Ranking players you'd like to retain for next season

[Sean Miller Fan]

Regardless of who the coach is next season, given the nature of college basketball, it seems very likely that we will only return a couple players for various reasons. If it was up to you, who would you want to return? Here's how I'd rank them:

1. Lowe - I get that he hasn't had a good season but he is still young and has the potential to be a very good player. I may try to bring in a PG though and move him to the 2.

2. Cummings

3. GDG - this may not be popular but I'd move him back to the 5, preferably as a backup and bring in a better starting Center

4. Kante

5. Delalic

6. Ndiaye - maybe he can develop into something?

7. Jorge - would have ranked him higher but he's a senior and the other guys have a higher ceiling

8. Barnes

9. Corhen - can't bring him back. Can't have a 5 who can't rebound or defend

 

[pittizit]

None

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

None

That's a possibility and the thing is, would Pitt fans really even be upset if everyone went into the portal? Lowe is the only P5 talent eligible to return. Cummings, I think, can be really good but he's still young. The other guys, you can probably get better players out of the portal.

 

[Thee Jackie Treehorn]

1. Cummings

 

[PittPoker]

Cummings and Kante will probably come back. The rest will leave.

 

[pittchagg]

Guillermo
Cummings
Jorge
Kante
Amsal
Lowe
Amdy
Corhen
Barnes

 

[MarshallGoldberg]

I'd like to see them back:
- Cummings
- Kante
- Lowe, but only if the coach is willing to either use him differently or bench him for bad decisions. Which seems unlikely but possible.

Do not want to see back:
- the rest

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

3. GDG - this may not be popular but I'd move him back to the 5, preferably as a backup and bring in a better starting Center

I like GDG as a backup center - that's fine.

But the twins are not P5 starters. It's not close. I think people think they're smarter than they are when they claim otherwise and say they're not problems, etc. They're spot shooters, and GDG is a limited backup center.

Both trip over their own shoelaces when guarding the perimeter or the dribble drive, and GDG needs some help guarding the post.

Only reason I want them back is because I understand just how bad some of the talent we'd be landing out of the portal would be if we had 10+ spots to fill.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I like GDG as a backup center - that's fine.

But the twins are not P5 starters. It's not close. I think people think they're smarter than they are when they claim otherwise and say they're not problems, etc. They're spot shooters, and GDG is a limited backup center.

Both trip over their own shoelaces when guarding the perimeter or the dribble drive, and GDG needs some help guarding the post.

Only reason I want them back is because I understand just how bad some of the talent we'd be landing out of the portal would be if we had 10+ spots to fill.

And I'd be fine with GDG as the starting 5 if we had, let's say Mike Young or Justin Champagnie at the 4.

I think the signing of Corhen and the decision to stick with him is the 1 thing that really cost this team. Had he never been signed and our Center Rotation was GDG/Kante or GDG/some random MM transfer who hopefully could rebound half-decent, I think we'd be better.

 

[Pitt666]

That's a possibility and the thing is, would Pitt fans really even be upset if everyone went into the portal? Lowe is the only P5 talent eligible to return. Cummings, I think, can be really good but he's still young. The other guys, you can probably get better players out of the portal.

We went 0-19 and then won 2 conference games the next year. Capel brought in some talent, but not like a new coach could do with NIL. But you are also up against many more schools for transfer players.

But yes, it is essentially starting over. You may get slightly more interest as the perception isn’t an 0-19 program, but the rebuild process could be the same, unless you strike the lottery like Iowa State. Cummings wouldn’t be an awful piece to stay though. A lot of upside. Lowe of course, but feel he is gone to Texas or NBA.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

Regardless of who the coach is next season, given the nature of college basketball, it seems very likely that we will only return a couple players for various reasons. If it was up to you, who would you want to return? Here's how I'd rank them:

1. Lowe - I get that he hasn't had a good season but he is still young and has the potential to be a very good player. I may try to bring in a PG though and move him to the 2.

2. Cummings

3. GDG - this may not be popular but I'd move him back to the 5, preferably as a backup and bring in a better starting Center

4. Kante

5. Delalic

6. Ndiaye - maybe he can develop into something?

7. Jorge - would have ranked him higher but he's a senior and the other guys have a higher ceiling

8. Barnes

9. Corhen - can't bring him back. Can't have a 5 who can't rebound or defend

Agree with your first 4, but would swap Delalic and Jorge. Might put Barnes last.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

We went 0-19 and then won 2 conference games the next year. Capel brought in some talent, but not like a new coach could do with NIL. But you are also up against many more schools for transfer players.

But yes, it is essentially starting over. You may get slightly more interest as the perception isn’t an 0-19 program, but the rebuild process could be the same, unless you strike the lottery like Iowa State. Cummings wouldn’t be an awful piece to stay though. A lot of upside. Lowe of course, but feel he is gone to Texas or NBA.

Lou, WVU, and SMU are going to the NCAAT after returning 0 players. Kentucky is also and maybe Arkansas but granted those budgets are different. One of those MWC teams did the same last year. If we hired a new coach, my expectation would be the NCAAT in Year 1. There's no such thing as rebuilding. There's no 3-4 year timeframe. You better make the NCAAT in Year 1 or at least Year 2.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

We went 0-19 and then won 2 conference games the next year. Capel brought in some talent, but not like a new coach could do with NIL. But you are also up against many more schools for transfer players.

But yes, it is essentially starting over. You may get slightly more interest as the perception isn’t an 0-19 program, but the rebuild process could be the same, unless you strike the lottery like Iowa State. Cummings wouldn’t be an awful piece to stay though. A lot of upside. Lowe of course, but feel he is gone to Texas or NBA.

Lowe to the NBA? To do what, exactly--this?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Lowe to the NBA? To do what, exactly--this?

He can still get there but this year set him back. He will transfer to the SEC and may improve. Definitely needs to improve his shooting and perhaps playing with better players will help him trust his teammates more on those drives.

 

[Protes]

Not sure it matters who comes back. The coach is the biggest problem.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

He can still get there but this year set him back. He will transfer to the SEC and may improve. Definitely needs to improve his shooting and perhaps playing with better players will help him trust his teammates more on those drives.

Yeah, I'll wait and see on that one. He's pretty damn fragile, and - in case you haven't heard them say incessantly it on the broadcasts as of late - he hasn't exactly mastered using his non-dominant hand.

 

[Gep Dawg]

I would like all of the players who are eligible to come back. I just think we need more volume 3 point shooters and rebounders. The team has just shot so poorly since the Duke game. They can't stretch the floor now and the defense packs it in so our guards can't reach the hoop now.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I would like all of the players who are eligible to come back. I just think we need more volume 3 point shooters and rebounders. The team has just shot so poorly since the Duke game. They can't stretch the floor now and the defense packs it in so our guards can't reach the hoop now.

There's too many guys who aren't P5 level. And it's actually better to have nobody or just 1 or 2 guys on the roster because you have more to sell in the portal. It becomes a tougher sell when portal guys think there may be some allegiance to a Corhen or Barnes. Starting over from 0 is fine nowadays. It's probably better in many ways than bringing half your roster back if they aren't what you need them to be. There really is no time for development.

 

[Gep Dawg]

There's too many guys who aren't P5 level. And it's actually better to have nobody or just 1 or 2 guys on the roster because you have more to sell in the portal. It becomes a tougher sell when portal guys think there may be some allegiance to a Corhen or Barnes. Starting over from 0 is fine nowadays. It's probably better in many ways than bringing half your roster back if they aren't what you need them to be. There really is no time for development.

I get what you are saying. But I think you have to show some continuity. Even if its just bringing back Cummings and Kante.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I get what you are saying. But I think you have to show some continuity. Even if its just bringing back Cummings and Kante.

I'd like to see Cummings come back. And Lowe though that's unlikely. For everyone else, you should be able to do better in the portal.

 

[Pittisit4me]

I would like him to get some plus athletes. These kids appear a bit slow to react and I just think as a team we lack athleticism. Outside of Zack, these kids are slow, can't jump, and provide zero physicality. I'd even take some who are not good offensive players who can work on offense when they get here. Good athletes can defend and usually physically gifted players can rebound. This team is just to soft and slow to play defense, and too one dimensional on offense. If Capel is still going to be here, he needs to get us some real men, like Jamarius Burton or Blake Hinson.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I would like him to get some plus athletes. These kids appear a bit slow to react and I just think as a team we lack athleticism. Outside of Zack, these kids are slow, can't jump, and provide zero physicality. I'd even take some who are not good offensive players who can work on offense when they get here. Good athletes can defend and usually physically gifted players can rebound. This team is just to soft and slow to play defense, and too one dimensional on offense. If Capel is still going to be here, he needs to get us some real men, like Jamarius Burton or Blake Hinson.

We seem to be thinner, slower, and generally less athletic than most teams we play. I'm sure the average height checks out, but it's skewed by the Olive Oyl Twins.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I would like him to get some plus athletes. These kids appear a bit slow to react and I just think as a team we lack athleticism. Outside of Zack, these kids are slow, can't jump, and provide zero physicality. I'd even take some who are not good offensive players who can work on offense when they get here. Good athletes can defend and usually physically gifted players can rebound. This team is just to soft and slow to play defense, and too one dimensional on offense. If Capel is still going to be here, he needs to get us some real men, like Jamarius Burton or Blake Hinson.

Good athletes can't always defend. Look at Jamie's teams. He never had good athletes but they defended. Then the one super athlete he did have JJ Moore couldn't defend me. Its hard to get guys to play defense and it's hard to project good defenders.

Basically, we need 3 guys out of the portal. Using old Pitt players as the model and without going too crazy saying we need Blair, Young, and Fields. We need:

A PG like Nelly Cummings. A run the team first guy. A guy who won a ton even at a lower level.

A wing like Burton or Sibande, even a Leggett or Lowe but they can't have the same skillset as the PG. No more Johnson/McGowens or Lowe/Leggett combos. Need varying skill sets.

A big like Gary McGhee - rebound your ass off and defend. Scoring is a bonus.

Pay for those 3 guys they for a cheaper price you get:

Cummings takes a hometown discount

A shooter like Greg Elliot

A rugged 4 who will also rebound but can also step out like Ryan Luther.

These guys are out there and attainable and won't break the bank.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

I think people think they're smarter than they are when they claim otherwise and say they're not problems, etc.

To be fair, it doesn't really take being all that smart to realize that Guillermo isn't one of the biggest problems with this team.

But I get it, some people apparently can't even figure that out.

 

[JD1976]

Lowe and Cummings for sure. Yeah Lowe has disappointed, but as an upperclassman he will be much better.

Corhen is soft, but if Pitt can find a legit 5 in the Portal then maybe we can stomach him back.

Love the twins, they seem like awesome, fun guys, but they are A-10 players.

So for me, it’s only

1. Lowe
2. Beebah
3. Corhen (with an asterisk)
4. Kante (would love to see if he can improve)

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

To be fair, it doesn't really take being all that smart to realize that Guillermo isn't one of the biggest problems with this team.

But I get it, some people apparently can't even figure that out.

He shouldn't start. Ever. If someone wants him to be the 7th or, better still, 8th guy and come off the bench, so be it.

Him being in a role bigger than that is a problem.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Lowe and Cummings for sure. Yeah Lowe has disappointed, but as an upperclassman he will be much better.

Corhen is soft, but if Pitt can find a legit 5 in the Portal then maybe we can stomach him back.

Love the twins, they seem like awesome, fun guys, but they are A-10 players.

So for me, it’s only

1. Lowe
2. Beebah
3. Corhen (with an asterisk)
4. Kante (would love to see if he can improve)

Here's the problem with keeping Corhen if he wanted to stay:

In no way, shape, or form can he be your starting Center. He is possibly the worst rebounder in the P5 and you just can't have him out there in long stretches. But he would scare off Center portal guys because he is a returning starter and they'll see his stats, which don't look bad on paper, especially the points. Everyone looks at the points. It would be hard to explain to some guy from Towson that you want that guy to be your starting Center but then he sees Corhen coming back averaging 10 and decides he'll go be the starting center for Seton Hall instead. If Corhen would agree to come back and play 10-15 points per game, ok I guess.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Here's the problem with keeping Corhen if he wanted to stay:

In no way, shape, or form can he be your starting Center. He is possibly the worst rebounder in the P5 and you just can't have him out there in long stretches. But he would scare off Center portal guys because he is a returning starter and they'll see his stats, which don't look bad on paper, especially the points. Everyone looks at the points. It would be hard to explain to some guy from Towson that you want that guy to be your starting Center but then he sees Corhen coming back averaging 10 and decides he'll go be the starting center for Seton Hall instead. If Corhen would agree to come back and play 10-15 points per game, ok I guess.

I don't think Corhen is good for overall vibes. Obviously the FSU players didn't think too fondly of him. At the one game I was at, I heard Capel ream him out from up in the 200 level. Likely best to cut bait on that one.

Which means he'll be back.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

He shouldn't start. Ever. If someone wants him to be the 7th or, better still, 8th guy and come off the bench, so be it.

Him being in a role bigger than that is a problem.

If the standard for who should start for this team is "must be better than Guillermo Diaz Graham" then we would have what, one starter, maybe two?

If the standard is "must be much better than Guillermo Diaz Graham" then we wouldn't have any.

It's not his fault that we haven't recruited better players than him. And he is no where near the biggest problem with this team.

 

[lutzcody182]

And I'd be fine with GDG as the starting 5 if we had, let's say Mike Young or Justin Champagnie at the 4.

I think the signing of Corhen and the decision to stick with him is the 1 thing that really cost this team. Had he never been signed and our Center Rotation was GDG/Kante or GDG/some random MM transfer who hopefully could rebound half-decent, I think we'd be better.

Corhen is not the reason this team is mediocre at best. Lowe has been a complete bust this year mix that in with Dunn injuries and Capel allergic to drawing up a play..

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

If the standard for who should start for this team is "must be better than Guillermo Diaz Graham" then we would have what, one starter, maybe two?

If the standard is "must be much better than Guillermo Diaz Graham" then we wouldn't have any.

It's not his fault that we haven't recruited better players than him. And he is no where near the biggest problem with this team.

Being the best option for certain things on this abortion of a team - or not being the biggest problem on it - and wanting him back as a significant contributor next season are obviously not the same thing.

Also, if there was a Rule 5-like Draft and all Pitt players were left unprotected for the NCAAT teams to choose from, he's not going second. Or third.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Also, if there was a Rule 5 Draft and all Pitt players were left unprotected for the NCAAT teams to choose from, he's not going second. Or third.

Because other teams with good coaches would assume that they could get a lot more out of, for example, our point guard that many people think has NBA talent. But right now, this year, on this team, Guillermo Diaz Graham has been a better player than that point guard.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I don't think Corhen is good for overall vibes. Obviously the FSU players didn't think too fondly of him. At the one game I was at, I heard Capel ream him out from up in the 200 level. Likely best to cut bait on that one.

Which means he'll be back.

I'm not sure what kind of teammate he is so I won't comment on that but unless he's just an overall great locker room guy, you need to move on. The offense he gives you occasionally isn't worth the lack of rebounding, post Defense, and rim protection. If he isnt scoring, there's no point in him playing. Some games, he only grabs 1 or 2 more rebound than you or I.

 

[HailToPitt725]

Regardless of who the coach is next season, given the nature of college basketball, it seems very likely that we will only return a couple players for various reasons. If it was up to you, who would you want to return? Here's how I'd rank them:

1. Lowe - I get that he hasn't had a good season but he is still young and has the potential to be a very good player. I may try to bring in a PG though and move him to the 2.

2. Cummings

3. GDG - this may not be popular but I'd move him back to the 5, preferably as a backup and bring in a better starting Center

4. Kante

5. Delalic

6. Ndiaye - maybe he can develop into something?

7. Jorge - would have ranked him higher but he's a senior and the other guys have a higher ceiling

8. Barnes

9. Corhen - can't bring him back. Can't have a 5 who can't rebound or defend

The only players I think we “need” to hang onto are Lowe, Cummings, Kante, and I’d love to have Guillermo back as well (I’d love also like to try him at center).

The one player I can’t seem to figure out is Marlon Barnes- I had (relatively) high hopes for him coming out of high school, but he can’t seem to get on the floor after redshirting last year. I know we were supposed to be deep on the wing, but what gives?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

The only players I think we “need” to hang onto are Lowe, Cummings, Kante, and I’d love to have Guillermo back as well (I’d love also like to try him at center).

The one player I can’t seem to figure out is Marlon Barnes- I had (relatively) high hopes for him coming out of high school, but he can’t seem to get on the floor after redshirting last year. I know we were supposed to be deep on the wing, but what gives?

Barnes's stock dropped like crazy during his senior year and BballinsiderfromPitt didn't think he was any good. My guess is he is more of a low-major player like Drumgoole or Coulibaly. That's the great risk in taking HS players. Drumgoole, BTW, in Year 6, is having a decent year for GW. 12.5 PPG and yea, I know the A10 is a high majors but it took him 6 years to reach that level

 

[Pittisit4me]

Good athletes can't always defend. Look at Jamie's teams. He never had good athletes but they defended. Then the one super athlete he did have JJ Moore couldn't defend me. Its hard to get guys to play defense and it's hard to project good defenders.

Basically, we need 3 guys out of the portal. Using old Pitt players as the model and without going too crazy saying we need Blair, Young, and Fields. We need:

A PG like Nelly Cummings. A run the team first guy. A guy who won a ton even at a lower level.

A wing like Burton or Sibande, even a Leggett or Lowe but they can't have the same skillset as the PG. No more Johnson/McGowens or Lowe/Leggett combos. Need varying skill sets.

A big like Gary McGhee - rebound your ass off and defend. Scoring is a bonus.

Pay for those 3 guys they for a cheaper price you get:

Cummings takes a hometown discount

A shooter like Greg Elliot

A rugged 4 who will also rebound but can also step out like Ryan Luther.

These guys are out there and attainable and won't break the bank.

I respectfully disagree that good athletes can't defend. I would argue that good athletes can always defend, they just need the will and a kick in the ass from the coach. We need character guys that will put defense and rebounding first at the expense of their offense. Think Jauron Brown! This is the type of player this team could really use. Some would say he wasn't a great athlete. I disagee, pound for pound he had one of the strongest bodies ever to play at Pitt, and he knew how to use it.

 

[MarshallGoldberg]

I respectfully disagree that good athletes can't defend. I would argue that good athletes can always defend, they just need the will and a kick in the ass from the coach. We need character guys that will put defense and rebounding first at the expense of their offense. Think Jauron Brown! This is the type of player this team could really use. Some would say he wasn't a great athlete. I disagee, pound for pound he had one of the strongest bodies ever to play at Pitt, and he knew how to use it.

Those guys still exist (DJ Burns did well last year!) but there are less of them than ever. AAU ball doesn't reward you for being a good teammate, bruiser type. It's like being a Dominican baseball player, you don't get off the island taking walks.