In the end it wasn’t Pitt. It wasn’t Wake Forest. It wasn’t West Virginia or Rutgers. Fordham and their coach Tom Pecora landed the NYC shooting guard.
Severe cited playing time but especially the chance to stay local.
Just have to wonder why he couldn’t have figured it out a bit sooner.
what does EMel say dixon is not a closer and
we need slice or some outher good recruiter
we have been truned down bye 5 or 6 recruits
in what 9 or 10 days,
maybe dixon has BO .
And Duquesne has signed a 6 foot 11 250 pound
center darris lewis from img academy
dont know how good he is but at least they
have a center which is more then we can say.
He wanted to stay home
(note that Fordham was 7-24 last year including a 30 pt loss to Pitt)
6-4 210 lb. Allerik Freeman
Kid just decommitted from UCLA and he’s from ACC Country in Charlotte.
This kid lives very close to me, I should go recruit him for us. lol
Of course Sean Miller is already on him !
Which begs the question.
Why aren’t we ???
Or can he ?
31m
RT @HereWeGoDuke: Findlay Prep Guard, Former Duke Target Allerik Freeman Decommits From UCLA http://t.co
GO GET HIM JD !!!
As regards Severe, Pitt/Dixon clearly didn’t lose him–they never had a real shot. Severe simply wanted to remain local since he also rejected numerous other better programs to stay local.
Thank God, Mike Young grew up in McKeesport and is a lifelong Pitt fan.
We have 3 open spots currently.
Joseph Uchebo 6’11” 260 (JUCO)
Jason Boswell 6′ 6″ 205 2 star
Leonard Freeman 6′ 8″ 225 3 star
Jordan Washington 6′ 8″ 255 2.5 star
I still cannot shake the thought that Adams left early because his NBA stock went down playing at Pitt (playing only 23 minutes with guards that would not give him the ball (Woodall). Fields, Gibbs, Krauser, Gibbs, and Woodall all annointed by Dixon as the leaders and go to men as seniors the major reason Pitt never got past the elite eight. Finally they have a legitimate guard who should have been the leader last year but without Adams there is not much left.
If Adams were eligible after the Addidas summer camp and his prep. school humilation of Norlen Noels he would have been a lottery pick. Staying at Pitt in Dixon’s system for another year would not have helped his NBA status although it may have, with Robinson put Pitt in the elite 8 or higher.
Adams despite his inexperience is more suited for the pro game and already has a pro body. He will get better coaching immediate playing time off the bench and in 2 years be a solid NBA player.
Consider this observation from an NBA NBA draft express: Adams frequently fought for deep post position on the offensive end, but was mostly ignored by his guards or not rewarded with re-post opportunities when he kicked the ball out. He did a solid job fighting for put-back opportunities on his own, scoring most of his baskets in that manner. He didn’t show much from an offensive skills perspective overall, being limited to mostly hustle plays for his contributions.
He remains an excellent physical specimen with a high motor and still developing skill set.
Defensively, Adams looked a bit better, blocking an impressive three shots to go along with two steals, showing a similarly good motor on this end of the floor and also displaying an impressive sense of timing on his shot blocks. He did a great job using his full extension and mobility to block shots, doing a very good job in that regard.
He likes to put the ball on the floor and can beat opposing big men off the dribble with his quickness and aggressiveness, often finishing well above the rim in impressive fashion. He’ll also step out to the perimeter on occasion for jumpers, usually with mixed results, but shows good touch from the line which is an encouraging sign at his size. He also showed unusual passing ability, often making Kevin Love-esqe outlet passes to ignite the fast-break.
Defensively, Adams is both impressive to watch and a work in progress at the same time. On one hand he does a great job challenging shots around the rim with his size, length and terrific athleticism, showing nimble feet and good timing. He plays with a real chip on his shoulder, not backing down from anyone, and not being afraid to dish out a hard foul or offer up some choice words to an opponent.
From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz2R8cRljqO
http://www.draftexpress.com
These remarks I think are on the money and the worst aspect is that Adams one and done does nothing for Pitt being able to recruit other such players. It demonstrates again that Pitt is a program designed for second tier players who skill sets are limited but are willing to work hard.
With Dixon’s continued soft scheduled non-confernce schedule whatever conference Pitt should be able to win 20 to 25 games sneak into the tournament for a quick one or two and your out.
This is not negative it is fact. Pitt will not see any players of Adams caliber in the future but if they can get one or two Robinsons and Youngs each year they can stay competative.
in-home visit with Severe.
So that would lead one to believe he must have thought he had a shot. No ?
Perhaps the kid didn’t think he could ball in the ACC.
Losing one to Fordham is akin to losing one to Duquesne.
Am i right ?
shane rector to a sec school
jon severe fordum
cameron forte to a sec school
cosby from seton hall
and not gone but most likley
josh davis in talks with miller at az
and carter most likley to florida.
so that is 5 and could be 7 plus sai tummala
is looking at outher schools that could be 8
As for shooting guard, I guess we have no choice but to double down on D. Johnson. Hope he learns how to play D.
ESPN National Team Rankings (Number of commits)
1 Kentucky (8)
2 Memphis (5)
3 Kansas (5)
4 Indiana (6)
5 Arizona (3)
6 Duke *** (3)
7 Syracuse *** (5)
8 Louisville *** (4)
9 Florida (2)
10 LSU (7)
11 Marquette (5)
12 North Carolina *** (3)
13 Michigan (3)
14 North Carolina State *** (3)
15 Notre Dame *** (4)
16 Brigham Young (5)
17 WEST VIRGINIA (4)
18 Illinois (5)
19 Arkansas (2)
20 UCLA (4)
21 South Florida (6)
22 Missouri (5)
23 Baylor (4)
24 Cincinnati (5)
25 Oklahoma State (5)
26 California (4)
27 Colorado (3)
28 Wisconsin (5)
29 Washington (4)
30 UTEP (5)
31 Ohio State (2)
32 Villanova (3)
33 Alabama (2)
34 Florida State (2) ***
35 Purdue (3)
36 TCU (4)
37 Texas (3)
38 Connecticut (3)
39 Iowa State (4)
40 Oregon
If we don’t improve our recruiting it’s going to be hard to compete in the Top Tier of the ACC.
We use to have a HUGE advantage playing at The Pete.
Not so anymore as the last 2 home seasons testify.
pitt today keep your fingers crossed that we sign
him.
Josh Davis is out on the West Coast talking with San Diego State as well. Gonzaga and now Arizona is in the mix.
DePaul
NC State
UAB
PITT
Villanova is Medium Interest.
He’s a PF like Mike Young. Although not nearly as highly rated.
Maybe James Robinson knows him or balled with him.
in pittsburgh in the last 2 days a 6 foot 9 center
named tommy hamilton looked so good that depaul signed him .
what the hell were we asleep .
I never knew we had a AAU all-star type event, however it doesn’t seem to be netting us very many highly rated players. Or many players, highly rated or not…..at all.
Rutgers guard Eli Carter is considering six schools for his next stop. “The schools that I am considering are Maryland, Florida, Memphis, Creighton, Buffalo & Pittsburgh !!” he Tweeted. Carter met Tuesday with Florida and Pitt and was slated to meet with Maryland on Wednesday.
(after Buffalo even, oy vey )
With only 3 guards on the roster, atm.
None of them particularly adept at Outside Shooting.
Multi-year deals may not sound like much, but for a kid and his family, it is important and may help to land higher ranked players. Just sayin, any thoughts from the collective good? Pitt can either lead or follow. My preference is to lead. Steve Pederson’s preference is to not do much of anything with regards to strategic thinking.
As long as we’re not getting another reputation.
As in recruiting high ranked players who don’t seem to develop much… if any.
Yes we can turn some rocks into emeralds, but some of the diamonds we’re getting are getting turned into sand.
On another note, doesn’t seem like NYC area is producing the same quality bball players that they have been known for. As Severe was selected as Mr. New York State in bball. Maybe it’s just a bad year or two in NYC.
The number one player in the country (Andrew Wiggins) is still undecided. The kid is from Huntington W.Va. which isn’t far from Pittsburgh.
Calapari was in Huntington today putting the wrap on him. UK already has 8 top rated recruits in this year’s class, which is as many as Pitt gets in 15 years !!
Birch pllaying the 5 and getting limited minutes on a team that could not qualify for the NIT and was dominated by one player Gibbs that Dixon never stopped from playing for himself.
Adams who was better offensively before he got to Pitt. Dixon limited his offensive game to not using his skills facing the basket and not forcing Woodall to give up the ball or sit him on the bench. Like Birch limiting his playing time in favor of players with far less skill.
No 5 star player will come to Pitt again with Dixon as coach (3 in 5 years each one he hurt their career).
Let’s be honest. Adams lost ground in the NBA draft by coming to Pitt, Birch transfered to save his career, and Taylor drank the kool-aid was villified for 3 years and ruined his body and career.
you are right you must have inside info .
if true hope it is pitt.
could find nothing.
Of course Uchebo could chose to come here and it would be a good move for him, but only because he’s damaged goods.
Tough to judge Dixon or any one working on a sale until the final numbers are in. I remain hopeful.
i will be up to my neck in football.
told the wife she wont see much of me for 3 days
just keep the drinks and snacks comeing.
but i will pop in every now and then to see how
dixon is doeing with recruiting hold down the fort men dont give up the ship praise the lord
and pass the chips and cheese .
Blair should have played as a 4 at Pitt? WTF. It’s not like he was an All-American or anything. And if he could play the 4 he’d be doing it in the NBA now. You don’t get locked into your college position. There is this guy Russell Westbrook he didn’t even play PG in college but now he’s one of the best NBA PGs.
It was pretty obvious he wasn’t a Big East/ACC level guard.
The idea that Dixon thought he was is frightening.
By the way, Pittisit, you are wrong about Taylor, Birch and Adams. Forget the 5-star crap; sometimes that’s all hype and the kids simply aren’t that good. It didn’t matter what position Taylor played, Birch isn’t doing much at UNLV (I watched plenty of games and the defensive award was questionable) and Adams is still ALL potential and very little production and it’s impossible for him to have lost ground offensively while at Pitt because HE HADN’T PLAYED ANYWHERE BEFORE. Lost ground from what? A prep all-star game where he faced other over-rated kids? C’mon…..
I’m not defending this staff’s recruiting. Definitely some mistakes, but they’ve mostly been with guards (Severe is another example). Anybody could have made the Taylor mistake, Birch doesn’t show me much and who knows if Adams will ever turn into anything. (Recruiting him was actually the biggest mistake because Dixon should have foreseen that a kid from a family with financial issues was a one-and-done proposition…..)
1. Leaving early
2. Causing Gilbert to leave
3. Couldn’t recruit another big man since everyone
thought Adams would be around a number of years.
Also agree on Birch he isn’t very good watched at lot of UNLV on NBC Sports Channel.
Adams has really stuck it to Pitt and probably himself in the long run…hope he enjoys the bus rides in the NBADL.
Can understand why you like Dixon. He is a really likeable guy who has had some good years at Pitt. But alot of what is in your post above is exactly why some Pitt fans are criticizing him right now. You point out, rightly so, that he has done alot with “lesser recruits”. That is just begging the question why does it always seem he is working with lesser recruits, especially in recent years. Pitt, the last two years not withstanding, is a top 20 level program that plays in a great venue and in what has been the best conference over the past decade. Why do we still need to get by with lesser recruits?
It seems that all the current problems began with JD recruiting these 5 stars, instead of seeking guys who fit in well with his system.
When you recruit blue chips, either thay normally are 1-and-done or they are failures that have given false expectations.
Bond was dropped due to Birch; Gilbert probably left because he foresaw limited PT (if he wanted to play with his brother, he should have gone there in the 1st place.) JJ Richardson may have left because of Taylor, etc.
JD needs one or two salesmen on his staff if he wants to play with the big boys who can close the deal on an annual basis; if not, he should stay within his comfort level.
Clemson…………Clemson
Maryland………..Maryland
NC ST…………..NC St.
Syracuse………..Syracuse
Duke……………Boston College
Fla. St…………Georgia Tech
Virginia………..Miami
Virginia Tech……North Carolina
Wake Forest……..Notre Dame
Had it lined up nice and neat, submitted, comes out a mess. Computer.
You get the idea though.
I’m talking about a guard with some pro potential and a guy with some freelancing ability — someone who doesn’t “fit the system”. Maybe Newkirk will be the test case, because it looks like he can go. Will Dixon put the reins on him? Will he let him play?
If he gets Severe to sign, then it’s… “He’s just another three-star player with no really good offers. Where’s the five stars?!?!?!”
If he doesn’t get Severe to sign, then it’s… “Dixon can’t finish the deal with a kid who had offers from Fordham and Wake Forest.”
We know his style of play is a turnoff. Could his personality also be a turnoff to some?
Does not bode well for the future of the program.
But, hey, this is nothing new. Just something that we’re seeing getting reinforced more and more with the passage of time.
Jamie gives credence to the adage “It is what it is.”
Dixon does what’s best for Pitt….he doesn’t really care about the NBA. But what colleges and universities are for is to prepare young men for their professional lives, but coaches are under such pressure to win that even high school coaches don’t care what happens to kids after they graduate. They say they do and pretend that they do, but deep down, their own careers mean more.
Precisely. I’m pretty sure Wichita State isn’t out there pursuing one-and-dones either, but they had a pretty good run last year with some pretty talented guys. IMO Dixon and staff are either getting outworked, outsmarted, or both. I think he can get better – does he want to?
