One of the stories today focuses on the bench and how productive it is.
Last season, Dixon had to play Krauser 36 minutes a game and Chevon Troutman 31 minutes a game. The only player averaging more than 30 minutes this season is Krauser, who plays 31.9 per game.
“It’s the deepest team I’ve ever been associated with,” Dixon said. “I had this in mind in the offseason. I thought this would be the best thing for this team. It’s been good. The guys know when they’re coming in. They know what their role is, and they’re comfortable with it. They know what we need.”
Benjamin was the latest role player to play big when his team needed it. The sophomore swingman posted a career-high 12 points in 28 minutes against Rutgers. At one time or another this season, four of Dixon’s six most-used reserves have led the bench in scoring for a game.
I haven’t heard Dixon talk about it — maybe he has on his radio show — but it seems that part of it has been his own growth as a coach. To learn to trust the reserves and younger players. To be a little more patient on the court with them and let them play and make some mistakes. Last year, it was expected that Pitt would use some increased depth to at least partially offset the loss of Page and Brown. That didn’t happen.
Guys like Benjamin, DeGroat and Gray were barely given chances last year. Kendall had a small window then saw his time dwindle quickly. Dante Milligan despaired of ever seeing playing time and transferred to UMass. Admittedly, by all reports, they were struggling in practices, and likely lacked the natural talent, ability and perhaps maturity shown by this year’s group of freshmen. Still, the use of the depth is as much a sign of Dixon trusting the players more and improving as a coach.
The players know they won’t get yanked at the first mistake and are playing more relaxed and with more confidence. Right now everything is clicking, as far as they are concerned.
It was noted in the comments yesterday, that Kendall’s performance and double-double was barely noticed in the local papers following the Rutgers win. Looking over the articles again, I can’t help but think that they were rushed filings because of deadline pressures. The game started after 8pm and was on the road. Both had more of a summary of the game feel without much in the way of quotes from participants and coaches. At least that’s my theory.
Today, Kendall gets a little love.
The easy-going, 6-foot-9 Kendall, who produced 14 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out for unbeaten Pitt (15-0, 4-0 Big East), didn’t bother to correct the pronunciation of his first name (it’s LEE-vaughn). Instead, he wore the same unassuming smile that accompanies him just about everywhere he goes.
“He’s been very good all year-long,” Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said.
Kendall’s double-double boosted his season statistics, but you’d never know it. The junior from Vancouver, British Columbia, is fourth for the Panthers in scoring (7.5 ppg.) and a distant second to Aaron Gray in rebounding (6.3 rpg.).
Amazingly, the piece managed not to mention him scoring 40 for the Canadian U-21 team (a first this season for a Kendall-centric story).
