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Pitt’s Gerald Drumgoole Jr. Is Vital to Offensive Improvement

By Chris Ross

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 04: Jamel Artis #1 of the Pittsburgh Panthers pulls up for a shot in the paint against the Virginia Cavaliers at Petersen Events Center on January 4, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 04: Jamel Artis #1 of the Pittsburgh Panthers pulls up for a shot in the paint against the Virginia Cavaliers at Petersen Events Center on January 4, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Pitt basketball has struggled mightily on the offensive end of the court this season, but one freshman has the potential to change their fortunes.

Entering the new season, Pitt basketball seemed primed for major improvement. In Jeff Capel‘s first season, the team’s record wasn’t great at just 14-19, but that was still a step in the right direction for the downtrodden program. Entering this year, the hope around Pittsburgh was that, with another year under Capel’s tutelage and a healthy mix of returning starters and new arrivals, this team would take yet another leap forward.

Unfortunately, outside of a surprising season-opening win over Florida State, Pitt has struggled mightily, especially on the offensive end. Between regression from last year’s leading scorer, Xavier Johnson and a lack of reliable jump-shooters, the results have been ugly. That said, there is still one player, in particular, that can help Pitt break out of their offensive slump.

Gerald Drumgoole Jr. entered this season to high expectations, but so far, the freshman has struggled to find his footing. With just one made field goal through four games, Drumgoole Jr. has quickly fallen out the lineup, going from starter to shaky rotation piece. The bigger issue, however, is that the former three-star recruit has seemed to lose confidence, especially in his shot. For a player that was expected to provide a scoring punch, it’s been hard to watch Drumgoole Jr. hesitate to find his shot.

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Don’t give up just yet on the youngster though. Even without finding the net, Pitt’s matchup vs West Virginia on Friday showed that Drumgoole is developing in other ways. In contributing five rebounds and an assist in just seven minutes of action, the freshman was able to at least make an impact in his limited time. Considering Pitt’s rebounding woes, it was exciting to see Drumgoole make an impact on the boards. That said, his real potential lies in scoring, and that remains tantalizing despite the struggles so far.

Coming out of high school, Drumgoole was seen as the type of versatile scorer that Pitt could certainly use. While his mid-range game was seen as a strength, it’s his ability to hit threes that makes him such an exciting prospect. Throw in his ability to finish at the rim and it’s clear there is room for an effective three-level scorer somewhere in his 6-foot-5 frame. Going from high school competition to Divison One competition hasn’t been the smooth transition Drumgoole was hoping for, but his natural talent suggests that a breakout is coming.

Ultimately, Drumgoole is a wild-card that could impact how good Pitt basketball can be this season. His offensive woes so far have prevented him from making the impact he is capable of, but the natural gifts are there for him to shine. Given how hard it’s been to watch this Pitt offense so far, let’s hope the freshman finds his footing soon.

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