Every year, I have the same thought. Every single one of these teams has at least one player that could play on Pitt's team. Even the good Pitt teams of the past. There really is a fine line in this sport. A lot of it is momentum and confidence, but these smaller schools have some talent. The depth and size usually isn't there, but they have talent.
My point is that after about the top 10-15 players in the class, there are so many variables. That is where it comes down to fit, personality, etc. Especially now with all of the movement. It takes a lot to find the right mentality in these kids today.
It is more difficult than ever to build an experienced team. However, it is possible. There are so many players out there. This is why so many grad transfers are successful. The transfer, and specifically grad transfer, is almost as important as prep recruiting now. If you are not in that market, you need to be very successful in the high school and prep world.
At this point, there is no rebuilding really. I keep seeing that mentioned, but there is no reward for a rebuilding plan that we see in the NBA or professional sports. You have to go all in every single year because every year that isn't a success can be worked against you in recruiting. You can have mini-rebuilds at certain positions within the program. For example, you can have a succession and development plan at center. That is about it.
My whole point is that Pitt, and every other team, can be optimistic every single offseason. The reason is, it is a short trip from the outhouse to the penthouse in basketball. It is 2-3 players. Of course they have to be studs, but the point remains. You are never that far away.
My point is that after about the top 10-15 players in the class, there are so many variables. That is where it comes down to fit, personality, etc. Especially now with all of the movement. It takes a lot to find the right mentality in these kids today.
It is more difficult than ever to build an experienced team. However, it is possible. There are so many players out there. This is why so many grad transfers are successful. The transfer, and specifically grad transfer, is almost as important as prep recruiting now. If you are not in that market, you need to be very successful in the high school and prep world.
At this point, there is no rebuilding really. I keep seeing that mentioned, but there is no reward for a rebuilding plan that we see in the NBA or professional sports. You have to go all in every single year because every year that isn't a success can be worked against you in recruiting. You can have mini-rebuilds at certain positions within the program. For example, you can have a succession and development plan at center. That is about it.
My whole point is that Pitt, and every other team, can be optimistic every single offseason. The reason is, it is a short trip from the outhouse to the penthouse in basketball. It is 2-3 players. Of course they have to be studs, but the point remains. You are never that far away.
