I think everyone knew Isiah Epps was going to transfer barely a few weeks into the season. Heck, I think there were some who thought he might go after his redshirt season. Well, now the official statement has been made.
Dixon issued a statement and said Epps is transferring for family reasons.
“We have been in constant communication with Isaiah regarding his family’s well-being,” Dixon said. “We believe that it is best for Isaiah to be close to home and we will assist him in finding the best possible situation to reach his goals — both academically and athletically.”
Epps could not be reached.
Unfortunately Epps struggled with both academic and athletic issues even before getting to Pitt.
When Epps committed he was supposed to be a really good get for Pitt. A 4-star, top-50 point guard. Extremely confident — making an ill-fated boast that he would be a one-and-done player — that people were very high on.
Unfortunately, he never developed to what appeared his potential as a rising junior. His extra year in prep school did little to advance his basketball skills (or get him focused on academics — he actually had to do summer work on top of things before even enrolling at Pitt).
Some players slip in rankings between their junior and senior year for various reasons, mostly other players really improve and pass others. Isiah Epps, though, was something else. He clearly regressed. His confidence was always lacking. His skill that was touted — missing. To the point where he looks like a role player on a NEC team. Hopefully he can find some what he once had, finish his college career with some pride, but most importantly get his degree.
Pitt Script also has a write-up on the Epps departure and breaks down the scholarship situation for Pitt. Along with some really useful charts in seeing the depth chart and future scholarship status.
Not a good year all around for Jamie Dixon.
Tino Time, Mark Myers, Epps, Taylor, Birch, etc. And that’s just recend memory.
That’s why I shudder everytime I read someone’s post on here that “(insert name)should clearly start over veteran (insert name) next year. If not, it’s because Coach (insert name) won’t play freshmen.”
Maybe, just maybe… the incoming freshmen either aren’t all that they are hyped or maybe they need some time to develop.
Fact is that there have been several 4 stars who haven’t worked out here at Pitt and other places. Fact is, especially in football, you never can predict how a 16-17 year old will progress by the time he is 20-21.
lets do what you say bring on the zeiglers
Prayers & blessings to the Avezzone family.
i also give my condolences to the avezzone family
RIP Joe, you were one of the great ones.
Avezzano graduated from Jackson High School in Miami, Florida, in 1961.[2] He played college football at Florida State University, where he was a center. He was drafted and played professionally in the American Football League for the Boston Patriots in 1966. Avezzano wore #50 and played in three regular season games for the Patriots during the 1966 AFL Season. He was also on the 1967 preseason roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers, wearing #50.
[edit]Coaching career
Avezzano began his coaching career at Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, and then coached at Florida State, his alma mater, in 1968 and at Iowa State University from 1969 to 1972 under head coach Johnny Majors. He followed Majors to the University of Pittsburgh, where he was offensive line coach from 1973 to 1976, helping the 1976 Panthers to the national championship. Avezzano went with Majors to the University of Tennessee in 1977, where he was the offensive coordinator for three seasons in the SEC.
link to blogs.sites.post-gazette.com