2013 Pitt Basketball Recruiting: Detrick Mostella adds depth to backcourt

With Steven Adams jumping to the NBA, J.J. Moore and Trey Zeigler transferring out, and Tray Woodall, there are lots of question marks for Pitt's basketball season next year. But when it comes down to individual positions, shooting guard has been one position drawing a lot of angst.

The team lost its starter in Woodall and while there are options left, there's no clear-cut leader of the group. But Pitt got some great news on Tuesday when it was announced that 2013 shooting guard Detrick Mostella was headed to Oakland. Mostella's only a true freshman, so the expectations should be tempered a bit. But the addition is still a big one for the Panthers.

Mostella, if nothing else, provides immediate depth. He gives Jamie Dixon another option to go with Cameron Wright, Durand Johnson, Josh Newkirk, and Chris Jones. But with all due respect to each one of them, none are as highly-touted as the high-flying Mostella who, if you read the reports, has the perfect combination of accurate shooting and athleticism.

I'm not personally convinced Mostella jumps into the starting lineup - at least right away. Dixon has always placed a premium on defense and is a big fan of Cam Wright, who certainly improved last year. A few months back, I wondered aloud if Wright can make the jump from bench player to a main contributor. I'm not sure he will, but believe he'll get the shot. If he struggles, Dixon will certainly go to Mostella or anyone else for that matter.

Crazy or not, I think Dixon hears the whispers from critics who will point to Pitt's numerous transfers over the past couple of years and the thought that he alienates some players. The last thing we'll see is him continuing to throw Cam out there if he's not contributing in some way.

Regardless of how much he plays this season, his addition is a big one for the Panthers. He could potentially be a four-year player and give Pitt the most athleticism they've had at the position in a while.

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