Getting J.J. Moore was just that. The 3- or 4-star small forward was unexpected. A kid scoring a 93 (Insider subs) by ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc (that score is listed as “high-major minus“).
I didn’t see that coming. I assumed he was a lock for Louisville, and he was just creating some intrigue before signing day. But according to Chris Dokish, Pitt went all-out on getting him.
First of all, the job the entire Pitt staff did to get J.J. Moore was very impressive. And I do mean the entire staff. Despite Moore almost certainly heading to Louisville, Jamie Dixon, Tom Herrion, and Brandin Knight all put on an all out assault to get the 6’6″ small forward. According to one source with knowledge of the situation, “it was as complete an effort” as they’ve ever seen to recruit a player.
And while there are have long been concerns as to whether Moore can get eligible for the 2010 year, Dokish reports the belief and even expectation that Moore will get his eligibility set.
That and the signing of Cameron Wright todayand Isiah Epps puts Pitt at 1 over their scholarship limit at this point. Speculation as to how that is resolved (transfer, academic casualties, someone giving up a scholarship) is something for another day.
While it doesn’t rule out a commitment from Maurice Walker — the sleeper center — it does make it appear unlikely regardless of need. Especially since he seems to be getting more attention and it seems unlikely Pitt will go 2 over the limit in the early signing period.
Just another great class for the b-ball team.
Of course, he did play well defensively last year, which is very important to the staff … so who knows?
We have enough big men on the roster already? Mcgee (stiff), Zanna (raw) and Taylor (more comfortable at PF) is enough big men?
I’m sure the coaching staff knows somthing I don’t and Jamie Dixon certainly doesn’t diserve me second guessing him but taking a broad view of the roster it seems like a big man is a much more pressing need than annother SF.
And Marco, Gil Brown, Nasir Robinson and Lamar Patterson were more hyped than JJ Morre.
Now whether he will be asked back in the offseason I don’t know, but for now the coaching staff expects him back.
Miller and Richardson are 6’8″ and 6’7″ respectively and lack the DeJuan Blar wingspan/bulk/all-around awesomeness to play the 5.
I’m talking centers not power forwards. If given the choice between Moore and Walker (both of whom are similarly rated) on the surface it looks like Walker would be a better fit. This coming from a guy who grew up 20 minutes from where Moore grew up and is happy as hell to have a local kid on Pitt.
Hopefully Dixon and Co. know somthing I don’t know because it seems like we were already set on swingmen. Can’t say the same at center.
Miller and Richardson are 6’8″ and 6’7″ respectively and lack the DeJuan Blar wingspan/bulk/all-around awesomeness to play the 5.
I’m talking centers not power forwards. If given the choice between Moore and Walker (both of whom are similarly rated) on the surface it looks like Walker would be a better fit. This coming from a guy who grew up 20 minutes from where Moore grew up and is happy as hell to have a local kid on Pitt.
Hopefully Dixon and Co. know somthing I don’t know because it seems like we were already set on swingmen. Can’t say the same at center.
JJ Moore will likely jump up into the top 50 in 2010, but even if he does not, a number of smart basketball people feel he has a chance to be one of the best players ever at Pitt.
While I like M. Walker, he does not have anywhere near the upside that JJ Moore does. One would likely be a good, serviceable player by his junior year (he needs 2 years of strength and conditioning to have a shot at reaching his potential), the other could be an all-time Pitt great, and leave early for the NBA.
I feel that we are talking about a player who will be on of the best in the nation. This kid has that talent, athleticism, work ethic and desire. I believe he will better than Sam and that is saying a lot.
As for Walker, if we get him we get him. He is in need of S & C for sure. It would be great for the team to get more players like Taylor, Woodall, and Patterson, ones who can come in and be able to contribute some their frosh/redshirt frosh years.
As for Brown they do need him this year because they lost so much but having said that I would not be disappointed if he is gone before next year
