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January 20, 2016

Smacked About

Filed under: Basketball — Chas @ 8:01 am

Pitt football recruiting target Damar Hamlin was there and even ventured into the Oakland Zoo to mingle in the second half. So that was good.

After that…

I’ll leave it to the players and coach to sum it up.

Panthers forward Jamel Artis said containing Barber was tough, but he explained that the larger issue was how the Wolfpack pushed them around and did whatever they wanted inside.

“They were tougher than us,” Artis said.

“They hit us first from the start of the first five or six minutes, and it is tough to come back from 25 points. We let ourselves down, we gave the game up. This was a lack of toughness. This is a sad loss.”

And,

“We got what we deserved,” Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said. “Disappointing, bad loss for us.”

By the time the Panthers recovered and fought back, it was too late.

“We didn’t do anything well,” Dixon said.

Nope.

I said before the game that NC State had talent. That they were as capable of winning by 20 as losing by 15. And I know that NC State was desperate for a win the ACC. But, this was a performance that should to embarrass the Pitt players.

Pitt shot horribly in the first half. It wasn’t like the Louisville game where the defense was all over them, and it was a slog. No, Pitt was missing. Flat out bad shooting. From the perimeter. Inside. Not finishing. Nothing. 7-28 shooting in the first half. At one point reeling off 14 straight shots and zero field goals.

Still, with all of those missed shots, only 2 offensive rebounds in the first half. How is that even possible? Artis and Young only came up with one each for the game. Sheldon Jeter was the only Pitt player to have more than one offensive rebound (3) for the game.

Pitt showed zero interest in trying to play hard. It’s like they were all just waiting for it to click for them.

Mike Young scored 16 points and was 6-of-13 from the floor which isn’t bad — but he only got to the free throw line twice which means he wasn’t nearly as aggressive as he usually is. Artis made 7-of-10 from the free throw line, but he was only 4-of-10 from the field and only 1-of-4 from the 3-point line. Other than that — there wasn’t much to really get excited about. Sterling Smith actually did play in this game but only for 13 minutes and he took a total of one shot. Sheldon Jeter had six points and seven rebounds but he only took eight shots, in game like this he needs to take more. And the center spot — three guys — combined for 25 minutes and this was their box score: 2 points, 5 rebounds, 2 turnovers. That’s obviously not going to get it done.

Artis also had 5 turnovers in the game. He looked completely off for most of the game.

The extra part that was frustrating, is that NC State spent a good portion of the second half reverting to type. Begging to give the game away.

At halftime, twitter comments on the game came from other ACC fans and even media. They were all saying similar things. Snark about how NC State is oh, so capable of blowing a 25 point lead in the second half. And they tried. They started turning the ball over. Taking stupid shots. Slow getting back on defense.

Pitt appeared to be clawing back into the game. Getting it closer to single digits. And then fell away. Going over 4:30 without scoring. Multiple turnovers. Refusing to take the gift. Settling for the loss they earned.

 





Can’t defend the 1 …. can’t defend the 5. Outrebounded 24 -11 in first half.

Unless we shoot lights out, we are not going to win against good teams.

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 8:13 am

The fact that Damar Hamlin was in the house and receiving love from the Zoo was the lone bright spot of the night. He will be another game changer, like Jordan Whitehead, if he comes to Pitt.

This team didn’t play well because they had a belly ache from all the cupcakes they had in November and December.

When does Spring Practice start again? We are a football school, you know!

Comment by Panther Fan in Hoopieland 01.20.16 @ 8:15 am

And once again, we are told about JR’s great assist to turnover ration while he is being absolutely schooled by a superior PG.

Not that JR is the only issue … far from it. WE have more issues at the 5 than the 1 IMO.

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 8:17 am

“This team didn’t play well because they had a belly ache from all the cupcakes they had in November and December.”

LOL … but playing a harder non-con would have only showed our weaknesses much earlier. In the end, we do not have the personnel to match up against many good teams unless we shoot like crazy.

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 8:20 am

wbb – you stole my point. If this doesn’t team shoot better than 50% in the first half they’re in trouble. They’re good-to-average in everything but defense, but unfortunately that’s least 30% of the formula for winning.

It pains me but: this is a bubble team. I believe we have to win the next three to even give us a chance at the tourney. February is too tough, we could easily go 2-5. I see only one easy win, the Wake game.

Comment by tacocat 01.20.16 @ 8:40 am

Its no secret Pitt has to score 80+ to win. There was no way they were going to get enough stops to win once down 25, even if they did starting making shots. 15 maybe, not 25.

Comment by Nick 01.20.16 @ 9:05 am

So much for the Louisville game being a “mirage” or something we can sweep under the carpet and pretend it wouldn’t happen again. Our two forwards are good, but they aren’t the saviors of this program (and frankly can’t do it alone night in and night out). We still have a ways to go before we can do anything significant on the national scene.

These forwards are fun to watch, but I don’t have any real expectations that this season will end any differently than the last 75 years since our only Final Four appearance. I hope you didn’t either (“exceptions” + “Pitt,” yeah about that). That’s crazy when I read that out loud (75 years!!). Have to view things for what they are. Enjoy Artis and Young when they are on. They are certainly worth the price of admission when things click, I’ll give us that.

Comment by Eric 01.20.16 @ 9:08 am

so all of the sudden, our aesthetically pleasing style of play is not so effective. With our lack of defense and rebounding, we don’t stand a chance if we are not shooting well.

We now need to grab an away game and defend our home just to end up with a winning ACC record. Not a guarantee.

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 9:12 am

They forwards settled for a lot of jump shots in the first half. Very few trips to the line.

I think because this team is capable of shooting well they have a tendency to rely on it too much and don’t think to attack the rim when jumpers aren’t falling.

Also, this team’s biggest issue is still at center. No physical presence.

What is it with Pitt teams and sleep-walking through first halves of games???

Comment by Iron Duke 01.20.16 @ 9:14 am

we’re just following the lead of our football team

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 9:16 am

Negativity here well deserved. JD should really get after this team otherwise it’s NIT maybe.

Comment by Frank MD 01.20.16 @ 9:22 am

The two 5’s played a combined 15 minutes (9 and 6). That means Young was once again playing the 5 position. We know how that turned out — see last year. Looks like déjà vu all over again.

Can’t help noticing that the shelf life expiration date for JD has expired.

Comment by PetePitt73 01.20.16 @ 9:23 am

I wouldn’t be too worried about last night’s game…if it didn’t just happen a week ago against Louisville.

It’s not time to hit the panic button but we need to find a way to tread water when our shots are not falling. Feed Young in the post and let him go to work? Iso Artis and let him create? I don’t know.

I don’t think NC State played a great game last night. IMO, we didn’t just run into a team that was so hot that they were destined to win. I actually think they played a sloppy game. However, Pitt was extremely lazy last night, especially in the first half. NC State played with more effort and more aggressiveness and the ball tends to bounce your way when you do that.

FSU will be a very tough matchup for Pitt. They are very long and that will cause Pitt some fits. They also have a volume 3-point shooter who can get very hot. We will need to keep him in check and hold our own on the boards.

Comment by JAM05PITT 01.20.16 @ 9:26 am

The curtain has been pulled on Dixon for the 4th or 5th year in a row. Week Ass Non-Con and when we play anyone with athletes whether 0-5 in ACC or not they kick our ass. How many years can we pay Dixon 2M for nonperformance.

Comment by Upittbaseball 01.20.16 @ 9:31 am

gc – on the last FB thread you said “This is really rug cutting time in recruiting. The guys that are left are the really good players that can’t make up their minds. Watts says no decision till signing day and he still id hoping for more offers. Looks like a big day on the 29th with big time recruits coming in.”

I’m holding back an article I wrote that addresses that exact issue and will probably post in later today.

First you guys talk BB for a while… after all the season is actually in full swing. I played organized BB for years but Pitt is showing exactly why I don’t follow our BB team. They are worse than the FB team when it comes to inconsistent play. I watched a bit last night and couldn’t believe how easy it was for NC State to defend us. 44-19 at the half does not make me stay up and watch the rest of the game.

Comment by Reed 01.20.16 @ 9:36 am

We are who many of us thought we are.

If we don’t make the NCAA’s this year…..

it will be 3 out of 5 years.

@FSU
@Clemson
Va Tech
UVA
@Mia
@UNC

Is there a win in there in the next 6 games?

Comment by Dan 01.20.16 @ 9:40 am

Dan – I’m going to see them in Coral Gables.

Comment by Upittbaseball 01.20.16 @ 10:01 am

Another point guard has a “career night” against us….need to somehow stop that trend/habit…a really disappointing effort at home…where is the D? a tough close loss could be explained…but down 25 in the 1st half at home? U-G-L-Y

Comment by Jerry S 01.20.16 @ 10:10 am

From the Post Gazette…

“Let’s play the West Virginias and the Penn States in everything, basketball specifically,” (Pitt Athletic Director Scott) Barnes said.

I like this Barnes guy.

Comment by PittofDreams 01.20.16 @ 10:18 am

@Upitt, maybe you can have some sway??

That was a real beat down. I can’t remember anything like it.

The only loss I think I was ever madder at, was a few years against Notre Dame.

The one where Pitt went out to like a
21-3 lead.

Only to lose by 16 or something??

Comment by Dan 01.20.16 @ 10:19 am

The expectations of a top program have pretty much evaporated. Dixon’s lifetime contract and no pressure to win is at the core here. As many have asked, what is the cost of firing Dixon? My question is what is the cost of keeping Dixon? Does anyone here think he is the coach to turn things around after the last 4 years? A coach getting 2.5 million doesn’t get much these days. Pitt BB is the titanic and time to move on. The AD is well versed in BB so I expect him to make the changes as he rebuilds the program. Dixon has to go.

Comment by Chethejet 01.20.16 @ 10:37 am

For the sake of my own health, I stopped watching – on my phone – at the half. Embarrassing performance.

Comment by Carmen 01.20.16 @ 10:39 am

Ditto Carmen

Comment by DocJLK 01.20.16 @ 10:42 am

Same here. Another game I stopped watching before the first half ended.

Comment by Eric 01.20.16 @ 11:01 am

I think Dixon can coach … he just can’t recruit.

The inability of him to put together a complete squad is not new .. we always seem to be overloaded in one area and not enough in another.

THis year at Forward … Young, Artis, Jeter and Johnson – great

Last 2 years at Center – not so great

Zanna did yeoman’s work at the 5 two years ago but even he had issues with taller/bigger men. JR has never fared well defenswively against a quick PG … (3rd time within a year that Cat has schooled him.)

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 11:02 am

In fact, if Jamie could have pulled in either Anya or Freeman .. we would have had a chance last night

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 11:10 am

Dan – The Canes are pretty good!

and recruiting class best ever!

link to caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com

While we have Brandon Knight, Puppet, Smoke, Waste of space, Lett and a White Kid who is more concerned with his suits than coaching or recruiting. And Crazy Chaps… His lip licking and screaming has me checking out. Need energy and excitement. All the things Archie would bring. Plus look at his tourney record last 2 years.

Comment by Upittbaseball 01.20.16 @ 11:13 am

If you all think the basketball was bad last night, check this out (the sky is falling)

link to cardiachill.com

Comment by wbb 01.20.16 @ 11:14 am

First time I ever left a Pitt basketball game at halftime. I don’t still don’t know what to say.

Comment by rayhpgh 01.20.16 @ 11:24 am

It all goes back to recruiting. You have to have the horses to compete in the ACC night after night. That being said, last night is the worst kind of match-up for Pitt. A really great point guard and loads of muscle underneath. When your first half shooting percentage is 25 and you get two offensive rebounds you are in trouble. When you add in that they didn’t miss many shots you get a rout.

Pitt was not patient last night and kept forcing things. Young is great, but he can’t power through two large muscular athletic guys, he only had one assist vs 9 last game. Artis got stressed and out of control last night, just as he did in the other two losses. Robinson kept missing wide open shots. It was just a total collapse by your big three for the third time this year.

But give NCST some credit, they have been frustrated and were bound to go off on somebody. They played good defense and pounded the boards with a frenzy. They made their shots. Time after time when the clock wore down Barber made a last second shot. They really could do no wrong.

It is pretty obvious that the guys from Brown, Richmond and Coppin St add little when push comes to shove. That is why I suggest that Jamie starts Jeter and Jones and gives them the majority of minutes and substitute less frequently. Take advantage of a reserve with a hot hand and rest guys who need it. It is time for Jeter and Jones to play 30 minutes a game with the big three.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 11:36 am

I thought that was Hamlin with Wheeler last night in the Zoo. That is a very positive development, on a very dreary night. The Zoo loudly booing Rowan was pretty much fun but ineffective.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 11:40 am

Very interesting how they use Rowan as a sniper, that just kind of appears out of no where. He kind of lulls you asleep by blending in and then Bam, three points.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 11:42 am

wbb …astute and concise that Pitt cannot defend the 1 or 5.
Problem is mostly the 1. You can hide the 5. Once the 1 breaks down it creates insurmountable problems for the other 4 players on both offense and defense.

This team plays like they are frustrated with something going on inside the team. Could be they are tired of covering for the 1’s mistakes

GC. I coached in the AAU up to 5 years ago. I had just started the hear the talk of players not wanting to play for Jamie.
Think maybe Rowan feels he made the right decision? Now he’s an example for other coaches to hold up when recruiting against Jamie.

This is why the coaching staff had to make 11 offers in the off season just to get Smith and Maia. Time for big changes!

1-5 record upcoming

Comment by Dan 72 01.20.16 @ 11:59 am

Very embarrased by last night’s loss. I know that Jr is the assit to turnover leader but 3 times last night I saw him lead a fast break and instead of at least trying for a basket he stopped at the foul line and akwardly tried to pass it to a teammate who was not in any postion to take the ball. This drove me nuts. And for JR to miss some easy shots in the first half was killing me. I like his style but not his lack of offense. I must say the ball really was not bouncing our way at all(just the opposite of the Notre Dame game. The next few games will tell us alot about this team. Sure hope we are not reverting back to last year’s caliber! H2P!!

Comment by Bruce F 01.20.16 @ 12:02 pm

Dan 72, it is the perfect set up for Rowan, no chance he would bet getting 30+ minutes with Jamie. Defense not good enough lol

He is going to be a really great player for them as he matures.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 12:08 pm

Dickhead Dixon. You have a pg who has consistently gone off on your team and has abused your pg… maybe you scheme or you play Wilson (only guard you have recruited past 5 years w/ any quickness) like 20 mins. Nope can’t do that.

Dickhead Dixon.

Comment by JohnRamella 01.20.16 @ 12:10 pm

Robinson was terrible in the first half

Comment by NotTimGrgurich 01.20.16 @ 12:14 pm

The stat that really confuses me is that Mike Young had no fouls in the entire game…no offensive fouls, no defensive fouls…so how much of an effort did he really bring. Did he even try to stop anything down low or did he just step out of the way and let them thunder dunk? Did he take it to the basket strong, or just settle for a jumper or fadeaway to eliminate contact. Seems like the later in both cases.

I stayed to the last second because I don’t leave games early or turn them off. Definitely one of the worst games I’ve ever watched. Seems like they didn’t really care much.

Comment by Hank the Tank 01.20.16 @ 12:55 pm

I think Young was very frustrated against the bigger guys. I don’t think there was a lack of effort. Nothing was going in the hoop for any Pitt player. I thought the refs called a pretty good game. I still have trouble with the charge calls when a guy steps in late, but all in all they let them play. As far as the thunder dunks, I don’t think there was much to do to stop them. I do agree they were much more aggressive in their rebounding, and the ball was bouncing their way, mostly good positioning.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 1:05 pm

I was very impressed with Abu, really good strong moves to the hoop.

I did leave early when Jamie called a time out with 43 seconds left, I mean c’mon that just pissed me off.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 1:07 pm

@hank – I think the only times Young tried to take it inside he lost the ball.

I was concerned about Pitt’s lack of defensive fouls. That shows no effort in getting to someone to stop a shot.

Comment by KeyboardKev 01.20.16 @ 1:11 pm

Cat made 14 free throws, they fouled him way too much.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 1:29 pm

–On a positive note, there were a couple of spectacular plays by Pitt last night. One was a driving layup by Chris Jones where he seemed to defy gravity. The other was the play where Luther blocked Rowan’s shot and then threw the ball off of Rowan. Pretty sweet.

–On the other hand, I did wonder why we weren’t trying to isolate Rowan on defense and drive against him; or drive against him and dish when help came…

–I thought Pitt seemed somewhat surprised by the size and “reach” of the NCS bigs. A ton of Pitt’s missed shots in the first half were a result of driving to the hoop, but then having to take a very tough/awkward shot because of the defense of the NCS big guys.

–You could tell during warm-ups that the NCS big guys were really impressive physically – much more wide-shouldered than their Pitt counterparts.

Go Pitt.

Comment by MajorMajors 01.20.16 @ 1:57 pm

Majormajors, that was a sweet play by Jones and makes me wonder why we don’t see that much more often?

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 2:12 pm

We don’t do well against bigger guys. We haven’t for the last few years. Feel so sorry for Young when we have to put him in the 5 position. We waste his talent and ware him out.

The biggest disappointment is the lack of 4 -5 star young recruits; we are not getting them any longer.

Plus we need a few of the Physical type “BIGs” in the middle. Bring in a big time recruiter.

One last need is speed and more speed.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 01.20.16 @ 3:56 pm

Let me start by saying I am not blaming the refs for this loss.

I think if this team gets pushed around to start a game and the refs don’t make calls the team goes into a funk. In other words if they get punched in mouth they pout. They are smaller and can be pushed around. If they get help from the refs and they do well. When the ref crew “lets them play” The team can’t handle it.

We have had and will have both type of crews this year so I don’t think this is the last time we will see them get embarrassed nor do I think it will be the last time they beat someone.

Not sure how you turn that around as a coach but it’s definitely a mental thing.

Comment by Tony in Harrisburg 01.20.16 @ 5:14 pm

GC-
I agree with you, except for Jones. I’d rather see Wilson in there instead of Jones. I would have taken Jones two years ago, but he’s regressed imo. I also think Smith can be useful for us, but he’s not aggressive. He had 4 points last night on 1-1 shooting. The one shot he took was a deep 2 with a foot on the line. I can’t understand why we don’t space the floor and let players shoot the 3 more. We have 3 guys shooting above 40% from 3. Unfortunately, those guys don’t get a lot of shot attempts.

JR has the lowest FG% on our team, outside of the walk-ons.

Comment by ShorePitt 01.20.16 @ 6:32 pm

Ugh and Ugh. Still lots of games to be played…but…

I think my last comment at the end of last year was, how could we possibly be good this year? Because Jamie had a whole year to teach defense…and failed. And rebounding too. So to expect these fellas to all of a sudden come to Jesus and find defense and rebounding…not going to happen.

I miss tossing Thabeets!!! No, not the poster (though I enjoy his posts very much), I mean the ATTITUDE. Pitt DEFENSE!! It had an attitude. I thought Jamie made people tough but clearly the drinker has to drink the KoolAid…and these fellas aint drinking.

Comment by DD 01.20.16 @ 6:57 pm

Riffing more on that…could you imagine this team with McGhee in the middle? And not that McGhee was a future NBAer (even Europe?). But man, this would be a totally different team.

Or Levance as PG.

With both, we would be top 10 right now.

Comment by DD 01.20.16 @ 7:00 pm

Shorepitt, would Wilson be your point guard with Robinson at shooting guard? I think that would weaken both spots.

My lineup and backups would be:

1 Robinson, Wilson
2 Jones, Smith
3 Artis, Johnson
4 Young, Ododa, Luther
5 Jeter, Maia, Luther

I would only substitute one, at most two guys at a time, keeping most of the starters intact.

Comment by gc 01.20.16 @ 7:00 pm

I said this when I watched Lewisville and I said it again against ncstate. Our basketball guys are not close athletically to the athletes they are going against. I will take 5 big, quick, fast athletic kids than 3 basketball players and two marginal athletes. That is what we have when we play lewisville and ncst.

Their athletes are better than our mix of athletes and bball players. Quick query, were we in the final two schools for 3 or 4 of their players?

Our guys are soft defensively as well as mentally and have been for the past 4-5 years.

Comment by dhuffdaddy 01.20.16 @ 8:05 pm

Not to beat a dead horse, Dixon recruiting and not grasping that athleticism and not physical play is the ACC. This is not the BE. I suspected Eixon was not happy with the move and lost his selling strengths of his BE style of play. Now you have a mediocre program with a coach with a lifetime contract. Not good.

Comment by Chethejet 01.20.16 @ 9:01 pm

Ah…Cyanide Stevie boy….the gift that just keeps on giving…

Comment by Jackagain 01.20.16 @ 10:06 pm

I disagree that we settled for too many jump shots. We should have taken a lot more. Instead because we were cold early we decided to try to force the ball inside for most of the game. That resulted in a lot turnovers, offensive fouls, and missed wild layups. This team likes to shoot. Stay with the percentages, keep shooting those jump shots and they will start to go in.

Comment by HbgFrank 01.20.16 @ 10:35 pm

Jamie tried to integrate the transfers into the starting lineup and they have failed miserably in the three losses. Needs to get much more out of Jeter and Jones, they will be back next year and now is the time for them to assume leadership roles. They need to start and get starters recognition and playing time. They both have much more upside, this year and obviously next year.

Comment by gc 01.21.16 @ 10:35 am

I also think Ododa should be a power forward behind Young. He is better facing the basket.

Comment by gc 01.21.16 @ 10:37 am

I wrote last week that we would find out in the next seven games if would exceed expectations, crash and burn or hold are own? Did not expect the Crash and Burn so soon. The pressure is really on now.

Comment by gc 01.21.16 @ 10:50 am

I am starting to detect the worst thing possible from Pitt Fans…Apathy

Comment by gc 01.21.16 @ 10:51 am

In our three losses, we have been totally demolished, embarrassed and had no answers.

What will Jamie’s response be, business as usual, knowing we will be facing teams with big guys and excellent point guards?

How do you get your team to believe when they are getting pummeled?

Comment by gc 01.21.16 @ 1:43 pm

One small thing I noticed that could make a difference on offense is that when Young or Artis gets the ball the rest of the players seem to just kind of stand and watch. It works when they’re game is on, but in the loses it just ends up being a bad drive or funky jump shot with no one cutting to the basket or there to clean up a rebound.

But that’s a tiny thing. I can’t refute our roster problems. Still, I think we can have a respectable season if we don’t let the ship completely sink like we did last year.

Comment by tacocat 01.21.16 @ 2:38 pm

Agree tacocat, when Young is backing into the basket against two or three guys, someone should be open for a pass. It worked against BC but they kind of go into panic mode when they are losing.

Comment by gc 01.21.16 @ 4:08 pm

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