- Kham is a great kid. Showed a couple of flashes his freshman season, but just didn't develop at all. Talent wise, would benefit being in the NEC or similar conference. Every coach or player that ever came across him loved the kid. It was either stay and be #12 or #13 on the roster, or transfer down and play. Everyone wishes him the best and wants him to succeed.
- Malik is a bit of a surprise, but it all came down to whether or not he could graduate. That was the critical factor. Him being able to graduate enables this move to happen. Also best for both parties. At one point, I felt like he was an ascending player that could have a role anywhere. A slashing athlete that could become a defender. Somewhere along the line, it just fell apart. The previous staff that brought him in thought he was all-ACC level, and then he could barely score in the lay up line the following calendar year. Something was off. Obviously he was never as good as the previous staff was saying, but I still felt that he would contribute more than he did. Just wasn't going to happen here, and it is difficult to win with guards that are not able to shoot at all.
- There are options for this staff. Assuming George leaves, there is another spot. If N'Dir moves on, you really have some flexibility. Even if Sidy can come back, I wonder if it is in the best interest of both sides just to move on. If not, it is basically a grad transfer so it isn't the end of the world and he has been in the program.
- They can now take pure transfers as well. With so many spots, it would be a welcome addition. Help in practice and then some balance. I think they will be major players in the Jahvon Quinerly picture. It does make some sense. A bit of a risk but this staff is in a position to take one. If the kid is humbled and sits a year while developing and maturing, it could be a huge return. In Pitt's case, it could be difficult to find quality to come at the point with Xavier in place. However, I could see him looking to make a move after next season if he develops further and has a good year. Please note that I am not suggesting he can be selected in the draft after next season. Too early to say. All I am saying is that I would not be surprised if he is extremely motivated to have a big season next year and then look at testing the waters. Having a point guard in the program for a year behind him without using up a year could be a nice way to go for everyone. Trust me, I still think Xavier has a long way to go and won't go in the first round because of that shot, but you have to anticipate what these kids may be thinking.
- Quinerly was a bit overrated coming out of high school. Kid has a lot of flair to his game. He is small and can get out of control at times. With that being said, he can really handle the ball and has some special skills with it in his hand. He did some have trouble adjusting to Villanova's culture. Kids can mature, and maybe it was a humbling experience for him. The talent is there, but he needs coached. Someone like Capel that played the position in the ACC could help tremendously.
- Jeff Capel needs to add the most quality talent that he is. Regardless of position. After watching the tournament games again this year, these teams are just so good and talented. There is no set blueprint to win in college. I know it looks good and symmetrical to have 6'2, 6'4, 6'7, 6'9, 7'0 with corresponding skill sets across the lineup. For a school like Pitt, especially right now, give me talent. As much of it as possible. I don't care if it happens to be four wings. Let them all compete and play one at the four.
- I would also keep an eye on the two transfers from Cal. Sueing and McNeill. Both pretty good players. If they can add a couple grad transfers and keep the spots open in 2020, then you can have a talented class and then the transfer or two becoming eligible. Now you have something.
- Malik is a bit of a surprise, but it all came down to whether or not he could graduate. That was the critical factor. Him being able to graduate enables this move to happen. Also best for both parties. At one point, I felt like he was an ascending player that could have a role anywhere. A slashing athlete that could become a defender. Somewhere along the line, it just fell apart. The previous staff that brought him in thought he was all-ACC level, and then he could barely score in the lay up line the following calendar year. Something was off. Obviously he was never as good as the previous staff was saying, but I still felt that he would contribute more than he did. Just wasn't going to happen here, and it is difficult to win with guards that are not able to shoot at all.
- There are options for this staff. Assuming George leaves, there is another spot. If N'Dir moves on, you really have some flexibility. Even if Sidy can come back, I wonder if it is in the best interest of both sides just to move on. If not, it is basically a grad transfer so it isn't the end of the world and he has been in the program.
- They can now take pure transfers as well. With so many spots, it would be a welcome addition. Help in practice and then some balance. I think they will be major players in the Jahvon Quinerly picture. It does make some sense. A bit of a risk but this staff is in a position to take one. If the kid is humbled and sits a year while developing and maturing, it could be a huge return. In Pitt's case, it could be difficult to find quality to come at the point with Xavier in place. However, I could see him looking to make a move after next season if he develops further and has a good year. Please note that I am not suggesting he can be selected in the draft after next season. Too early to say. All I am saying is that I would not be surprised if he is extremely motivated to have a big season next year and then look at testing the waters. Having a point guard in the program for a year behind him without using up a year could be a nice way to go for everyone. Trust me, I still think Xavier has a long way to go and won't go in the first round because of that shot, but you have to anticipate what these kids may be thinking.
- Quinerly was a bit overrated coming out of high school. Kid has a lot of flair to his game. He is small and can get out of control at times. With that being said, he can really handle the ball and has some special skills with it in his hand. He did some have trouble adjusting to Villanova's culture. Kids can mature, and maybe it was a humbling experience for him. The talent is there, but he needs coached. Someone like Capel that played the position in the ACC could help tremendously.
- Jeff Capel needs to add the most quality talent that he is. Regardless of position. After watching the tournament games again this year, these teams are just so good and talented. There is no set blueprint to win in college. I know it looks good and symmetrical to have 6'2, 6'4, 6'7, 6'9, 7'0 with corresponding skill sets across the lineup. For a school like Pitt, especially right now, give me talent. As much of it as possible. I don't care if it happens to be four wings. Let them all compete and play one at the four.
- I would also keep an eye on the two transfers from Cal. Sueing and McNeill. Both pretty good players. If they can add a couple grad transfers and keep the spots open in 2020, then you can have a talented class and then the transfer or two becoming eligible. Now you have something.
