I mean, assuming no transfers or squeezing out anyone. Right now, Pitt has only two scholarships available for the 2012 recruiting class. Ashton Gibbs and Nasir Robinson are the only seniors on the team. One spot is going to New Zealander — and now the #8 recruit in the 2012 class according to Scout.com — Steven Adams. That alone has seemed like a big get, even though Pitt was the only one aware of him for what seemed a year before blowing up.
Well, the other open scholarship is going to a point guard. Truly. A legit point guard. James Robinson. This consensus 4-star player from DeMatha High. Is also a top-100 recruit for the 2012 class in every list: #94 on Scout.com; #56 on Rivals.com; and #49 on ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc. A true rarity, all three sites list his height at 6-3, and put his weight at 195-200 pounds.
The strengths of Robinson are that he is a clear leader, with good vision and knows how to run a team the team. He has patience and a good jumper. He is also considered very coachable. His primary weakness is that he is not the fastest, most athletic player.
Here are some comments from his coach:
“He feels it’s the best situation for him,” DeMatha Coach Mike Jones said. “The style of play fits him perfectly. It’s close enough to home, but far enough away. The academic situation is tremendous. He can win there. His family, they have a list, that Pittsburgh pretty much fits.”
The link also includes some video highlights of Robinson. The future Pitt PG also explins that Coach Dixon closed the deal.
“It was a tough decision,” Robinson said. “They were interested in me since ninth grade. Pat Skerry was pretty much the only one recruiting me from Pitt and when he went to Towson [this spring] Coach [Jamie] Dixon took over and that was big for me, for the head coach to be showing that interest.”
The decision to choose Pitt over G-town, ND, Virginia (and WVU got in too late to be in his top-4) seems to have gotten a Twitter-positive response from recruiting folks.
Paul Biancardi (ESPN.com):
Winning attracts Winning ! @DeMathaHoops @Ja_RobinsonIII commits to Pitt. “Coach Dixon’s record speaks for itself it attracted me”
Dave Telep with two (ESPN.com):
Jamie Dixon can hand the ball to James Robinson and know that he’s in good hands with a consummate leader, winner & teammate.
I’d be jacked up if everyone was excited to write about my character and ability to lead and win the way James Robinson/Pitt is portrayed
Eric Bossi (Rivals.com):
Talk about a perfect fit. Robinson is all about toughness and making the most of what he’s got. Jamie Dixon and Pitt fans will love him.
Jeff Borzello (CBSSports.com):
As first reported by @EvanDanielscout, James Robinson has committed to Pitt. Perfect fit — player and program both prioritize winning.
Brian Snow (Scout.com):
Sometimes it is a perfect fit between school and player, looks like James Robinson found it with Pitt.
It’s okay to get excited about this one. Apparently this is a great match of player and program.
I actually think this year’s incoming class has a chance. All four look to be really good. Two of them have real NBA potential. If this is the fifth best class in the big east, the other four have to be INCREDIBLE.
The Pitt pipeline is FULL of talent. Will be fun to watch.