Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Pittsburgh, PA (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruiting class as they bow out of the tournament; because there's always next season.
The Pitt Panthers finished in the middle of the pack, and were a trendy pick to upend Wisconsin in the opening round. That didn't happen. The Badgers came back in the second half and were able to hold on for the win.
The Panthers lose one of their best point guards in recent memory in James Robinson, as well as big man Raphael Maia. Luckily for Pitt, they did a great job in replacing both.
Point guard Justice Kirthkart is tough as nails, a very good defender, and makes the right decisions when the ball is in his hands. Joining him is Paul VI (VA) forward Corey Manigault, who was seemingly built for Pitt's system. The big man is a high level rebounder and can finish through contact around the rim. Manigault is also a decent shot blocker and athlete that could step into Mike Young's role down the road. JuCo wing Chrisshawn Clark is another player who is built for Pitt's system, as he brings a toughness and a scoring punch. This group will be ready to perform as soon as they set foot on campus.
The ACC will be loaded once again next season, but a finish in the top half of the conference certainly isn't out of the question.
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