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May 7, 2015

Newkirk’s Knee

Filed under: Basketball,Injury,Recruiting,Transfer — Chas @ 12:15 pm

Josh Newkirk had knee surgery last week.

Pitt guard Josh Newkirk, who averaged 5.9 points and was second on the team with 93 assists last season, is expected to be out four to six months after having surgery to correct damage in his left knee, coach Jamie Dixon said Wednesday.

Team physician Dr. Bryson Lesniak performed the surgery last week. It involved repairing Newkirk’s lateral meniscus and a micro fracture on the outside part of his knee.

“We expect Josh to make a full recovery and rejoin his teammates for the upcoming 2015-16 season,” Dixon said. “He’ll start summer school on Monday. The surgery was a success, and we know that Josh will work hard during the rehabilitation period.”

I remain continually amazed at the ability of the Pitt athletic department to keep information so tight.

Knee surgery that has a player out for at least four months was performed last week, and it only gets disseminated yesterday?

Lacking in the news is when/how the injury occurred. It leaves you with the idle speculation as to whether he suffered the injury sometime around or after the Boston College game in January. Was that why his shot went south so badly? Why it seemed he couldn’t get to the basket so swiftly? Why he looked so unsure, lacking in confidence and a complete liability in the final weeks of the season?

I don’t know. Hopefully someone will ask Jamie Dixon the next time he does some media rounds.

The surgery ends all empty speculation as to whether Newkirk would be transferring. The question now becomes more along the lines of whether he ends up redshirting next year.

At this point, I would guess not. The backcourt at this point consists of:

James Robinson

Damon Wilson

Sterling Smith

Cameron Johnson

There is still room with that rotation for Newkirk.

The only way that equation changes is if Sterling Gibbs picks Pitt. The erstwhile Seton Hall player, and brother of Ashton Gibbs, completed his visit to Pitt and is now taking in Ohio State.

Gibbs has Pitt in a group of six that also includes UConn, Baylor, OSU, VCU and NC State. (UConn still seems like the favorite, but I just don’t want to see him end up at NC State. Trevor Lacey, Beejay Anya and Linnard Freeman were enough in the last two years.)

I did get a kick out of the quote from his father about deciding.

“I’m hoping [he decides] soon,” Temple said. “I can’t say a timetable, but I’m hoping soon.”

Asked what they would be looking for in a new school, Temple said, “We only have one year, it’s gotta be a great fit for him. We can’t make a mistake on this.”

The comedy comes from Sterling’s rather vagabond college career. He initially committed to Maryland, only to get his release from the Terps after Gary Williams retired and Mark Turgeon was hired. He made a quick decision to head to Texas. That lasted one season. Gibbs decided to transfer, and opted to go back to New Jersey with Seton Hall. After sitting out the requisite year, he played the last two for the Pirates before having enough of that drama. Ultimately, this will be his 4th school in five years.

Forget basketball, Sterling Gibbs is destined to join the Pitt football team somehow.





Chas, good post, thanks for posting.

In my opinion, the most important guard listed above is Wilson, due to his potential and the possibility of him being with us for 4 yrs. Does anyone know WHEN we will get some closure regarding his qualification?

Comment by 1618mt 05.07.15 @ 12:27 pm

“We can’t make a mistake on this”

Sort of seals Pitt’s and Dixon’s chances. 🙁

Comment by Emel 05.07.15 @ 12:29 pm

To be optimistic though.

If we had 2 Sterlings in the backcourt…….

we could than sit Robinson or limit Pet’s minutes.

And that would be Golden (or mustard yellow) !!

Comment by Emel 05.07.15 @ 12:31 pm

Semi stud 6’10” kyle Alexander had Pitt on short list just committed to TN. Dixon is no match for Rick Barnes.

Hope JN heals well

Comment by Old School Panther 05.07.15 @ 1:37 pm

Old School – we stopped recruiting Kyle Alexander several weeks ago. Don’t know if it was a good idea or not, but we weren’t competing for him.

Comment by 1618mt 05.07.15 @ 2:12 pm

@@@@@@

A redshirt wouldn’t hurt JN. I like JN and glad he is staying.

Wishing him a speedy recovery.

Comment by JR 05.07.15 @ 2:50 pm

I had my menicus scoped by Foo and was playing 3-4 weeks later. That was my only issue though.

Had a major family issue with Mom’s health. Blatherites, Tell everyone close to you how much you love them. Please Pray for my Mom if you don’t mind. You guys are like my semi family anyway. Thank You.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.07.15 @ 5:29 pm

Upitt. Hope everything is okay. The prayers are there for you and your family.

Comment by notrocketscience 05.07.15 @ 6:11 pm

Upitt: prayers for your Mom, your family, and you are on the way. Hope she is on the mend real soon! Please keep us posted on her progress. Best of everything – you ARE part of the family!

Comment by Savannah Panther 05.07.15 @ 6:20 pm

Upitt — Hope everything turns out well for your Mom. Mom’s are pretty amazing people.

Prayers are on the way.

Comment by MajorMajors 05.07.15 @ 6:24 pm

I’m saying prayers. Brothers in arms we are. Shout out to Moms everywhere.

Comment by TX Panther 05.07.15 @ 6:24 pm

She was diagnosed with ALS Last night. She is such a awesome woman guys. Very Selfless and would donanything for anyone. I am kind of alone here in Texas. No family except my little 5 year old. Means a lot to have you guys praying. Blessed to have your prayers. I mean that.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.07.15 @ 7:01 pm

Upitt,
I understand what you’re going through. My dad passed away last year and my mom has Parkinson’s. It’s rough. My thoughts and prayers are with you, buddy.

Comment by panther94 05.07.15 @ 7:11 pm

Sorry about your Mom, UPitt.

Comment by gasman 05.07.15 @ 7:21 pm

My prayers go out to your mom Upitt.

Comment by Moe Greene 05.07.15 @ 7:22 pm

Upitt,
Was in ministry for 25 years. Praying for her during this Mother’s Day week. God bless!

Comment by pittman4ever 05.07.15 @ 7:31 pm

Hey UPitt, remember how the coaches always told you to keep your head up when you were on the wrong side of a lopsided game or a one run loss? It wasn’t because we looked like we were sulking or being a baby. My mom always said to keep my head up…. and pray for having the opportunity to play. Same goes here.

Your mom is on our prayer list buddy. I expect her to do great things as she continues her remarkable journey. Keep the faith!

Comment by dhuffdaddy 05.07.15 @ 7:57 pm

Upitt, sorry to hear about your mom. I will say a prayer for her, you and the rest of your family. Every once in a while life comes along and reminds us of the things in life that really matter.

Comment by HbgFrank 05.07.15 @ 8:15 pm

here’s a name from the past

link to youtube.com

Comment by wbb 05.07.15 @ 8:16 pm

UPitt – I’m sure it’s tough being down there, assume your mom is back here in PA. Hope you get to spend some time with her soon. Hang in there buddy.

Comment by Iron Duke 05.07.15 @ 8:19 pm

UPitt, so very sorry to learn of your mother’s diagnosis! God bless her and may she find comfort in his embrace. Sounds like she has been doing his good work for quite some time! Upone

Comment by UPone 05.07.15 @ 8:58 pm

Prayer for your Mom being sent UPitt! Hang in there, brother…

Comment by PittPT 05.07.15 @ 9:03 pm

Guys, You have no idea how much you guys mean to me. Sounds crazy but I mean it very much. Yes, they live on top of Summit Mountain near Nemacolin and Summit Hotel off RT 40 near Uniontown. I appreciate you all and feel stronger knowing you all care. I lost my Father in Law 3 years ago Brain Tumor and recently got divorced. My ex and I are very close and good friends but had a would be 9 year anniversary yesterday as well. It is just a lot but I am really blessed and it could always be worse. Thanks to everyone of you. I know I can be a negative person sometimes so I appreciate you guys despite that. I hope to thank you all personally soon. Lots of respect to you all and thank you. Sorry for to much info just needed to share.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.07.15 @ 9:06 pm

Upitt: a childhood friend published an incredible book; Miraculous Healing. Documents 13 patients with irreversible, terminal diseases. All were laterally told to go home and await death; yet all miraculously, with no rational explanation healed and thrived. All attributed their amazing stories to the power of prayer.

God bless your mom.

Comment by Old School Panther 05.07.15 @ 9:12 pm

Her name is Cheryl. Thanks again.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.07.15 @ 9:13 pm

Old School – Will buy it tonight if on Amazon. Thank You Very Much.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.07.15 @ 9:14 pm

wbb,
Glad to see he’s earning a living doing what he knows and presumably loves. Not sure how much of a living arena football earns, but has to be better than McDonald’s.

Comment by panther94 05.07.15 @ 9:46 pm

Btw, I can’t remember what happened to him…refresh my memory.

Comment by panther94 05.07.15 @ 9:47 pm

UPitt…just sang in a huge choir concert. Key piece opened with the line “Blessings be upon you now”. Those thoughts to you and mom and family .

Many times I’ve said I spend more time with Blatherites than my own family….and often more emotions.

I lost my mom when I was 22. She was my best friend and the bravest person I ever knew. Her strongest goal, to see her son graduate from Pitt, the first ever. In her family to graduate from college, was realized with 8 months to spare.

I am 15 years into my second marriage and watched my wife go thru the loss of her mom last year…a difficult and long process. She often asked me if I would have wanted to watch my mom go through this. I said, I would have given anything for even one more minute with her. Hope you keep this in mind as you enter this new journey.

Other the Pitt Sports, I have devoted my retired life to choral music. I sing, direct and occasionally compose. Pursuing my Masters in the Fall.

A piece we are looking to perform next Spring is a chorale in 3 movements entitled “Alzheimer’s…a journey”. We are inviting patients, caregivers, and all involved to attend. It will be in Baltimore and I will make sure you get an invitation.

Not the casino trip we were planning, but it’ll do.

Take care and huge Blessings and prayers from Dan 72

Comment by Dan 72 05.07.15 @ 9:58 pm

@Upitt

1st time checking in on The Blather all day. More days than not I end and start my day with this board.

Sorry to hear that man. I lost my mom completely unexpectedly a little over 3yrs ago. Your mom is in for a fight. Stay strong and keep her strong. Make this Sunday that much more special.

It’s funny after losing my mom it made Pitt football and hoops that much more significant to me. Pitt and the Buccos is such a bond me, my dad, and brother share. Cherish every second with people you love…

Comment by Pap76 05.07.15 @ 11:22 pm

God bless you and your family UPitt.

Comment by PittFan28 05.07.15 @ 11:27 pm

Not sure mine will help. but thoughts and prayers to you Upitt. My own Mom is struggling to recover from aortic dissection surgery day before Easter and so far has made it to her 79th birthday.

I don’t know if it is any comfort, but as a parent I just hope that I leave this place in the right “order”, parent before child. I think most would feel the same.

Make that extra trip or two that you might have put off and cherish every minute with her. If she’s anything like you, ALS is in for a kick-ass fight with her.

Comment by TVax 05.07.15 @ 11:27 pm

Hey, Dan 72, please send out the info on the chorale to me too. What’s the venue in Baltimore?

Comment by TVax 05.07.15 @ 11:30 pm

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family from AZ UPitt.

Comment by CNorwoodAZ 05.08.15 @ 1:07 am

panther94, after 3 years at Pitt, Fields went to Cal or IUP, and then I hadn’t heard a thing from him … until now.

Comment by wbb 05.08.15 @ 5:51 am

Upitt, in 1980-1, my mother beat cancer (brain tumor) and, although she slowed up a bit, lived for 20 years until bone cancer finally got her.

She died in November, but in January of that year, I was let go from my job (me and about 2500 others) due to a merger. AS it turned out, it was a blessing in disguise because for over 7 months I was able to spend more time with my mom than I was than since I was young. And even though there were some very tough moments, I appreciated every bit of time I spent with her.

That’s my only advice to you … whether it’s talking on the phone or being with her … cherish every moment.

Comment by wbb 05.08.15 @ 5:58 am

BTW, did you see that Bobby Petrino has sank to even a lower depth? He just offered a schollie to a 13 year old.

Comment by wbb 05.08.15 @ 6:13 am

Upitt. Lost my Mom 15 years ago and still regret that I took her for granted. Cherish every moment. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Comment by Chick 05.08.15 @ 6:56 am

Upitt – My prayers are with your mom and family as well.

Comment by 1618mt 05.08.15 @ 7:26 am

Thoughts and prayers with you, UPITT. I went home to see my dad, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, a few weeks ago. I had the best time just hanging out and watching Buccos games with him.

Comment by JAM05Pitt 05.08.15 @ 7:50 am

UPitt, lost my mom 3 months after moving here to FTW when I was 23. If you have my number still and need something let me know. Phone broke shortly before the Pitt game at TCU so I no longer have your number. Prayers and thoughts with you and your family.

Comment by tedsptman 05.08.15 @ 8:14 am

ALS is a very tuff row to hoe. My sympathy out to your Mom and the rest of your family Upitt.

Needless to say after the recent diagnosis, but make sure your Mom makes the most of everyday. Life is made worth living because we all realize that it is a finite experience to begin with, although we all seem to ignore that obvious fact until it’s thrust into our faces by such an experience that your family is now dealing with.

Hope your Mom is still feeling well enough to get down to the work at hand of dealing with those really important priorities that have been relegated to the “to do list” at sometime in the future.

Lost both my Mom and Dad decades ago, my Mom died regretting not accomplishing some things that we’re very important to her but left undone. Encourage your Mom that her future is now and empower her to accomplish those unmet goals that she can now. A diagnosis is just that, tomorrow life goes on for Mom. Enjoy it and Mother’s Day the day after that, etc., etc, etc.

I’m sure that this Mother’s Day will the best one that your family has ever celebrated. Enjoy it Upitt’s Mom!

Comment by Dr. Tom 05.08.15 @ 8:21 am

UPitt – hang in there and, as sad as it is, you do know from experience that life goes on after a family member’s death. Let’s hope that day is way down the road for your Mother. I will send best karma to both you, her and your ex-wife for putting up with you for all those years.

I lost my Dad when I was 13 and my Mother, after a long illness where I was basically her caretaker, at age 19. That isn’t an easy thing to do and it was rough for me for some time. But I look back on it as just part of my life that made me stronger and made me what I have been and am today. Same thing is happening for you right now, it sucks at the time but will all be a memory that you’ll smile about in the future.

You’ll get through this and start burning up that telephone line to your Mom even if you think she’s sick of your voice.

Keep in there my friend,

Reed

Comment by Reed 05.08.15 @ 9:07 am

UPITT – so sorry to hear about your mother – stay strong!

Comment by markp 05.08.15 @ 9:18 am

Prayers to U Pitt and his mom.

Comment by rkb 05.08.15 @ 9:45 am

Upitt…sending good vibes and positive karma your mom’s way.

Comment by Griogar 05.08.15 @ 9:51 am

hope she recovers
prayers

Comment by Frank MD 05.08.15 @ 9:52 am

UPITT Now I have collected my thoughts, do enjoy all moments in person and over phone. Lost my dad instantly to a heart attack right before I started law school, my mom after a long illness and my brother who was my best friend suddenly when in our 40’s. To all, enjoy loved ones now and they will be in your heart forever. Prayer on way. Love ya all.

Comment by rkb 05.08.15 @ 9:55 am

All, you all seem like really good people. I am much more of a voyeur on here and only post on rare occasion. I love the banter and the heated exchanges. Upitt has been involved in many of those. It is awesome to see that despite the arguing and disagreements, all can come together and lend support to someone in need. Makes me proud to be part of the Pitt family. H2P

Comment by Griogar 05.08.15 @ 10:00 am

Amen. Just remembered my brother died the day before we beat Ped State 12-0 behind Rutherford. My other brother and I made arrangements then while watching pregame I said hell we’re gonna watch anyway may as well go. Most bizzare bittersweet moment I ever experienced. Cherish memories. H2P.

Comment by rkb 05.08.15 @ 10:04 am

rkb – your brother is the only guy I know who had a heart attack BEFORE a PITT game. Usually they happen either in-game or when the final score is called.

Griogar – post more often, everyone has valuable things to say on here. Even Dr. Tom.

Comment by Reed 05.08.15 @ 10:50 am

UPitt, fellow Pitt Texan, will be thinking of your mom in my prayers

Comment by Tony77019 05.08.15 @ 11:09 am

~ upitt….real sorry to hear about your mom.

I lost my mother 2 years ago on May 13th.

Truly wish the best for her. God Bless !

Hang in there bro !

Comment by Emel 05.08.15 @ 11:13 am

UPitt,

Sorry to hear of your Mom, and your divorce. Hang in there, just like PITT, we pray for better days for you and your family.

And to all Blatherites, Happy Mother’s Day to our Moms, both living and those living in our heart and memories!

Hail to PITT!
-Al-

Comment by Oregon_Panther 05.08.15 @ 1:23 pm

Speaking of Mother’s Day and sports….my mom is now 87 and she has always been known as a “dizzy blond.” Years ago, Dormont built a horse shoe court (in front of Dormont Pool on Banksville Road). My mom called the Dormont Supervisor of Recreation and asked him if my dad could play horse shoes there. (Note: my dad was a very good picnic horse shoe player when out at South Park). Anyway, the guy says “sure Alice, he just has to bring his own set of shoes.” To which my mom responded “great, I just bought him a new pair of PF Flyers”.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Blatherite family moms!!!

Comment by pittman4ever 05.08.15 @ 1:50 pm

always brings sunshine on a cloudy day:

link to youtube.com

Comment by Tony77019 05.08.15 @ 2:47 pm

Upitt, God bless your Mom, your child you and the rest of your family. I hope you can see her more than your life in Texas usually allows. God bless.

Comment by OPFM 05.08.15 @ 8:58 pm

Upitt

Thoughts are with you and your mom and daughter.

Learned at a very early age that life can be fragile and fleeting. We can only be our best and do our best.

Good luck.

Comment by 9-2,8-4,11-1,11-1,11-1 05.08.15 @ 10:47 pm

I do not post often Upitt, but you got it. God bless. Hang in there. Believe prayers work my man. Some good folks on here. Got to believe it will makeu difference.

Comment by ck 05.08.15 @ 10:47 pm

Was going to reach out to individuals, but as we can see……many heartfelt stories from many of you. Puts things in perspective, but we are who we are. Amazing to see what brings us comfort….guess that is the point…..the distraction. God bless you all and your loved ones. What a post to start this weekend. Perhaps we need this reminder. Seems appropriate. It forces us to realize what is truly impt.

Comment by ck 05.08.15 @ 11:00 pm

@ UPitt – visit her often (vacation time just took on a new meaning for you), call her daily and pray continuously.

As you can read, we will also be covering you, your mom and family with our prayers.

Make this a great Mother’s Day weekend! I know I will, and my mom passed away five years ago…

Comment by Erie Express 05.09.15 @ 5:01 am

Shout out to our University’s women’s softball team who have battled into the finals and are playing Florida State for the championship tomorrow! You go girls! Hail to Pitt!

Comment by Dr. Tom 05.09.15 @ 5:59 am

ESPN @ 1 ET (I believe)

Comment by wbb 05.09.15 @ 6:34 am

Hang in there UPitt.

Wearing my Pitt Hat through ACC land. Leaving New Smyrna beach for Key West. Traveling with an old buddy from Pitt and hanging with another one here. My son, a Pitt Engineer is going to marry a PSU grad in Key West next Saturday. Pray for me too. Her dad is also a PSU grad.

Need a Pat signal!

Comment by gc 05.09.15 @ 6:51 am

gc, Didn’t you raise that boy right?

Comment by PittPT 05.09.15 @ 7:13 am

A little late hearing this Upitt, but prayers for you and your mom too.

Comment by Jackagain 05.11.15 @ 5:43 pm

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