Syracuse Game & Other Dribbles ...

[DT_PITT]

** I'm glad to say we won by 4.

** That is, Baldwin won by 4 over Canon-Mac. I went with my Son who was covering the game for his High School newspaper.

** The plan was to watch the game on my phone, but I couldn't get the app to work, so I followed along on the ESPN play by play planning to watch the DVR of the game later. Therefore, I've really got nothing to add to the mix.

** But I will share the thought I had at halftime. And this isn't a bragging "I told you so" kind of thought.

** Nonetheless, I worried that we were in trouble because we scored 34 points and we were losing. Giving the Cuse 35 worried me even more. We know we aren't going to score many more than 60, and simply, we have to keep opponents near that mark to have a chance.

** I've already watched the tape of the second half just to see what the heck happened. I watched a team completely unfocused on getting it done on the defensive end. Just not the needed effort and focus.

** Hopefully we will get a better effort on Saturday. Off to watch Geno!

 

[gary2]

** I'm glad to say we won by 4.

** That is, Baldwin won by 4 over Canon-Mac. I went with my Son who was covering the game for his High School newspaper.

** The plan was to watch the game on my phone, but I couldn't get the app to work, so I followed along on the ESPN play by play planning to watch the DVR of the game later. Therefore, I've really got nothing to add to the mix.

** But I will share the thought I had at halftime. And this isn't a bragging "I told you so" kind of thought.

** Nonetheless, I worried that we were in trouble because we scored 34 points and we were losing. Giving the Cuse 35 worried me even more. We know we aren't going to score many more than 60, and simply, we have to keep opponents near that mark to have a chance.

** I've already watched the tape of the second half just to see what the heck happened. I watched a team completely unfocused on getting it done on the defensive end. Just not the needed effort and focus.

** Hopefully we will get a better effort on Saturday. Off to watch Geno!

Everyone knew a stinker was in the pipeline.

I feared it would be at home versus BC, instead it was tonight.

 

[iMissTheOldDayss]

That 2nd half was one of the worst moments of the Capel era and I’m not exaggerating

 

[DT_PITT]

Everyone knew a stinker was in the pipeline.

I feared it would be at home versus BC, instead it was tonight.

Yeah ... I confess that I didn't have a very good feeling about this one. But it least at was only a real stinker for a half though, or at worst, 52-29 over the last 23 minutes.

 

[pittjas]

Do you get excited for these games DT?

 

[DT_PITT]

Do you get excited for these games DT?

Excited? Can't say that. I was looking forward to the BC game though, and I really enjoyed it. I'm kinda looking forward to L-ville too. As losses pile up this year as we expect, it will be a chore by year end.

 

[gary2]

Excited? Can't say that. I was looking forward to the BC game though, and I really enjoyed it. I'm kinda looking forward to L-ville too. As losses pile up this year as we expect, it will be a chore by year end.

Do you think we can do better than a 25% winning percentage for league play this season?

 

[DT_PITT]

Do you think we can do better than a 25% winning percentage for league play this season?

Do I think we CAN do better than 5-15? Sure, I think it's possible because the league is so weak. But I certainly wouldn't bet even a dime on it.

 

[Protes]

'Cuse is such a bad matchup for us. Gotta have shooters to bust the zone and we don't have them. Still, we shot over our heads in the 1st half and generally did a good job attacking the zone, IMO. Knowing the shots weren't going to keep falling, we were going to need Big John to step up in the 2nd half. Instead, we were thoroughly shut down.

The other problem is our bench is non-existent. Other than Zeke and Collier, ???. I believe our guys were tired out in the 2nd half. Santos should have seen the floor more tonight. Jeffress certainly doesn't deserve all the PT he's getting. And Santos is a guy who could get hot and bust the zone.

As much as we're not a great team by any stretch - and tonight's loss aside - I think JC has done a good job getting this team to play about as well as can be expected. We've been competitive; much more so than it seemed we'd be earlier in the season.

 

[gary2]

Do I think we CAN do better than 5-15? Sure, I think it's possible because the league is so weak. But I certainly wouldn't bet even a dime on it.

Got it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[pittjas]

Excited? Can't say that. I was looking forward to the BC game though, and I really enjoyed it. I'm kinda looking forward to L-ville too. As losses pile up this year as we expect, it will be a chore by year end.

It has been a real struggle for me this year. I just struggle when we’ve had 0 postseason aspirations all year AND there’s 0 commits and not much momentum left in the program.

It just all seems so pointless. Basically watching the games purely just in the context of the two hour window and hoping for a win. But at the end of the game either way it doesn’t really matter to me.

At least the last two years we actually had SOME postseason hopes. And the first year we had some excitement with the 3 freshmen.

 

[gary2]

It has been a real struggle for me this year. I just struggle when we’ve had 0 postseason aspirations all year AND there’s 0 commits and not much momentum left in the program.

It just all seems so pointless. Basically watching the games purely just in the context of the two hour window and hoping for a win. But at the end of the game either way it doesn’t really matter to me.

At least the last two years we actually had SOME postseason hopes. And the first year we had some excitement with the 3 freshmen.

How I watch games:

1 - I hope and want us to win.

2 - If we are going to lose, I want the losses to be big to cement the need for a change to be made

 

[Pittisit4me]

Offense matters but when we play defense like that it really doesn't. I don't think we could stay in front of a turtle tonight. It was like all our guys were in cement shoes.

 

[KennyTheKangaroo]

Go Highlanders

 

[iMissTheOldDayss]

'Cuse is such a bad matchup for us. Gotta have shooters to bust the zone and we don't have them. Still, we shot over our heads in the 1st half and generally did a good job attacking the zone, IMO. Knowing the shots weren't going to keep falling, we were going to need Big John to step up in the 2nd half. Instead, we were thoroughly shut down.

The other problem is our bench is non-existent. Other than Zeke and Collier, ???. I believe our guys were tired out in the 2nd half. Santos should have seen the floor more tonight. Jeffress certainly doesn't deserve all the PT he's getting. And Santos is a guy who could get hot and bust the zone.

As much as we're not a great team by any stretch - and tonight's loss aside - I think JC has done a good job getting this team to play about as well as can be expected. We've been competitive; much more so than it seemed we'd be earlier in the season.

Collier and Zeke are a very big part of the non existent bench although Zeke will never get a word of criticism from me, he is a walk on and should never be on the court, but he has to be, at an ACC school, because of Jeff Capel and his inability to build any sort of competitive roster

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

** I'm glad to say we won by 4.

** That is, Baldwin won by 4 over Canon-Mac. I went with my Son who was covering the game for his High School newspaper.

** The plan was to watch the game on my phone, but I couldn't get the app to work, so I followed along on the ESPN play by play planning to watch the DVR of the game later. Therefore, I've really got nothing to add to the mix.

** But I will share the thought I had at halftime. And this isn't a bragging "I told you so" kind of thought.

** Nonetheless, I worried that we were in trouble because we scored 34 points and we were losing. Giving the Cuse 35 worried me even more. We know we aren't going to score many more than 60, and simply, we have to keep opponents near that mark to have a chance.

** I've already watched the tape of the second half just to see what the heck happened. I watched a team completely unfocused on getting it done on the defensive end. Just not the needed effort and focus.

** Hopefully we will get a better effort on Saturday. Off to watch Geno!

"Nonetheless, I worried that we were in trouble because we scored 34 points and we were losing. Giving the Cuse 35 worried me even more. We know we aren't going to score many more than 60, and simply, we have to keep opponents near that mark to have a chance."

You are correct--this is a team whose offensive ceiling against ACC opposition is to score in the 60s, and most often in the low 60s. With Horton that changes somewhat and scoring in the low 70's becomes somewhat possible.

IMHO, until (or if) Horton returns, every ACC opponent going forward is going to double or triple team Hugley when playing man defense and risk Pitt making the 3-ball. Alternatively, teams will use lots of collapsing zone defenses against this Pitt team. Wins will only be able to happen in those occaisional games where someone who normally is mediocre shooting the 3-ball has an unusually hot night.

"I've already watched the tape of the second half just to see what the heck happened. I watched a team completely unfocused on getting it done on the defensive end. Just not the needed effort and focus."

Agree 100% with this. Seocond half defensive effort and execution was truly pathetic as was defensive rebounding. And that was after first half defensive execution and effort was at best mediocre.

 

[goalieman]

** I'm glad to say we won by 4.

** That is, Baldwin won by 4 over Canon-Mac. I went with my Son who was covering the game for his High School newspaper.

** The plan was to watch the game on my phone, but I couldn't get the app to work, so I followed along on the ESPN play by play planning to watch the DVR of the game later. Therefore, I've really got nothing to add to the mix.

** But I will share the thought I had at halftime. And this isn't a bragging "I told you so" kind of thought.

** Nonetheless, I worried that we were in trouble because we scored 34 points and we were losing. Giving the Cuse 35 worried me even more. We know we aren't going to score many more than 60, and simply, we have to keep opponents near that mark to have a chance.

** I've already watched the tape of the second half just to see what the heck happened. I watched a team completely unfocused on getting it done on the defensive end. Just not the needed effort and focus.

** Hopefully we will get a better effort on Saturday. Off to watch Geno!

Geno didn't disappoint !

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I got my gameplan the next Syracuse game. Who's the Oakland transfer that doesn't play? Oladaibo or something like that? You put him out there, and you just have him run through, I mean like a safety to a WR (targeting) to Buddy Boeheim and knock him on his ass, take the technical and probably disqualification and play on.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

I was happy we got the win against BC, but last night was just more of the same. Sadly, I didn't start watching the game unit the start of the second half, so you can blame me for the implosion.

Every time I watch this team play I'm amazed at the lack of offensive sets. It's hero ball with guys who aren't good enough to play it. When is the last time they screened a cutter open for a layup?

 

[DT_PITT]

Geno didn't disappoint !

Indeed!!

 

[DT_PITT]

How I watch games:

1 - I hope and want us to win.

2 - If we are going to lose, I want the losses to be big to cement the need for a change to be made

I don't agree, but I do understand your logic to some extent. But plain and simply, I've enjoyed every game this year that has gone to the final minute. Even a close loss is fun. So for me, maybe where your logic might hold a little more understanding is a 20 point loss instead of a 10 point loss.

 

[Protes]

Collier and Zeke are a very big part of the non existent bench although Zeke will never get a word of criticism from me, he is a walk on and should never be on the court, but he has to be, at an ACC school, because of Jeff Capel and his inability to build any sort of competitive roster

I agree that Zeke deserves a ton of credit. He's been a big contributor off the bench. Collier? Not so much. But we basically have 5 guys playing the bulk of the minutes. I think last night they got worn out a bit.

 

[rockypanther]

Do I think we CAN do better than 5-15? Sure, I think it's possible because the league is so weak. But I certainly wouldn't bet even a dime on it.

We don’t win any more games if the other coach isn’t too dumb to not play zone against us. I can’t believe Capel couldn’t find anyway to get Hugley the ball except at the free throw line. Our zone offense is trash. Only looked good because we hit shots we never usually make in the first half.

By the way Santos hit two 3’s and wasn’t afraid to shoot. Unlike Jeffress who hesitated often and never came close on the outside shots I saw him take. Play Santos. At least he has good form and presents at least a threat.

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

We don’t win any more games if the other coach isn’t too dumb to not play zone against us. I can’t believe Capel couldn’t find anyway to get Hugley the ball except at the free throw line. Our zone offense is trash. Only looked good because we hit shots we never usually make in the first half.

By the way Santos hit two 3’s and wasn’t afraid to shoot. Unlike Jeffress who hesitated often and never came close on the outside shots I saw him take. Play Santos. At least he has good form and presents at least a threat.

I actually think Hugley is still best served on the baseline for the most part with lots of duck-ins into the post but Femi should’ve been the point man in the high post all game ala Jaron Brown

 

[gary2]

I don't agree, but I do understand your logic to some extent. But plain and simply, I've enjoyed every game this year that has gone to the final minute. Even a close loss is fun. So for me, maybe where your logic might hold a little more understanding is a 20 point loss instead of a 10 point loss.

I have to admit I enjoyed the close games more than I would have “enjoyed” a blowout.

I guess I feel what I posted, after the fac, if that makes any sense?

 

[TWPitt]

We don’t win any more games if the other coach isn’t too dumb to not play zone against us. I can’t believe Capel couldn’t find anyway to get Hugley the ball except at the free throw line. Our zone offense is trash. Only looked good because we hit shots we never usually make in the first half.

By the way Santos hit two 3’s and wasn’t afraid to shoot. Unlike Jeffress who hesitated often and never came close on the outside shots I saw him take. Play Santos. At least he has good form and presents at least a threat.

Yeah that game reminded me last night of the first couple years with Capel where we won early against Man teams then everyone played zone and we really weren’t in games anymore. With Hugley if other coaches don’t zone up early and often I will be shocked since he is our only real threat.

 

[gary2]

We don’t win any more games if the other coach isn’t too dumb to not play zone against us. I can’t believe Capel couldn’t find anyway to get Hugley the ball except at the free throw line. Our zone offense is trash. Only looked good because we hit shots we never usually make in the first half.

By the way Santos hit two 3’s and wasn’t afraid to shoot. Unlike Jeffress who hesitated often and never came close on the outside shots I saw him take. Play Santos. At least he has good form and presents at least a threat.

Santos does have good form. When he entered the game last night, it appeared he had some initial performance anxiety.

I think what caused Santos to lose time was trying to be something he is not. After missing a few threes, he began taking the ball to the basket. In my opinion, way too much for his “current” skill set.

We need him to shoot, not drive.

 

[pittchagg]

Santos does have good form. When he entered the game last night, it appeared he had some initial performance anxiety.

I think what caused Santos to lose time was trying to be something he is not. After missing a few threes, he began taking the ball to the basket. In my opinion, way too much for his “current” skill set.

We need him to shoot, not drive.

I agree. He needs to be what Buddy Boeheim was - constantly relocating, moving around the perimeter, and making defenders chase him across the court.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Santos probably isn’t playing more because he is a defensive liability this early in his college career. Althoug, last night nearly every Pitt player was a defensive liability especially in the second half .

 

[Dointhatrag]

At some point a D1 ACC team needs to recruit capable outside shooters. We cant win many games when the opposing team can just put five guys in the paint to stop us.

 

[PittMBA]

I was happy we got the win against BC, but last night was just more of the same. Sadly, I didn't start watching the game unit the start of the second half, so you can blame me for the implosion.

Every time I watch this team play I'm amazed at the lack of offensive sets. It's hero ball with guys who aren't good enough to play it. When is the last time they screened a cutter open for a layup?

What’s confounding is for a large stretch of the 1st half they carved the zone as well as I’ve seen in a long time . Got great looks, attacked the offensive glass, great cuts without the ball and then it quickly all fell apart with just bad defense leading to panic on offense .

Right after we stretched our lead to 7 , Girard hit a tough layup and then got fouled on a 3. From there we basically stopped competing.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

It has been a real struggle for me this year. I just struggle when we’ve had 0 postseason aspirations all year AND there’s 0 commits and not much momentum left in the program.

It just all seems so pointless. Basically watching the games purely just in the context of the two hour window and hoping for a win. But at the end of the game either way it doesn’t really matter to me.

At least the last two years we actually had SOME postseason hopes. And the first year we had some excitement with the 3 freshmen.

That's where I'm at. Watching each game purely as a means of entertainment for 2 hours. But this is why I say I want Hugley and Capel back. If they come back, I watch the games next season thinking the NCAAT is possible and start thinking what every W and L does for our NCAAT chances.

 

[PittPharm2002]

So you all are watching the games like actual adults , finally ?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

So you all are watching the games like actual adults , finally ?

If by watching a team you have no "hope" for and no emotinal interest in as watching like an adult, then yes.