Thoughts from Blue-Gold Scrimmage

It was just a scrimmage – the Blue versus the Gold – and while the players went at it pretty good, it clearly wasn’t as intense as a game or even an exhibition game for that matter.

But still, it was our first chance to see these guys – particularly the six new guys – on the court together and so here is a brief summary of some of my observations…..

First, the new guys:

Not surprisingly, Damon Wilson, the heralded incoming freshman guard, has lots of upside and I think is going to be a pretty good player over the next few years. He is athletic, has a good understanding of the game and he is a versatile guard who will fill up the stat sheet – he had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. I think he will push for time and may be a guy whose time increases as the season goes on and he settles in to the college game.

Another incoming guard, Sterling Smith, didn’t have as good of a day as Wilson but he did show some athleticism and I think he is actually one of the better defenders among the backcourt players. And Dixon said it wasn’t his best day but he has been their best, or at least most consistent, player through the first 15 practices or so.

The three new big men are each what I would call “works in progress” right now.

If Pitt had to play a game right now, the center who is probably closest to being able to help looks like Richmond transfer Alonzo Nelson-Ododa. He moves well, he rebounded well, he is probably the best of the three defensively as well.

Rafael Maia has had a lot of injuries and he is clearly not in game shape yet so it was hard to get a good feel for what he will be able to do. He does have some nice post moves, but he was a little slow because he just doesn’t look like he is in shape yet. Again, it isn’t a surprise given how much time he has missed with various injuries and I look forward to watching him play when he is all the way back and in shape.

Rozelle Nix is big and moves well for a big guy, but like Maia, he is still working to get into game shape. However, he is indeed a big body and works and plays really hard so I think he can help, especially as a guy to lean against the bigger and stronger centers in the ACC.

The most interesting player to me Sunday was Jonathan Milligan as he led the Blue team with 16 points and showed the kind of scorers mentality that landed him a scholarship in the first place. He is on the small side for a guard but he can get to the basket and isn’t afraid to let it fly. His ability to score might get him some minutes this year but as Jamie Dixon said, he will need to become equally as committed to guard if he wants to truly get into the rotation.

As for the returning players:

Chris Jones sat out with a minor ankle injury.

James Robinson looks like he is getting really close to being in game shape again. I thought he played really well for a guy who missed like 15 weeks after foot surgery. He will do what he does and he will run the team. I think his most important job this year – beyond running the team - will be mentoring Wilson.

Cameron Johnson gained some weight and looks stronger. It looks like he is going to be used as a shooter from the wing. He didn’t shoot it well but he was at least looking for his shot which tells me he is gaining confidence in the offense and what he is being asked to do.

Mike Young, Artis and Sheldon Jeter all showed the things you are looking for from those three, though Artis was a little less noticeable at times than the other three. But those three are going to be really good players, I don’t think there is any doubt about it as nothing I saw Sunday would make me think otherwise.

The other power forward is Ryan Luther, who, like Cameron Johnson has clearly gotten stronger and added some good weight. He did some really good things in the post defending the bigger guys and holding his ground and of course, he can shoot it and score. He will play that “stretch 4” role well but he will be battling Young and Jeter for the minutes at that spot.

The three walk-ons, Zach Smith, Mike Lecak and Ryan Seelye all played as well and of the three, not surprisingly, Lecak is the one who looks closest to where, in a pinch, he could give the Panthers some quality minutes.

So that’s a quick summary of the Panthers – at least as much as you can possibly deduce from watching two 16 minutes halves of a blue gold scrimmage.

I see the depth that Dixon is talking about, I see the improvement in the returning players as well but until Maia and Nix get into game shape, it is hard to tell how much the center spot has improved.

And let’s face it, that – how well the three centers play – probably will tell the tale of where this team will go this year.

Next up is the “secret” scrimmage with Georgetown.

As I had written before, this is one of those things where Jamie was looking to get ready for Gonzaga - a pretty good team - and didn’t feel like an exhibition against a D-II or D-III would get them the best look possible. This scrimmage will take place at the Petersen Center and of course, because it is like the Fight Club, nobody can see it or talk about it.