Not sure what the NBA scouts at the game thought, but here’s the way I saw things.
Pitt
Krauser — Despite missing a lot of shots and some of them were definitely questionable, he played completely under control. He had 9 assists, 6 rebounds and only 3 turnovers to go with his 19 points (all of which came in the second half). Played the entire 40 minutes, and was a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. He didn’t try to drive and force when he knew a defender was staying in front of him. In the second half, he was the reason Gerry McNamara was so cold. Krauser was switched onto him for defense, and shut him down.
Troutman — Slow, very slow start for Troutman. He just got better and stronger as the game went on. Had the toughest assignment of guarding Hakim Warrick. Warrick has such a sweet jumper and fade shot that Troutman adjusted and conceded deeper shots for better rebounding position. Also necessitated by some foul troubles. It paid off. On the offensive end, 12 of his 18 came in the second half, as Syracuse couldn’t keep him off the offensive glass (6 offensive rebounds) for put backs and lay-ins. The 5 turnovers were troubling, but he also had 2 steals and an assist. Even went 4-5 on free throw shooting. The foul problems limited him to only 31 minutes.
Benjamin — You could just see the confidence in the kid increase as he stayed in the game longer. More competent on defense than expected with 2 steals and grabbed 5 boards. His offensive production fueled his own confidence on defense. He knew he was in there to take some shots. 3-5 shooting including 2-3 from beyond the arc. Sank both his free throws. 10 points in 21 minutes.
Kendall — He does not lack for confidence in his shot. His early 3s not only kept Pitt in the game in the first half, but it helped stretch Syracuse’s zone, to allow Pitt to get inside more in the second half. Grabbed 5 rebounds, but always seemed around the ball (part of the reason he picked up 4 fouls). This was his first career start and he played 29 minutes. It won’t be his last.
Ramon — Only took 3 shots, but was a good defender against McCroskey or Edelin. Had trouble with McNamara, but aside from Krauser, all of the Pitt guards did. Good passing, and had 3 assists.
Taft — Largely invisible in the second half. Only played 26 minutes (10 in the second half). It wasn’t that he played poorly, it was that he played without a lot of passion or effort. Not willing to try and back down the defender when he got the basket inside, instead opting to pass out without even looking at the basket. My sense is the Pitt coaches are getting a little frustrated with his on-court effort. Shying away from the contact inside. He seems to be already looking to his NBA future, though the scouts have to be wondering about his desire. Only 2-5 on free throws, which may have been part of the reason he tried to avoid contact — didn’t want to have to shoot free throws.
Gray — Another solid effort by the back-up center. In 13 minutes he grabbed 4 rebounds (2 offense and 2 defense) and scored 6 points. He also had 3 blocks in the game.
Graves — His minutes just keep going down as the deficiencies in his defense are exposed. They are also taking its toll on his confidence in his shot. He played only 9 minutes and was 0-4 shooting. Could not defend on the perimeter. Was already losing minutes to Ramon, but with Kendall and now Benjamin, it could get worse.
McCarroll — A personal nightmare of a season continues. Already out after a brief opportunity to start. His shots are just not dropping. His first two shots looked good but would not fall. A tip-in rolled around the rim and out. Given his well known problems at defense, Pitt couldn’t wait for him to get his shot to fall. Only played 7 minutes and shooting 0-4. I feel bad for him.
Syracuse
Warrick — Better than advertised offensively. Did seem to disappear in Pitt’s second half run, though. Only took 5 shots in the second half. He wanted no part of trying to guard Troutman, leaving that to the other inside guys. His unwillingness to fight inside, is still a weakness. Against a bigger tougher team inside, Warrick had 0 blocks and only 4 rebounds. While he has a beautiful fade shot, he’s too willing to settle for it. Shot better than expected at free throw line, going 10-15.
McNamara — A huge first half, and getting 3 3’s (and one free throw) in the last 2:10 of the game — when the game as all but over and Pitt let Syracuse have the open looks to just get the rebound — masked a nightmare of a second half. McNamara torched Pitt in the first half. Taking advantage of being defended by Graves and Ramon in the first half to get 14 points on 3-8 shooting and getting to the free throw line several times (6-7). Then Pitt put Krauser on him, and McNamara couldn’t get around him to drive and when he did shoot they were not good shots. He only got one basket in the first 17:50 of the second half — 1-5 shooting (0-3 on 3s).
Rest — An embarrassment. No perimeter, and not much inside. The whole team seemed to start shying away from contact. They shot 8-21 (0-7 on 3s) and only 2-4 at the free throw line.
One other thought, free throw shooting wasn’t nearly the factor expected. Both teams shot very well — especially for them. Pitt was 21-27 (77.8%) and Syracuse was only 2 shots worse, 19-27 (70.4%).
The rematch on Valentine’s Day in the Carrier Dome is a can’t miss. Start bribing and scheming your way around your significant other now, so you can watch it.
