When this team can make shots, they can look really good. When it is bad, it is REALLY bad. There doesn't seem to be much of consistency yet with this team. The bad thing about this team is that when they aren't making shots, the defense suffers. There was a point in time back in 03, etc. when the defense would tighten up when the offense was struggling. It seems to be the opposite way now. This group gets dejected and lets it affect them. Not sure how much leadership there is in the program right now.
As the season marches on, it is getting pretty clear that the two and five spots are problems. Sterling Smith rarely even looks at the rim despite being a good shooter. That is basically his main asset, as he doesn't look to do anything else. Chris Jones may be hurt, but he is struggling mightily. Cameron Johnson has the most upside by far. The problem is that he isn't quite ready. At this point, it may be time to see how quickly he can develop.
The center spot is another issue. It is slightly upgraded from last year, but the Maia and ANO duo is not performing. Maybe ANO needs more time, I don't know. Rafael plays hard and is active, but he is very limited.
This is a very critical time for this team and program. NC State is a much better team than their record. They are talented but poorly-coached. It was quite clear that Maverick and his team came to Pittsburgh motivated. Pitt did not match it and got absolutely embarrassed. Can they move on and respond? Or is this the start of another slide? It is kind of a scary and questionable time.
These next two games are not easy on the road. If they lose both, look out. The one concern is that it is difficult to find the quality win right now. At Notre Dame was solid. The rest of the wins do not look that good at the moment. The Gonzaga game did not count and there is a blowout loss to a Big Ten team at home. This next week or so is significant.
As the season marches on, it is getting pretty clear that the two and five spots are problems. Sterling Smith rarely even looks at the rim despite being a good shooter. That is basically his main asset, as he doesn't look to do anything else. Chris Jones may be hurt, but he is struggling mightily. Cameron Johnson has the most upside by far. The problem is that he isn't quite ready. At this point, it may be time to see how quickly he can develop.
The center spot is another issue. It is slightly upgraded from last year, but the Maia and ANO duo is not performing. Maybe ANO needs more time, I don't know. Rafael plays hard and is active, but he is very limited.
This is a very critical time for this team and program. NC State is a much better team than their record. They are talented but poorly-coached. It was quite clear that Maverick and his team came to Pittsburgh motivated. Pitt did not match it and got absolutely embarrassed. Can they move on and respond? Or is this the start of another slide? It is kind of a scary and questionable time.
These next two games are not easy on the road. If they lose both, look out. The one concern is that it is difficult to find the quality win right now. At Notre Dame was solid. The rest of the wins do not look that good at the moment. The Gonzaga game did not count and there is a blowout loss to a Big Ten team at home. This next week or so is significant.
