The press conference for Coach Jamie Dixon being named the Naismith Coach of the Year had some interesting tidbits about the players.
Dixon said Fields won’t participate in the Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational Tournament today through Saturday at Churchland High School because “the groin is still bothering him.”
Young declined the opportunity to participate in the showcase, opting to instead wait until the NBA pre-draft camp in late May at Tim Grover’s Attack Athletics training facility in Chicago.
“He felt that it was best that he not attend,” Dixon said. “He’s looking forward to opportunities in Chicago.”
Dixon said he’s trying to find a spot for senior forward Tyrell Biggs at the Portsmouth Invitational.
I’m a bit surprised that Young isn’t going to Portsmouth. It seems a late decision. It’s not uncommon to skip and since he seems to be a very strong contender to be taken before the end of the 1st round of the draft, the conventional advice is to not do anything to hurt the chances. Still, this seems like an abrupt move.
Seems that most of the questions at the presser was about DeJuan Blair (big shock).
The coach spent most of the rest of his time at the podium inside the Petersen Events Center talking about the draft prospects of his seniors and the decision that Blair has looming. Dixon said he had numerous meetings with Blair and his family the past few days discussing Blair’s intentions of declaring for the NBA draft, but he said Blair was not yet ready to announce his decision.
Darrelle Porter, family friend, former Pitt star, ex-Duquesne head coach and Blair’s old AAU coach is saying that Blair is in and won’t be back.
“I think DeJuan’s confident in his abilities and confident enough to put his name in, so he’ll probably stay in,” Porter said. “It’s hard to tell someone to come back and work on some things when he’s looking at a guaranteed contract. It’s been a goal of his for a long time.
“Now, he’s got a chance to reach his dream.”
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Dixon would end up spending most of the time at a press conference ostensibly about him receiving an award that he talked about his players. Dixon hardly has been comfortable talking himself up, most times. He often tries to put the credit at the players.
