First chance to get on the board since the game last night.
And yes, this is the BB board - not the FB board - and I’m aware of that, despite the title.
But ever since the 2023-‘24 roster was put together, I’ve been intrigued about the potential of this Pitt team maybe looking to push the ball more. Fast breaks. Secondary breaks. Attacking an opponent before they can get set in their half court D. Getting some open looks and hopefully some easier points.
There are 2 ways to get into transition: live ball turnovers; defensive rebounds. Live ball turnovers are great. But when Pitt starts facing top level P-6 and good ACC competition, expecting the opponent to be susceptible to making many of them is being pretty optimistic.
Pitt does have some length on the roster, however. Not necessarily much bulk. But some long arms and reach. IF they can do a solid job of making teams miss shots and then of boxing out and securing defensive boards, this team looks to maybe have the ability to get out and run some. Speed. Quickness. Athleticism. They appear to have guys that can also finish in the transition game. Will be interesting to see how much Pitt looks to run this season.
Some other thoughts after seeing the game last night:
* Bub, obviously, looks to be a very excellent addition. Talent. Skill. Versatility. But maybe the most impressive things to me were his awareness and instincts. Things that can’t necessarily be coached or taught. Have to see what he does consistently now.
* Jaland. Thought he was anxious at times and forced things a bit. Not really surprising for a 1st game. He needs to play quick and fast, but not rush. Think he’ll adjust soon. He looks to have the game to do it.
* Jorge. Hmmm? Can he be another sniper? At 6’11” he’s a very tough guard on the perimeter. Fanning out and spotting up at the 3 line on the secondary break. Have to see if there can be some consistency. But if there can, what an additional weapons that could be!
Last night was a real nice start. Lots still required to be done. The answers won’t be known for a while. But this is a real interesting group that seems to have a lot of the makings and ingredients that a very good team needs.
And yes, this is the BB board - not the FB board - and I’m aware of that, despite the title.
But ever since the 2023-‘24 roster was put together, I’ve been intrigued about the potential of this Pitt team maybe looking to push the ball more. Fast breaks. Secondary breaks. Attacking an opponent before they can get set in their half court D. Getting some open looks and hopefully some easier points.
There are 2 ways to get into transition: live ball turnovers; defensive rebounds. Live ball turnovers are great. But when Pitt starts facing top level P-6 and good ACC competition, expecting the opponent to be susceptible to making many of them is being pretty optimistic.
Pitt does have some length on the roster, however. Not necessarily much bulk. But some long arms and reach. IF they can do a solid job of making teams miss shots and then of boxing out and securing defensive boards, this team looks to maybe have the ability to get out and run some. Speed. Quickness. Athleticism. They appear to have guys that can also finish in the transition game. Will be interesting to see how much Pitt looks to run this season.
Some other thoughts after seeing the game last night:
* Bub, obviously, looks to be a very excellent addition. Talent. Skill. Versatility. But maybe the most impressive things to me were his awareness and instincts. Things that can’t necessarily be coached or taught. Have to see what he does consistently now.
* Jaland. Thought he was anxious at times and forced things a bit. Not really surprising for a 1st game. He needs to play quick and fast, but not rush. Think he’ll adjust soon. He looks to have the game to do it.
* Jorge. Hmmm? Can he be another sniper? At 6’11” he’s a very tough guard on the perimeter. Fanning out and spotting up at the 3 line on the secondary break. Have to see if there can be some consistency. But if there can, what an additional weapons that could be!
Last night was a real nice start. Lots still required to be done. The answers won’t be known for a while. But this is a real interesting group that seems to have a lot of the makings and ingredients that a very good team needs.
