Evaluating Derrick Randall to Pitt

The newest winner in the Rutgers implosion is the Pitt Panthers, who today snared big man Derrick Randall on the transfer wire.

Randall, who played as a sophomore this year, doesn't lack for size. At 6-8, 240, he presents a big body, but one that is in need of teaching. He entered Rutgers very raw, and still has a ways to go.

Prior to the season, head coach Mike Rice told the Blue Ribbon Yearbook that he was one of the most improved players on the team, and that he had a future as a big time rebounder. Then his minutes declined from his freshman year. All told, he only played double-digit minutes in 10 games.

Part of the reason he didn't play is because he didn't rebound. He was fine on the offensive end, but only grabbed 7.7% of the boards on the defensive end. To put that into perspective for Pitt fans, 6-0 point guard Tray Woodall's defensive rebound % was over 10%.

But Randall has the size, and he has the athleticism. It's unclear if he'll have to sit out a season, but frankly it will probably be best for the team if he does. What's best for Randall isn't as clear cut, as he'll turn 23 in a few months, and sitting out a year will make him a 24-year-old junior.

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