Louisville Game & Other Dribbles ...

[DT_PITT]

** Not much to say that any different than anything that's been said for the last several close tough losses.

** The most I can say is that these games are at least fun to watch, even if the feeling we aren't going to pull it out is getting quite discouraging.

** One thing we truly can appreciate watching this year is some really impressive post moves by John. And if Malik Williams is 2nd team All ACC, what does that make Hugley? But he's got to be smarter because we just can't survive much without him on the court.

** What this team needs to take away from this game is that the MUST play defense for 40 minutes. Allowing L-ville to score 40 points in the last 16 minutes is not our recipe for victory, Even when we get some solid offense like we did tonight.

** Mo has been one of the most pleasant surprises I've in my 40+ years of watching Pitt hoops. He's getting right up there in that category with Jaime Peterson.

** Put Jamarius high on that pleasant surprise list too.

** Ithiel was great to have back of course, and he was splendid in the first half. And I don't want to take anything away from him. But for him to be quite the difference maker we want, he simply must be more consistent and not disappear as he did in the second half.

** And Femi just needs to be better period.

** Therein lies a bit of our problem. After these five, there just isn't much else, even though we should give props to Noah for holding down the fort.

** Still at some point, playing tough and competing hard just isn't enough. You need to win occasionally.

** And we will get our first league win on Saturday.

 

[PittPoker]

Femi sucked. Jeffress sucked.

My worry is if Capel gets fired will Hugley leave? Why do I feel like Hugley staying next season is dependent on what happens with Capel.

 

[4Mark_Marty]

Bold prediction!!!

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

Femi sucked. Jeffress sucked.

My worry is if Capel gets fired will Hugley leave? Why do I feel like Hugley staying next season is dependent on what happens with Capel.

Hugley is tied to Capel. No doubt.

 

[DT_PITT]

Bold prediction!!!

We're Back!

 

[PittMan 72]

** Not much to say that any different than anything that's been said for the last several close tough losses.

** The most I can say is that these games are at least fun to watch, even if the feeling we aren't going to pull it out is getting quite discouraging.

** One thing we truly can appreciate watching this year is some really impressive post moves by John. And if Malik Williams is 2nd team All ACC, what does that make Hugley? But he's got to be smarter because we just can't survive much without him on the court.

** What this team needs to take away from this game is that the MUST play defense for 40 minutes. Allowing L-ville to score 40 points in the last 16 minutes is not our recipe for victory, Even when we get some solid offense like we did tonight.

** Mo has been one of the most pleasant surprises I've in my 40+ years of watching Pitt hoops. He's getting right up there in that category with Jaime Peterson.

** But Jamarius high on that pleasure surprise list too.

** Ithiel was great to have back of course, and he was splendid in the first half. And I don't want to take anything away from him. But for him to be quite the difference maker we want, he simply must be more consistent and not disappear as he did in the second half.

** And Femi just needs to be better period.

** Therein lies a bit of our problem. After these five, there just isn't much else, even though we should give props to Noah for holding down the fort.

** Still at some point, playing tough and playing well just isn't enough. You need to win occasionally.

** And we will get our first league win on Saturday.

In general, Pitt’s end of game defense has not been good enough. ND scored on 10 of their last 12 possessions. They’ve given up 2nd chance points. Failed to identify and close out on hot shooters. Fouled opponents at inopportune times.

I imagine everyone has to be frustrated. They play hard. They scrap. Louisville made an absurd banked in 3 tonight and won by 3. Pitt played most of the entire 1st half without Hugley. Burton had a shot bounce out that didnt look like it could possibly come out, but it does. Horton scores 13 in the 1H (but misses a bunny lay up), then gets blanked in the 2H.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Hugley is tied to Capel. No doubt.

I think Capel sticking by him is the only chance. And even then I’m not sure I’d bet any money on him staying.

And he showed he’ll be able to deal with length.

He’s the type of player I love watching. And I think he’s only gonna get better and better. I hope like hell he sticks around.

 

[DT_PITT]

In general, Pitt’s end of game defense has not been good enough. ND scored on 10 of their last 12 possessions. They’ve given up 2nd chance points. Failed to identify and close out on hot shooters. Fouled opponents at inopportune times.

I imagine everyone has to be frustrated. They play hard. They scrap. Louisville made an absurd banked in 3 tonight and won by 3. Pitt played most of the entire 1st half without Hugley. Burton had a shot bounce out that didnt look like it could possibly come out, but it does. Horton scores 13 in the 1H (but misses a bunny lay up), then gets blanked in the 2H.

On that Burton shot, I actually yelled "YES" and then somehow it came out.

 

[PittMan 72]

On that Burton shot, I actually yelled "YES" and then somehow it came out.

🤷‍♂️ 😱

 

[pittjas]

- Capel needs to stay more composed. I understand the refs were a mess and our team is a mess but you’re coaching a team without much talent (because of you). Just stay calm and encourage them. We can’t afford to give up any free points.

- If that was Jason that earned the next T… yikes. Has he done anything good for this program?

- Hugley will be a beast as an upperclassman once he figures out how to not to foul and the situations of when to shoot and such. I mean he’s already a beast but he’ll be really good. Hope it’s here.

- Femi isn’t a PG. Needs to be better but he just isn’t a PG.

- Femi and Burton need to do a better job of setting up Ithiel, especially when he’s hot

- Anybody who played sports knows that on certain teams, you feel like you will win any game throughout the game.. while other’s there’s that pressure of how will we screw this up… instead of worrying about bad luck at the end, this team needs to focus on executing a little better, not having mindless TOs, and not committing dumb fouls. Easier said than done I know but moral victories don’t count. The margin for victory is so small. Make your own luck. We bought into the playing hard and together concept but we just have lapses of execution. Guess it doesn’t help we have like 5.5 players.

- Weird to see a Louisville team look so pedestrian.

- These performances would be encouraging if it wasn’t Year 4.

- Hopefully we get a win on Saturday?

 

[Chescat]

Statistically we were not
out played. We were even
better from the line 70%
to 66%. We were same on
3's. Fg's were close, but they
hit two more...24 to our 22.
The play was close IMO,
difference was once again
we didn't close and they
did. Obviously there's a
lot we're lacking with this
group. Third ACC loss
where we showed we
don't know how to win
at the end.

We can go on and on about
coaching, but tonight I feel
real bad for the players.

 

[DT_PITT]

- Capel needs to stay more composed. I understand the refs were a mess and our team is a mess but you’re coaching a team without much talent (because of you). Just stay calm and encourage them. We can’t afford to give up any free points.

- If that was Jason that earned the next T… yikes. Has he done anything good for this program?

- Hugley will be a beast as an upperclassman once he figures out how to not to foul and the situations of when to shoot and such. I mean he’s already a beast but he’ll be really good. Hope it’s here.

- Femi isn’t a PG. Needs to be better but he just isn’t a PG.

- Femi and Burton need to do a better job of setting up Ithiel, especially when he’s hot

- Anybody who played sports knows that on certain teams, you feel like you will win any game throughout the game.. while other’s there’s that pressure of how will we screw this up… instead of worrying about bad luck at the end, this team needs to focus on executing a little better, not having mindless TOs, and not committing dumb fouls. Easier said than done I know but moral victories don’t count. The margin for victory is so small. Make your own luck. We bought into the playing hard and together concept but we just have lapses of execution. Guess it doesn’t help we have like 5.5 players.

- Weird to see a Louisville team look so pedestrian.

- These performances would be encouraging if it wasn’t Year 4.

- Hopefully we get a win on Saturday?

Completely agree with all of your points. Better than my "dribbles" actually.

 

[Chescat]

Femi isn’t a PG. Needs to be better but he just isn’t a PG

Femi and Burton need to do a better job of setting up Ithiel, especially when he’s hot

Well, very true, Femi isn't
a pg. Some of us have been
posting that forever. We do
have some stability in the
backcourt with Burton and
now Horton. Femi with
only seven hurt us tonight.

As for your second quote,
you're right. Problem is
Horton tends to come down
and stay in the corner
waiting for a pass. I'd like
to see them set picks to
get him open. In time I'd
like to see an inside out
side game with Hugley
and Horton and Gueye.

 

[Chescat]

We bought into the playing hard and together concept but we just have lapses of execution. Guess it doesn’t help we have like 5.5 players.

This is really true. We play hard
throughout, but at the end we
don't execute. Third ACC loss
where we're right there, but no
cigar. IMO we don't know how
to win in those situations. I'm
waiting to see it happen, hope
it does soon.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

- Capel needs to stay more composed. I understand the refs were a mess and our team is a mess but you’re coaching a team without much talent (because of you). Just stay calm and encourage them. We can’t afford to give up any free points.

- If that was Jason that earned the next T… yikes. Has he done anything good for this program?

- Hugley will be a beast as an upperclassman once he figures out how to not to foul and the situations of when to shoot and such. I mean he’s already a beast but he’ll be really good. Hope it’s here.

- Femi isn’t a PG. Needs to be better but he just isn’t a PG.

- Femi and Burton need to do a better job of setting up Ithiel, especially when he’s hot

- Anybody who played sports knows that on certain teams, you feel like you will win any game throughout the game.. while other’s there’s that pressure of how will we screw this up… instead of worrying about bad luck at the end, this team needs to focus on executing a little better, not having mindless TOs, and not committing dumb fouls. Easier said than done I know but moral victories don’t count. The margin for victory is so small. Make your own luck. We bought into the playing hard and together concept but we just have lapses of execution. Guess it doesn’t help we have like 5.5 players.

- Weird to see a Louisville team look so pedestrian.

- These performances would be encouraging if it wasn’t Year 4.

- Hopefully we get a win on Saturday?

You are absolutely right. Lazy recruiting on Capel’s part is what put this team in its current predicament. He should know Collier and Jeffress aren’t good enough to be getting major minutes. He needed to bring in more recruits. Hugley, Mo, Burton, Femi, and Horton are a good start, but that isn’t enough.

 

[gary2]

** Not much to say that any different than anything that's been said for the last several close tough losses.

** The most I can say is that these games are at least fun to watch, even if the feeling we aren't going to pull it out is getting quite discouraging.

** One thing we truly can appreciate watching this year is some really impressive post moves by John. And if Malik Williams is 2nd team All ACC, what does that make Hugley? But he's got to be smarter because we just can't survive much without him on the court.

** What this team needs to take away from this game is that the MUST play defense for 40 minutes. Allowing L-ville to score 40 points in the last 16 minutes is not our recipe for victory, Even when we get some solid offense like we did tonight.

** Mo has been one of the most pleasant surprises I've in my 40+ years of watching Pitt hoops. He's getting right up there in that category with Jaime Peterson.

** Put Jamarius high on that pleasant surprise list too.

** Ithiel was great to have back of course, and he was splendid in the first half. And I don't want to take anything away from him. But for him to be quite the difference maker we want, he simply must be more consistent and not disappear as he did in the second half.

** And Femi just needs to be better period.

** Therein lies a bit of our problem. After these five, there just isn't much else, even though we should give props to Noah for holding down the fort.

** Still at some point, playing tough and playing well just isn't enough. You need to win occasionally.

** And we will get our first league win on Saturday.

BC has been horrible away from home, but they have 82 steals in 12 games And are a decent rebounding team.

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

Femi sucked. Jeffress sucked.

My worry is if Capel gets fired will Hugley leave? Why do I feel like Hugley staying next season is dependent on what happens with Capel.

Because it probably does!

 

[PittPoker]

Did Horton even attempt a 3 in the second half? I mean that boggles the mind, didn't attempt one and I don't think anyone even looked for him to shoot.

 

[Chescat]

You are absolutely right. Lazy recruiting on Capel’s part is what put this team in its current predicament. He should know Collier and Jeffress aren’t good enough to be getting major minutes. He needed to bring in more recruits. Hugley, Mo, Burton, Femi, and Horton are a good start, but that isn’t enough.

Collier does hustle his ass
off, and tonight he was
somewhat effective on
the offensive boards. He
however gets killed inside
on D. He's not an ACC
caliber player.

I've been patient with
Jeffress due to his age,
but IMO he shouldn't
even be on the floor at
this point. Horton, Femi,
Burton, and even Ezzy
should be playing ahead
of him. I'd even include
Olidapo inthat group
before Jeffress.

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

** Not much to say that any different than anything that's been said for the last several close tough losses.

** The most I can say is that these games are at least fun to watch, even if the feeling we aren't going to pull it out is getting quite discouraging.

** One thing we truly can appreciate watching this year is some really impressive post moves by John. And if Malik Williams is 2nd team All ACC, what does that make Hugley? But he's got to be smarter because we just can't survive much without him on the court.

** What this team needs to take away from this game is that the MUST play defense for 40 minutes. Allowing L-ville to score 40 points in the last 16 minutes is not our recipe for victory, Even when we get some solid offense like we did tonight.

** Mo has been one of the most pleasant surprises I've in my 40+ years of watching Pitt hoops. He's getting right up there in that category with Jaime Peterson.

** Put Jamarius high on that pleasant surprise list too.

** Ithiel was great to have back of course, and he was splendid in the first half. And I don't want to take anything away from him. But for him to be quite the difference maker we want, he simply must be more consistent and not disappear as he did in the second half.

** And Femi just needs to be better period.

** Therein lies a bit of our problem. After these five, there just isn't much else, even though we should give props to Noah for holding down the fort.

** Still at some point, playing tough and competing hard just isn't enough. You need to win occasionally.

** And we will get our first league win on Saturday.

Other than the close losses, there are a lot of good things going on. Team continues to get better, works hard and is making plays. Yeah, I know we lost, and that sucks, but we were 12 1/2 point underdogs. At some point, people need to realize that we are playing way above our perceived level.

So, then I will ask everyone why we are playing above our perceived level? Could it be that this team is actually being coached pretty well or is it because the players are actually better than what many thought when they said we had no more than 1 or 2 ACC players?

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Capel needs to stay more composed. I understand the refs were a mess and our team is a mess but you’re coaching a team without much talent (because of you). Just stay calm and encourage them. We can’t afford to give up any free points.

According to Craig Meyer he yelled "No way" at the ref and that's what got him the technical.

And before someone says that there's "no way" that that's all it took for the ref to call a technical, one I guess you could say benefit of there being so few people at the Petersen Center is that you hear things that you normally wouldn't. And we've had an opposing coach this year get a technical called on him for yelling "that's not a foul" after a call that he didn't like.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

Other than the close losses, there are a lot of good things going on. Team continues to get better, works hard and is making plays. Yeah, I know we lost, and that sucks, but we were 12 1/2 point underdogs. At some point, people need to realize that we are playing way above our perceived level.

So, then I will ask everyone why we are playing above our perceived level? Could it be that this team is actually being coached pretty well or is it because the players are actually better than what many thought when they said we had no more than 1 or 2 ACC players?

This is Year FOUR. It is Capel’s fault that we only have 5-6 guys that can play at this level. It is Capel’s fault that we have ZERO recruits.

 

[NCanton Panther]

Someone mentioned it above, Louisville looked very pedestrian. I agree, they didn’t look like anything special.

Chescat mentioned that the box score indicated it was a close game. I’ll second that, can’t get much closer than what the stats show.

Yeah, down the stretch we could have done some things better to get a W. But just like some of our 1-pt or other close losses, I don’t think we really screwed up and coughed away a W. We just simply didn’t knock down shots or otherwise make big plays down the stretch to pull out a close game.

Whereas Ville did down the stretch, particularly #3 Ellis. He won the game for them.

Mo played another good game. But it is unfortunate he was off on his long ball, only 2-7 from 3. And most of those were wide open looks. He knocks down a couple more of those wide open looks and it might have been a different game. That and Hugley staying on the court in the 1st half.

 

[pittjas]

According to Craig Meyer he yelled "No way" at the ref and that's what got him the technical.

And before someone says that there's "no way" that that's all it took for the ref to call a technical, one I guess you could say benefit of there being so few people at the Petersen Center is that you hear things that you normally wouldn't. And we've had an opposing coach this year get a technical called on him for yelling "that's not a foul" after a call that he didn't like.

Yeah that is soft. I’ve never understood why technicals need to be called for words unless someone is completely putting on a show.

My larger point remains though as Capel often flails and just is very animated when things aren’t going well… which is fine if he had a team with high expectations. Just seem like it’d be a better approach for him to be a little calmer and just encouraging but I’m definitely nitpicking.

The Ts balanced out anyways at the end.

 

[Chescat]

According to Craig Meyer he yelled "No way" at the ref and that's what got him the technical.

And before someone says that there's "no way" that that's all it took for the ref to call a technical, one I guess you could say benefit of there being so few people at the Petersen Center is that you hear things that you normally wouldn't. And we've had an opposing coach this year get a technical called on him for yelling "that's not a foul" after a call that he didn't like.

I don't doubt what you're
saying concerning the
"no way." Usually when
that happens, it's the
"straw that broke the
camel's back." He may
have been jawing and
getting on the ref over
and over. In my experience,
a good ref gives a waring
like....."one more time coach
and you're getting a T!" As
a coach, you gotta know
who's doing the game, and
what your limits are.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

According to Craig Meyer he yelled "No way" at the ref and that's what got him the technical.

And before someone says that there's "no way" that that's all it took for the ref to call a technical, one I guess you could say benefit of there being so few people at the Petersen Center is that you hear things that you normally wouldn't. And we've had an opposing coach this year get a technical called on him for yelling "that's not a foul" after a call that he didn't like.

There’s certainly a line where refs should drop the hammer. But too many are super thin skinned not to mention how some seem to think they’re part of the show.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

I don't doubt what you're
saying concerning the
"no way." Usually when
that happens, it's the
"straw that broke the
camel's back." He may
have been jawing and
getting on the ref over
and over. In my experience,
a good ref gives a waring
like....."one more time coach
and you're getting a T!" As
a coach, you gotta know
who's doing the game, and
what your limits are.

There is "no way" that's what happened tonight, unless Capel was all over the refs in the pregame warm up. I mean you remember that he got his technical 1:12 into the game, right?

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Yeah that is soft. I’ve never understood why technicals need to be called for words unless someone is completely putting on a show.

My larger point remains though as Capel often flails and just is very animated when things aren’t going well… which is fine if he had a team with high expectations. Just seem like it’d be a better approach for him to be a little calmer and just encouraging but I’m definitely nitpicking.

The Ts balanced out anyways at the end.

Yeah, I don't disagree with any of that. If saying "no way" got him the technical tonight that's just as bad as someone getting one for yelling "that's not a foul". I could see if it was something like "no way, that's bleep call you bleep", then yeah, technical for sure. But non-profane, non-threatening comments should basically never be a technical.

But your larger point is something that cracked my up earlier this season when a couple people here were complaining that Capel just sits on the bench and doesn't do anything. The only way someone could think that was if they never actually watched him during games. He can get kind of frantic at times, and while that is (in my opinion) justified at times, he's that way far too often.

 

[Chescat]

Other than the close losses, there are a lot of good things going on. Team continues to get better, works hard and is making plays. Yeah, I know we lost, and that sucks, but we were 12 1/2 point underdogs. At some point, people need to realize that we are playing way above our perceived level.

So, then I will ask everyone why we are playing above our perceived level? Could it be that this team is actually being coached pretty well or is it because the players are actually better than what many thought when they said we had no more than 1 or 2 ACC players?

OK. I'll bite and answer
your question. I don't
think the play is because
"the players are better
than what many thought."
I still maintain the collected
talent level is "average " at
best. Hugley is the exception.

As far as the coaching,
IMO it's obvious that
Capel has them playing
hard and together. That
is good coaching.
Unfortunately that's not
enough. I feel Capel is
totally responsible for this
poor collection of talent
in his fourth year. THAT is
also coaching.

 

[pittjas]

Other than the close losses, there are a lot of good things going on. Team continues to get better, works hard and is making plays. Yeah, I know we lost, and that sucks, but we were 12 1/2 point underdogs. At some point, people need to realize that we are playing way above our perceived level.

So, then I will ask everyone why we are playing above our perceived level? Could it be that this team is actually being coached pretty well or is it because the players are actually better than what many thought when they said we had no more than 1 or 2 ACC players?

Capel’s done a good job given the circumstances of this year.

But he also put us in the position we are in and has done a very bad job overall.

 

[Chescat]

There is "no way" that's what happened tonight, unless Capel was all over the refs in the pregame warm up. I mean you remember that he got his technical 1:12 into the game, right?

Yeah, 1:12 is early, I agree.
What you and I don't know
is what else was said, HOW
it was said, and if there's a
history. The history thing
might not sound fair, but
you can bet your ass it
happens. There's coaches
who think certain refs are
assholes, and the feeling
is mutual with certain refs.
The reality is.....the ref has
the whistle, which is the
final say.

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

I don't doubt what you're
saying concerning the
"no way." Usually when
that happens, it's the
"straw that broke the
camel's back." He may
have been jawing and
getting on the ref over
and over. In my experience,
a good ref gives a waring
like....."one more time coach
and you're getting a T!" As
a coach, you gotta know
who's doing the game, and
what your limits are.

I get it, Chescat, but how much could he actually have been saying only a minute into the game. The Tech of Hugley and Capel were both bullshit.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

They’re playing hard and haven’t thrown in the towel which is nice. But they still have a look of a team that just came off of sanctions. Luckily ACC is pretty bad but not sure they can keep it up for 17 mor games.

 

[Parkview57]

And even then I’m not sure I’d bet any money on him staying.

ACC is pretty bad but not sure they can keep it up for 17 mor games.

One observation on a positive side of all these things. At this point, Pitt's players seem to be enjoying the season, or seem to be an upbeat group, I think this makes the chances of players staying and being able to keep it all moving in a positive direction more probable than in the past years. Does anyone feel the same vibe ?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

You guys don't want to hear it but this team really isnt much worse than the top 3-4 teams in the ACC. I realize we are losing all these close games and not winning them but if Capel can return these guys and add a piece or 2 in free agency, this can be a pretty good team next year.

Hugley - I know he didn't play a lot but the kid is basically a freshman. He does some things that make you think the dude can be an All-American type if he stays in college basketball long enough.

 

[wbrpanther]

- Capel needs to stay more composed. I understand the refs were a mess and our team is a mess but you’re coaching a team without much talent (because of you). Just stay calm and encourage them. We can’t afford to give up any free points.

- If that was Jason that earned the next T… yikes. Has he done anything good for this program?

- Hugley will be a beast as an upperclassman once he figures out how to not to foul and the situations of when to shoot and such. I mean he’s already a beast but he’ll be really good. Hope it’s here.

- Femi isn’t a PG. Needs to be better but he just isn’t a PG.

- Femi and Burton need to do a better job of setting up Ithiel, especially when he’s hot

- Anybody who played sports knows that on certain teams, you feel like you will win any game throughout the game.. while other’s there’s that pressure of how will we screw this up… instead of worrying about bad luck at the end, this team needs to focus on executing a little better, not having mindless TOs, and not committing dumb fouls. Easier said than done I know but moral victories don’t count. The margin for victory is so small. Make your own luck. We bought into the playing hard and together concept but we just have lapses of execution. Guess it doesn’t help we have like 5.5 players.

- Weird to see a Louisville team look so pedestrian.

- These performances would be encouraging if it wasn’t Year 4.

- Hopefully we get a win on Saturday?

These performances will lead to Capel finally getting the program out of its multi year funk. Despite the over the top bitching and moaning from the fan base, it is apparent this team is much better than expected. They compete hard and are fun to watch. Better days ahead.

 

[rockypanther]

These performances will lead to Capel finally getting the program out of its multi year funk. Despite the over the top bitching and moaning from the fan base, it is apparent this team is much better than expected. They compete hard and are fun to watch. Better days ahead.

May agree but the recruiting for next year is not there. He has recruits basically saying they aren’t getting much communication. Top 150 level guys. He has nothing to build with. And we lose Mo who has been a difference maker.

 

[PittMBA]

Did Horton even attempt a 3 in the second half? I mean that boggles the mind, didn't attempt one and I don't think anyone even looked for him to shoot.

Other than the missed layup - I don’t think he attempted a FG. I had a feeling the missed layup was a bad sign thst he would disappear.

 

[PittMan 72]

Other than the close losses, there are a lot of good things going on. Team continues to get better, works hard and is making plays. Yeah, I know we lost, and that sucks, but we were 12 1/2 point underdogs. At some point, people need to realize that we are playing way above our perceived level.

So, then I will ask everyone why we are playing above our perceived level? Could it be that this team is actually being coached pretty well or is it because the players are actually better than what many thought when they said we had no more than 1 or 2 ACC players?

For me right now it’s difficult to tell if the problems are because of the way he’s coaching the players; or if it’s the players he is coaching. I lean towards the latter right now.

Either way the problem is 100% Jeff Capel’s. Player acquisition has not been where it needs to be either with high school recruiting or via the Transfer Portal. To me that’s been the biggest puzzler of his tenure as HC here.

 

[mo cheeks]

** Not much to say that any different than anything that's been said for the last several close tough losses.

** The most I can say is that these games are at least fun to watch, even if the feeling we aren't going to pull it out is getting quite discouraging.

** One thing we truly can appreciate watching this year is some really impressive post moves by John. And if Malik Williams is 2nd team All ACC, what does that make Hugley? But he's got to be smarter because we just can't survive much without him on the court.

** What this team needs to take away from this game is that the MUST play defense for 40 minutes. Allowing L-ville to score 40 points in the last 16 minutes is not our recipe for victory, Even when we get some solid offense like we did tonight.

** Mo has been one of the most pleasant surprises I've in my 40+ years of watching Pitt hoops. He's getting right up there in that category with Jaime Peterson.

** Put Jamarius high on that pleasant surprise list too.

** Ithiel was great to have back of course, and he was splendid in the first half. And I don't want to take anything away from him. But for him to be quite the difference maker we want, he simply must be more consistent and not disappear as he did in the second half.

** And Femi just needs to be better period.

** Therein lies a bit of our problem. After these five, there just isn't much else, even though we should give props to Noah for holding down the fort.

** Still at some point, playing tough and competing hard just isn't enough. You need to win occasionally.

** And we will get our first league win on Saturday.

I am not sure Horton disappearing was all his doing. Pitt has to make sure he gets open looks. I didn't see a specific play or strategy to get their best shooter rolling in the second half. Agree with most of your takes. I am starting to like Collier, he is improving at a rapid rate and has enough athleticism to become a nice player for Pitt.
Femi, with his size and athleticism, has a lot to work with. He just, at this point, does not have true point guard skills.

this team is going to be interesting. The team has a chance to be pretty good by the end of the year. If this team stays together , plays unselfish and hard, they may surprise us .

totally agree on Mo. just wish we had him one more year when Pitt would have a chance to make some post season noise. what a fun player to watch.