Well, I was going to pass the bit that Pat Skerry, a Providence assistant, may now be the front runner for Pitt’s assistant coach opening. Pitt Script blog, however, has it covered with all the relevant details. So just head there for the info.
Of course, there might be need for a new entry level coaching spot as “video coordinator” Rasheen Davis is getting interest.
Davis is overqualified as a video guy and has relationships throughout basketball with players and AAU program directors and coaches. He’s definitely a guy just waiting for a shot and has been hesitant to jump at just any opening, knowing that he’s in a good place at Pitt. But it seems as if others are starting to contact Davis and the latest inquiry has come from Western Kentucky. Davis, according to several sources, interviewed for the position on Ken McDonald’s staff late last week in Bowling Green.
Interesting, and I would hate to lose Davis. What I do find positive is that while Davis is overqualified in his position, he feels comfortable enough at Pitt to take his time about jumping for any job. That doesn’t just speak to liking the staff and players.
It also touches on how well he is being compensated in the position. That’s always reassuring to think that the Pitt athletic department is keeping compensation for the assistants competitive — and not trying to skimp.
ESPN.com has a “grade” for Big East recruiting. Pitt got a “B”
Coach Jamie Dixon locked up this excellent group early. Isaiah Epps (Plainfield, N.J./Hargrave Military Academy) is a speedy point guard, while wings J.J. Moore (Brentwood, N.Y./South Kent) and Cameron Wright (Cleveland, Ohio/Benedictine) have good size. Moore is an ESPNU 100 prospect who can score and Wright, a former Ohio State commit, is a versatile athlete who can defend and excels in the open court. The Panthers filled their needs and added quality depth.
They put Providence just ahead of Pitt with a “B+”. Hmmm.
Then there was this good bit on DeJuan Blair being back in Pittsburgh over the past week.
Blair is back home for a while visiting with friends and family. He will play host to the DeJuan Blair Basketball Camp July 6-9 at Robert Morris University, where he hopes to pass on some of his expertise to boys and girls ages 9-18.
After his camp, Blair will turn his attention to the NBA summer league. He said his main goal during the summer league is to play power forward well enough to convince the Spurs that he can play that position full-time next season.
Hope that mid-range shot is coming along, then.
