For the majority of last season Cameron Wright was the starting shooting guard of the Pitt Panthers, he did miss some time due to injury though. Wright was third on the team in scoring at 9.3 points per game and second in assists. His value was primarily on the defensive end as he displayed great instincts and on ball defense. His offensive game was limited, however he developed a skill of being a jack-of-all-trades. Wright will be the only starter missing for this year’s squad. Dixon will replace him not only with players already with the program, but also several new acquisitions.
Chris Jones- Junior Ht. 6’6 Wt. 213
2014-15 Stats- 8.5 PTS, 3.1 REBS, 2.0 AST, 43.1 FG%, 54.5% FT, and 35.7 3P%
Chris Jones is first in line to take Wright’s place in the starting lineup. In his sophomore campaign he played 20 more minutes per game than he saw in his freshman year. Part of that had to do with Wright’s injury, but the other part had to do with Dixon becoming more confident in Jones as a player. Coming into this season Jones will be needed more than ever for perimeter scoring. He led the team in made threes a year ago, but he will have to become better if the Panthers hope to succeed. One area where it is clearly evident Jones needs improvement is at the free throw line. He posted a dismal free throw percentage last year and that needs to improve if you wants keep his minutes.
Sterling Smith- Senior Ht. 6’4 Wt. 185
2014-15 Stats- 13.9 PTS, 4.9 REBS, 1.6 AST, 46.8 FG%, 77.2% FT, and 41.8 3P%
Even though Chris Jones led the Panthers in threes made last year there is good reason to believe he will not repeat in 2015. Smith has made a living from behind the arc in his college career, steadily improving his percentage each year. With 76 threes made a year ago he can provide the Panthers with the necessary floor spacing to compete in the ACC. He also shows strong rebounding qualities for a guard, which Dixon will surely appreciate. Smith may not post the same level of points per game with Pitt that he did at Coppin State, but Dixon already has Jamel Artis and Michael Young for that. So knocking down three point jumpers is key to Smith’s playing time. Do not be surprised if he is seriously considered for a starting spot by midseason if not sooner.
Damon Wilson Jr.- Freshman Ht. 6’5 Wt. 200 Four-Star Guard
Wilson has not yet become eligible to play, so that could complicate things. However, if he does play his type of versatility could see him get time at either guard position. He is extremely athletic and a gifted passer, both of which could really help fill the role that Cameron Wright played a year ago. At the beginning of the season Wilson might not see much time, but once he gets his feet wet expect some valuable contributions off the bench.
Cameron Johnson- Sophmore Ht. 6’7, Wt. 185
2014-15 Stats- 4.5 PTS, 1.1 REBS, 39.4 FG%, 34.8 3P%
The stats for Johnson are skewed due to the fact that he only appeared in eight games a year ago. A shoulder injury sidelined him for the vast majority of the season, before he could become a real contributor. Johnson still has to develop, but he has a good frame and shooting stroke to work from. His play style also gives him the ability to fill in for several different positions on a basketball court. Simply put his shooting touch could help him see time at shooting guard. However, do not expect him to steal many minutes from the three guys above him, as he is still a work in progress.
&nbs