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March 24, 2016

Two Bad Years of Recruiting

Filed under: Basketball,Recruiting — Chas @ 7:02 am

One of the things that people seem to be debating is when it all started going south. Hindsight is on full blast.

Pointing to that failure to advance past the Villanova in the Elite Eight. Or that Butler game. Those are moments. Losing to Wichita State? Those are games.

Things became problematic when Pitt had back-to-back disastrous recruiting classes. That put Pitt in a hole that Jamie Dixon had been trying to get out of for a while.

2010 Recruiting Class

  1. Isiah Epps – G
  2. J.J. Moore – F
  3. Cam Wright – G

2011 Recruiting Class

  1. Khem Birch – F
  2. Malcolm Gilbert – C
  3. Durand Johnson – G/F
  4. John Johnson – G

I was just going to point to the 2011 class, but given how bad Epps really was and J.J. Moore never coming close to what was thought to be his ceiling. It really is astounding. Also because of how good they actually looked at the time. Moore was considered a steal of a late get.

The 2011 class had Khem Birch reclassifying from the 2012 recruiting class, resulting in Pitt forcing out top-100 commit, Jaylen Bond. Also creating some real animosity among Philadelphia area coaches for doing him like that. It damaged Pitt’s recruiting in Philly — which became another problem.

The 2011 class was ranked as Pitt’s best under Dixon. This was the one to show the fruits of all the building and Pitt’s rep. A second McDonald’s All-American in 3 years with Khem Birch. Gilbert, Johnson and Johnson were all ranked among the top-100 players by Scout.com.

There is a cruel irony that a coach like Dixon. Regularly crushed by his own fanbase for not being a great recruiter. His best recruiting class was truly the worst

One starter out of all that. Six transfers — and on top of it, none of those transfers turned out to be that good for the schools that got them.

And that was with top recruiting assistants like Tom Herrion and Pat Skerry.

Any. ANY program would struggle with a series of misses like that. With the exception of Kentucky under Calipari, every program needs at least a couple of guys to develop over three to four years. When you only have one guy out of two straight classes. When you don’t even have stiffs on the bench. That’s going to hurt.

And for a coach like Dixon that really depends on developing players over the course of a few years. Who counts on the upper classmen to lead the way. This was especially devestating.

Dixon and the coaching staff resorted more and more to JUCOs, transfers (regular and grad) to try and plug the holes, the last few years. But even if you hit on each hole you try to fill, that would have still been a two year period to try and cope.

Obviously Pitt wasn’t able to plug those holes as well as needed. Coupled with the big recruiting misses (at least at the time) of big centers like BeeJay Anya and Chieck Diallo, the problems remained.

The only other alternative would have been to take some real lumps on the court without trying short terms fixes. Take flyers on players with potential, but would need some time to develop. That’s hardly a guarantee either. Meanwhile the howls would have been even louder if Pitt had missed the NCAA Tournament two straight years.





I love Knight, and yes his number and shirt belong in the raffers. Even the loss to Uconn in the Big East Championship game, he was the hero. I believe it was a double overtime game.

But……. Who did he really recruit that was a super star? I love the Jersey kids we got. I can relate to them. But did we end up with the best or were there guys left on the shelf we should have gotten?

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 03.24.16 @ 7:07 pm

Looks like u’ve been posting all day Milo.

So you must have nothing to do and be very very old.

Me…… I run a business.

Chas must be pretty happy you’re posting so much.

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 7:08 pm

Dan72, this is not about your experiences unless it was all basketball. Va. scoring only 50 points per game doesn’t show it’s good offense. No Bennett plays defense first, second, and third. Just like Dixon always did.

No recruiting hurt us especially in the middle.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 03.24.16 @ 7:15 pm

@Emel…Yes I was posting today thank you….happens to be spring break so I have time and yes very interested in the coaching search, but I don’t post nightly most of the year like you seem to do
…I’m not talented enough to have fans on this blog like you do… Also, glad you liked my line so much that you re-posted it.

I am very happy you run a business; your mommy must be proud.

Comment by milobloom 03.24.16 @ 7:16 pm

Spring Break ? What are you in High School.

Explains the mommy comment.

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 7:18 pm

Is pitt waiting for Bryce drew to be available? And would he be interested?, cuz I’d really like that!!

Comment by Keith 03.24.16 @ 7:21 pm

Yes, I have kids in high school. Thanks for asking.

Comment by milobloom 03.24.16 @ 7:21 pm

This is funny shit.

I just wish it didnt smell

Comment by TX Panther 03.24.16 @ 7:25 pm

Here’s your daily dose of Jamie, for those that already miss him.

link to sports.cbsimg.net

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 7:27 pm

Can we please just name a B-ball coach so the bitchin and moanin stops. That should be reserved for our wives.

Comment by TX Panther 03.24.16 @ 7:29 pm

Dixon either needs to enroll in some anger management classes or if this was an expression to motivate his players, I’m sure it failed miserably.

Comment by TX Panther 03.24.16 @ 7:30 pm

I will not shed a tear for his departure. Unlike some who think he’s Pitt’s best chance to compete in the ACC and reach a Final 4. There’s a place for delusional people. Its called Western Psych.

Comment by TX Panther 03.24.16 @ 7:32 pm

Maybe that’s why Western Psych was in the middle of Pitt’s campus. 🙂

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 7:36 pm

Two different reigns of Cornhole as AD, made more than a few of us go off the deep end.

Not to mention the 20 HC’s we had in football in 6 months. haha

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 7:40 pm

Dixon’s gone, so matter what one thought of him it doesn’t matter now so no use arguing or beating Dixon up…
…and for the ones that really thought Dixon needed to go, you should realize that although you hated a lot of his basketball decisions thru the year; Dixon and you were in complete agreement that it actually was time to leave Pitt now.

Comment by milobloom 03.24.16 @ 7:42 pm

Emel – How is business at “Baby Dolls of Charlotte?”

Milo – Emel owns 34 clubs across the US. He still owns “The Cricket” for Nostagia.

Emel – If Hilary wins can we move to Cuba?

Comment by Upittbaseball 03.24.16 @ 7:49 pm

Totally agree milo. I’m glad Dixon at least saw the writing on the wall. Even if that writing was on the wall for a few years now. I guess it should have been made more clear for him but Cornhole was hiding it.

Comment by TX Panther 03.24.16 @ 7:51 pm

OPG …just making a business comparison. Like you I played HS basketball but never started. I coached over 60 AAU games and over 70 HS Games so I do know a little about basketball. Sorry if the business reference offended you.

I dispised Dixon for his floor coaching and his lack of even trying to recruit. I love Tony Bennet and have actually attended one of his clinics. He is an offensive genius who happens to coach great defense. Without the offense, the defense is worthless… Just like Jamie’s !

Comment by Dan 72 03.24.16 @ 7:54 pm

@Upitt .. Glad to see Emel keeping so many young ladies employed thru the US….and especially owning a fine establishment like the Cricket! Many a college nights we ended up there.

Comment by milobloom 03.24.16 @ 8:01 pm

Villanova just trouncing ACC Miami (who finished tied for 2nd in ACC).

Last 5 years Pitt who before then was better than Villimanilli……is decidedly not anywhere close to Villi….now.

link to sports.cbsimg.net

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 8:01 pm

Yes we just had a Job-A-Rama up at Charlotte University today (formerly UNC-Charlotte).

Hired a couple of the cheerleaders for Summer Jobs !

Since we’re a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Got to keep in good graces.

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 8:05 pm

Oh, and Tony Bennet can recruit…and game coach…and sing too!

Comment by Jackagain 03.24.16 @ 8:07 pm

Gale Catlett just delivered my pizza.
Dixon’s quick exit is much like any other of the same variety.
He got out of Dodge too quick to cover alot of his tracks. Now we see his true colors… Some good some bad.
I just hope his house sits on the market forever just to piss off his wife and fat son.

Comment by Sfpitt 03.24.16 @ 8:16 pm

God, that duet with Lady Gaga…..was awful.

Tony, Tony, Tony…what were you thinking !

Comment by Emel 03.24.16 @ 8:27 pm

All the college coaches go to the final four to pal with each other so we should have our coach before then.

Comment by Frank MD 03.24.16 @ 9:49 pm

Dan72, I played basketball like Barnes was a gymnast. Barnes at 6’8″ said he was gymnast in the presser. No Dan72, I was actually the gymnast; first at FSU and then transferred to PITT.

Being from B’klyn you know basketball like the guys from Western Pa. know football.

Please nothing personal in my remarks. I’m a little melancholy, sad, and concerned over PITT’s BB future.

It’s obvious Dixon saw a poor future for PITT short term.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 03.24.16 @ 10:01 pm

Gibbs, Adams, Birch: misused. If your objective is too win you put your kids into situations that maximize their talents and you ride them. Dixon became a repellent to kids who want to shine, recruiting went down the toilet. Bring in the right guy Pitt will be better than ever. Write it down.

Comment by Old School Panther 03.24.16 @ 10:16 pm

Old Pitt Grad – the poor future Jamie saw for Pitt BB was of his own doing.

Look, I liked Jamie as much as anyone, but this was the best for both sides. Jamie leaves on good terms and Pitt hits the “refresh” button with a good nucleus of players on the roster.

I know many players are rumored to be leaving. Let’s let the admin guys do their thing first before we jump off a bridge and make our own “splash”.

Patience…

Comment by Erie Express 03.25.16 @ 6:09 am

Dixon was a crappy recruiter. We have a few decent forwards, no centers, and some slow guards who don’t shoot well. I think Jamie got a lot out of the little he recruited and scheduled soft to cover up his shortcomings.
Knight was a great player and has been a loyal Pitt man. He has earned an interview and Barnes owes him that much out of respect. That being said I don’t care how many players past or current recommend him. He hasn’t shown any ability to recruit or develop anything resembling a top guard so we can do better.
If anyone chooses to leave cest lavie

Comment by spiritofsection22 03.25.16 @ 4:15 pm

Dixon did manager to recruit Adams, Blair and Young. 10/11 were notably bad, and 3 of the 7 were Knight’s recruits (Epps, Moore and Johnson). Plus BK recruited Newkirk. Herrion had some great gems – Patterson, Gibbs and Zanna.

Comment by Ghost of Hornman 03.26.16 @ 4:42 pm

Why not ask Jay Wright the Villanova coach to come to Pitt Ofcoure you will have to pay him alot. So pay him. Give him $$$$$$ and free dinners at Ruth Crrist Steak house and at the Mall free Suits He likes suits Jay Wright

Comment by Boo Boo #1 03.27.16 @ 5:03 am

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