The change to Chris Jones in the starting lineup has been key

[UPitt '89]

Chris Jones defends. Chris Jones drives the lane. Chris Jones does what Jamie asks.

Chris Jones getting Smith's minutes and Smith becoming a minor role player has been the change that has improved our team's game overall.

He, along with Luther, have been the difference in Pitt winning three of the past four.

 

[DT_PITT]

Chris Jones defends. Chris Jones drives the lane. Chris Jones does what Jamie asks.

Chris Jones getting Smith's minutes and Smith becoming a minor role player has been the change that has improved our team's game overall.

He, along with Luther, have been the difference in Pitt winning three of the past four.

I'd say it a little differently.

It's the change in how Chris Jones has played that has been the difference.

Chris Jones looked terrible against Virginia. He had looked pretty bad in the games up to that point too. Who's to say what happened in the second half of the Miami game to put the light switch on for Chris, but it looks like it did.

Starting him (and playing him more) was a pretty easy move that had to be made at the time, as Sterling was really struggling as well. But Chris earned it.

 

[Franb]

I'd say it a little differently.

It's the change in how Chris Jones has played that has been the difference.

Chris Jones looked terrible against Virginia. He had looked pretty bad in the games up to that point too. Who's to say what happened in the second half of the Miami game to put the light switch on for Chris, but it looks like it did.

Starting him (and playing him more) was a pretty easy move that had to be made at the time, as Sterling was really struggling as well. But Chris earned it.

It wasn't long ago that many were saying that he wasn't an ACC player and shouldn't get minutes. Maybe that was his evil twin.

 

[PittMan 72]

I'd say it a little differently.

It's the change in how Chris Jones has played that has been the difference.

Chris Jones looked terrible against Virginia. He had looked pretty bad in the games up to that point too. Who's to say what happened in the second half of the Miami game to put the light switch on for Chris, but it looks like it did.

Starting him (and playing him more) was a pretty easy move that had to be made at the time, as Sterling was really struggling as well. But Chris earned it.

There are no excuses. Every player's play speaks for itself. Because a player has to deal with whatever happens and I'm sure Chris, like every other player, doesn't want any excuses made for him. But Jones had a lower leg injury earlier in the season. Then (in the game @ FSU I think?) he got banged up again. Looked like an arm or shoulder maybe? So possibly CJ has gotten back to 100% health-wise now? Whatever, he's had some real nice performances. His length as a defender and his aggressiveness in driving the ball have been a big help.

If Pitt can continue to get consistent significant production from Jones, Luther, Jeter and Slim; and if JA, MY and JR can perform up to their capabilities as the "mainstays", Pitt can be a handful for just about any opponent. Then they've still got Smith, Maia, ANO and Wilson for depth, situational roles and to fill in for spot duty as needed.