Starters going forward
- Thread starter UPitt '89
- Start date
If someone dogs it on defense, does not box out, does not move the ball and set screens, and all the little things I would park their a@@ on the bench. I would rather have Lecak running around hustling rather than watching the lack of fundamentals from some of these guys. Send a loud and clear message.
I'd sit Artis, too for cam.
Maybe even Jones.
Time to have zero tolerance for lack of effort.
Maybe even Jones.
Time to have zero tolerance for lack of effort.
If Jamie sat Artis and Young next game I would jump with joy .. They need to know their efforts on defense and rebounding aren't cutting it
I'd be fine with that. One thing that is clear is that we played best tonight when young and Artis weren't dominating the ball. When those two get the ball, you can basically bank on a long jump shot.
Those two are just not the two guys you want as your best players, especially when they seem to not often play hard.
I'm encouraged by Luther and Damon Wilson, and Chris Jones should just drive to the hoop every play. Why is he the only guy on the team that can consistently create a shot driving to the hoop?
Young and Artis are both skilled players, but they are NOT team players nor tough players. I am beginning to think our program will be better off in the long run if both move on.
Do we want them being the senior leaders next year? I don't.
Do we want them being the senior leaders next year? I don't.
We may as well roll the roulette wheel because no one on this team plays well enough in back to back games to be confident in any lineup. Every time you think one of these guys is turning a corner, he comes out the next game and lays an egg.
Wilson can drive pretty well also. Seems to have a knack for drawing fouls when he goes to the hoop.
If Robinson now has gotten some confidence and can make some shots I'm fine with him getting a bunch of minutes. HOWEVER, if he starts bricking them up again get him the heck out of there and let Wilson take the helm. We're not winning anyways with Robinson in there so let the freshman develop and use his quickness.
I'd still start Sheldon. But nearly all of my minutes at the 3-4-5 spots would go to Jeter, Young, Artis and Luther.
I was their 4 rows from the court and there was no lack of effort from either player especially Artis who was in constant motion, Young did get pulled in the second half for not playing D .Inside Pitt isn't big and strong enough Young needs help and to be at the 4 . Great idea get rid of your best players so they can be better.
Maybe they need a mix up of players. Wilson even looked decent tonight, least he can drive to the hoop, getting better.
A good jeopardy question:
What is Coppin State?
Answer:
Obviously not a basketball school.
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To me Smith has been the most disappointing because we all thought he would be a legit 3 point threat. He rarely shoots and really has a weird, no arc shot. He is also slumping like James so I think it's a big fail for all the grad transfers. Did fine against the cupcakes but really next to nothing in most conference games. Shame.
If it was Andy Toole's team, they would have already been benched at least a game by now...
They are decent core players, IMO.
The problem is that they have literally no post presence and a super weak PG.
I am not saying he is as good as Charles Smith, but Young's game is a bit like his. Smith like to shoot the 15-18 footer and Evans played him high post a lot. BUT, he had Jerome Lane destroying the offensive and defensive boards.
Artis is a bit like Sam Young. Sam had Dejuan Blair destroying the offensive and defensive boards.
If you even had Gary McGhee on this team, they are at 20+ wins right now ...
And, the whole team is being drug down by JRob at this point ...
It seems whoever we start in that Jeter/Maia duo can barely get to the first media timeout without picking up 2 fouls and being regulated to the bench. I am no basketball coach nor have a high basketball IQ, but that is a huge problem to me. You are starting Jeter the past few games because of Rafi's shoulder and the overall stellar play are you getting from Jeter of the bench. But as that high energy guy, Jeter was flagged for 2 early fouls and clearly that hurt the bench (though Maia did have a few nice buckets in relief.)
And I thought two left feet McGhee was horrible please bring him back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its not good when PITT previous worst players could be todays best players.
I believe players and lack of player development has hit the program hard.
Some players don't seem to improve over time.
It is his responsibility, of course.
But, JD's hands are tied.
Agree, Jeter is a real spark plug off the bench, but he has no business being a post defender ...
Gary has his limitations for sure, but he (and Wannamker) was the last vestige of toughness and grit the program had.
He had no offense, but teams didn't take liberties on the Panthers with him.
The KNEW they played Pitt when he was in there knocking people around.
Give this team a STOUT 6-10 guy who kept the other team off the boards, laid the wood to people who drove the basket ...
It would make a difference.
Not final four, but they wouldn't be headed to the NCAA bubble today ...
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