This felt like Pitt's most complete game of the season. I really liked what I saw almost from the opening tip onwards. Frankly, if Rutgers hadn't hit a bunch of 3s very early this game wouldn't have been close. How much better do we look when we play 5 on 5 instead of 1 or 2 on 5?
Up
- Team Defense: Rutgers had 20 turnovers, of which 9 were steals. We were in their face all night which I absolutely loved. From the halfcourt line to the post we challenged the ball. McGowens and Johnson were picking pockets. Champagnie and Toney were challenging/tipping passes inside. Best of all, once we had the ball we were looking for and finding the outlet. I saw Johnson, McGowens, and Murphy all getting dunks or layups off of these. Really love them especially because Johnson and McGowens are so explosive. Watching them in the open court is so fun.
- Passing/Shot Selection: 18 assists. Johnson and McGowens are starting to find the open players. I saw Toney, Hamilton, and Murphy all getting open looks after the defense collapsed on Johnson or McGowens. Every basketball team in history (except maybe the former Warriors or current Rockets) needs these kinds of looks to win. We're simply not going to succeed only ever driving to the hoop. And just like that, Johnson looks like a pro prospect again. Funny how much better things are for both him and Pitt when he goes 20 and 8 instead of 26 and 1.
- McGowens and Toney: McGowens "only" had 16 but he was really everywhere on the night. He shot 60% from the field and 80% from the line. Of course, as I've pointed out here many times, the shooting won't always be there so you need to contribute in other ways. And contribute he did. 4 steals, 3 boards and 2 assists. He was a pest on defense and in control on offense. It's a joy to watch him when he just slows down a bit and lets the game come to him. So glad he's at Pitt. Just a very talented kid and I don't think we've seen his best game of the year yet. Toney also had a nice game. He had a super sweet feed under the basket (to Brown? Hamilton?) on what I thought was going to be a turnover. A nice midrange shot from near the elbow that looked smooth. And his typical good defense and boards. I was very happy for him. He plays hard and it's good to see him eat.
Down
- Champagnie: 0-fer on the night with 4 boards, 1 turnover, and 4 fouls. Burn the tape. Not worried about him at all.
- Only 7 players got minutes. Nothing for Coulibaly, George, or Zeak (Drumgoole still hurt but I heard the boot is off). It's probably nitpicking but we were up by double-digits most of the second half. We probably should have at least gotten Coulibaly and Zeak about 5 minutes. X and Murphy both played 38. At this point, though, I would rather get the W than tinker too much. If Capel felt he couldn't get them those minutes without overly risking the W then I'm fine with that decision. Coulibaly can play when we get the doors blown off at UNC or Duke.
As always, H2P.
Up
- Team Defense: Rutgers had 20 turnovers, of which 9 were steals. We were in their face all night which I absolutely loved. From the halfcourt line to the post we challenged the ball. McGowens and Johnson were picking pockets. Champagnie and Toney were challenging/tipping passes inside. Best of all, once we had the ball we were looking for and finding the outlet. I saw Johnson, McGowens, and Murphy all getting dunks or layups off of these. Really love them especially because Johnson and McGowens are so explosive. Watching them in the open court is so fun.
- Passing/Shot Selection: 18 assists. Johnson and McGowens are starting to find the open players. I saw Toney, Hamilton, and Murphy all getting open looks after the defense collapsed on Johnson or McGowens. Every basketball team in history (except maybe the former Warriors or current Rockets) needs these kinds of looks to win. We're simply not going to succeed only ever driving to the hoop. And just like that, Johnson looks like a pro prospect again. Funny how much better things are for both him and Pitt when he goes 20 and 8 instead of 26 and 1.
- McGowens and Toney: McGowens "only" had 16 but he was really everywhere on the night. He shot 60% from the field and 80% from the line. Of course, as I've pointed out here many times, the shooting won't always be there so you need to contribute in other ways. And contribute he did. 4 steals, 3 boards and 2 assists. He was a pest on defense and in control on offense. It's a joy to watch him when he just slows down a bit and lets the game come to him. So glad he's at Pitt. Just a very talented kid and I don't think we've seen his best game of the year yet. Toney also had a nice game. He had a super sweet feed under the basket (to Brown? Hamilton?) on what I thought was going to be a turnover. A nice midrange shot from near the elbow that looked smooth. And his typical good defense and boards. I was very happy for him. He plays hard and it's good to see him eat.
Down
- Champagnie: 0-fer on the night with 4 boards, 1 turnover, and 4 fouls. Burn the tape. Not worried about him at all.
- Only 7 players got minutes. Nothing for Coulibaly, George, or Zeak (Drumgoole still hurt but I heard the boot is off). It's probably nitpicking but we were up by double-digits most of the second half. We probably should have at least gotten Coulibaly and Zeak about 5 minutes. X and Murphy both played 38. At this point, though, I would rather get the W than tinker too much. If Capel felt he couldn't get them those minutes without overly risking the W then I'm fine with that decision. Coulibaly can play when we get the doors blown off at UNC or Duke.
As always, H2P.
