Chase Adams has a good interview with Big East Basketball Report.
Pittsburgh, according to Chase were chosen over “Marquette, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Texas State and Miami of Ohio” (Pitt and Texas State offered scholarships), for a variety of reasons.
“Close to home,” said Adams of the attractiveness of Pitt. “It’s a great program. The coach (Jamie Dixon), he’s had a lot of success. They have a lot of returning players, but need a little bit more experience at point guard.”
His coaches from his summer team and old high school coach helped steer him towards Pitt. Good to read the implications of Pitt being a good place for kids from the Baltimore area. He comes to Pitt this week for year.
He and Dante Tayler just finished up in the DC Kenner League. Taylor had a slightly harder time.
Coming into the Big East, Taylor is known as a banger capable of finishing and filling lanes, while also rebounding and scoring in the half court via jump hooks and put backs. His Kenner League performance did nothing to dispute that scouting report, as Taylor, a McDonald All-American did all the above.
The difference when playing against older, stronger players is that Dante didn’t excel constantly; there were times when he faded in and out. He also couldn’t bull his way to the cup as easily as he did on the prep level at National Christian (Oxon Hill, MD). Expect him to develop a go-to and counter moves, plus more strength at Pitt, enabling him to impact conference play.
At least he already has an idea that it won’t be as easy as high school.
I couldn’t help but take note that Eloy Vargas would be academically ineligible at Florida this coming year. He was injured for much of his first year and then did little last year. Now, he apparently is bailing on Florida.
Sources indicate that former Florida forward Eloy Vargas has received his release and is on campus at Kentucky.
The 6-foot-10 native of the Dominican Republic battled an injury last season and barely played.
Sources indicated that Donovan was not happy with Vargas’ work ethic and also that Vargas’ academics are suspect.
I guess Orlando Antigua still likes him.
Just a reminder of luck and the vagaries of recruiting. Even for the big talent. Sometimes you get lucky for the ones who turn you down at the end.
A 4-star, best player in Florida, top-26 national player with a very high ceiling. Pitt seemingly had him until a late swoop-in by Florida coming off of back-to-back national championships.
Vargas was a big miss for Pitt, Dixon and Antigua. Another big player that Pitt and Dixon couldn’t close the deal on landing.
Now he will hope to salvage some of his college time. I’d be surprised if he actually ends up at Kentucky. He doesn’t seem to fit them at this point (and I don’t even know if they have a scholarship to offer).
