That is the big question. Turnovers can be explained and rationalized by adjusting to zones and bad entry passes. The defense, though, that can’t be explained so easily. It especially can’t simply be explained by the fact that Page and Brown are no longer there.
It’s a bit harder to figure out why Pitt is having trouble defending its interior. Dixon returned two experienced players in Chevon Troutman and Chris Taft. Troutman has a reputation as one of the better post defenders in the country. Taft is big, athletic and strong. But each has had problems early against quality opponents.
Bucknell sophomore center Chris McNaughton took advantage of one-on-one coverage against Taft, was 8 for 12 from the field and scored 17 points.
South Carolina forward Carlos Powell scored 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting, mostly against Troutman.
Coach Jamie Dixon, appears to have been aware of the problem for a while. You don’t go to a zone out of nowhere, and without having a lot of practices.
Still, things happen when you play smaller less talented teams. You get lazy or just not as sharp. You can get away with fundamental mistakes because sheer athletic ability allows you to overcome it. It’s a risk.
Pitt’s loss also illustrated the occasional dangers of playing a relatively soft schedule before conference play begins, as many Big East teams do. Sometimes, players get complacent and fall into bad habits because their competition usually isn’t good enough to take advantage of the breakdowns.
“We just had to get refocused. Even though we’ve played a lot of these non-conference games, I think we lost the sense of how to come out and take care of the game early,” Troutman said.
One of the issues on defense has been a lack of communication between the players. Not letting the other know when someone is moving, passing or if help is just plain needed. According to the players, they are now working more on that.
I’m not sure any fans are really panicking yet. Concerned, pissed and a bit frustrated. But not panicking. Of course, I’m not in Pittsburgh, so maybe they are. Ron Cook thinks so, and busts out with a rather standard “remain calm” type column.
