7pm, ESPNU.
Welp, this should be… something.
After Jamel Artis put the team on his back and nearly dragged them to an improbable comeback two weeks ago, you can bet Louisville Coach Rick Pitino has his team zeroed in on making sure Artis is defended at all times. Very likely with some double-teams and trying to trap as much as possible.
In theory, this should open things up for other Pitt players on the court to have opportunities with open looks and open drives to the basket. Whether that translates to points is anyone’s guess.
Of course, the game takes on a secondary feel after yesterday.
In the media availability session yesterday, Coach Kevin Stallings set the tone by talking about the team’s struggle to be willing to play defense and a lack of leadership. You can watch the videos of interviews on the game notes page.
I’m not saying all of it was laid at the feet of the seniors. But most of it was.
“I haven’t got them to buy into the way we have to play defensively,” Stallings said. “I haven’t got them to buy into the way we need to communicate, the way we need to support each other, the way we have to fight when adversity hits.”
Stallings conceded Pitt is restricted by its lack of depth, especially with top sub Ryan Luther (foot) still “weeks away” from returning. But the team does have the perceived advantage of four senior starters. Young, Jeter, Jamel Artis and Chris Jones came into this season with a combined total of 400 career games played.
“These seniors have some things they are comfortable with, but if there is any deviation, the comfort leaves,” Stallings said. “Even though it might not be the best way to attack a particular defense, I have to be mindful of putting these guys in situations that they are more comfortable in, rather than being more strategic.”
So, their comfortable with all the freedom on offense, but not so much when actually asked to do something on defense. Promising.
Senior Sheldon Jeter admitted he “checked out a little bit” in frustration during two practices after Pitt’s loss to N.C. State last week.
Senior Michael Young, a four-year starter, talked about the difficulty of setting an example for younger teammates.
Other than that, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln?
The issue, at least as far as Stallings sees it, is that the seniors don’t want to lead.
“I think what I probably overestimated would be the value of that experience and how it would pertain to leadership and how it would pertain to bringing other guys along,” Stallings said. “The successful programs I’ve been in and the teams I’ve had and the programs I’ve had, the older guys helped coach the younger guys because they had been through it. That doesn’t happen too much [here] right now.
“The idea in any program is the older guys — especially if they’re the better ones, which they are in our program right now — reach out to their teammates and help bring those guys along and help make those guys better. That part has been a little bit of a disappointment because there’s not a ton of that that goes on. You talk to guys about being more outward and making guys better. That’s just not in their nature. It’s not how they’ve been used to doing things, apparently.”
Much of that problem, as Stallings sees it, isn’t related to an unwillingness to lead; rather, it ties back to the players’ more mellow, laid-back personalities, ones that weren’t relied upon for guidance in the past as Pitt had established, veteran voices such as former point guard James Robinson.
Sheldon Jeter felt that was a little harsh, but admitted that they are missing someone to take charge.
Jeter, who said he understands Stallings’ feelings but doesn’t see that same leadership void, noted the adjustment to life without Robinson, a four-year starter, has been problematic at times.
“It was a difficult transition,” Jeter said. “Some of us are outward as far as giving energy to the team. Some of us are inward as far as … I don’t want to say worrying about themselves, but their energy is directed more inward. James was always an outward person. He was the one that would get us in huddles and do stuff like that. In some ways, we do miss that leadership, but at the same time, I think there’s still leadership on this team.”
I just can’t wait until someone tries to blame the lack of leadership on the team this year on James Robinson. “See, Robinson was too in charge. He ran things and no one else was given a chance…”
Jeter and Jamel Artis know what to say. They give honest, well-thought out answers when interviewed. Yet, neither seems to take charge of the team in the game. Mike Young, openly admits his leadership effort is by example.
“It’s really hard, individually, to come with the same energy, every day, the same fight, the same will, the same desire every day,” [Young] said. “(Leadership) is moreso being coachable. For me, it’s moreso just about being a guy the coaches want me to be.”
Jeter said leadership isn’t totally lacking.
“If he (Stallings) feels that way, as players we need to re-evaluate,” Jeter said. “He’s probably justified in feeling that way. I guess I understand it. I don’t see it.”
I have to assume some of this is calculated by Stallings to get the players fired up and focused for tonight. That in the practices for the past week, he’s seen a team that may be on the verge of totally checking out on the season. Letting the adversity, injuries and losses have them give up now.
We’ll see whether it worked. Not even in terms of winning or losing. But whether there is effort across the board. If not, undermanned or not. I wouldn’t be surprised if some players find themselves in diminished roles regardless of being better than the players behind them.
Pitt was so short handed in 1959-1960 the team used Big MikevDitka to bash heads under the boards!!
I hate to single one player, because it is unfair, however, poor Mr Kithcart is so far over his head that his performance record sums up Pitt Basketball under the current regime. SAD!
Stallings doubling down on calling out the seniors. He did indeed state that there will be long-term options. Not seeing them in the current 2017 class and the appearance of a quarter filled Pete for ACC games will probably put Stallings on a very hot seat.
Just a reminder that Stallings recruited Jeter. Not sure what that says about him if he’s not happy with Jeter.
I predict the bottom falling out on Saturday. I think this team is about to totally quit on Stallings. A home loss to Clemson clinches it.
Nice to see Zeise at least coming around to reality. Of course not admitting he was wrong about anything…
Penn State York
Colorado School of Mines
Tufts
Brooklyn College
What are the odds against us breaking even?
This SAME team has played well and beat good teams this year. They have been publicly called out by the guy that is supposed to be in their corner.
Their coach thought it was a good idea to let it be known that it’s the players fault not his for them not getting what he is laying down.
F-ck that clown. If he’s a teacher he would have figured out how to get through to these kids without going to the media.
He is clueless and grasping at straws and tossing these guys under the bus to save his own neck.
It’s a weasel move and personally makes me sick.
Eloquent words Sir. Agree 100%
Well duh.
First call of night – “I saw the Pitt players out drinking too many Panther bombs at Peter’s Pub over the weekend and that’s what happened.”
Did he see this coming??
I don’t know that we are better with him right now??, I don’t know that Rick pitiono would do much better?!?!
Sigh.
H2P
They would be in the middle of the pack this year with Dixon…again. He would have coached Kithcart up enough to be serviceable – a poor mans JR.
Dixon is a good coach – just that his system was average in today’s BBall environment – he could win most of the time in the regular season but it was kludge in the modern post season.
No OC
AD Resigned after 15 months and still on payroll
Recruiters used to scratch an ass
Pharmacy College Fill In
Hoops Coach used to work at JC Pennies
Got rid of old coach and lowered buyout
paid a buyout for Stallings right before he was being fired
No OCS
Uniforms with numbers that are moronic
50 yard line artwork by Carrick 4th grade
Wait didn’t mens soccer hire that all-star coach? They must have won a few games this year right? Oh, what? Oh…forget it.
Baseball Coach goes under .500 and they extend his contract.
Did the wrestling coach screw a cheerleader or something? Or gets blitz in his Pitt Gear at Mitchell’s Pub?
Not sure how Coach was involved but the BOT gave him the Hook.
Gallagher and Barnes wanted CHANGE… And Dixon clearly wanted OUT!
TCU coming available was the CLINCHER.
The only thing left was Jamie following the advice of his Agent and shaking Pitt down for a few more MILLION!
If Dixon was EVER going to leave, the Table was set.
Become Head Coach at your Alma Mater and get out from under a BAD Team about to get a LOT WORSE with the graduation of Artis and Young.
Who could blame blame him?
I fault the hiring process used to replace him and the result of that process. There were well qualified coaches out there – don’t be fooled.
Following the Steeler debacle the last things Pittsburghers need was this kind of performance. There is never an excuse for a coach getting tossed, especially down 50!
Obviously I was very wrong about Stallings. He doesn’t fit at Pitt. Tomorrow would be a very good day for him to resign.
We need a young enthusiastic head coach who players can relate to. Personally I like the Ft Wayne coach. I know Nordy sticks his head in the sand but he needs to make a move now.
And while he’s at it, it’s time to say goodbye to our worthless AD! What in the hell is going on at our U?????
Business 101
Wow, what a beatdown. 51-18 at halftime.
I knew that 2nd half surge at L-Ville was more a product of them losing interest than Pitt being good.
Stallings lost the team the students the press and the fans tonight.
The Beavers are 0-7 in the PAC 12 and 4-16 overall.
Wayne Tinkle’s days are numbered.
Herman to the Rescue ! (maybe he can take Stallings with him)
Start Nix and every other stiff on the bench. Wanna play, then do it my way.
They get free tuition, don’t they? Room and board? Smoothies?
Act like you care.
Dixon had coached these guys for 3 years already without a true center…only losing Robinson at point.
He would have coached up Kithcart to be a serviceable poor man’s JR who could drive and assist but not shoot.
Nix would have gotten more time in the early games and would have been able to put in 7 to 12 minutes a game eating up fouls and blocking the lane.
Dixon would not have lost to Dusquesne. Dixon would be by all odds be 3-4 at worst in the ACC right now.
I am not sad Dixon left…I am horrified at his replacement.
5 starters are best defenders – no one on Bench is better…and the starters know it so they don’t worry about being pulled…
Says no ACC level talent behind Luther…
He saw the tapes in the summer – why the fuck didn’t he address those last 2 issues then when he could have gotten juco’s????
What a cluster. F*ck You Barnes.
I don’t even know where to start, so I won’t. I’d be up all night. For those that watched the Stallings post game presser, he is even throwing the underclassmen under the bus. He’s right. This team from top to bottom is a disaster. He doesn’t have the time, energy, or coaching acumen to fix this. He just doesn’t. So when do you cut ties? Firing him after one year is a financial and perception nightmare. I guess 3 years sounds about right?
College football letter of intent day is almost a national holiday. Basketball not so much. I believe it’s in May. Thus far he has a decent class put together, certainly not a class that can come in and make this a tournament team next year. Do the current commits bail? This is a dumpster fire. They know a new AD is coming in. They have to realize that the odds of this staff being there through their 4 years are slim.
This staff’s best option is not only fill the four departing seniors scholarships but get some of the underclassmen to move on. Hell, he even said there is a bench guy or 2 that have checked out due to lack of perceived playing time. No doubt Damon Wilson is one of those guys. He needs to get as many of his guys in the program as possible and hope to hell the next year or two show promise or he is gone.
I guess I did get started? Sorry for rambling guys, I could have typed for the next 2 days.
God this is depressing…
The coach is the one who checked out.
Correction on my 8:53pm post – worst loss since 1906 (not 1903).
Pitt has about five really bad losses this season, with more to come.
If Stallings is fired or quits, I believe his HC-ing days would be over. He’ll hang on for the “contracted” paycheck. Maybe Barney does Pitt a favor when he gets to Oregon State and fires Tinkle, brings in Stallings and stops the NOISE.
I checked out too….
Happy birthday PittPanFan……sorry you had to waste it.
Pooh To Pitt!!! #H2P
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And what exactly does this mean?