Pitt

I took a quick look at KenPom ranking today and was surprised to see Pitt had made it up to 6. They started hot but hadn't beaten anyone, losing games against any better teams. Despite this, their RPI has gotten up to 35, which considering their weak non-conference schedule, isn't so bad. Still, outside of the Bog East, their best win is at home against Detroit, so I'll still temper any enthusiasm.

Pitt's calling card under Jamie Dixon has usually been a very good defense. This year is no different. They're 14th in AdjD and do just about everything well. Opponents effective FG% is 44.7 (39th). They turn teams over at a 23.3% (33rd). On the defensive glass, teams get 29.2% of their misses, 70th in the nation. They can guard without fouling as well. Teams FTA/FGA is 33.5% which is 22nd best.

Offensively, they're efficient versus dynamic. They're 70th overall in scoring but are much more likely to gum you to death. They're 8th in KenPom in AdjO. They shoot well, 52.9% effective FG% (33rd). While they shoot a respectable 35.4% from 3, they don't shoot the 3 very much. Only 25% of their scoring comes from deep, 313th in the nation. It helps they shoot 53% on regular field goal attempts. They also share the ball. Their A/FGM is 64.7%, 10th in the land. Couple that with not turning it over, 18.1% (51st) and you get a team that doesn't often beat itself. They also are voracious offensive rebounders. They're offensive rebounding % is a robust 42.1%, 2nd best in America. One offensive weakness they have is at the charity stripe where they shoot 66% and get there at about the national average.

This is a team that doesn't have a true superstar at this moment. 3 players average double digits, none more than SR. G, Tray Woodall's 10.8 ppg. An intriguing player to watch as the conference season continues is Frosh big man, Steven Adams. The big Kiwi is a 7' that can play. Can he stay on the court?

Pitt's been a bit of tease come March under Dixon. He's had better teams do less. Could he have a team with less do more? I wouldn't bet on it given they really haven't done anything outside of the Big East. They're at Cincinnati on Saturday and then come to Milwaukee next Saturday. Should be good tests and a chance to see if their a team building towards a run.