Amile Jefferson, a 6'7" class of 2012 forward ranked #9 overall by ESPN, is very high on Pitt's radar and turned in a solid performance Friday night at the Hoop Group's Pittsburgh Jam Fest.
The Philly product put up 18 points on 7-10 from the field, 4-5 from the charity stripe, along with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and 2 turnovers in Philly's Finest's double-digit win over Syracuse Select. Jefferson, a lanky point forward that runs the floor like a gazelle, was one of the tallest players on his team so he didn't get much of a chance to show off much of a perimeter game but did show off his impressive skill set a bit in transition. He's a strong ball handler for his size and a good passer, but doesn't force the issue, which is refreshing to see in AAU ball.
Even though he needs to bulk up a bit, or at least add some muscle to his skinny frame, he's not afraid to mix it up down low. He got scored on a few times in the post, but he was defending bigger, stronger players all night and that's something he won't have to do if he plays the 3 position in college.
Jefferson was jawing with the refs a little too much at some points but for the most part, he's a humble, well-spoken kid who is pretty vocal on the floor. While the Panthers are showing the Friends Central (PA) star a lot of attention, he said he doesn't let that affect him when he plays in the Jamfest, located on Pitt's campus.
"We're just out here playing, we just want to play good basketball," Jefferson said. "I think we played a little sluggish tonight but this is a brand new team and we're all still getting to know each other so I just have to be focused on the team."
Philly's Finest will take on the Riverside Hawks at 3:35 Saturday afternoon at the Petersen Events Center in their last game of pool play before the playoffs begin.
Welcome to Panther Sports Network (PSN)! We are the University of Pittsburgh's student run media organization covering the whole campus sports scene. Throughout the year we will show highlights of Pitt sports, produce our own original shows, and post articles on this blog. If you are interested in sports or television production come to our first meeting of the year on Wednesday September 1 at 9PM in the William Pitt Union. There will be many opportunities to be involved on camera, or behind the scenes depending on your skills and interests.
Pitt rode another rollicking Petersen Events Center Crowd to a 70-65 victory over No. 3 Villanova. The Panthers were led by Ashton Gibb's 21 points and Gilbert Brown's 16, and 7 points and 10 rebounds from Gary McGhee. 8 of those rebounds came on the offense end, and Pitt's 18 offensive rebounds overall was the key to victory on a day when the Panthers shot only 35% from the field.
The win puts the Panthers into a tie with West Virgina for third place in the Big East with 10-4 conference record. The top 4 teams receive a double-bye in the Big East Tournament, and Pitt is one game ahead of fifth place Louisville and holds the head-to-head tie breaker. All this remember, after being picked to finish ninth in the preseason Big East coaches poll. With another marquee win against a top 5 opponent, the Panthers have also put themselves in position for a good seed in the NCAA tournament as well. Hopefully, they will move up when the new polls are released this week. If the Panthers finish off their remaining slate (at Notre Dame, at St. John's, Providence, and Rutgers) and thus get the automatic bye into the Big East quarterfinals, they could go as high as a 3 seed in the NCAAs.
Though it was an ugly first half from a basketball standpoint, it was beautiful in the eyes of Pitt fans. Villanova star Scottie Reynolds played only nine minutes before he picked up his second foul, prompting Nova coach Jay Wright to send him straight to the bench. What I'll be looking for in the 2nd half is for one player on either team to step up and take this game over. At halftime, no player has more than 6 points. Will it be Reynolds? Will it be Ashton Gibbs? Someone else? The answer to that question could be the factor that decides this game.
Time for some real sports that people give a shit about.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
Blake Griffin-Forward, University of Oklahoma
This draft is almost identical to the 2007 draft. You have a can’t miss power forward from a Big 12 school, then you have a huge stiff center. I thought Kevin Durant over Greg Oden was a no brainer, but I guess it wasn’t. This pick has to be Blake Griffin. The Clippers are in a precarious position where they have Zach Randolph and Al Thorthon who play the same position as Griffin, and a coach that may not be able to juggle this crowded frontcourt.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Hasheem Thabeet-Center, Connecticut
This is without a doubt a need based pick. The Grizzlies have several guards so there is really no need to take a player like Ricky Rubio. Mark my words, this is a HUGE mistake.After watching Thabeet in the Big East for three seasons, it’s very clear what he is, a tall, soft, space eater with no offensive game. When thinking about taking Thabeet, Memphis should look at this or or this and take a real big man.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Ricky Rubio-Point Guard, Spain
This is a draft where there seems to be a consensus top three, then everyone else. Rubio is in my opinion the 2nd best player in this draft and despite them having Russell Westbrook, their 1st round pick last year, the Thunder will not pass up on Rubio. From what I’ve read and heard, Rubio has a lot of Steve Nash in him.
4. Sacramento Kings
Johnny Flynn-Point Guard, Syracuse
Looking at the Kings roster, they seem pretty set in the front court with Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson and Donte Greene. Kevin Martin, their best player, is a shooting guard and needs someone to get him the ball with opportunities to score. Flynn’s a great athlete and a good passer so I feel like he’s the perfect fit for them. Demar Derozan would also be a popular pick here, however I can’t see them reaching that far for a guy that for being so highly touted, has shown nothing.
5. Washington Wizards
Stephen Curry-Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Davidson
Now I don’t know if there are enough basketballs to go around for Curry to play with Gilbert Arenas but I think this would be a huge attraction to bring basketball back in D.C. With Curry and Arenas they’d be able score a ton. I’d love to see this backcourt.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
I honestly cannot figure out what Minnsota is going to do here. They have a very good front court of the future with Love and Jefferson along with Corey Brewer. Some of the players they are working out make absolutely no sense at six. I’m going to say they trade down to eight.
New York Knicks
Jordan Hill-Power Forward, Arizona
The Knick love Steph Curry and would take him in certainly every scenario. Since he’s gone, I think they move up and grab another guy they’re taking a hard look at. I think Hill’s the pick here. When this guy plays to his capability, he’s a very good player (see NCAA tournament).
7.Golden State Warriors
Tyreke Evans-Point Guard, Memphis
I just feel like he fits great into their run and gun offense and they will not pass up on him here.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (VIA NY Knicks)
James Harden-Shooting Guard, ASU
Harden’s free fall ends here with the Timberwolves. Harden is just too much talent to pass up there. Instead of taking Harden at 6, the Wolves added a few future picks and take him at 8.
9. Toronto Raptors
Demar DeRozen-Small Forward, USC
This is clearly the pick here. DeRozen is the only guy that has worked out for the Raptors. Here is a guy though, like former Raptor Vince Carter, who plays when he wants to play. DeRozen came into USC as one of the most highly touted prospects in the country, but only spent one disappointing year with the Trojans. This wouldn’t surprise me at all, considering Toronto’s tendency for head-scratchingdraft picks
10. Milwaulkee Bucks
Brandon Jennings-Point Guard, Italy
With Flynn almost certain to be gone, I see the Bucks going for the highest rated point guard left. I think this is a very easy pick for the Bucks to take the former Arizona recruit here.
11. New Jersey Nets
DeJuan Blair-Power Forward/Small Forward, Pitt
The Nets are hungry for toughness and rebounding and there is no one more equip to bring that to them than Big East Player of the Year and Naismith Finalist, DeJuan Blair. After going through the rigors of the draft workouts, the Nets are also getting a much slimmer Blair.
12 Charlotte Bobcats
Gerry Henderson-Shooting Guard, Duke
Another link in the chain of former Dukies with no NBA potential. When Henderson isn’t busy playing dirty or choking, he made his reputation as a pretty good dunker. Ask Rodney Carney about being a dunker that can’t shoot or play defense. The ‘Cats also have a long reputation for draft mistakes like taking this toolbag and not taking this guy. Good luck MJ, you may be the best player to touch a basketball, but as a GM you’re a lost cause.
13 Indiana Pacers
Jeff Teague-Shooting Guard, Wake
I honestly have no idea what the Pacers do here. They were in the playoff hunt for a while last year until Danny Granger got hurt. They have one scorer in Granger, and not much else. I feel like they want a point guard, but with Jennings gone, I can’t see them reaching for Ty Lawson or Eric Maynor. In Teague were talking about a guy that was in the Naismith race for a while last season. I think he goes here.
14. Phoenix Suns
Earl Clark-Power Forward, L’ville
I’ve seen Clark for a few years, he’s a guy like DeRozen, that when he wants to play can be the best player on the floor. He’s developed a jump shot and can handle most guys down low. Clark just seems like a Steve Kerr kind of guy.
The Penguins clinched at least the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference of the NHL playoffs with a 6-4 victory over Tampa Bay. Sidney Crosby had two goals, and Evgeni Malkin had two assists. The Pens are currently in sixth and would play the Devils in the first rounds if the standings hold. With two games left to play, the Pens trail Carolina by 2 points and Philadelphia by 2 points but the Flyers have three games left to play. Most likely, the Pens will end up facing either the Devils or the Flyers in the first round. Both are challenging opponents, but with the way the Pens are playing right now, I like their chances in what should be a very intriguing and exciting first round matchup.
After opening the season with a thrilling 6-4 ninth inning rally over St. Louis on Monday, the Pirates performed in a more typical fashion by falling 9-3 on Tuesday night. So much for the 173-0 season (I was going to make t-shirts), but nine teams are still keeping the dream alive. Anyway here are some quick early season observations on my Buccos, who are still on pace for 81-81: Nyjer Morgan is hitting, stealing, and scoring runs so far, and I guess that’s a good sign. Freddy Sanchez had a good couple of games too, and Jack Wilson had a clutch hit in the first game. Wonder if they will be traded anytime soon. Andy LaRoche sucks in the field. It has been 2 games, but come on he’s on pace for 243 errors. I miss Bay and Nady, but we will have to wait to see how last year’s big trades work out (but can we for once at least hit on half of the players we got?) That’s about it. It’s early. I’m glad that baseball’s here. I’m looking forward to nice weather, days at the ballpark, wishing the Outback was still at PNC Park, fireworks, bobbleheads, and trying to catch home runs. Maybe even some by the Pirates. At least once in while.
Jamie Dixon was named the Naismith Coach of the Year. It’s great to see him get the national recognition he deserves and without it being tied to some other coaching job. He has done an amazing job over the past six-years. As heart breaking as the ending was (the image may be forever burned into the psyches of the players, coaches, and fans), this was arguably the greatest season in Pitt basketball history. We all need to appreciate this season, and cherish the incredible memories. Hopefully, more to come on that later in the form of written and video tribute. For now, we wait to hear if DeJuan Blair is entering the draft, and hope for the future successes of all the departing Panthers. It is likely that we will be able to cheer on Blair and Sam Young on NBA draft day, and hopefully in the league in the years ahead. And know that we have a stellar coach to lead our future teams.
