Next year?

[NYC 1995 Panther]

Can Jeter and/or Artest improve enough defensively for Pitt to be a competent defensive team next year?

We already know we are undersized at the 5, Robinson is what he is and Doubtful that Durant Johnson becomes a defensive stopper.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

In the past we have had great defensive teams who were challenged offensively. I'd rather have it the way we are now, where we need to improve on defense but have a number of scoring options (harder to teach scoring). This crew will probably never remind us of the great defensive Pitt teams but should at least be able to improve to the level of competent.

 

[neench]

Scoring

But scoring has also been a problem. Over 5 minutes in the 4th quarter agains Wake without a two pointer? As soon as Miami took the lead, we just could not score.

 

[shortball]

Offensive side just needs a good solid point guard who can shoot and penetrate. Defensive side of ball is more than a concern but major issue. It's just not one or two players but just about every single active player on roster. We have nobody to bring off bench who can defend or hope to contain to some extent. JD knows he is dealing with major issue that most likely will need infusion of new players with this skill set.

 

[GrowthHormone]

Re: Scoring

Originally posted by neench:
But scoring has also been a problem. Over 5 minutes in the 4th quarter agains Wake without a two pointer? As soon as Miami took the lead, we just could not score.

We are 16th offensively in the country, and 224th on defense. Scoring ain't the problem. It's just not.

 

[Piranha]

Ron Artest was a heck of a defender. Does he have any eligibility left? As long as he does not go postal it is all good.

 

[TreesHero]

Originally posted by Piranha:
Ron Artest was a heck of a defender. Does he have any eligibility left? As long as he does not go postal it is all good.

Hah, beat me to it.

As for the original question about Jeter and Artis, I see more defensive potential in Jeter. Bearing in mind that I haven't been able to see them in person, I do see some things that may limit Artis. He doesn't seem to be quick. While he looks smooth, both his feet and hands look slow and he doesn't show quick explosiveness.

Jeter looks to have much more quickness for defending. I also wrote a while ago that he might become a great rebounder if he devotes himself to it.





This post was edited on 3/5 7:11 PM by TreesHero