Pitt missed the NCAA Tournament last spring and that was their second time in four years doing so. Before this recent inconsistency the Panthers had gone dancing in 10 straight seasons. However, there is reason for hope they will not be absent for consecutive years for the first time since 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. Here are the five biggest reasons Dixon will return his Panthers to the Big Dance.
5.Back to Basics
Last season the Panthers put together an unconventional lineup for how Dixon usually wants to play. Michael Young was put at center and Jamel Artis at power forward. That undersized lineup was caused by an inability for any of the centers on the roster to step and play well. The small ball lineup did not do bad pulling off big wins against Notre Dame and North Carolina, but they faltered down the stretch losing their last five games of the season. Going into this next season Dixon will have three new candidates for the starting center job, Rafael Maia, Alonzo Nelson-Ododa, and Rozelle Nix. Dixon can return to playing a lineup style that he used to make regular appearances in the Tournament.
4.Resume Building Opportunities
This upcoming season the schedule has been boasted in a significant way compared to seasons past. Out of conference games against Gonzaga, Davidson, and Purdue will look good when being considered for the tournament. As well, playing in conference games against Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia, NC State, Notre Dame, and Miami gives them plenty of chances to knock off ranked opponents. With so many chances to pick up a good win there is reason to believe voters will look kindly of the Panthers for having such a challenging road.
3.Experience
One of the biggest reasons the Panthers failed down the stretch of last season was lack of experience. Only one senior, Cameron Wright, started and played significant time a year ago. Artis and Young, the two best players, were only sophomores. Now they are juniors with senior James Robinson running the show. As well, combine that with the three graduate transfers and this is looking like a very veteran squad. Experience is one those things you either have or you don’t, so the fact that this team is loaded with upper classmen should be a valuable asset all season long.
2.Star Power
Jamel Art and Michael Young really came alive down the stretch of the season and fueled their tournament hopes. Now that they are a year wiser with a full offseason of work and add in they are no longer playing out of position and you are looking at a deadly duo. Star power is what drives teams, so the fact that Pitt has two of the most underrated players in the ACC is a huge plus. These two have the power to carry the team to wins. That is why fans should expect an even better year upcoming for them both.
1.Dixon
That is all that needs to be said. Jamie Dixon has been a machine of a coach getting to the tournament almost at will until these last couple of seasons. He has never missed the tournament in consecutive seasons while in Pittsburgh and I do not believe that will be broken this season. Even though he has had some problems making deep tournaments runs he still finds a way to at the very least make it there. Anytime you have a veteran coach like this there is strong reason to believe there will be dancing in your future.
Good analysis. However, unlike past years Dixon does not have a stable roster of players who have experience with his defensive and offensive systems. There are many new players who Pitt will rely on to achieve success. let’s hope some of them come through.