Pitt Basketball: Steven Adams Battles Nerves In Busy Weekend

Pitt recruit Steven Adams is off and running here in the States. With two games in the national spotlight, he's had a busy weekend already.

First, Adams' Notre Dame Prep took on Tilton Academy on Saturday. The BABC folks, the group putting on the event, were excited to see Adams in person:

"I have yet to see Steven Adams play live but, based on all accounts and video I’ve seen, this is a can’t-miss matchup between him and Nerlens," said BABC’s Director of Operations, Jay Demings. "Many of us are familiar with Nerlens’ skill set, but fans will get to see how Adam’s size, strength and skills translate to the American game. Experts believe that both players are certain future NBA lottery picks."

Safe to say, Adams responded well.

His team took the loss, 90-86, but what Pitt fans will be excited about is the fact that he had 23 points, ten rebounds, and two assists. Adams, however was not. When asked about his performance afterwards, his response was 'Not good' since the team lost.

Gotta love that, obviously.

Adams then took the court in the Hoophall Classic on Sunday. So, how'd he do there?

Well, you can watch the replay here on ESPN3 if you've got some time to kill, but it was a largely forgettable performance. His time won this time around, defeating New Hampton 55-49, but Adams finished with only five points, four rebounds, and three blocks.

Adams also seemed a bit starstruck at the thought of playing in front of a large crowd:

Adams said he's used to playing in front of just a few hundred people at games in New Zealand. Playing at the Hoophall "was nothing I was used to. It was pretty scary.

Adams had those same nervous thoughts before taking on Tilton in the first game as well:

"I'm ready to play. A little nervous, but I want to play," Adams said. "I pride myself on having a complete game."

Nothing to get discouraged about on either front. His numbers weren't great, but it sounds as if the game was really a defensive struggle. And in terms of playing in front of a large crowd, I think that would be a bit unnerving for most kids. Plus, it's not as if he wasn't able to fight through the nerves in that monster first game.

Will be interesting to track his development the rest of the way until he gets to Pitt.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt football and basketball.