5 Summer Adjustments For Pittsburgh Basketball

By Reed Hunnicutt

5 Summer Adjustments For the Pittsburgh Panthers

Jamie Dixon Pittsburgh Basketball — The Pittsburgh Panthers are looking to improve upon an average season last year. Jamie Dixon always has his teams prepared, but his team still has a ways to go to be ready for next year. Pittsburgh doesn’t have enough talent to reach the top of the ACC, but their returning cast is strong enough to make the NCAA tournament if they can make these five adjustments before next season begins.

5. Continue Being Unselfish

Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball

5. Continue Being Unselfish

Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball — Pittsburgh was seventh in the nation in assists last year. Four of the five players who averaged at least 2.0 assists are returning. Without a go-to scorer in the backcourt, the Panthers need ball movement to get good shots within their offense. Unselfishness and balance is the best way for Pittsburgh to make the most of the talent on their roster.

4. Find a Rim Protector

Alonzo Nelson-Ododa

4. Find a Rim Protector

Alonzo Nelson-Ododa — Rim protection is a must for a team that lacks size. As a team, they averaged under three blocks per game, which is pathetic for a team competing in the ACC. Any team will struggle when the second line of defense is as weak as Pittsburgh. Richmond transfer Alonzo Nelson-Ododa could provide a boost after averaging 1.7 blocks in only 23 minutes a game. They’ll need to defend the rim as a unit.

3. Run More Isolation Plays For Jamel Artis

Jamel Artis

3. Run More Isolation Plays For Jamel Artis

Jamel Artis — Artis was the best player for Pittsburgh last season. Even though motion is the staple of Jamie Dixon’s offense, the team would benefit from putting Artis on an island and allowing him to go to work. He’s a versatile wing who shot 39 percent from three, averaged 2.3 assists per game and got to the line 132 times. His size and playmaking ability would give the Panthers a different dimension in isolation situations.

2. Teach James Robinson and Damon Wilson To Play Together

James Robinson

2. Teach James Robinson and Damon Wilson To Play Together

James Robinson — Robinson has been as reliable as any point guard over the last three years. His 5.1 assist average was good for third in the ACC last year. Wilson is a physical 6-foot-5 guard who spent last season playing point guard in high school. He has ideal size for an off-guard, but he’s used to having the ball in his hands. If he can learn to play off of Robinson, Wilson can form a dynamic backcourt with the veteran point guard.

1. Bring That Pittsburgh Toughness Back

Michael Young Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball

1. Bring That Pittsburgh Toughness Back

Michael Young Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball — Jamie Dixon preaches toughness to all of his teams. Last year’s team wasn’t soft by any measure, but they didn’t show the grit that Pittsburgh is known for. They have some workhorses like Jamel Artis and Michael Young, and incoming freshman Damon Wilson has a pit bull mentality that should rub off on some of the upperclassmen. They need everyone on the team to display the same amount of toughness if they want to be relevant in the ACC.

Reed Hunnicutt is an ACC Basketball Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @rd_hunnicutt04, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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Pittsburgh Panthers

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