The very best thing Scott Barnes can do is strong arm Dixon privately and say:

[mdpitt]

Coach: we want you to be at Pitt for a long time. You have the character that is a model for all coaches and I respect you greatly. We need to blow-up the staff and start fresh. All of them will be taken care of for the next year financially and I'm going to pull them in to give them the bad news. This isn't an option, we are going to do it. You need a different perspective and I think I can help with it. You need to go back to what worked for you in the past and I'm going to help with a schedule that is heavy in the NYC Philly DC market. We are going to be playing a few less home games and challenge the kids we are going to recruit in those areas in front of their family in the stands with a short drive. We want to get you to the highest level again but if we keep the same course, you will burn out and be miserable. We are going to significantly increase your Assistants and Recruiting capacities in two weeks. Here is a list of 25 people that we think could be head coaches someday and can really get kids excited about being here and develop players. Whoever you want to add, let's get them in here to talk.

I think deep down inside you know this is what needs to be done and I believe it will help you professionally.

 

[NewKen2013]

If you're a subscriber, you should read Matt's post on this issue. Replacing assistants seems like a good idea, but hurts Pitt short term. Especially in recruiting. It's a great read.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Yep. And then Jamie will reply with....

I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still
Da do ron-ron-ron, da do ron-ron
Somebody told me that his name was Bill
Da do ron-ron-ron, da do ron-ron
Yeah, my heart stood still
Yes, his name was Bill
And when he walked me home
Da do ron-ron-ron, da do ron-ron
I knew what he was doing when he caught my eye
Da do ron-ron-ron, da do ron-ron
He looked so quiet but my oh my
Da do ron-ron-ron, da do ron-ron

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

If you're a subscriber, you should read Matt's post on this issue. Replacing assistants seems like a good idea, but hurts Pitt short term. Especially in recruiting. It's a great read.

But....we aren't recruiting very well. Look at our prospects for the class of 2017. Now would be the time to make some moves because we aren't in on a lot of great kids anyways.

 

[PittPoker]

That sounds nice and all but after 13 years, I don't think Jamie wants any interference from the AD or anyone telling him who to hire and who to fire.

I agree that if Dixon won't get fired he needs to make changes. However, I just wonder how easy that will be. I sense a stubborn man after 13 years and I can't see him going along with that. He needs to, but I just can't see it, which is why we will continue to struggle in recruiting and other aspects of the program.

 

[PantherO]

OK, I am not a subscriber, but how is it going to hurt Pitt in the short term? This program is being hurt now (current term), with sub par recruiting/evaluation. A dynamic recruiter or a good eye for talent now, can get Pitt turned around sooner rather than later.

The program is also being hurt now, by the lack of attendance. Again...current term. I may get season tickets again if the program makes a shift.

I gave more to Pitt when they fired Smiley. I up'd my tickets after Coach PN first year. I will do the same with positive (perceived anyway) changes for hoops.

 

[Jeffburgh]

If you're a subscriber, you should read Matt's post on this issue. Replacing assistants seems like a good idea, but hurts Pitt short term. Especially in recruiting. It's a great read.

I've been posting this all season.
They are in a catch 22.
Particularly with smoke, you basically are blowing up the 16-17 recruiting class if you turnover over the assistants.
The only guy I think that is viable in that regard is BK, who really recruited anyone in a while.

 

[PittPoker]

But....we aren't recruiting very well. Look at our prospects for the class of 2017. Now would be the time to make some moves because we aren't in on a lot of great kids anyways.

Exactly. I mean 74th for next year? C'mon there is just no excuse for that. What gives us as Pitt fans any sense that it is going to change? I was talking to a few friends last night and we all agree, it is really depressing watching Pitt whiff on player after player and watching our recruiting get worse and worse.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

If we lose in the 1st ACC game this would be a bold and nice move. I do disagree that this would hurt recruiting as we have not recruited well in a long time. The incoming class is signed so there can’t be any fallout and it gives you enough time to reestablish ties with recruits we are high on. Anyone have any idea what we spend on assistants vs other ACC teams?

 

[pitt1379]

Coach: we want you to be at Pitt for a long time. You have the character that is a model for all coaches and I respect you greatly. We need to blow-up the staff and start fresh. All of them will be taken care of for the next year financially and I'm going to pull them in to give them the bad news. This isn't an option, we are going to do it. You need a different perspective and I think I can help with it. You need to go back to what worked for you in the past and I'm going to help with a schedule that is heavy in the NYC Philly DC market. We are going to be playing a few less home games and challenge the kids we are going to recruit in those areas in front of their family in the stands with a short drive. We want to get you to the highest level again but if we keep the same course, you will burn out and be miserable. We are going to significantly increase your Assistants and Recruiting capacities in two weeks. Here is a list of 25 people that we think could be head coaches someday and can really get kids excited about being here and develop players. Whoever you want to add, let's get them in here to talk.

I think deep down inside you know this is what needs to be done and I believe it will help you professionally.

In basketball does this happen to staffs? I know it does to a certain extent in football. But who is going to come in and change things instantly for Dixon? Aren't current assistants in with recruits and new ones would have to develope relationships and that would take more time? Hey I am open for anything but I am not sure that's going to help. The roster looks dicey for next year and nobody is coming in that is going to dramatically change that IMO.

 

[Jeffburgh]

OK, I am not a subscriber, but how is it going to hurt Pitt in the short term? This program is being hurt now (current term), with sub par recruiting/evaluation. A dynamic recruiter or a good eye for talent now, can get Pitt turned around sooner rather than later.

The program is also being hurt now, but the lack of attendance. Again...current term. I may get season tickets again if the program makes a shift.

I gave more to Pitt when they fired Smiley. I up'd my tickets after Coach PN first year. I will do the same with positive (perceived anyway) changes for hoops.

The 2016-17 cycle is well under way.

They have dozens of offers out on kids who they have been actively recruiting since last summer.

Any assistant who is the lead on these kids who gets canned, you lose that connection and the work he has done to this point, about three/four months before these kids start to commit, the schools you probably have no shot at getting these kids.

Unless they hire a guy who has GOOD recruits who are absolutely in his pocket, who will definitely come with him, you are blowing up this cycle.

AND, what guy like THAT is going to come to Pitt when the head coach is on his last stand when he is going to get offers from coaches in much more stable situations?

 

[Jeffburgh]

If we lose in the 1st ACC game this would be a bold and nice move. I do disagree that this would hurt recruiting as we have not recruited well in a long time. The incoming class is signed so there can’t be any fallout and it gives you enough time to reestablish ties with recruits we are high on. Anyone have any idea what we spend on assistants vs other ACC teams?

No it does not give you time to re-establish ties with the 16-17 kids.

They have been recruiting these kids since last summer, and it is about three months from when they are going to start committing.

Smoke has been laying the groundwork on a lot of the kids since last summer.

You can him and this class is pretty much DOA.

 

[KiwiJeff]

Exactly. I mean 74th for next year? C'mon there is just no excuse for that. What gives us as Pitt fans any sense that it is going to change? I was talking to a few friends last night and we all agree, it is really depressing watching Pitt whiff on player after player and watching our recruiting get worse and worse.

It WOULD get worse in the short term. We would possible lose our top 2 recruits next year and get nothing. While losing JRob, all the grad transfers. Maybe more. We need some talent coming in. Kithcart and Maginault are very needed. We are on the bubble. we are not in last place in the ACC. There is no reason that I can see why anyone would want to blow up the whole team, including potentially the incoming class.

 

[Saboteur]

If you're a subscriber, you should read Matt's post on this issue. Replacing assistants seems like a good idea, but hurts Pitt short term. Especially in recruiting. It's a great read.

Well we can't drop much further in recruiting can we?

 

[KiwiJeff]

In basketball does this happen to staffs? I know it does to a certain extent in football. But who is going to come in and change things instantly for Dixon? Aren't current assistants in with recruits and new ones would have to develope relationships and that would take more time? Hey I am open for anything but I am not sure that's going to help. The roster looks dicey for next year and nobody is coming in that is going to dramatically change that IMO.

Good point. I don't think the AD is insane. Blowing up the entire staff on massage boards may sound nice. In real life, it seems like a silly move that would definitely raise eyebrows.

 

[Saboteur]

That sounds nice and all but after 13 years, I don't think Jamie wants any interference from the AD or anyone telling him who to hire and who to fire.

I agree that if Dixon won't get fired he needs to make changes. However, I just wonder how easy that will be. I sense a stubborn man after 13 years and I can't see him going along with that. He needs to, but I just can't see it, which is why we will continue to struggle in recruiting and other aspects of the program.

Jamie doesn't want interference?
Barnes doesn't want empty seats and being the 66th best team in the nation.
Barnes wins.

 

[NewKen2013]

But....we aren't recruiting very well. Look at our prospects for the class of 2017. Now would be the time to make some moves because we aren't in on a lot of great kids anyways.

Recruits, I don't disagree. I think we should clean house and start over top to bottom. I agree this is a perfect time to do it, recruiting is terrible and we need life injected into the program.

 

[NTOP]

Coach: we want you to be at Pitt for a long time. You have the character that is a model for all coaches and I respect you greatly. We need to blow-up the staff and start fresh. All of them will be taken care of for the next year financially and I'm going to pull them in to give them the bad news. This isn't an option, we are going to do it. You need a different perspective and I think I can help with it. You need to go back to what worked for you in the past and I'm going to help with a schedule that is heavy in the NYC Philly DC market. We are going to be playing a few less home games and challenge the kids we are going to recruit in those areas in front of their family in the stands with a short drive. We want to get you to the highest level again but if we keep the same course, you will burn out and be miserable. We are going to significantly increase your Assistants and Recruiting capacities in two weeks. Here is a list of 25 people that we think could be head coaches someday and can really get kids excited about being here and develop players. Whoever you want to add, let's get them in here to talk.

I think deep down inside you know this is what needs to be done and I believe it will help you professionally.

What Barnes should say is: "What can I do to help you get back to where we both want to be. I don't know enough to pass judgment on your staff, that's your call. And we'll do everything possible to get the schedule in the best possible condition. Most of all, we trust you and know that no one works harder. Finally, don't pay attention to any internet wannabes who haven't coached a trio of poodles to do anything. Those idiots have no problem with character assassination based on rumors....pay no attention. Good luck Wednesday in D.C. We'll all be there to support you. have a nice day, H2P."

 

[levance2]

This is a pretty silly idea. Either allow Dixon to run his own program (with feedback and cooperation, sure) or fire him. No reason to run him as a puppet for the AD.

 

[NTOP]

Exactly. I mean 74th for next year? C'mon there is just no excuse for that. What gives us as Pitt fans any sense that it is going to change? I was talking to a few friends last night and we all agree, it is really depressing watching Pitt whiff on player after player and watching our recruiting get worse and worse.

What gives you a right to anything but effort??

 

[PittPoker]

What gives you a right to anything but effort??

C'mon are you being serious?

 

[PantherO]

The 2016-17 cycle is well under way.

They have dozens of offers out on kids who they have been actively recruiting since last summer.

Any assistant who is the lead on these kids who gets canned, you lose that connection and the work he has done to this point, about three/four months before these kids start to commit, the schools you probably have no shot at getting these kids.

Unless they hire a guy who has GOOD recruits who are absolutely in his pocket, who will definitely come with him, you are blowing up this cycle.

AND, what guy like THAT is going to come to Pitt when the head coach is on his last stand when he is going to get offers from coaches in much more stable situations?

I understand the coaches are currently in a recruiting cycle...but what if we end up with the 74th best recruiting class again? Does that really hurt Pitt that much more? How does that differ from when any of the previous good assistants left?

It is easy to point out the possible negatives of a staff change (and I don't think everybody should go at once), but what about the positives? A young dynamic hungry energetic coach, or even try and steal an establish coach with recruiting ties. Maybe they are able to bring somebody with them? That does happen.

I just don't think the program is going to improve if things continue to go as is.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

No it does not give you time to re-establish ties with the 16-17 kids.

They have been recruiting these kids since last summer, and it is about three months from when they are going to start committing.

Smoke has been laying the groundwork on a lot of the kids since last summer.

You can him and this class is pretty much DOA.

But is this class (2017) that we are involved with really that good? It sure doesn't look like we are seriously involved with much talent. NOW would be the most opportune time it would seem.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

This is a pretty silly idea. Either allow Dixon to run his own program (with feedback and cooperation, sure) or fire him. No reason to run him as a puppet for the AD.

I agree it cant be a co coach thing with AD Barnes looking over Dixon's shoulder. Noone likes that!
Dixon needs to recognize, accept the issues within the program and commit to making changes for improvement.
He needs to go to basketball coaches version of " AAA", admit to the problem, own it, and fix it!

 

[NTOP]

C'mon are you being serious?

100%.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

I would hope this conversation has already happened!

What Barnes should say is: "What can I do to help you get back to where we both want to be. I don't know enough to pass judgment on your staff, that's your call. And we'll do everything possible to get the schedule in the best possible condition. Most of all, we trust you and know that no one works harder. Finally, don't pay attention to any internet wannabes who haven't coached a trio of poodles to do anything. Those idiots have no problem with character assassination based on rumors....pay no attention. Good luck Wednesday in D.C. We'll all be there to support you. have a nice day, H2P."

 

[levance2]

I agree it cant be a co coach thing with AD Barnes looking over Dixon's shoulder. Noone likes that!
Dixon needs to recognize, accept the issues within the program and commit to making changes for improvement.
He needs to go to basketball coaches version of " AAA", admit to the problem, own it, and fix it!

You don't pay a guy millions and then dictate how to do his job. Either you believe in him or you don't. Either he accepts your criticism and suggestions, or he doesn't.

 

[NTOP]

I would hope this conversation has already happened!

I'm sure it has. Barnes seems like a straightforward guy. he's also no dummy.

 

[Jeffburgh]

I understand the coaches are currently in a recruiting cycle...but what if we end up with the 74th best recruiting class again? Does that really hurt Pitt that much more? How does that differ from when any of the previous good assistants left?

It is easy to point out the possible negatives of a staff change (and I don't think everybody should go at once), but what about the positives? A young dynamic hungry energetic coach, or even try and steal an establish coach with recruiting ties. Maybe they are able to bring somebody with them? That does happen.

I just don't think the program is going to improve if things continue to go as is.

That is absolutely a reasonable argument to make.

JD has said a big part of the failure in recruiting over the prior three cycles has been the turnover in staff. They just NOW are realistically going to see a return on Smoke's hire in particular.

It just is important to understand you probably are setting the program back short term with a major staff shake up, and I just think where things are at, for the most part this is JDs final stand, so he is probably better of having the continuity and trying to play this out with who he has.

THAT SAID, there does seem to be a critical mass that he will have to sacrifice someone, and my money would be on BK - perhaps finding a way to groove him into a lower level HC job.

 

[PantherO]

I agree it cant be a co coach thing with AD Barnes looking over Dixon's shoulder. Noone likes that!
Dixon needs to recognize, accept the issues within the program and commit to making changes for improvement.
He needs to go to basketball coaches version of " AAA", admit to the problem, own it, and fix it!

The AD absolutely has the right to tell Dixon what he thinks. Barnes' job is to make sure Pitt Athletics succeed. If that is pointing something out to Dixon or letting him know he needs to changes things up, then Barnes better do so or he is not doing his job.

I am a professional...I get paid a nice sum of money to do my job. But if my boss sees me doing something that I could improve on, then they better do so.

I doubt Barnes will nag Jamie, but there is nothing wrong with a professional sit down. Far from looking over someones shoulder.

 

[Jeffburgh]

But is this class (2017) that we are involved with really that good? It sure doesn't look like we are seriously involved with much talent. NOW would be the most opportune time it would seem.

1) They have definitely offered and are recruiting a lot of solid kids, more in line with what JD can work with. This is just now when any possible reasonable return from Smoke could be expected.
2) IMO, this is JDs last stand, the next 1-2-3 years. It hurts his chances to make it work if they seriously disrupt the 16-17 cycle.
3) Again, if you are the kind of quality assistant that would make a difference, would you go to Pitt, where JD is on his last stand, or go to a proven program or a new coach who is going to get his 4-5 years, because if you are that good of an assistant, you are going to get interest from those programs, too.
4) Matt didn't say it quite like this, but its the same point. Given that it is his last stand, let him play this out as is for the most part.
5) Again, IMO, if there has to be a sacrificial lamb, IMO, it will be BK, possibly bumped out of the nest into a lower level HC gig.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

The AD absolutely has the right to tell Dixon what he thinks. Barnes' job is to make sure Pitt Athletics succeed. If that is pointing something out to Dixon or letting him know he needs to changes things up, then Barnes better do so or he is not doing his job.

I am a professional...I get paid a nice sum of money to do my job. But if my boss sees me doing something that I could improve on, then they better do so.

I doubt Barnes will nag Jamie, but there is nothing wrong with a professional sit down. Far from looking over someones shoulder.

I think we agree. Pointing out stuff and making suggestions as to how to move forward is fine!
I doubt you like your boss looking over your shoulder, micro managing you, or doing your job for you.
If a boss starts doing that stuff its time for the employee to move on!
That's what I was trying to say.

 

[KiwiJeff]

The AD absolutely has the right to tell Dixon what he thinks. Barnes' job is to make sure Pitt Athletics succeed. If that is pointing something out to Dixon or letting him know he needs to changes things up, then Barnes better do so or he is not doing his job.

I am a professional...I get paid a nice sum of money to do my job. But if my boss sees me doing something that I could improve on, then they better do so.

I doubt Barnes will nag Jamie, but there is nothing wrong with a professional sit down. Far from looking over someones shoulder.

Agreed.

 

[pittman71]

biggest problem with recruiting for all Division 1 schools is if the player you are recruiting is "too" good he will only be at your school for one year. Pitt losing Adams really hurt, look at Duke this year and the mess they have become just one year after winning the title, due to one and done. Ditto for Kentucky (early entry).

There has to be changes to the early entry rules, these guys leaving early for the NBA have worsened both the NBA and college games. Three years minimum college and then you can go pro, or just come straight out of high school and go pro.

 

[PittPoker]

biggest problem with recruiting for all Division 1 schools is if the player you are recruiting is "too" good he will only be at your school for one year. Pitt losing Adams really hurt, look at Duke this year and the mess they have become just one year after winning the title, due to one and done. Ditto for Kentucky (early entry).

There has to be changes to the early entry rules, these guys leaving early for the NBA have worsened both the NBA and college games. Three years minimum college and then you can go pro, or just come straight out of high school and go pro.

If Jefferson wasn't hurt they would be a completely different team.

 

[pittman71]

If Jefferson wasn't hurt they would be a completely different team.

one and done should definitely be "done" away with, however. The NBA is really bad right now because of it

 

[Harve74]

I think we agree. Pointing out stuff and making suggestions as to how to move forward is fine!
I doubt you like your boss looking over your shoulder, micro managing you, or doing your job for you.
If a boss starts doing that stuff its time for the employee to move on!
That's what I was trying to say.

I can't argue a bit about the boss having the right and even the responsibility to advise snd guide the employee. That's pretty much the nature of the roles. A major difference between Dixon's job and any of ours however is that Pitt owes Dixon somewhere between 18 to 23 million dollars of guaranteed money.

Nobody just "moves on" from that kind of money.

I don't have any idea how the contract is worded. Typically, in industry, you can fire an employee for cause if he refuses a direct order but Pitt ended up paying Wanny's buy-out under similar circumstances.

If Dixon either just refuses to make staff changes or simply lets Barnes hire whoever he wants while dialing back his personal effort to sitting back, playing a lot of golf and letting the new assistants run the program while collecting his $3 million every year, what can Barnes do except try to negotiate a reduced buy-out? PR-wise, either would be disastrous for the program.

I'm sure Barnes had no idea he was getting into a mess in basketball when he signed on here.

Arguably, if Dixon and Barnes can't reach a mutual understanding, Barnes could suggest Pitt would agree to a mutually advntageous deal where Pitt mIght subsidize the difference between the buy-out and his new salary should Dixon want to pursue "an opportunity " at TCU or elsewhere.

 

[thebadby2]

No it does not give you time to re-establish ties with the 16-17 kids.

They have been recruiting these kids since last summer, and it is about three months from when they are going to start committing.

Smoke has been laying the groundwork on a lot of the kids since last summer.

You can him and this class is pretty much DOA.

No question you disrupt recruiting and risk losing tons of ground by swapping out a key assistant or two right now.
But what would be better timing--the day after the 2017 LOI day? Woulds there ever be a time when that wouldn't hurt recruiting short term ?

Inertia is probably more harmful to this program at this point than the risk of losing ground in a recruiting cycle. Let's face it, with this group of ACs, what are we really risking here player-wise from 2016-17? None of them has shown much to date in that regard.

And I'll say this again--it will take more than Kithcart and Manigault to get the train back on the tracks here. Anyone who really believes that these two alone will be the saviors of this program are setting themselves up for major disappointment. They may be fine players, but you need more, and different, pieces to have a complete puzzle. We could really use a couple of athletic, physical 4-5 types in the 6'10 and up range to be complimentary, defense and rebounding types in the Louisville mold. I never thought I'd be missing Levon Kendall but a guy like that could really help this team-certainly a lot more than a Jeter or one of these grad transfers of ours. Those guys are out there to be had.

The low recruiting point for this program IMO was Jamie camping out in Jon Severe's house and gym for a week begging him to come to Pitt because he was the only unsigned scoring guard with a pulse left in the eastern half of the United States, and we needed a scoring guard in the worst way. And then to have him choose Fordham, causing us to have to look for whatever lackluster grad transfers were out there.....that is no way to live. A second low moment was the all-out, to the finish line, all the eggs in one basket effort to try to get Cassius Winston, who was a MSU lock from 8th grade forward. He was never gonna come here and everyone in the US but Smoke, Dixon and some posters on this board knew it. Recruiting from a desperation position and tilting at windmills probably isn't a good model. Because of this, we have several of those Plan B-C types playing key minutes for us right now, to go along with the grad transfers. That ain't cutting it, and it ain't ever gonna cut it. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I don't think it's a terrible exaggeration to say that these are fairly desperate times for Pitt basketball.

 

[Ski11585]

one and done should definitely be "done" away with, however. The NBA is really bad right now because of it

Well, the NBA is more popular than ever, has a ton of very young marketable stars, and is playing a brand of basketball that is both fun and oriented around ball movement. Yeah, that one and done stuff is REALLY hurting the league.

 

[Jeffburgh]

No question you disrupt recruiting and risk losing tons of ground by swapping out a key assistant or two right now.
But what would be better timing--the day after the 2017 LOI day? Woulds there ever be a time when that wouldn't hurt recruiting short term ?

Inertia is probably more harmful to this program at this point than the risk of losing ground in a recruiting cycle. Let's face it, with this group of ACs, what are we really risking here player-wise from 2016-17? None of them has shown much to date in that regard.

Again,I think the overall point is JD is now entering his last stand.

None of this is saying everything is fine. None of this is saying that it doesn't look bleak.

What is acknowledging is that he is entering his last stand.

He has only the next 2 years, give or take to for the program to show some real signs of trending upwards again.

There are real grounds to question if these guys can get a quality recruiting class in the 16-17 cycle, but the hire of smoke in particular can most reasonably START to show some returns on this class.

SO, you most likely are hindering JDs last gasp by submaring this class or letting it play out one way or another.

And I'll say this again--it will take more than Kithcart and Manigault to get the train back on the tracks here. Anyone who really believes that these two alone will be the saviors of this program are setting themselves up for major disappointment. They may be fine players, but you need more, and different, pieces to have a complete puzzle. We could really use a couple of athletic, physical 4-5 types in the 6'10 and up range to be complimentary, defense and rebounding types in the Louisville mold. I never thought I'd be missing Levon Kendall but a guy like that could really help this team-certainly a lot more than a Jeter or one of these grad transfers of ours. Those guys are out there to be had.

I will say this again.

No $hit.

No one is saying they are the fab five.

I personally keep posting they are part of the core that will include this next class that people are anxious to blow up, to be the foundation of JDs last stand.

The low recruiting point for this program IMO was Jamie camping out in Jon Severe's house and gym for a week begging him to come to Pitt because he was the only unsigned scoring guard with a pulse left in the eastern half of the United States, and we needed a scoring guard in the worst way. And then to have him choose Fordham, causing us to have to look for whatever lackluster grad transfers were out there.....that is no way to live. A second low moment was the all-out, to the finish line, all the eggs in one basket effort to try to get Cassius Winston, who was a MSU lock from 8th grade forward. He was never gonna come here and everyone in the US but Smoke, Dixon and some posters on this board knew it. Recruiting from a desperation position and tilting at windmills probably isn't a good model. Because of this, we have several of those Plan B-C types playing key minutes for us right now, to go along with the grad transfers. That ain't cutting it, and it ain't ever gonna cut it. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I don't think it's a terrible exaggeration to say that these are fairly desperate times for Pitt basketball.

The recruiting overall the last five years has wholly unacceptable. Yes, the Severe thing was embarrassing, and I posted countless times that Winston was a pipe dream.

Again, it is NOT SAYING things are fine.

It is acknowledging that this is a small window for JD to get it turned around and that window is small enough that a major staff shakeup does more damage to his last stand than good.

Also, again, I think the call for blood in the water is so strong there will have to be a sacraficial lamb, and IMO, it is likely to be BK being nudged out of the nest into a lower level HC gig.