Well, that was a little different.
It certainly wasn't the cakewalk, breathe easy by the first media timeout, glorified skills showcase that have marked so many home openers during these "golden years" of Pitt hoops. The Panthers 83-75 win over Rhode Island last night was definitely closer than it should have been for longer than it should have been. While it might have been nice to postpone the nail chewing for at least a couple more games, a close early game like that opens the window a little wider on what you can expect from a team in the coming season.
Five thoughts:
- Pitt rose to national prominence running a slow, grind-it-out, halfcourt offense, and it seems there's still a perception that that continues to be their method of operation. At this point, nothing could be further from the truth. Pitt's been a more aggressive offensive team for several years now, and the roster dynamics this season may make it their most up-tempo squad yet. There were run outs last night that turned into odd-man breaks because the Panthers depth of quality athletes kept them fresh, while an undermanned Rhode Island couldn't keep up.
- The other staple of Pitt's rise to the top of the college basketball world was smothering defense. While allowing an opponent to shoot 14-of-28 from three-point range can in no context be called smothering, I thought there was much to like from the Panthers on their own end of the court. Gary McGhee continues to be a force down low, and Brad Wanamaker, even while carrying the load offensively, did a great job shutting down Rhode Island's Akeem Richmond in the second half.
- I have no idea why Pitt didn't close out better on Rhode Island's three-point shooters. When it became apparent that the Rams were content (and having success) chucking from all spots on the floor, you would like to see the Panthers play tighter on the perimeter. Given the blocked shots and active work by Pitt's post defenders, it would have been okay to risk a little more dribble penetration by Rhode Island.
- Talib Zanna, at some point, will become the next Panther to win the Big East's Most Improved Player Award. The way he sealed off an inexperienced Blake Vedder on offense was a very polished move for a player seeing his first real D-I minutes.
-Ashton Gibbs supposedly worked a lot on becoming more of a slasher this offseason. It showed a bit last night, as he scored 22 points while going just 2-for-7 from three point range.
On to Illinoi-Chicago which hopefully provides fewer frayed nerves and a chance to see some of the freshmen in action.
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