Pitt Hoops thoughts 11/14.
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Crimson's Ghost
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Pitt Hoops thoughts 11/14.
After watching two games here's what I think about the 10th ranked Pitt Panthers....
--It may be concerning to fend off Rider of all teams in the last minutes, but nonetheless, Rider won 23 games last year and they had some shooting. Duke beat Belmont by 1. Cleveland State beat Vanderbilt. So Pitt is not the only top 10 team having a slight struggle early on.
--It is concerning that RMU beat Rider two nights prior by 26.
--Defensively is the big issue thus far, no doubt about it. Moving up from any level Defense is the toughest transition in Basketball. Some of these younger guys will catch on, and no doubt they will be playing at a Top 10 level soon.
--The team is following the path of Gibbs and is shooting WAY too many 3's. Ashton Gibbs should have the greenlight once he crosses half court, not sure if anyone else gets that luxury. Pitt has some athletes and size, they need to focus more on the inside. Rider played a soft zone, more closer to a man. But Pitt looked lost. Pitt has owned Syracuse for years on how they attacked the zone, and last night they did not attack it all that well.
--Ashton Gibbs is better than last year. Its pretty clear to me. He has a world of confidence and its evident. He's the one guy you want taking 15 3's. he's the type of guy thats going to have an off night and still put up close to 20 points. He's the leader, and is doing just fine playing off the ball.
--Travon Woodall is also much improved. Two Double-Doubles to start the year, and has been able to stick his nose in for rebounds too. I think this what makes Pitt deadly. If Gibbs can score 25 a night, and the other guard in Woodall can put up 15. You have a good backcourt.
--Nasir Robinson is just going to get it done. He's 6-5. He plays Power Forward and just gets after it. great instincts. Some naysayers say Birch or Zanna should start....Please. This guy is the glue. He holds Pitt together.
--Dante Taylor...not seeing the significant jump. He's just going to have to play steady ball. But he still is soft on the inside, and looks lost on defense. For a McDonald's AA, he really lacks some skills. Talib Zanna looks the part more than Taylor honestly. He rebounds better, more physical and finishes a little better. We'll see how it plays out, but I'd say Zanna has better NBA potential.
--Khem Birch....the other McDonald's AA....He is raw, and not ready to play at this level just yet. As the season progresses, things will pick up. He is not all that strong yet, and he lacks offense. BUT he hustles, blocks shots, and in due time will throw down some monster dunks.
--JJ Moore and LaMar Patterson have been battaling for the 3 spot. I'd drop the edge to Patterson. Moore is very athletic, with plenty of potential. BUT, he is inconsistent. He thinks he is a shooter, and does not slash enoguh. Patterson is a better shooter, better defender, can handle the ball better and makes better choices for the time being.
--Personally, the freshmen guard John Johnson should find his way into the rotation more often. Very confident. Good offensive player, and has pretty solid defensive skills.
The rest of the bunch.....Looks like Durand Johnson will redshirt. Malcom Gilbert may join him if he misses more time with his finger. Isaiah Epps is going to be the 11th man and really struggle for minutes. Camerson Wright is playing a little bit and is in the rotation, just not sure what his strengths are yet.
Next 5 Games....
1. Long Beach State. Wednesday 9:00 ESPNU
2. LaSalle. Tuesday November 22. 7:00 ESPN3
3. @Penn. Friday November 25. 7:00.
4. Robert Morris Sunday November 27. 5:00
5. Duquesne(Consol Energy Center)Wednesday November 30 7:00 CBS-College Sports.
--It may be concerning to fend off Rider of all teams in the last minutes, but nonetheless, Rider won 23 games last year and they had some shooting. Duke beat Belmont by 1. Cleveland State beat Vanderbilt. So Pitt is not the only top 10 team having a slight struggle early on.
--It is concerning that RMU beat Rider two nights prior by 26.
--Defensively is the big issue thus far, no doubt about it. Moving up from any level Defense is the toughest transition in Basketball. Some of these younger guys will catch on, and no doubt they will be playing at a Top 10 level soon.
--The team is following the path of Gibbs and is shooting WAY too many 3's. Ashton Gibbs should have the greenlight once he crosses half court, not sure if anyone else gets that luxury. Pitt has some athletes and size, they need to focus more on the inside. Rider played a soft zone, more closer to a man. But Pitt looked lost. Pitt has owned Syracuse for years on how they attacked the zone, and last night they did not attack it all that well.
--Ashton Gibbs is better than last year. Its pretty clear to me. He has a world of confidence and its evident. He's the one guy you want taking 15 3's. he's the type of guy thats going to have an off night and still put up close to 20 points. He's the leader, and is doing just fine playing off the ball.
--Travon Woodall is also much improved. Two Double-Doubles to start the year, and has been able to stick his nose in for rebounds too. I think this what makes Pitt deadly. If Gibbs can score 25 a night, and the other guard in Woodall can put up 15. You have a good backcourt.
--Nasir Robinson is just going to get it done. He's 6-5. He plays Power Forward and just gets after it. great instincts. Some naysayers say Birch or Zanna should start....Please. This guy is the glue. He holds Pitt together.
--Dante Taylor...not seeing the significant jump. He's just going to have to play steady ball. But he still is soft on the inside, and looks lost on defense. For a McDonald's AA, he really lacks some skills. Talib Zanna looks the part more than Taylor honestly. He rebounds better, more physical and finishes a little better. We'll see how it plays out, but I'd say Zanna has better NBA potential.
--Khem Birch....the other McDonald's AA....He is raw, and not ready to play at this level just yet. As the season progresses, things will pick up. He is not all that strong yet, and he lacks offense. BUT he hustles, blocks shots, and in due time will throw down some monster dunks.
--JJ Moore and LaMar Patterson have been battaling for the 3 spot. I'd drop the edge to Patterson. Moore is very athletic, with plenty of potential. BUT, he is inconsistent. He thinks he is a shooter, and does not slash enoguh. Patterson is a better shooter, better defender, can handle the ball better and makes better choices for the time being.
--Personally, the freshmen guard John Johnson should find his way into the rotation more often. Very confident. Good offensive player, and has pretty solid defensive skills.
The rest of the bunch.....Looks like Durand Johnson will redshirt. Malcom Gilbert may join him if he misses more time with his finger. Isaiah Epps is going to be the 11th man and really struggle for minutes. Camerson Wright is playing a little bit and is in the rotation, just not sure what his strengths are yet.
Next 5 Games....
1. Long Beach State. Wednesday 9:00 ESPNU
2. LaSalle. Tuesday November 22. 7:00 ESPN3
3. @Penn. Friday November 25. 7:00.
4. Robert Morris Sunday November 27. 5:00
5. Duquesne(Consol Energy Center)Wednesday November 30 7:00 CBS-College Sports.