In the November 2 Post-Gazette, Paul Zeise listed Pitt's probable starters:
- James Robinson
- Chris Jones
- Jamel Artis
- Sheldon Jeter
- Michael Young
This prediction surprised those of us who have been following earlier reports that Young would move to the "4" this year, and that the "5" spot would be taken by the two senior transfers (Alonzo Nelson-Odada and Rafael Maia) and the JC transfer (Rozelle Nix). We expected that Young would continue to play 10 minutes or so at the "5," as he did two years ago, but not that he would start at the "5."
My guess is that Zeise has inside info. Perhaps Young started at the "5" during the secret scrimmage with Georgetown, and this is his way of telling us. If he is correct, this lineup gives us a clue as to how Dixon will utilize this year's players.
The core will continue to be senior James Robinson and the four juniors, all of whom played lots of minutes last year. The three senior transfers will be supporting cast this year. They will insure that the core doesn’t get worn out, as happened last year by the end of the season.
The new 4-star freshman recruit Damon Wilson will also get lots of minutes. After all, he will probably be the starting point guard on the national-championship-contending team next year.
The rest will scramble for remaining minutes, and will be prepared for support slots next year and for starting slots two years from now. Perhaps Rozelle Nix, Jonathan Milligan, and/or Ryan Luther will get Red Shirts to give them an additional year of eligibility.
This year’s team will be quite good. Jeter has greatly improved. Artis has worked on his three-point shot, Robinson's three-point shooting is better. They will all be required to play hard on defense, as a condition for playing time, and they will be fresher when they do play defense.
This year's team will be quite good. Next year’s team, if all four stay, will be tremendous.
