This is… interesting.
When teams are matched up in the B1G/ACC Challenge, there is almost without exception, an attempt to pair up teams of similar expectations.
For different reasons, a Pitt-Maryland match-up suggests pairing off two teams that could be very good or very mediocre.
Pitt is coming off a mediocre season that saw them finish middle of the pack and make the NCAA Tournament. They return their best two players, but also face a change of coaching and style. At a minimum, Pitt should be no worse than this past season. There is potential to be better, i.e., top 15-25 as opposed to roughly 30-40. But many questions will hang over this team in Kevin Stallings first year in charge.
Pitt has lots of returning players and good pieces that will help. A potentially deep and balanced roster that has plenty of experience.
Maryland made it to the Sweet 16 this past season as a #5 seed. They also bowed out in their second game of the Big Ten Tournament to Michigan State. They spent most of the season in the top-25 and finished the season ranked 17th/18th in the polls (Tied for 12th in the Coach’s poll after the NCAA Tournament completed while the AP doesn’t do that).
The Terrapins are still waiting to find out if guard Melo Trimble will return. He seemingly wants to go pro, despite having a disastrous time with evaluations. They have a lot of departing talent even if Trimble returns, but also have good talent coming in.
There is talent here and the hints of another balanced, flexible rotation, especially in the backcourt. Yet what made the Terps so enticing in 2015-16, to the point that their No. 5 seed and Sweet 16 finish was regarded by some fans as a disappointment, was how much sheer talent existed within Turgeon’s balanced framework. These Terps won’t have that punch, no matter what Trimble decides.
With him back and healthy, the idea of a top-25-level season feels entirely realistic. At his best, Trimble is a game-changing offensive force on the ball. Without him — with all five starters gone, and so many players filling new roles — Maryland’s 2016-17 feels impossible to predict.
Basically, lots of solid talent abounding, but inexperience. Two teams. Lots of question marks. Guess it makes sense to pair them up.
link to ohiostate.247sports.com
We may a good shot at this kid:
” SIBLEY’S SITUATION
OK, let’s cut to it: Todd Sibley Jr., who has been committed to Ohio State since April 19, 2015, has been asked by the Buckeyes to grayshirt, delaying his enrollment to an–as of now–unknown date, likely January of 2018 as opposed to June of 2017.
Ohio’s eighth-ranked 2017 prospect told 11W he was taken back by the news.
“I felt disappointed. It was a huge letdown. To be committed for almost a year and remaining loyal the entire time,” Sibley said. “(Playing at Ohio State) was the dream, so it was heartbreaking to hear it.”
Of course, the truth is that Sibley’s opportunity to play at Ohio State isn’t being taken away from him, though the delay he’s being asked to consider certainly could feel like a slap in the face. There’s no doubt that Ohio State’s numbers are tight for 2017 but to ask a player who’s been committed for a year to grayshirt while you host another player at his position this weekend isn’t a good look for the Buckeyes and will likely draw some negative attention to the Ohio State recruiting machine.
As a bold prediction, Sibley is not going to be the only player currently committed who is asked to grayshirt. He may be the only one who will choose another school in lieu of enrolling later at Ohio State, and he’ll definitely take a good look around one way or another.
Sibley is a top-250 player nationally and will have a number of options presenting themselves to him that won’t require delaying his enrollment. So, the question will become: “Do I want to play at Ohio State–six months later than I planned–or do I want to go somewhere else where I may redshirt anyway?”
Sibley will not be at Ohio State this weekend. I think a decision about his future with the Buckeyes could come as early as next week.
Here is his 24/& page:
Rivals has him as the 17th best RB in this class but gives him 3*s.
Maryland spent almost the entire season in the Top 10 except for the final 3 rankings. And 10 of those weeks the Twerps were ranked in the Top 5.
Did Diamond Stone declare for the draft? (I believe he did). He is big strong and talented C/PF who Pitt will have a problem defending unless Nix turns out to be half-decent .
Here is his freshman stats/bio
H2P
The staff is also visiting Chicago, Cleveland and NYC to have mixers with Pitt alumni to continue to promote the program and gain support.
Check out this cool video from HCPN’s Twitter account – Who’s Next? link to mobile.twitter.com
HTP!
