Dixon Adds Jonathan Milligan To Pitt Roster, Following Departure Of Josh Newkirk
By Brett Tunno
I had high hopes that junior guard Josh Newkirk, one of the fastest guards in the ACC, would have a breakout season this year, but he has elected to transfer from Pitt and enroll at Indiana for Tom Crean.
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Crean mentioned that Newkirk was the fastest guard he had coached against last season, so this was a blow for Pitt despite Josh’s struggles at times.
With the transfer of Durand Johnson and loss of recruits such as Mustapha Heron and Maverick Rowan, one may ask what is happening at Pitt.
I think it has to do with Jamie Dixon’s style of offense and defense –first mentality, and some players are not equipped to play that style.
Despite the loss of Newkirk, it was announced today that 6-foot-2 junior college guard Jonathan Milligan has officially joined the Pitt roster. He averaged 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game at Kilgore College last season, playing a pivotal role in his team’s 21-9 record.
Milligan will add more depth and experience to a Pitt squad that had a void at the guard position with Newkirk’s departure. Senior James Robinson, senior transfer Sterling Smith (a three-point weapon), junior guard/forward Chris Jones, redshirt freshman Cameron Johnson returning from left shoulder surgery, and talented incoming freshman Damon Wilson Jr. are other guards for Pitt.
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Dixon indicated, “We are fortunate to be able to add a guard of Jonathan’s caliber at this point in the year… He has the ability to score from a variety of spots on the floor and break down defense by getting into the lane. He also has the quickness and instincts to be an outstanding defender in our program.”
For Milligan to succeed with Pitt, outstanding defense could be a factor involved in playing time. Milligan, who was ineligible to enroll at Florida Gulf Coast, will have two years of eligibility at Pitt. He also shot 40% from the three-point line, which can help ease the loss of Durand Johnson.
Recall that junior Michael Young has officially moved from center to the power forward position, and junior Jamel Artis has shifted from power forward to small forward. I expect Young and Artis to be the focal points of Pitt’s offense again this season.
With senior James Robinson and juniors Michael Young, Jamel Artis, Sheldon Jeter, and Chris Jones, Pitt has a strong upperclassmen core, along with graduate transfers.
Next: Narduzzi And Pitt Staff Ready For Youngstown State