Finally good news on the injury front for Pitt, point guard James Robinson and fellow back court mate Chris Jones have been cleared for a return to practice. This is big news for Dixon as injuries plagued the entire offseason so far. This could not have come at a better time, since Rafael Maia recently hurt his hand keeping him from practicing.
Last season Robinson had a productive year putting up 8.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Jones was Dixon’s most effective perimeter player leading the team in three pointers made while averaging 8.5 points per game. With these two back the starting five can get to working on developing more chemistry. Their injuries prevented them for much of the offseason from doing so.
At this point we know who four of the starters will likely be, but the last spot seems to be up for any of the centers to grab. Maia is out and Alonzo Nelson-Ododa also has an eye injury so the task may fall to Rozelle Nix. This next month will do a lot in determining who will end up winning the job.
The injury bug has ravaged the Panther’s lineup, so it is fantastic to finally hear some good news. If the Dixon was going to get this team to the tournament the health of these key contributors was essential.