The Pittsburgh Panthers mens basketball team is off to a 4-0 start after a bismal year in 2011, a lot of this early success is thanks to 2 freshman, PG James Robinson and C Steven Adams. Robinson was a highly regarded recruit Pitt needed to land with the departure of Ashton Gibbs, and Adams the 7 footer from New Zealand is poised to be the first legitimate big man Pitt's had since Dejuan Blair. Most recently the 2 freshman came up big for Pitt in their overtime victory over Oakland (Michigan).
Pitt was facing a 14 pt deficit at the half with all the momentum on Oakland's side, a few 3 pointers by Durand Johnson (redshirt freshman) and Tray Woodall brought Pitt a little closer. However, it was James Robinson who made all the real difference down the stretch. Robinson put up a career high 14 pts along with 2 steals, 1 of which came with a few seconds remaining. Robinson was then fouled and hit 2 clutch free throws to tie the game and consequently send it to overtime.
[caption id="attachment_6" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Steven Adams photo courtesy of Matt Freed/Post Gazette"]
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Steven Adams is a towering athletic specimen who is proficient with both hands down around the rim, and plays great defense. Adams is averaging 7.8 pts, has 9 blocks, and 4 steals through 4 games. Adams struggled through some foul trouble in Friday nights game against Oakland but was still able to score some big baskets late in the game to aid in the Panthers comeback.
James Robinson looks to continue Pitt's long line of great point guards like Carl Krauser, Levance Fields, and Tray Woodall; with his sound ball handling, cool demeanor, and low turnover ratio he is on his way. Steven Adams is Pitt's first 7 footer since Aaron Gray, but is more athletic and shows more promise. Adams has the ability to shoot the mid-range shot and the occasional 3 pointer. The Big East division is known for its physicality and both players have shown this to be an aspect of their game early. However with Pitt moving to the ACC next year they also are going to have to learn to play a bit more of a flashy game. Adams is able to do this with his soft touch around the rim with the jump hook and Robinson is able to drive and shoot the outside shot when needed. Pitt's next game is against 5th ranked Michigan Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. If Pitt is able to win it may jump them up into a top 25 ranking.
notes: Pitt's overtime win marks the largest come from behind victory (18 pts) since 1960 Robinson and Adams are the first 2 freshman to start for Coach Jamie Dixon since 2004
Zach Helbling is a senior writer for chatsports.com who writes about Pittsburgh teams including Pirates, Steelers, Panthers, and Penguins. He works full time as a FedEx driver in the Pittsburgh area and can be reached directly at zhelbling@chatsports.com or follow him on twitter @DJZachyzach.
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