Now that Dixon has more stable big men to play with he can use a traditional power forward. Michael Young will be sliding over from the center spot to a more comfortable area for his size and skillset. This will definitely help Pitt get back to the dominant rebounding they once had. Last season at times the smaller Pitt lineup could get out muscled on the inside. This year Dixon will have more true centers to work with and his power forwards will be able to shoot better than any previous team of his.
Michael Young- Junior Ht. 6-9 Wt. 235
2014-15 Stats- 13.4 PTS, 7.3 REBS, 1.3 AST, 53.0 FG%, 69.3 FT% and 29.4 3P%
Young was second on the team in scoring a year ago, behind Jamel Artis by only .2 points per game. Like Artis, Young is going into his junior season with huge expectations. He is definitely an ALL-ACC type talent, which is obvious by his continued growth as a player throughout last season. Also like Artis, he was extremely efficient while scoring the ball. Shooting above 50 percent shows he is patient and smart. This year expect him to take another huge leap forward. Dixon needs him if he wants to return to the NCAA Tournament.
Ryan Luther- Sophomore Ht. 6’9 Wt. 215
2014-15 Stats- 1.9 PTS, 1.0 REBS, 51.4 FG%, 42.9 FT%, and 45.5 3P%
Luther is on here, because he has a big frame and is a good shooter. With Luther on the floor while Young is resting or in foul trouble the offense will not be devastated. Luther can knock down open threes, which will give guys like James Robinson more space to work. However, Luther does need to be more physical on the glass if he expects to consistency see minutes as Young’s back up. As we all know Dixon values defense and rebounding, so Luther needs to improve greatly in those areas of his game.
Alonzo Nelson-Ododa- Senior Ht. 6-9 Wt. 210
2014-15 Stats- 6.6 PTS, 5.1 REBS, 1.7 BLK, 45.2 FG%, and 80.9 FT%
Alonzo may have only averaged just of six points per game last year and he will see time at center, but expect Dixon to find a way to get him on the court. A guy with this type of defensive presence is exactly what Dixon loves. Throughout his entire collegiate career he has averaged two blocks per game. Even though he played at Richmond that is still an impressive feat. Also, add in the fact that he shoots the ball well from the line and there is little reason to doubt Alonzo won’t be playing a lot of minutes down the stretch of the season. He will never threaten Young for the starting spot, but he will take some minutes away from Luther throughout the year.
Sheldon Jeter- Junior Ht. 6’7 Wt. 215
2014-15 Stats- 4.7 PTS, 2.5 REBS, .5 AST, 47.5 FG%, 61.5 FT%, and 37.0 3P%
Okay this one may be a little bit of a stretch. However, Jeter has the physical tools to play a variety of different spots on the basketball court. If Dixon wants to go small, but keep Artis at the small forward position expect Jeter to be the next option. He has some decent shooting ability and has the quickness to give teams some real trouble. Of course Jeter will not be making his living at the small forward spot, but he could see some time there.