In the overall development of Jamel Artis as a player, forcing him to play out of position last year may have been one of the best things for him and the team this year. It was a move out of necessity, and the lack of meaningful depth inside was painful for much of that year.
Unlike small forwards of previous years, Artis had been forced to play inside on both ends of the court, rather than operating on the wing or somewhere on the perimeter in his development. This has been a key difference is his offensive game, from say Durand Johnson or J.J. Moore.
Artis is a wonderful offensive talent operating within the rest of the team. Johnson and Moore, played outside (literally). It’s why, after both transferred, there was/is no leap in their numbers.
They weren’t being held back by the system or the coaching. They are both athletic, talented and too stubborn. Insisting on playing on the outside as shooters, when their talent and skills should have had them driving and attacking. Which also would have given them more freedom on the perimeter for better 3-point shots. But both saw themselves as snipers first. Drifting to a corner or staying on the perimeter waiting for the ball to come to them. Not involved in the offense being run.
It is really interesting to compare Moore and Johnson’s numbers to Artis. All three are small forwards of similar size and frames. Artis is the more accurate 3-point shooter than the others, but takes less than one-third of his field goal attempts from beyond the arc. Both Moore and Johnson (were) are close to 50% of their FGAs from the 3-point line.
And, of course, Artis goes after more rebounds and is involved with his teammates during the game. Not sitting in a corner waiting for the ball. Being forced to play inside within the system, actually allowed one of Artis’ biggest strengths — his court vision — to blossom. Making him the second leading assist man on the team. Knowing he would still get plenty of offensive touches, even if he passed to one of his teammates.
Players develop and improve with good coaching. But it still takes a willingness and desire by the player to do so. That is where Artis really set himself apart.
Hey, off topic, but I was just realizing this morning, how upperclassmen heavy we are as a team. Literally have 4 Srs. and 6 Jrs! I love how the transfers have worked out but what a bummer to lose 3 of them next year. Nix better step up and we better find another grad transfer center if we want to be even better next year. The year after that? Ugh…better reload quick!
Next year … Young, Jeter, Jones and Artis will be seniors; Luther, Nix and Milligan will be JRs; Wilson and Cam Johnson will be sophs; Kitchcart and Mannegault will be frosh
The 2 frosh listed above have been getting raving reviews lately, playing above their 3-star rating .. but of course will see limited action next year. (At least, they already signed their LOI)
We certainly can’t count on Nix being a dominant player, and need to get a legit #5 … but it appears that going back to the 4 year players may produce the best results.
Dixon haters are going to flip but it’s what works for Dixon.
time will tell if it works..the cork hasn’t even been popped on this season yet.
Artis was our best player from mid-Jan thru March 1 … averaging 19.5 ppg, but come crunch time in March, he averaged a little above 13. Mike Young was much more consistent and actually finished a close second in scoring to Artis 13.6 to 13.4. Young also had 53% FG% compared to Arts 46% … so Artis took any more shots. Lastly, Young out rebounded Artis by 1.3 rpg.
Thus, if you think Artis was the better player .. fine. But don’t make it sound that it was clear cut.
The only thing either one accomplished while at Pitt was DJ finagling a trip to Hawaii while on vacation …. and then he repaid JD by transferring.
Earlier this year I wrote that Artis would disappear at times. It looks like he now has a higher level of confidence and will be a real leader.
He looks to be the player we wanted all those other guys to be.
We need more guys like him coming up through the system. Watching Johnson on Saturday makes me think he could be another one.
Really glad both play for Pitt.
Also Hudson looked very good. The Michigan recruits said they are trying to get him to go there. Our guys said they had talked to him, but that it was really up to him. Seems a long shot for Pitt to get him, but it would be the kind of home run Narduzzi needs to take the class to the next level.
PSU and ND got two of the D-Linemen that look to be difference makers.
The comparisons to Moore, DJ and Brown are all fair.
But now I see him more like (a taller) Patterson. Patterson was a higher rated recruit. But both were “chubby” guys who developed their bodies (although it took Patterson longer), both have a nice shot with range, both have excellent court vision, both were criticized for their defense, both have a high quality PF playing with them (Zanna, Young), Patterson red-shirted a year while Artis prepped a year (older than their class).
Also Patterson was a very skillful passer, Artis starting to show those skills as well.
Next year: both Artis and Young having that much more of a handle on the rock, ability to drive, and a better ability to finish? If they can both improve in those areas…..wow. Could be something really, really special. And…for each of them, those are the missing pieces to truly become NBA caliber players.
Add Jeter to that? What a threesome!
He certainly has a skills that translate to the NBA and could see him being drafted (hopefully next year)
I see them both as borderline NBA talent, even next year.
Next year’s squad will basically be Wilson at point plus four seniors, that could be really exciting. Center is still an issue but the more CBB I watch this year the more I realize that’s a problem most teams have.
IMO Artis has already far surpassed Gil Brown (who I’m still bitter toward for not jumping to block Scottie Reynold’s infamous shot and missing the second FT in the Butler game) and is just starting to hit Patterson territory.
Off-topic: Any idea why I can’t post from home? I don’t think it’s an IP issue, I seem to be unable to get anything to stick to similar blogs/forums. (WordPress issue?)
what does the tourney committee use to select the 60+ teams in march?? i have no idea..
It’s not an easy job but politics in the room certainly factors .. as well as TV match-ups.
Only thing I have see as a serious lead … and it’s slim is the DeFillipo noise coming out of Cleveland.
Just hope some agent don’t get in their head
Artis also similar to Patterson in lack of D and he is getting there with his outside shot and ability to ball handle and get to the basket. Actually I see Patterson as a bit better at each of these but only as a senior.
Pitt made 1st appearance in AP poll at 24. They are 21 in Coaches.
Voytik on transfer from #Pitt: “I do it with a heavy heart, but I’m also excited about the next step in my journey.”
Sam Werner ? @SWernerPG
Voytik said Jim Chaney’s decision to leave #Pitt did cause him to rethink, but ultimately he was always leaning towards a transfer.
Voytik said two biggest requirements: Chance to win starting QB job next year, closer to home in Cleveland, Tenn.
Just spoke to Chad Voytik. Says he has a list of transfer destinations in mind, but didn’t want to disclose. #Pitt
What, no love for the media members he’s met? Really though, Voytik is just a flat-out good dude. Hope he kills it.
He was definitely hurt by the coaching change but as a young man he needs to get used to it. Whatever his life’s work, he will always face management changes over top. He got his first lesson early in life. Love to see him at Gaa Tech. He’d be perfect there. Hope Chryst picks him up at Wisky! He deserves a good shot somewhere. Gutty kid, good runner …. Better leader !
Kid is a class act and tough as nails! Thank you for your commitment these past years. God’s speed.
Pittman4ever
Good luck and Godspeed, Mr. Voytik. You’re a standup young man, and was proud to see you wearing a Panthers uniform.
If anyone hasn’t seen it yet, I suggest you read Chad’s parting letter. Class act.
Hail to Pitt!
Thanks, Chad! Proud to have had you as a Panther!
He was the first “winner” at QB at Pitt since Palko, a mental toughness intangible that chubs failed to appreciate or utilize.
Nothing but good wishes for a Kid who NEVER complained or made excuses.
Chad Voytik’s character was exceptional. I enjoyed the way he played the game – he’s a natural leader and a gutsy performer.
I’m sorry for the screwed up system this year – as a Pitt fan since the late 70’s, I think we missed out on 2 or 3 victories with Chad on the sidelines. Just my opinion, as I know 75% on this site will disagree with me, but I really don’t care.
Can you imagine Pitt with an explosive offense that by its design scores tons of Points like TCU’s?
With CV gone, Peterson’s ass is now directly on the hot seat.
If he returns to Pitt with that slow as molasses Statue of Liberty delivery, he can park his behind on the bench.
As Duzz learns more HC lessons, I don’t think he’ll ever
bench again someone who earned playing time like CV. As much as I thought Peterman the better QB, it was inexcusable
not to work Chad into most games.
Artis didn’t have the accolades that Brown did coming out of HS, but it clear to see that Artis will become the better player, even if he hasn’t surpassed him already.
Brown may have the edge defensively but there is still a year and a half to go, and while Gilbert was the better slasher, Artis is the more consistent shooter.