The win over FSU was needed. Seeing Aron Philips-Nwankwo be the sparkplug was just plain positive energy. Here’s a flashback to his first mention on this site, nearly 5 years ago.

Today it is Georgia Tech. The Yellowjackets are 0-4 in the ACC, but they are fully capable of making this a miserable game for Pitt. They have all been close losses for GT, but still losses.

In a sign of the season, Coach Jamie Dixon does not completely trust the mix of players on the court.

In an effort to maximize his team’s potential during a transitional season, Pitt coach Jamie Dixon altered his coaching approach. The result has been multiple rotations and different playing styles from game to game, sometimes from half to half.

A traditional man-to-man defensive team, Pitt (12-5, 2-2 ACC) now plays more zone. Another switch: the Panthers press with more frequency.

Immediately following Pitt’s 73-64 win over Florida State, Dixon told his players to expect more of the same for Saturday’s 4 p.m. game against Georgia Tech (9-7, 0-4) at Petersen Events Center in the last of three consecutive ACC home games.

“Like I said to the guys afterward, ‘There’s going to be a lot of different guys,’ ” Dixon said. “It’s that type of team. We’re talking about guys that haven’t done it before, and I don’t know if they’re ready to do it every night. We’re going to have different guys rotating in.”

From game-to-game, consistency has been lacking with most of the players. Frustrating for fans to watch, it must be maddening for the coaches.

The game takes on some football importance since Pitt has nearly its full contingent of coaches hired and recruits are on-hand.

The game is a 4 pm start at the Pete. Not nearly the same level of TV exposure. It is on ESPN3.com and the ESPN FullCourt package.