1. Both Pat Narduzzi and Randy Bates see us as having three starting corners.
  2. Chase Pine is playing both the Mike and the Money position.  There is a good chance he’ll see time at Money, because Wendell Davis is backing up Elias Reynolds at Mike
  3. They guy who best learns the position at Star will probably get the start.  “I like the talent, but they’ve got to know what to do” – Narduzzi
  4. Narduzzi has no idea who will start at RB.  “We’ll continue to get better”.  “It’s Long time to August 31st”.  “We’re going to find someone to carry the ball”
  5. Sounds like the staff is lobbying the NCAA for another year of eligibility for Damar Hamlin
  6. Jason Pinnock never played press-man in high school
  7. Jason Pinnock and Dane Jackson both believe that the D will pick up where it left off.  “It’s way more comfortable for the defense this year with the second year of Randy Bates”  – Pinnock.  “This is the best we’ve ever felt since we’ve been here”  – Jackson
  8. Phil Campbell may not be the starter at Star LB, but he is certainly in the mix.  “He’s spending a lot of time off the filed watching tape.”  “His weight is good.  He’s farther along than you might think.” – Randy Bates
  9. Rashad Weaver is a leader, and a character guy.  
  10. The 1920 Pitt Football Squad (undefeated, 6-0-2) were all about the size of Major Majors and Fran, and Pop Warner was recruiting Kiski Academy hard.
Pitt 1920 Football Roster
Image courtesy of Bernie Blystone

 

 

Michaelangelo holds a degree in Travel Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a former staff writer for InPittsburgh Newsweekly, and currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a Pitt fan since 1997 after he witnessed Pitt upset #22 Miami on Thursday night at Pitt Stadium.

136 thoughts on “Spring Practice 2019: 10 Things we Learned on Day 2”

  2. As far as Running Back… I’m on the record with the following…

    Incoming Freshman Daniel Carter will not be confused with Ollison or Hall… but is and SHOULD do well as the “Single Back” in Whipple’s Offense.

    Sophomore RISING (learned that from Jerry DiPaola) V’Lique Carter SHOULD be moved to Running Back. Wait, that’s already happened.

    Lol

    Like

  3. There you go. Pitt’s best TWO Running Backs named Carter.

    “The C & C Club”

    Well, hopefully somebody will come up with something better if it indeed comes TRUE!

    Like

    1. When introducing our Offense to the opposing Defense, “this is our running back Carter, & this is our other running back Carter. (this joke only works if they watched the Bob Newhart Show)

      Like

  4. MM, so you think Pine will beat out Blackwell?

    Tx Panther, do you see that roster above? Almost all 2 and 3 stars and they still went unbeaten

    Like

        1. None from Erie either. That was an interesting piece of history from BigB.

          MM – your 10 takeaways are filled with interesting tidbits – the D and Bates will need to be good right away so that the O can be Whipped into shape with playmakers that can score.

          The first “real” test counts this season with ACC Coastal contender UVA in town – a vanilla O won’t cut it to start this season.

          The wrestling team finished 4th yesterday in the ACC tournament with two crowned champs – 133 lb Micky Phillippi (Also named Most Valuable Wrestler of the tournament) and 285 lb Demetrius Thomas revenged and early season loss to the UNC heavyweight to win his title.

          Two other wrestlers lost their championship match to finish as the runner-up. All four qualify for the NCAA championships in downtown Pittsburgh.

          H2P!

          Liked by 1 person

    2. I think you mean Brightwell. That’s a good question. Forgot about him for a minute. Probably will end up in a timeshare

      Like

  6. I look at the weights and I’m obese

    and when was the last time Pitt got a recruit from these high schools?

    It might have been 1920

    Like

  10. Yeah, as far as my size today goes………. I would be plugged into the nose tackle position on that 1920 team but wait.. there are no defensive players listed. So I guess I would have to play left tackle, nose guard, long snapper, kick field goals, and be the punter. Kind of like the end, guard, tackle position. Sit at the end of the bench, guard the water and tackle anyone who gets to close to it.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. I hear ya John…we would have looked good in Zoot suits.
    Ike, I was 205 back in the day…would have been on the line with you.

    Like

  12. You would have made a great pulling guard back then Fran. Kind of like the early version of Alan Faneca/ Steve Courson. BigB would have been one hell of a road grinder with that big barrel chest.

    Like

  13. There are some redshirt frosh who I’m somewhat intrigued by and wonder if we hear anything about them this spring.

    One is DE Habakkuk Baldonado who is 6’5” and 235 pounds. He’s one of those raw athletes who hasn’t played much FB and is all “potential.” Could he be another Romeus or Sheard in another year or two?

    Another is DB Judson Tallandier who is 6’0” and 185#. We seem to still be looking for safeties who know what they’re doing back there and can make plays. Maybe he steps forward – though we probably don’t see him for another year with the older guys in front of him.

    There are other intriguing players who I wonder about but don’t expect to see for another year or two, for example:
    R Fr WR Cameron O’Neil 6’ 200
    R Fr TE Kaymar Mimes 6’5” 240
    R Fr OG Jake Kradel 6’3” 300#

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. I’ll throw four more on from the defensive side –

      R Fr DT Tyler Bentley 6’2” 305 lbs
      R Fr DE John Morgan 6’2” 250 lbs
      R Fr DT David Green 6’ 285 lbs
      R Fr DT Devin Danielson 6’1” 300 lbs

      And on the offensive side –

      R Fr RB Mychale Salahuddin 5’11” 205 lbs
      R Fr OL Blake Zubovic 6’4” 315 lbs

      Bentley, Green and Zubovic all added about 20 lbs to their frames – here’s hoping it is all conditioning and weight lifting muscle.

      Lyke MajorMajor’s has pointed out, we may not see these young guys for another year, but the depth is starting to show. Maybe not recruiting gold, but I see rock solid, future contributors on the R Fr list.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Don’t forget about Wendell Davis at MLB. Note that he is already mentioned as a primary back-up

        Like

        1. You are right on Davis – he is mentioned a lot – that is why he was left off the list – but so noted…and added to our point. Depth is building and quality should be taking shape as well.

          The recruiting rankings don’t support that, but if these coaches develop character based team players, Pitt should win some FB games this year and I’m expecting more than the average in the past 8 years.

          Like

      2. Good list, Erie.

        I was surprised to see the weights on some of these guys. For example, Kradel is now listed at 300 pounds. As you said, hope it’s all good weight — I wondered if he was big enough and now he appears to be… I think he’s going to be a good one, lots of schools were after him, if I remember correctly.

        Go Pitt.

        Like

  14. If Whipple can get this offense playing anything like what Canada did we he came to Pitt then we will have a great chance to repeat as Coastal Champs.

    Like

  15. Early prediction on who the team captains might be for this season –

    On D – DE Weaver Jr and CB Jackson Sr or S Hamlin Sr
    On O – C Morrissey Jr and QB Pickett Jr or WR Tipton Sr

    There is a lot of competition at most positions for playing time with two exceptions IMO – DE (solid to very good starters) and OLine (ikr).

    I have confidence that Partridge and Bates will have two or three solid back-up DE’s by Fall Camp.

    Borbs and Whipple have a bigger challenge with the OLine. I believe there are five guys (burgers and fries) that can help us win FB games up front, but are there two or three others? That is the big question for me as injuries are a ref’s bad call & trick play away from happening.

    NOTE: OL Carter Warren is down in weight to 315 lbs. He had carried 325 until now for his career at Pitt.

    H2P!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Don’t know if I agree on the Oline. I think there will be competition and perhaps a surprise name or two will emerge.

      We started off with Houy, Ford, Morrissey, Hargrove and Drake. Of those, Houy, Ford and Drake will be fighting everyday to keep that job. And the transfer OT is coming in later.

      The two OT jobs are, by far, the most worrisome positions on the whole team going into next season, IMHO. The performances at those two positions could make or break the season.

      We have plenty of candidates for the guard spot. Borbs probably having restless nights over the OTs spots…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  16. “I’m just glad it’s finally over”

    A. The bitter cold weather
    B. The Antonio Brown saga
    C. Pitt’s basketball season
    D. All; of the above

    Liked by 3 people

    1. And Roethlisberger, the best QB who has won 3 playoff games in eight years, and one was a gift.

      Like

  20. Is it Tomlin or Roethlisberger who is the cancer on the team. Did Bell, Bryant, and Brown leave because of Tomlin or Roethlisberger? I don’t remember Tomlin being involved in any personal scandals. Ben is a prima donna who always tries to make the splash play instead of taking what the defense gives him. He is an immensely physically talented guy with nothing between his ears. With all the talent they have surrounded him with he should have won several more super bowls. With the exception of one game saving tackle and a brilliant pass and catch to Holmes, a long time ago he has always come up short in the biggest of games.

    Like

  21. This is how the Pitt brass have run the Panthers over the last 40 years. Poor administration leadership and coaching. I say its Karma for all those yellow seats.

    Like

  22. gc, Just a question, how is it that the Steelers are so underachieving in your eyes? I know you say they had the talent to do a lot better and I agree but they have dominated the AFC North for years and the Steeler organization has put their team in position to win every year. That’s not by accident. Cleveland football on the other hand shows us all what ineptitude really is. We have to keep in mind that the football is oblong and the refs are human as the players are and it’s just not easy to win the Super Bowl every single year. Could we be a little spoiled by their success?

    Like

    1. I’d say it is a combination of a lot of things. First and foremost, Ben has not produced in the playoffs. Second Bell has not produced in the playoffs and has oft times been injured. Shazier’s injury crushed them one year. Coaching has not overcome obstacles and has just not been good enough.

      Ben is talented enough to win a lot of regular season games, and the overall talent has been there, but under his and Tomlin’s leadership they have dramatically under-performed in the playoffs.

      When you compare Ben and Tomlin to Brady and Belichek it is no contest, even though overall the Steeler talent has been somewhat better or as least as good.

      Sure we are spoiled by success, but when you have a premier QB, running back, receivers and offensive line, how do you only win 3 playoff games in the last 8 years? Most blame coaching but I place most of the blame on the HOF QB who hasn’t got it done.

      Like

  23. Despite the fact that there has been a salary cap in the NFL for decades, I have heard constantly over the past 20 years how the Rooneys won’t spend the big money. Well to all you yinzers out there …. how did these bug contracts to Bell and Brown work out for you?

    Like

  25. Just a reminder – we won a BB game yesterday!

    Loved seeing XMan hit some floaters. McGowens long 3 before the half was big, as was his monster dunk on Mooney. Not quite in Julius Page’s league against GT, but most excellent…

    Despite the season, i’m still smiling about yesterday’s game. 😊

    (But no, I don’t expect Pitt to beat BC in the tourney game…)

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. One dominant big man and a solid three point shooter and this team will be very competitive next year.

      Like

  26. Easy to see through the Roethlisberger hate. Almost always a matter of conflating his REPUTATION with his Play.

    Tomlin, on the other hand… NICE Guy… AVERAGE at Best Game Day Coach which tends to show up in Playoff Games when he’s matched against another GOOD Coach.

    Too much a Risk Taker. Too little Strategist.

    Plenty of examples through the years to back this up. But this is a Pitt football site and a lot of POVers not Steelers Fans and only too happy to see the Team’s DOWNFALL.

    Like

    1. Remind me…how many super bowl rings does Tomlin have?

      Like

  27. I could say the same about the Tomlin hate. Unlike Brady, Ben never takes the easy first down when he can go for the tough completion. Loves to be the hero. Are Bell and Brown leaving because of Tomlin or Ben?

    Like

    2. And to answer your question as to fault more directly… both Roethlisberger and Tomlin are responsible for the Steelers basically giving away TWO of the top Playmakers in the League.

      Roethlisberger’s ARROGANCE has always been a problem on and off the field.

      Tomlin has shown NO ability as Head Coach to keep things together. Just ask James Harrison.

      Liked by 3 people

  28. IMO Tomlin and Stillers learned a painful lesson. Just a few years ago, Brown was hit with a handful of celebration penalties and Tomlin told reporters that there were some players you have to be more lenient with. Maybe a bit too honest but now they are seeing the result of turning the other cheek. But what happened after the playoff loss last season was the ultimate disgrace. During Tomlin’s post-game talk, Brown was actually in the rear and broadcasting it over his twitter, and even doing some narration … ultimate disrespect. Yet, the Stillers did nothing. Serves them right

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Hey, Aliquippa BB won in the state playoffs yesterday.

    Pitt recruit Will Gipson scored 23 points; that other Quips recruit – who shall not be named – scored 17.

    Go Will Gipson!

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  33. No doubt something is dramatically wrong when the best all purpose back and best wide receiver in the league leave the team.

    Like

  34. ^^ Prima-Donna’s that don’t realize how good they had it. They will see. Kind of like Steeler fans.

    Like

    1. older stiller fans know that the 80’s werent too kind
      the browns were far better in that decade…the freakin browns

      Like

      1. I remember…I was living in Boulder CO and watched “The Drive” at a local bar. Truth be told, I was rooting for the Browns. I wasn’t surprised when they blew it though. I believe they owned “The Fumble” that decade too.

        Like

  35. Just to put things in perspective for yinz Stiller fans. If any other team in the league (except emperor Belicheck and the Pats) had a coach that won two Super Bowls in 12 years he’d be a candidate for sainthood. You all want to run yours out on a rail. You guys are spoiled spoiled spoiled.

    (Editor’s note, I referenced wikipedia for the two super bowls thing…turns out Tomlin has only won one as a head coach, and he won one with the bucs as DB coach, so I apologize for calling you steelers fans spoiled).

    Liked by 3 people

    1. steelers had the most talented offense over the past 5 years
      it got them zero super bowls

      need to get back to defensive roots and tough as nails coaching
      Tomlin is an enabler

      Liked by 1 person

  37. And while we’re at it… Let’s not forget Munchak shunning the Steelers attempt to have him stay on board with Tomlin… UNIVERSALLY thought as the very BEST Offensive Line Coach in the League.

    Some think this loss will be felt as much as Brown and Bell.

    If you haven’t forgotten, Munchak made an IMMEDIATE improvement to the Steelers’ ability to keep Roethlisberger upright.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. Munchaks daughter lives in Denver, you may want to check the facts. He wanted to see his grand-kids and be a bigger part of their lives. You should know what you’re talking about.

    Like

    1. ^^ Big proof you don’t know your ass from your elbow. Watch the line dude. My family comes first all the time.

      Like

  43. Ah you are right POD. I was skunked by this wikipedia page that suggests Tomlin was a 2x super bowl champ. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Tomlin

    Maybe he won one as DB coach.

    Serves me right for dipping my toe into waters that I know little about. And I thus walk back my comments. 1x super bowl champ in 12 years is fair to middling at best

    Like

  44. And I also redact my comment calling Steelers fans spoiled.

    Like

  46. I redact half of my “like”

    Stiller fans still spoiled, says this guy living amongst a family of Redskin fans
    😦

    Like

  47. Not sure how Steeler fans are spoiled. This team has basically underachieved for years. Ben will need to play much better this year, and if Tomlin really believed his own BS about the “standard” he would quit since he has also underperformed.

    Like

    1. Yea now that I realized tomlin only has one super bowl I don’t really feel that way. Bad info will ruin your day lol

      Like

  48. Three playoff wins in the last eight years. With the Ravens and Cleveland improving and Bell, Bryant and Brown gone don’t expect any playoff wins for a long time.

    Like

  49. Steelers executives have been wanting to get rid of Tomlin for the last two years. They are smart enough not to make a change if there is not someone out there who is better. That is what happened last year. This year, the Brown and the Bell situation portrayed a very toxic locker room culture and the execs did not think they could attract a better coach for the position due to locker room instability. There is internal angst that they were forced to extend him through 2020 based on his win total in 2017.

    Believe me, they have been trying to get rid of him. I think you will see that his contract does not get extended. It is set to expire after the 2020 season. Contracts tell you a lot about how the executives feel about your job performance. Want to know if he is on his way out, watch his contract!

    Liked by 2 people

  50. Agreed, Huff. I thought Munchak could be Tomlin’s replacement. But I’m convinced there is more to him leaving than has been made public. They also need a better DC. Ben has been given way too much control of the offense and his 3rd and short game is driven by ego rather than percentages. Leading the league in passing while not making the playoffs says it all.

    Like

  51. A Trib poll with 618 participants was asked “do you think Pitt FB will be better in 2019 than 2018?”

    37% voted YES
    24% voted NO
    23% voted “I don’t follow Pitt FB”
    16% voted “I don’t know”

    Jerry D won’t post the results, so I did…

    The 23% was interesting to me.

    H2P!

    Like

    1. The fact that 23% of people who don’t follow Pitt Football took the time to answer is interesting to me

      Like

  55. For the second straight year, it looks like the defense should be better than last year, how much is anyone’s guess. Also for the second straight year, the offense is a complete mystery starting with the O-line and new starting RB’s. The QB should be better due to experience, but if the O-line doesn’t produce, how much better can he be? The receivers are an intact group with a seemingly limited ceiling. The wild card is the new O-coordinator, who we hope will be more creative.

    So the voting appears to be consistent with that picture and Pitt Football historically and in general.

    Liked by 1 person

  56. I think the survey says a lot about who put it together. If there was a survey asking if the Pirates we’re going to be better, would it include the option “I don’t follow the Pirates”? I think not.

    Liked by 4 people

  57. M – just read this. I assume the 1920 team consisted mostly of guys who were recruited only by MAC schools. Correct? (Were they actually coached up?) And Pitt had a weak OOC schedule that year?

    Liked by 1 person

  58. Below is an article that starts to explain what I let you guys know over the past two years. College football is changing with respect to pay for play. The rich will get richer and the non P5 schools football programs may become extinct. This is important stuff for the landscape. As previously explained, the SEC used an inflated cost of attendance so that it could pay its players more cash, since ncaa allowable payments to players is calculated off of a percentage cost of attendance.

    The con artists can relate just about anything to “related to education”. My sense is that both sides might actually appeal……now that would be funny! The highest bidder for 5 stars will start as soon as the appeal is ruled upon. May the schools win……please!

    https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/judge-rules-ncaa-cant-cap-athlete-compensation-related-to-education-neither-side-happy-with-decision/

    Like

  60. A few notes on Huff the Thirds link:

    I’m not smart enough or have the attention span to understand everything implied and or said.

    It does appear to this untrained eye and mind that there is a whole lot of crap that is way over ambiguous and could easily lead to corruption. Oh I think it already has.

    How do we know the Oakland A’s paid Murray over 4 million dollars? << A brain teaser.

    There are too many poor kids from poor families to be handing out free goods that are worth lots of money to track where the goods end up.

    The NCAA needs to figure out a fair pay-scale and pay the student athlete accordingly. Then lay the hammer when rules are violated instead of looking the other way all too often.

    Am I in over my head here? Cause I don’t know what I’m talking about.

    Had a great visit with two great guys that lifted my spirits today.

    Liked by 1 person

  63. In USA Today, they posted the season ending standings for all men’s BB conferences –

    The ACC showed Pitt in the last spot with ND one spot above with the same record. Bad look, even though we beat ND.

    Did the ACC supply that standings order to USA Today?

    Oy vey!

    Like

    1. Rick – The ACC probably did. I checked their site & PITT is listed last. In their defense, it looks life they went by 1- conference record. If tied in conference record 2- used overall record. If tied in both conference & OOC record, 3 – alphabetically. Both N.D. & PITT were 3-15 & & 13-18.

      Louisville & Syracuse were both 10-8 & 19-12. Louisville 6’th & Syracuse listed 7’th – Alphabetically

      NC State & Clemson were both 9-9 in conference but NC State was overall 21-10 While Clemson was
      19-12. NC State listed 8’th Clemson 9″th.

      I have no idea who beat who head to head.

      Like

      1. Richard a question. According to seeding, isn’t PITT seeded ahead of ND? I understand if PITT lost the last game they were to play GT at 2:00 Tuesday? Now they play BC at 7:00 PM.

        Like

  64. The merits of spring ball are debatable.
    But scheduling a spring break during the fifteen or so practices strikes me as being Dumm.

    Like

    1. Wondered about that too.

      Maybe Coach Whip just couldn’t wait to see the QBs throw to see how worried he should be…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  65. All local kids on the 1920 squad…..I guess the recruiting budget was tapped 😉

    Kiski must have had a good HS team.

    Like

  66. This is the last week my golf bag will be without my 7 and 9 irons. Dumped two shot in the water today with my 8 iron – too light on one shot and to hard on the other.

    Still shot a 92 with four shots in the water on a course I never played.

    8:10am tee time tomorrow on another course I never played. Of the 18 holes I will play, 13 have water hazards. Feels Lyke Pitt’s OOC schedule…(ikr)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Fran shot an 81 and Bernie shot an 80 today Rick. You better get the 7 and 9 irons off the mantel and warm them babies up. I hear a possible surprise guest star at the golf outing?? I stress possible but hopeful.

      no it’s not me. no one wants to see me chop up a fine golf course like this.

      Like

      1. Handicapping my game in honor of the late great Fralic is ok by me.

        Friday, the 7 and 9 irons will be back in my bag.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. You are commended for your commemorative effort Rick!

          Do you ever pull the trigger on the season tickets?

          Like

  67. I think the spring break debate is a good one. Let’s see….. So the players practice in shorts for two days, get some basics and then the players get to work on them on their own for a few weeks, spring break aside, then come back with a better idea of how practices are going to be conducted this year.

    Instead of being condensed and compressed, a kind of let their minds absorb what they are trying to be taught over a longer period of time. I see a merit to it and think about a couple things. What do we know what goes on during those two weeks of spring break? Do the players go home or do they stay at school and dedicate themselves being their best and to the football program?

    You see, it gives them back the taste of football in their blood to re-energize for the more important football to come. Yes, I see the merits. . …. ike

    Like

  68. Attention TX Panther, Erie Express, Huff, et. al., the Pitt Fan Committee is looking for new members. This is a chance to unload some of your discontent with the Athletics Department – as well as share your good ideas.

    Here’s the e-mail Pitt sent out:

    “Pitt Athletics is now accepting applications for individuals interested in becoming a member of the Panthers Fan Experience Committee. Now in its fifth year, the Panthers Fan Experience Committee is comprised of Pitt alumni, students and supporters who work with Pitt Athletics in creating the very best fan experiences on game days and throughout the year. The new committee will have approximately 25 members who will serve a voluntary two-year term and convene quarterly.

    The committee’s focus includes, but is not limited to:

    Customer service
    Ticketing and donor support
    The Pitt fan experience – including all aspects of game-day
    Athletic department communication and outreach with fans
    All fans are encouraged to apply by Friday, March 15. The committee is expected to be formed in late-March with the first meeting taking place in April.”

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  69. One of the better things Barnes is credited with along with the hire of the mens soccer coach.

    Here are my 5 cents
    1. Build fans at an early age by giving them all sorts of free stuff and getting them involved as supporters via practices and games. That means opening up your practices Narduzzi.
    2. Get fans to earmark donations for specific program causes….maybe for new ‘Jock’ straps 🙂
    3. Tarp those ugly yellow seats and sell advertising on the tarps as well as promoting the Pitt brand
    4. Have profs give out extra credit to students who attend any ‘Olympic’ sporting event
    5. Release the feasibility study findings for the OCS and make the venue the focal point of Victory Heights

    Liked by 1 person

  70. Found a site called draftsite.com that is projecting Dane Jackson as a first round pick next year.

    Like

  71. If Jackson knew that would be the case then he should have declared for the NFL draft this year. No use gambling on an injury that might knock you out of the following seasons draft if you are rated that highly going into this season. JMO

    Like

  72. Sounds right jrn but I’m thinking that projection is a projection and contingent on “The Dane” having a great senior season??

    Like

  73. Ike, it was our pleasure to visit. I had fun hanging with Biggie. We golfed Royal Troon on a simulator. Never could figure out how to putt a ball into a wall with any kind of “touch”. Haha.
    I applied for the fan committee last time and the response was crickets…looking forward to seeing some friends at the spring game.

    Like

    1. are these stimulators sophisticated enough so you have to golf UK courses differently than US courses, vis a vis playing pitch and run more frequently

      Like

  74. Richman, is your term over on the fan committee or are they looking to expand the group?
    If Rich is out we need to get a POVert in his seat…

    Liked by 2 people

  76. Jim Hammett@JimHammett

    All-ACC freshman team with recruiting rankings.

    Zion Williamson five star 5th overall.
    Coby White five star 26th
    RJ Barrett five star 1st
    Tre Jones five star 14th
    Xavier Johnson, three star (not included in the Rivals 150 rankings)

    Liked by 1 person

  77. BTW, Cam made 1st team All-ACC

    ACC FIRST TEAM:
    Zion Williamson, Duke
    RJ Barrett, Duke
    De’Andre Hunter, Virginia
    Cameron Johnson, North Carolina
    Kyle Guy, Virginia

    ACC SECOND TEAM:
    Luke Maye, North Carolina
    Ky Bowman, Boston College
    Ty Jerome, Virginia
    Coby White, North Carolina
    Kerry Blackshear, Virginia Tech

    Like

  78. Good to see Can Johnson do well. I remember how some berated him on this site for his play and of course leaving. Can anyone blame him for leaving Stallings?

    I wonder how many more games we would have won if he was with Pitt this year?

    Congrats to Xavier, in with the 5 stars, quite an accomplishment. Hopefully Capel gets a few more guys to help him out next year.

    Like

  79. The PITT basketball team needs 4 players. Two big strong dominating tough guys They don’t have to be great scorers but they need to be window washers/ glass cleaners. The other two need to be sharp shooters, zone busters. They don’t have to be slashers or tricky ball handlers although that would help. Kind of like what Parker Stewert was. << Of course players that can do all those things would be even better. The X-man, Trey and Toney will handle the rest thank you. . …. ..ike

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ike, I would say Pitt’s greatest needs are, in no particular order: (1) a rebounder or two; the ability to catch a pass and score in traffic would be a plus, (2) another shooter (to go with Drumgoole), and a playmaker to backup our guards (N’dir would be great if he could get another year).

      But I think generally we need players that have good basketball IQ’s and are efficient. If you look at the profiles of Drumgoole and Koulibaly, both are good, efficient shooters/scorers, mature players with good size for their positions that should transition well to the college game, based on what I’ve read & watched to a lesser degree. These are the kinds of players that, to me, we should fill our roster with. I am not sure about the Twins. I’m not saying I don’t want them or that they wouldn’t upgrade our overall talent, but I do wonder if only one of the twins fits that profile? I am not sure if the delay in their commitment means anything, but it really sounds like they want to play and contribute together, so I’m wondering if they’re having second thoughts about one being squeezed out of PT inevitably? Or maybe I’m just reading too much into things? All that said, even if we get the twins, I’d still like to see us add another big (because neither of the twins are that) and a ball handler, even if it’s N’dir.

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  80. I caught the new ACC network logos designed for each team. Tried to post it PITT’s here but I’m way too dumb to do that. Anyways, if you get the chance, look at the colors. They are not nearly as bright as last years retros. I still think the new uni colors will be in between the bright yellow and mustard if not leaning towards the mustard? Bernie will be pretty happy.

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  81. I filled out an application for the committee with a couple caveats. First one was to pay more attention to the out of town fans and what they think of the entire PITT football situation and secondly, I mentioned I was one myself and I wouldn’t be able to travel to the meetings in person and to keep that in mind. I did the same thing the last time and got the bupkis kiss. << Which was kiss off mo-fo….

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    1. Seems like they should be able to add out-of-town fans to the committee meetings using those new-fangled com-put-ers!

      Skype!

      Reed have demonstrated the merits!

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. John, here is an example of who and what the round-tables consisted of..

        Reed… live from Maryland
        Pittman4ever.. live from Houston
        Pitt-cocks … live from South Carolina
        Tx… live from Texas
        Bernie… live from North Carolina
        Upitt… live from Texas or wherever he laid his hat that night?
        Missingwlat… live from somewhere way east of Lay-trobe.
        Richman… live from Mt Lebanon… wait a minute, not a good example
        Huff the third… still trying to figure where he was live from.
        and others!

        This could be done Heather. Seriously, I would love for more passionate PITT fans not within a one hours drive to have the capability to speak their minds.

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  85. Huff III, excellent link. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

    If I am a student at a school that just gave a $3000 computer to one of its athletes, I would request one as well.
    In fact every student should. If that’s what is needed for education at that school, then every student should get one as well.
    Same goes for giving cars to athletes. That’s one way to minimize the frivolous gifts to athletes.

    Would make it harder for schools to provide “bribes” to their recruits.

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