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Professional Mountaineers |
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Written by Myles Forsyth
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Wednesday, 26 July 2006 |
Make Gansey signed, now Kevin Pittsnogle has been inked. To a contract, not another tatto.
Despite the
disappointment of not being drafted, Kevin Pittsnogle and Mike Gansey have
signed NBA contracts. Gansey, was first
to sign, inking a two-year deal with the Miami Heat. Pittsnogle just signed with the Celtics.
Neither
Gansey nor Pittsnogle were very impressive in Summer League play. First, they were reunited as teammates with
the Heat in the Orlando Pepsi Pro league.
They played sparingly, and did not shoot a high percentage. Pittsnogle's summer league tour did not stop
there; he went out to Utah to play with Dallas in Rocky Mountain Revue
league. Pittsnogle's performance
improved, seeing more action he regained his shooting touch, and while still
struggling on defense, picking up multiple fouls, he was able to have double
digit scoring games while knocking down some treys.
Looking at
the Celtics roster, it looks like it will be an uphill battle for Big Kev to
get on the NBA hardwood this year. The
Celtics are a deep young team, and need to give a lot of young players minutes
to develop their games. Power Forwards
and Centers on their roster include; Ryan Gomes, Brian Grant, Al Jefferson,
Dwayne Jones, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, Theo Ratliff, and Brian
Scalabrine. The depth in the frontcourt,
while none of these players are spectacular, is still something Pittsnogle will
have a hard time overcoming. The thing
that I notice about all of these frontcourt players, with the exception of
Scalabrine, is that they are all down-low bangers, who use their bodies and
athleticism to block shots, and get their points on put-backs. Pittsnogle may very well be able to find his
niche as a specialist, coming in to shoot the three and open up driving lanes
for his teammates. In all likelihood I
think he will be sent to the Celtic's D-League affiliate the Austin Toros. In the D-League Pittsnogle will hopefully
continue to work on his mobility and footwork on the defensive and offensive
ends, while gaining confidence and experience.
When Pittsnogle does get his shot with the Celtics, expect to see him in
a different number from his normal 34.
That jersey is currently occupied by Paul Pierce.
It looks
like Gansey, if the Heat has faith in him, could very well log some PT
next
season. Currently listed on the Heat's
roster are a mix of undrafted rookies, and aging veterans at
guard. Besides Dwayne Wade, here are who Gansey will
be competing against for a roster spot and playing time; Derek
Anderson,
Shandon Anderson (FA), Vincent Grier, Daniel Horton, and Gary Payton
(FA). Grier and Horton, like Gansey were players
passed over in the draft. Neither of
those players can shoot the three like Gansey, although Horton, from
the University of Michigan, is a very good athlete and has
more point guard skills than Gansey.
Grier, out of Minnesota, is a very physical player and has
probably had some very good battles with Mike in camp. Gary
Payton reportedly wants to return to Miami, if that happens Gansey's
number 20
will be unavailable.
These two
Mountaineers will have a lot to prove if they want to see action in the NBA
next year. Perhaps not getting drafted
will serve as a reality check and really show them what they need to improve
upon to be successful in professional basketball. I really think that Gansey and his blue
collar style will win over Pat Riley down in Miami.
The Celtics signing Pittsnogle, even with all of their depth up-front,
tells me that they may have a plan for him, and he may be able to contribute
faster then anybody originally thought.
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West Virginia 