I guess this clinches which was the final player cut to get the USA U19 roster down to 12 players. James Robinson, in a mild surprise, was not one of the final 12 players selected. But when Jerami Grant — sophomore Syracuse forward and Robinson’s former DeMatha High teammate — was diagnosed with mononucleosis, Robinson was tapped to for the spot.
The downside is that he will be with the U19 for three weeks rather than playing and being with his teammates in Pittsburgh. The upside, though, is probably greater with higher levels of competition.
This could turn out to be a critical three weeks for Robinson heading into the season. Pitt will need Robinson to be an anchor for the Panthers, who join the ACC. Having the experience of competing against some of the best players in the world in his age group should be immeasurable for Robinson.
Actual coaching (NCAA rules severely limit the amount of coaching players can receive in the summer) is another plus.
Gibbs was forced to play both injured and out of position (and without anyone else capable of handling the ball in the backcourt) his senior season and on a team that totally lacked any offensive force in the low blocks which meant there could not be the inside-outside game needed to make him effective by getting him open outside shots. Hence, it was simple for opponents to neutralize Gibbs as a scorer. This is what killed his senior season not any of the various other things claimed about him (attitude, etc.). His senior slump wasn’t about Gibbs at all–it was about what he was surrounded with in terms of a team.
I do agree that he was forced to play out of position with Woodall’s injury in his senior year … and that Wannamker was the actual point guard in his junior year.
And then that lost confidence seemed to affect his shooting when he finally was able to move back to SG.
Of course he never developed in being able to create his own shot his whole time at PITT.
He was basically a static set shooter his whole career. And he was very deadly in Soph & Junior years from 3.
Yes that would be optimum. Or anyone else on that team who hasn’t made a verbal commit.
And that was the result of JD’s miss on Isiah Epps. A kid who peaked his soph or junior year in HS.
And of course that years team couldn’t play defense very well which played into that season as well.
That has got to change, starting with the class coming in this year. Or things could get real UGLY. 🙁
Specifically, I hope JR sharpens his steel against steel tough competition and develops a sense of urgency and leadeship.
We need all 3 and he has shown he has the brain matter to handle everything thrown at him.
He is a smart young man.
