4-1-Zoo: Gibbs and Wanamaker A Handful For Defenses

Shutting down No. 5 Pitt likely won't come easy for the opposition this year.

A good place to start, though, would be with the guard duo of Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker. The two have led the Panthers (2-0) in scoring in each of their first two games and complement each other with contrasting styles that can frustrate defenses.

Wanamaker has proven to be an effective driver, pushing tempo and finding lanes to the basket. Gibbs, on the other hand, has been able to create open looks and make good on jump shots from all over the floor.

The two know, if they can play like they have through two games, they'll be difficult for defenses to handle.

"It's gonna be very tough," Wanamaker said when asked how he and Gibbs will be to defend. "I'm more of a driver and I'm a playmaker. Ashton's a spot-up shooter, but he's been creating his own shots, getting to the basket, so it makes him even more dangerous of a player. When you've got two people constantly attacking you all game it puts people on their heels."

In an 83-75 season-opening win against Rhode Island, Wanamaker led the team with a career-high 24 points and 8 assists. Gibbs followed closely with 22 points.

In a 97-54 win over Illinois-Chicago Wednesday the script was flipped, as Gibbs put up 24 points and a career-high 7 assists while Wanamaker added 17 points and 9 assists.

All told, the two have combined for nearly half of Pitt's season output in points. Needless to say, it's a trend they'd like to have continue.

"They're both getting other guys shots and making shots," coach Jamie Dixon said. "That's a good combination to have. I like that we are able to cut down their minutes, too.

"That makes them even more efficient as well. The numbers don't lie. They've done it two games in a row."

Another theme from the first two games has been production from the big men. Pitt has held a significant rebounding advantage in both contests, allowing for shorter defensive possessions and more second and third chances on offense.

Maybe the most glaring stat is 35 total offensive rebounds through two games. That's 35 more opportunities to put the ball in the hoop, which Gibbs and Wanamaker appreciate.

"It helps us a lot, especially on the rebounding end of it," Gibbs said. "At the same time it makes us more versatile. It's not only a guard-oriented team, but we have big men who can really do work underneath as well.

"The best is yet to come."

Gibbs used that final phrase several times in his post-game press conference after beating Illinois-Chicago.

Something his coach said was maybe even more telling for Pitt and the season Gibbs and Wanamaker could have.

"They're much better players this year than last year, and they were pretty good last year," Dixon said.

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Chris Gates | Area 4-1-Zoo Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com