Gauging an exhibition victory

The final score from the Pete: Pitt 102, Seton Hill 51. Not really shocking. But Pitt coach Jamie Dixon trotted out a somewhat unexpected lineup, unless, of course, you get your Pitt hoops coverage from me.

The backcourt featured a pair of combo guards, freshman Ashton Gibbs and sophomore Brad Wanamaker. Looks like the shooting guard slot is Wanamaker's for the taking at this juncture, but that could easily change. And don't worry, Gibbs isn't taking Levance Fields's job, Levance is just out for a few more weeks.

But in the frontcourt, Sam Young started at small forward, where I have always said he belongs. Tyrell Biggs, who has improved immensely each year since his arrival, paired up with Big Fella Blair to fill out the paint.

This is the best frontcourt setup Pitt can have. Size matters, and having the 6-8 Biggs bang around inside not only allows Young to roam freer, it also helps Blair. A frontcourt of 6-6, 6-7 and 6-8 isn't ideal at the top of Division I hoops, but we know Blair plays bigger than his listing and Biggs is a scrappy rebounder and defender. Plus, the high-low combo of Biggs and Blair allows Young to work the baseline and move around the perimeter more. Biggs's foul-line jumper became a mainstay in his offensive attack last year, and I don't think it's going anywhere. Meanwhile, Blair can keep operating on the blocks without too much interference.

Ray Fittipaldo of the Post-Gazette has a story about the developing lineup.

Oh, and a hat tip to Pete Madia. I'm pretty sure the picture posted is his.