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January 4, 2016

Setting Jamel Artis Apart

Filed under: Basketball,Players — Chas @ 8:28 am

In the overall development of Jamel Artis as a player, forcing him to play out of position last year may have been one of the best things for him and the team this year. It was a move out of necessity, and the lack of meaningful depth inside was painful for much of that year.

Unlike small forwards of previous years, Artis had been forced to play inside on both ends of the court, rather than operating on the wing or somewhere on the perimeter in his development. This has been a key difference is his offensive game, from say Durand Johnson or J.J. Moore.

Artis is a wonderful offensive talent operating within the rest of the team. Johnson and Moore, played outside (literally). It’s why, after both transferred, there was/is no leap in their numbers.

They weren’t being held back by the system or the coaching. They are both athletic, talented and too stubborn. Insisting on playing on the outside as shooters, when their talent and skills should have had them driving and attacking. Which also would have given them more freedom on the perimeter for better 3-point shots. But both saw themselves as snipers first. Drifting to a corner or staying on the perimeter waiting for the ball to come to them. Not involved in the offense being run.

It is really interesting to compare Moore and Johnson’s numbers to Artis. All three are small forwards of similar size and frames. Artis is the more accurate 3-point shooter than the others, but takes less than one-third of his field goal attempts from beyond the arc. Both Moore and Johnson (were) are close to 50% of their FGAs from the 3-point line.

And, of course, Artis goes after more rebounds and is involved with his teammates during the game. Not sitting in a corner waiting for the ball. Being forced to play inside within the system, actually allowed one of Artis’ biggest strengths — his court vision — to blossom. Making him the second leading assist man on the team. Knowing he would still get plenty of offensive touches, even if he passed to one of his teammates.

Players develop and improve with good coaching. But it still takes a willingness and desire by the player to do so. That is where Artis really set himself apart.





I believe a more proper comparison is Gilbert Brown who could look like the an All-American one game and then go and hide the next …. although it appears that Artis is becoming much more consistent that Brown was.

Artis didn’t have the accolades that Brown did coming out of HS, but it clear to see that Artis will become the better player, even if he hasn’t surpassed him already.

Brown may have the edge defensively but there is still a year and a half to go, and while Gilbert was the better slasher, Artis is the more consistent shooter.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 8:53 am

While he has had his share of errant passes, I love his vision and overall has become a great passer. Just needs a bit more fire on the defensive end!

Hey, off topic, but I was just realizing this morning, how upperclassmen heavy we are as a team. Literally have 4 Srs. and 6 Jrs! I love how the transfers have worked out but what a bummer to lose 3 of them next year. Nix better step up and we better find another grad transfer center if we want to be even better next year. The year after that? Ugh…better reload quick!

Comment by DD 01.04.16 @ 9:28 am

DD, isn’t this the formula that made Pitt good previously …. 4 year players who progress each year. Of course, the use of transfers this year is quite different.

Next year … Young, Jeter, Jones and Artis will be seniors; Luther, Nix and Milligan will be JRs; Wilson and Cam Johnson will be sophs; Kitchcart and Mannegault will be frosh

The 2 frosh listed above have been getting raving reviews lately, playing above their 3-star rating .. but of course will see limited action next year. (At least, they already signed their LOI)

We certainly can’t count on Nix being a dominant player, and need to get a legit #5 … but it appears that going back to the 4 year players may produce the best results.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 9:52 am

wbb. maybe you’ve been asleep but Artis was our best player and our leading scorer last year. And he far surpassed Moore, Johnson and Brown last year too.

Comment by rayhpgh 01.04.16 @ 10:11 am

Artis is the man and he scares me a bit. He may play in the NBA with his shooting and court vision and NBA ready body. He’s a bit older too so even if he’s not cut for the NBA he could decide it’s time to go overseas and make money. Young is playing himself into the NBA discussion too. With him though, he may be a tweener. If he’s really 6’9″ he can carve out a niche in the NBA but if he’s shorter than that, he’ll be on the outside looking in. College FT% translates well to NBA 3 point shooting. Not sure why but it does and it does so much better than college 3 point shooting. Mike Young has the potential to be a very good stretch 4 IF he is really 6’9″.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 01.04.16 @ 10:26 am

Yeah guys. Jaime is getting back to his roots. He’s going for those 50-100 players instead of top 50 and mixing them in with a veteran team. To help bridge the gap because of the youth, he’s going the grad-transfer route. I think he’ll do that next year and the year after but then should have a good base where the talent is homegrown. I think as long as the grad-transfers are allowed though, he’ll always be on the lookout for stop-gap help.

Dixon haters are going to flip but it’s what works for Dixon.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 01.04.16 @ 10:31 am

@tt,

time will tell if it works..the cork hasn’t even been popped on this season yet.

Comment by goalie44 01.04.16 @ 10:36 am

ray, that’s your opinion.

Artis was our best player from mid-Jan thru March 1 … averaging 19.5 ppg, but come crunch time in March, he averaged a little above 13. Mike Young was much more consistent and actually finished a close second in scoring to Artis 13.6 to 13.4. Young also had 53% FG% compared to Arts 46% … so Artis took any more shots. Lastly, Young out rebounded Artis by 1.3 rpg.

Thus, if you think Artis was the better player .. fine. But don’t make it sound that it was clear cut.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 10:38 am

and BTW, as far as Pitt is concerned … who in the hell were Durand Johnson and JJ Moore? All style and no substance … and neither played a lick of defense.

The only thing either one accomplished while at Pitt was DJ finagling a trip to Hawaii while on vacation …. and then he repaid JD by transferring.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 10:51 am

.. a trip to Hawaii while on ‘suspension’

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 10:52 am

Great points by Chas. The difference that I see is that Artis was always a better shot than the others including Gilbert. The other guys appeared to have much more athleticism, but never really took advantage of it. Artis appears to have become much more athletic this year. Also, Artis’ ball handling and passing skills have developed while the others never did. The ball handling is why the other three rarely got to the hoop. Artis’ interior passing also much more superior. Part of it is that he has played with Young for a long time.

Earlier this year I wrote that Artis would disappear at times. It looks like he now has a higher level of confidence and will be a real leader.

He looks to be the player we wanted all those other guys to be.

We need more guys like him coming up through the system. Watching Johnson on Saturday makes me think he could be another one.

Comment by gc 01.04.16 @ 10:59 am

wbb, Young and Jeter get more bunnies off of rebounds, a higher percentage shot. But I agree, Young and Artis have different roles and I could debate either way who is the better player.

Really glad both play for Pitt.

Comment by gc 01.04.16 @ 11:03 am

Watched parts of the Semper Fi Bowl last night. Saw Garner and Pine play a little. Both look good. Unfortunately, what really stood out were the PSU recruits. They really got some good ones.

Also Hudson looked very good. The Michigan recruits said they are trying to get him to go there. Our guys said they had talked to him, but that it was really up to him. Seems a long shot for Pitt to get him, but it would be the kind of home run Narduzzi needs to take the class to the next level.

PSU and ND got two of the D-Linemen that look to be difference makers.

Comment by gc 01.04.16 @ 11:15 am

Amir Watt looked good too, don’t know if he is considering Pitt.

Comment by gc 01.04.16 @ 11:17 am

From the time I first saw an obviously overweight Artis at the Pro-Am, it was clear that there was a smoothness about his game. He often brought the ball up-court. He just seemed comfortable, at-ease. Because of his size, I was thinking he was going to be more like Jaron Brown or Rod Brookin.

The comparisons to Moore, DJ and Brown are all fair.

But now I see him more like (a taller) Patterson. Patterson was a higher rated recruit. But both were “chubby” guys who developed their bodies (although it took Patterson longer), both have a nice shot with range, both have excellent court vision, both were criticized for their defense, both have a high quality PF playing with them (Zanna, Young), Patterson red-shirted a year while Artis prepped a year (older than their class).

Comment by xfmrman 01.04.16 @ 11:33 am

Interesting comparison with Patterson, I would not have agreed last year, but Artis’ ball handling and vision, court awareness seems much improved this year. Patterson could create his own shot and knock it down. Not many Pitt guys with that skill over the years. I don’t see Artis with that level of skill, but it looks like it could be coming.
Also Patterson was a very skillful passer, Artis starting to show those skills as well.

Comment by gc 01.04.16 @ 11:43 am

Scary to think hat Artis and Young could be next year. I say “could” becuause either could jump ship and leave…but neither should, and personally I think that is a no-brainer…but you never know what kids think about themselves and what is being whispered their ear.

Next year: both Artis and Young having that much more of a handle on the rock, ability to drive, and a better ability to finish? If they can both improve in those areas…..wow. Could be something really, really special. And…for each of them, those are the missing pieces to truly become NBA caliber players.

Add Jeter to that? What a threesome!

Comment by DD 01.04.16 @ 12:04 pm

however you rate Artis …. it is amazing that he was still available that late in his senior year. He committed in April, 2013 over 5 months after the original LOI day for his class. And if memory serves, the fact that he was a former teammate with Young had a lot to do with JD recruiting him in the 1st place.

He certainly has a skills that translate to the NBA and could see him being drafted (hopefully next year)

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 12:10 pm

The NBA is really tough to make. They both improve their chances by staying another year. Just like Patterson and Zanna. So far they have both improved year to year. Another year of advancing their skills would make the that more competitive.
I see them both as borderline NBA talent, even next year.

Comment by gc 01.04.16 @ 12:18 pm

I’d be really surprised if either Artis or Young leaves after this year, but it’s possible. I agree they’re both borderline NBA talent, and that’s if they continue to improve.

Next year’s squad will basically be Wilson at point plus four seniors, that could be really exciting. Center is still an issue but the more CBB I watch this year the more I realize that’s a problem most teams have.

IMO Artis has already far surpassed Gil Brown (who I’m still bitter toward for not jumping to block Scottie Reynold’s infamous shot and missing the second FT in the Butler game) and is just starting to hit Patterson territory.

Off-topic: Any idea why I can’t post from home? I don’t think it’s an IP issue, I seem to be unable to get anything to stick to similar blogs/forums. (WordPress issue?)

Comment by tacocat 01.04.16 @ 12:38 pm

Artis relied pretty heavily on the mid range jumper last year. He has developed a really good all around game this year. I like that he is attacking the net more & his passing has gotten really good. He has always been a pretty good rebounder & he at least acknowledges that he has to put more emphasis on defense. If he continues to improve then he’ll be a borderline NBA player. At the very least he will be a star in Europe & make some good money.

Comment by Nick 01.04.16 @ 12:47 pm

Per Chris Peak Chad Voytik pursuing graduate transfer. No real surprise…

Comment by Pap76 01.04.16 @ 1:00 pm

next year, right, it’s always next year. that’s like the sign at the bar that reads “free beer tomorrow”..

Comment by goalie44 01.04.16 @ 1:00 pm

Pitt up to 21 on Coaches poll, still not listed on AP

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 1:06 pm

@wbb,

what does the tourney committee use to select the 60+ teams in march?? i have no idea..

Comment by goalie44 01.04.16 @ 1:13 pm

goalie44, whatever criteria they want? Last year , Duke got a #1 seed despite not winning the league title or ACC tourney. It’s supposed to be a combo of W-L, SOS, RPI and conference RPI .. but they seem to use different criteria for different teams for rationalization.

It’s not an easy job but politics in the room certainly factors .. as well as TV match-ups.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 1:28 pm

@goilie44 (from last Thread) the Names I put up are ones being reported on/speculated on by media and articles on twitter.

Only thing I have see as a serious lead … and it’s slim is the DeFillipo noise coming out of Cleveland.

Comment by Pittscript 01.04.16 @ 1:33 pm

gotcha, thanks for the info!

Comment by goalie44 01.04.16 @ 1:34 pm

guys, neither artis nor young are legitimate pro prospects at the moment and i doubt either ever will be. Artis has the skills, no doubt, but nba threes would torch him athletically and hes far to small to play the 4 in the nba. Although, with teams playing a lot of small ball i suppose he could have a small role somewhere. Young also isnt athletic enough. Both are very skilled, tough, smart players so i wont put it past either to work their way into a role on a pro team at some point, but neither have the speed or athletic ability to do more than that. Neither are going to leave after this year, at least for the pros

Comment by pk 01.04.16 @ 1:35 pm

pk, agree, and it’s not a criticism as both are tough as nails and play smart.

Just hope some agent don’t get in their head

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 1:44 pm

Agree with pk that neither are pro material as of now.
Artis also similar to Patterson in lack of D and he is getting there with his outside shot and ability to ball handle and get to the basket. Actually I see Patterson as a bit better at each of these but only as a senior.

Comment by TVax 01.04.16 @ 1:46 pm

I amend my posting @ 1:06 above. Apparently, I was looking in last week’s poll.

Pitt made 1st appearance in AP poll at 24. They are 21 in Coaches.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 1:46 pm

wbb, pitt is up to #24 in the AP poll

Comment by tedsptman 01.04.16 @ 1:47 pm

Agree on Artis pk. I would qualify reviews on Artis. He is a very good shooter, average passer and lost as a defender. A few no-look passes on the break against Maryland Eastern Shore doesn’t make him Magic Johnson. Doesn’t mean he isn’t doing a great job for this Pitt team and isn’t a great kid. He is doing both! Love his outside shot.

Comment by Sam_in_215 01.04.16 @ 1:52 pm

series of PG tweets about Voytik:

Voytik on transfer from #Pitt: “I do it with a heavy heart, but I’m also excited about the next step in my journey.”

Sam Werner ? @SWernerPG
Voytik said Jim Chaney’s decision to leave #Pitt did cause him to rethink, but ultimately he was always leaning towards a transfer.

Voytik said two biggest requirements: Chance to win starting QB job next year, closer to home in Cleveland, Tenn.

Just spoke to Chad Voytik. Says he has a list of transfer destinations in mind, but didn’t want to disclose. #Pitt

What, no love for the media members he’s met? Really though, Voytik is just a flat-out good dude. Hope he kills it.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 2:25 pm

Nothing but the best to Voytik for his future but no matter where he goes, he still can not throw a simple 10yd out pass on the run or an accurate deep pass with that side arm release.

He was definitely hurt by the coaching change but as a young man he needs to get used to it. Whatever his life’s work, he will always face management changes over top. He got his first lesson early in life. Love to see him at Gaa Tech. He’d be perfect there. Hope Chryst picks him up at Wisky! He deserves a good shot somewhere. Gutty kid, good runner …. Better leader !

Comment by Dan 72 01.04.16 @ 2:51 pm

Artis could play the 3 in the NBA if he drastically improves his handle. Hell even a point guard if he REALLY improves it. Young is tougher becuause he would have to develop a reliable 3 point shot in addition to getting a better handle. Dont see that happening. Young probably plays too small to be an NBA 4.

Comment by DD 01.04.16 @ 2:52 pm

Yep, saw the Voytik confirmation from Mike V today too. This makes me nervous with CV not on the roster for next season. Mike V thinks a graduate transfer is possible I guess since his article in Pittsburgh Sports Now intimates that he expects another QB coming on board that has “experience and can provide immediate QB depth help”. Only a grad transfer fits that profile, right?

Comment by Dr. Tom 01.04.16 @ 2:58 pm

Sad to see Voytik go, but it is understandable. Do have Bertke, who has a lively arm and DiNucci with a solid freshman coming in. If we have an excellent running game, makes it easier on the QB.

Comment by gc 01.04.16 @ 3:06 pm

Good luck Chad, you served our university well.

Comment by rkb 01.04.16 @ 3:07 pm

I thought JUCO players can play also

Comment by DCPinPGH 01.04.16 @ 3:10 pm

Best of luck Chad…you handled yourself with class this year!

Comment by Jerry S 01.04.16 @ 3:30 pm

I wonder if Chad ends up at Memphis w/Norvell. I have no idea what their QB depth chart looks like.

Comment by bj 01.04.16 @ 3:48 pm

Very best to Chad V!!!!
Kid is a class act and tough as nails! Thank you for your commitment these past years. God’s speed.
Pittman4ever

Comment by pittman4ever 01.04.16 @ 3:51 pm

If Artis and Young both come back next year, which I don’t see why they wouldn’t at this point, Pitt could be a machine!

Good luck and Godspeed, Mr. Voytik. You’re a standup young man, and was proud to see you wearing a Panthers uniform.

If anyone hasn’t seen it yet, I suggest you read Chad’s parting letter. Class act.

Hail to Pitt!

Comment by Digdug 01.04.16 @ 5:00 pm

I echo all of the above sentiments about CV. In fact, he’s classier than a former Pitt HC and CV is still a college student. Care to guess who that HC is?

Comment by tomcat 01.04.16 @ 5:01 pm

@tomcat, am I smelling an aroma of snake oil in the air?

Comment by Digdug 01.04.16 @ 5:07 pm

Agree on Chad. Dignity and class in getting through a tough situation. Best of luck to him.

Comment by Sam_in_215 01.04.16 @ 5:19 pm

Thanks for the memories Chad… Enjoy your last year of college ball .. I will be rooting for you wherever you finish you collegiate career.

Comment by BigB 01.04.16 @ 5:23 pm

Nothing but the best for Chad. I hope he picks the right offense for which to go to work. Like someone said above – he’d be a natural at GT. Doubt Navy takes Graduate Transfers!!!? Love his atheleticism, and leadership qualities. He’ll do well outside of FB, as well!

Thanks, Chad! Proud to have had you as a Panther!

Comment by Savannah Panther 01.04.16 @ 5:25 pm

Best of luck to Chad as he moves on….

Comment by Jackagain 01.04.16 @ 5:43 pm

Good luck Chad. Thanks.

Comment by Frank MD 01.04.16 @ 5:50 pm

Graduate transfers may fill a need but any expectation of improvement is unrealistic. My biggest fear concerning Peterman is that next year will just be a repeat of the last five games. He may have a stronger arm than Voytic and may have more potential for the next level but Pitt is not an NFL team. Good college quarterbacks aren’t always measured by height or arm strength. Attitude, heart, class, and leadership may not be easily measured but Voytic has them all. I just can’t believe that when most college football teams are utilizing mobile quarterbacks we went strictly to a pocket QB. I can only dream of Conner up the middle, Whitehead running wide, and Voytic doing both. No it is not a dream it was a nightmare. I just watched the bowl game again. Best of luck Chad. Hail to Pitt!

Comment by T Bear 01.04.16 @ 5:51 pm

Probably the best thing about Chad V is that come April, he will be a Pitt alum. Thus, he will always be a Panther.

Comment by wbb 01.04.16 @ 5:53 pm

Best of luck to Chad, I too will root for him wherever he lands.

He was the first “winner” at QB at Pitt since Palko, a mental toughness intangible that chubs failed to appreciate or utilize.

Comment by 9-2,8-4,11-1,11-1,11-1 01.04.16 @ 6:10 pm

Chad Voytik… better ATHLETE than Quarterback… better Teammate and Student than Athlete.

Nothing but good wishes for a Kid who NEVER complained or made excuses.

Comment by PittofDreams 01.04.16 @ 6:19 pm

bj, Memphis’ starting qb from 2015 was a junior & declared for the draft. A few of the experts have him rated as the #1 qb. I have no idea who else Memphis has, but there is no incumbent.

Comment by Nick 01.04.16 @ 7:09 pm

Well said PoD @ 6:19pm.

Chad Voytik’s character was exceptional. I enjoyed the way he played the game – he’s a natural leader and a gutsy performer.

I’m sorry for the screwed up system this year – as a Pitt fan since the late 70’s, I think we missed out on 2 or 3 victories with Chad on the sidelines. Just my opinion, as I know 75% on this site will disagree with me, but I really don’t care.

Comment by Erie Express 01.04.16 @ 7:17 pm

Chad>>>>Dark Knight

Comment by TX Panther 01.04.16 @ 7:28 pm

Can we hire a relative.. Maybe an uncle of the TCU OC?
Can you imagine Pitt with an explosive offense that by its design scores tons of Points like TCU’s?

With CV gone, Peterson’s ass is now directly on the hot seat.
If he returns to Pitt with that slow as molasses Statue of Liberty delivery, he can park his behind on the bench.
As Duzz learns more HC lessons, I don’t think he’ll ever
bench again someone who earned playing time like CV. As much as I thought Peterman the better QB, it was inexcusable
not to work Chad into most games.

Comment by Dan 72 01.04.16 @ 7:36 pm

that being true, erie, but nate gave us 2 or three because he was the starter..i think it’s a wash, but cv helped keep the class together when fraud left. he will be missed.

Comment by goalie44 01.04.16 @ 8:01 pm

The Trib has large full page articles on WVU and PSU football today and….you guessed it, nothing on Pitt FB. It’s not like there is a major staff hire to talk about or anything….

Comment by PittPT 01.04.16 @ 8:01 pm

Trib = Pedo State douche bags

Comment by TX Panther 01.04.16 @ 8:21 pm

@Digdug, indeed you are!!

Comment by tomcat 01.04.16 @ 8:34 pm

Funny but Trib has articles on Pitt today covering most of 2 pages. Nothing on WVU and PSU.

Comment by Pittman_1979 01.05.16 @ 8:16 am

DD, nba point guards would put artis in the blender. He isnt quick enough to guard nba 3’s let alone point guards. He is a skilled, versatile college player. For you to play in the nba you have to among the best athletes in the world and artis is simply not that. That isnt a criticism either.

Comment by pk 01.05.16 @ 3:40 pm

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