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Pittsburgh Panthers (Last Year: 24-9, 12-6 in Big East)
2013-14 Projected Depth Chart:
F/C: Joseph Uchebo (Soph)/Derrick Randall (Jr)
PF: Talib Zanna (Sr)/Mike Young (Fr)/Jamel Artis (Fr)
SF: Lamar Patterson (Sr)/Durand Johnson (Soph)
SG: Cameron Wright (Jr)/Chris Jones (Fr)
PG: James Robinson (Soph)/Josh Newkirk (Fr)
Gone: PG-Travon Woodall, C-Steven Adams, F/C-Dante Taylor, SG-Trey Zeigler (transfer-TCU), SF-J.J. Moore (transfer-Rutgers), PG-John Johnson (transfer-Penn State), C-Malcolm Gilbert (transfer-Fairfield)
2013-14 Outlook:
Depth, toughness, and balance. Those have been the keys for the Pittsburgh Panthers in recent years and will once again be the driving force behind Jamie Dixon’s team as they make the move to the ACC.
There is a decent amount of turnover for the Panthers this year as they lose five of their 10 rotation players from last season. With Tray Woodall graduating, James Robinson becomes the primary ball-handler. Dixon needs him to fully take the reins of the offense, which is a responsibility he is more than ready to handle. Freshman Josh Newkirk is a talented play-maker who should see minutes off the bench.
On the wing, Lamar Patterson is the team’s top returning scorer and is the prototypical Dixon player in that he is strong, physical, and can also stretch defenses with his outside shooting. Cameron Wright and Durand Johnson were valuable reserves a year ago and should step into larger roles, while redshirt freshman Chris Jones figures to factor into the rotation.
Talib Zanna is the lone returning player in the frontcourt. He has been a solid player during his time with the Panthers and has made strides with his offensive game. JUCO transfer Joseph Uchebo will replace Steven Adams inside as Pittsburgh’s space eater in the paint. He missed most of last season due to a micro fracture in his knee, but he will be relied upon as a rebounder and shot-blocker. Derrick Randall becomes immediately eligible after transferring in from Rutgers and should be the first post player off the bench with Michael Young and Jamel Artis competing for playing time as well.
The Pittsburgh Panthers will bring a new level of ruggedness to the ACC. It will once again be a group effort offensively since the team doesn’t really have a go-to scorer. Minus the hiccup that was the 2011-12 season, Dixon has led Pittsburgh to the NCAA Tournament every season since he became head coach and that should continue this season.
Player to Watch: James Robinson, PG
At 6-3, 200 pounds, Robinson is a big, physical guard who shows maturity beyond his years as he had the best assist-to-turnover ratio in the Big East. His leadership and decision-making will be vital to Pittsburgh’s success this season in their new home.
Key Non-Conference Games:
Predicted ACC Finish: 6th
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