Even though women's basketball may not be the hottest topic out there, I'd been waiting for a story on what's transpired over the past several months. The program seemingly has been in disarray with two assistant coaches leaving and the transfer of three players, which made up the entire sophomore class.
The Post-Gazette came out with a pretty thorough piece about everything that's transpired.
We know that Jeff Williams left to become a head coach, so that's understandable. Yolett McPhee McCuin the other assistant left to become an assistant. When it was first announced, it appeared to be a lateral move at a lesser school. However, the article points out that she left for more money and a promotion from 3rd assistant to 2nd assistant. Not a huge jumpg, but at least understandable.
Regarding the three transfers:
- Pepper Wilson transferred for personal reasons
- Kate Popovec transferred for more playing time
- Sarah Ogoke transferred to be closer to home and for more playing time
At least those reasons are somewhat reasonable and don't necessarily point to a major clash with the coach.
When you look at the fact that the team hasn't lost any of its starters from last year, they have four incoming freshmen, and were able to attract a former WNBA coach, things don't seem to be as bad as perhaps they first appeared.
Showing posts with label Pepper Wilson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pepper Wilson. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Dusting off Women's Basketball
After a really down season, which saw the women's team go 16-15 with a first-round NIT loss, things have been gotten a bit strange. Not so much with losing as assistant head coach in Jeff Williams, who took the head job at LaSalle. Things like that happen all the time.
But three players have now left the team since the end of the season, leaving Pitt with only eight players on their current roster. Further, six of those eight are going to be seniors next year, leaving them with only two current players that will still be around in the 2011 season.
All three that left (Pepper Wilson, Kate Popovec, and Sarah Ogoke) were sophomores and they were head coach Agnus Berenato's entire 2008 recruiting class. You have to wonder what the circumstances were and as of now, I've not seen any reasons given for the departures. The student newspaper, The Pitt news tried to reach Coach Berenato, with no luck.
Pitt started off 12-2 to begin the season, but then closed it out with a 5-13 stretch.
Not to mention, all this is on the heels of Pitt reporting that money was lost from hosting NCAA Tournament games this year.
But three players have now left the team since the end of the season, leaving Pitt with only eight players on their current roster. Further, six of those eight are going to be seniors next year, leaving them with only two current players that will still be around in the 2011 season.
All three that left (Pepper Wilson, Kate Popovec, and Sarah Ogoke) were sophomores and they were head coach Agnus Berenato's entire 2008 recruiting class. You have to wonder what the circumstances were and as of now, I've not seen any reasons given for the departures. The student newspaper, The Pitt news tried to reach Coach Berenato, with no luck.
Pitt started off 12-2 to begin the season, but then closed it out with a 5-13 stretch.
Not to mention, all this is on the heels of Pitt reporting that money was lost from hosting NCAA Tournament games this year.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
All Kinds of Basketball News
Updating some basketball news during these lazy days of Summer:
Congratulations to Jamie Dixon and the US Under-19 Men's basketball team for bringing home the gold for the first time since 1991.
This continues to raise his stock and can only be good for Pitt (at least as long as he sticks around). You've got to think he'll be involved in international basketball down the road.
Ashton Gibbs was an integral part of that team and looks to step into a larger role for Pitt this Fall. I'm expecting big things from Gibbs this year, but just hoping point-guard duties (should he get them) don't impact his shooting. That burden might have a negative effect on his three-point shooting, which is a huge asset for Pitt.
In other international news, Pitt women's player is now off of the women's under-19 team due to injury.
On the recruiting trail, Tom Droney has chosen Davidson despite some renewed interested by Pitt.
Droney, who called Pitt coach Jamie Dixon yesterday, said Dixon was "upset" when he told him of his commitment to Davidson.
"He said he really wanted to get back after me," Droney said. "They sent two scouts to watch me play at the Reebok All-American camp (last week) in Philadelphia.
"Pitt is one of my favorites. I love Pitt to death. Coach Dixon is a great guy, but they (are recruiting) a guard in my class."
I can understand Droney's decision - playing time will undoubtedly be easier to come by at Davidson. I'm very curious to see what kind of college player he'll turn into.
Congratulations to Jamie Dixon and the US Under-19 Men's basketball team for bringing home the gold for the first time since 1991.
This continues to raise his stock and can only be good for Pitt (at least as long as he sticks around). You've got to think he'll be involved in international basketball down the road.
Ashton Gibbs was an integral part of that team and looks to step into a larger role for Pitt this Fall. I'm expecting big things from Gibbs this year, but just hoping point-guard duties (should he get them) don't impact his shooting. That burden might have a negative effect on his three-point shooting, which is a huge asset for Pitt.
In other international news, Pitt women's player is now off of the women's under-19 team due to injury.
On the recruiting trail, Tom Droney has chosen Davidson despite some renewed interested by Pitt.
Droney, who called Pitt coach Jamie Dixon yesterday, said Dixon was "upset" when he told him of his commitment to Davidson.
"He said he really wanted to get back after me," Droney said. "They sent two scouts to watch me play at the Reebok All-American camp (last week) in Philadelphia.
"Pitt is one of my favorites. I love Pitt to death. Coach Dixon is a great guy, but they (are recruiting) a guard in my class."
I can understand Droney's decision - playing time will undoubtedly be easier to come by at Davidson. I'm very curious to see what kind of college player he'll turn into.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
University Tidbits
Freshman Center Pepper Wilson will be joining the USA Women's Under 19 Team. She was a rookie starter last year and a member of the Big East All Freshman team, leading the team in blocks and averaging about 7 points and 6 rebounds a game.
Former Pitt great and NFL player Jimbo Covert also gets an induction to the WPIAL Hall of Fame. Kind of odd to me that he is just now getting in, but, whatever.
Former Pitt great and NFL player Jimbo Covert also gets an induction to the WPIAL Hall of Fame. Kind of odd to me that he is just now getting in, but, whatever.
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