Will never tell anyone how to think, but I don't really see the issue with today. We told everyone that this was a possibility back in November. Many believe this is one of the worst drafts in NBA history. Adou Thierro was told top of the second. It really was a no brainer for Bub. First round money will always trump NIL money. Bub is a really good kid that has all the potential in the world. Just tough timing for Pitt.
Today's presser doesn't really move then needle either way for me. Pitt viewed it as an opportunity for the kid to have a moment while getting positive buzz out there on the program. Did it hurt anything? No. Did it help? I don't know, but I really don't think it is worth 3 seconds of thought. It was a moment for the Carrington family so kudos and best of luck.
The "one and done" thing is basically over. In this current landscape, basically every single player can be one and done for your program. Not to the NBA of course, but to another school or opportunity. That is how you have to treat your roster. That is just the sad state we are in.
The other positive of today is to get clarity early in the process. Now you don't have to wait until May to hear what Bub is doing. This allows the staff to move on to any number of good players out there. It also puts significant money back into the budget.
Speaking of, here is where I am on the roster right now. I think the biggest need is a four. A good four that can flat out play. If it costs you more than budget, that is fine. A kid like Townsend from Oakland would be perfect. Productive and can be your physical presence and post defender as well. If you run it back at center with Guillermo, Kante, and Jorge, that would be okay in my mind. If you land a Townsend type four and a couple of guards. Remember, all of these decisions are not in a vacuum. They are strategic decisions based on a budget. Where can you allocate the available funds to build the best team? In my mind, that would be a four of Townsend's caliber, then an experienced 2/3 that can shoot the ball. Two of them really. Lowe and Leggett are going to dominate the ball a lot. They need to find spot up shooters that can defend a little and make shots.
They don't need a complete overhaul. Of course they are going to miss Bub and Hinson. That is a lot to replace. What you do have though is two good and experienced guards. That is a good start. A nice incoming back up guard that can shoot. Then you have length and some shooting at the five in Guillermo, along with a young body in Kante. Sounds like the twins and Austin are all but set to return with the guards. My point is, maybe you can replace Bub in a different way with two guards for the price of one. Like a Pedulla and a wing. Just brainstorming here. You don't need to replace Bub the prospect. You need to replace the production. That can be done in different ways.
Johnson was a surprise commit to Miami. Remember though. I said these visits don't mean anything any more. Kids can commit and flip in one phone call. It comes down to what NIL number a school gets to. That is why we are seeing surprise decisions that are quick and off schedule. There is only so much money out there so kids want to take their seat. I think Pitt will move quickly now and find at least one player soon.
Lowe, Cummings
Leggett
TBD (Feel like this can be upgraded from Austin. Zack is a fine enough piece, but I personally would not invest much $ here), Barnes
A player like Townsend. Was never a big fan of Brandon Johnson.
Guillermo, Kante, Jorge
You don't need to invent the game of basketball here. Just find the right roles and close the deal. Move on and coach the new team.
#1 need a true PF
#2 another experienced guard that can shoot
#3 possibly a center or another four, depends on what plan for Jorge is as well
#4 another wing or guard that can shoot and play 2/3
Today's presser doesn't really move then needle either way for me. Pitt viewed it as an opportunity for the kid to have a moment while getting positive buzz out there on the program. Did it hurt anything? No. Did it help? I don't know, but I really don't think it is worth 3 seconds of thought. It was a moment for the Carrington family so kudos and best of luck.
The "one and done" thing is basically over. In this current landscape, basically every single player can be one and done for your program. Not to the NBA of course, but to another school or opportunity. That is how you have to treat your roster. That is just the sad state we are in.
The other positive of today is to get clarity early in the process. Now you don't have to wait until May to hear what Bub is doing. This allows the staff to move on to any number of good players out there. It also puts significant money back into the budget.
Speaking of, here is where I am on the roster right now. I think the biggest need is a four. A good four that can flat out play. If it costs you more than budget, that is fine. A kid like Townsend from Oakland would be perfect. Productive and can be your physical presence and post defender as well. If you run it back at center with Guillermo, Kante, and Jorge, that would be okay in my mind. If you land a Townsend type four and a couple of guards. Remember, all of these decisions are not in a vacuum. They are strategic decisions based on a budget. Where can you allocate the available funds to build the best team? In my mind, that would be a four of Townsend's caliber, then an experienced 2/3 that can shoot the ball. Two of them really. Lowe and Leggett are going to dominate the ball a lot. They need to find spot up shooters that can defend a little and make shots.
They don't need a complete overhaul. Of course they are going to miss Bub and Hinson. That is a lot to replace. What you do have though is two good and experienced guards. That is a good start. A nice incoming back up guard that can shoot. Then you have length and some shooting at the five in Guillermo, along with a young body in Kante. Sounds like the twins and Austin are all but set to return with the guards. My point is, maybe you can replace Bub in a different way with two guards for the price of one. Like a Pedulla and a wing. Just brainstorming here. You don't need to replace Bub the prospect. You need to replace the production. That can be done in different ways.
Johnson was a surprise commit to Miami. Remember though. I said these visits don't mean anything any more. Kids can commit and flip in one phone call. It comes down to what NIL number a school gets to. That is why we are seeing surprise decisions that are quick and off schedule. There is only so much money out there so kids want to take their seat. I think Pitt will move quickly now and find at least one player soon.
Lowe, Cummings
Leggett
TBD (Feel like this can be upgraded from Austin. Zack is a fine enough piece, but I personally would not invest much $ here), Barnes
A player like Townsend. Was never a big fan of Brandon Johnson.
Guillermo, Kante, Jorge
You don't need to invent the game of basketball here. Just find the right roles and close the deal. Move on and coach the new team.
#1 need a true PF
#2 another experienced guard that can shoot
#3 possibly a center or another four, depends on what plan for Jorge is as well
#4 another wing or guard that can shoot and play 2/3
