems disinterested. Jeter looks like he wants to lead and he seems to be gaining trust from Coach Dixon. Jones seems like he could be a leader as well. If only he was not so erratic.

Too many questions for me to feel good about next year, but that's why they play the game.