A look at plus-minus ratings through six games: Pitt’s two top plus/minus players might surprise you

Tuesday, 27 November 2012 13:00

Written by Ray Fittipaldo

Plus/minus had been known as a hockey statistic until recent years when basketball coaches started to pay more attention to it.

I did a story a few years ago on the stat and Jamie Dixon said his coaches keep a close eye on it and track it throughout the season. Pitt’s top plus/minus players through six games are freshmen Steven Adams and James Robinson.

Adams is tied for 42nd nationally in plus/minus rating with a +83. Adams has struggled to stay in games because of foul trouble, but his terrific rating proves his value to the team when he is on the floor. Most of his value comes at the defensive end. Adams does not produce much on offense, but opponents really struggle to score when he is on the floor.

Robinson is next with a +79 rating. That is tied for 59th in the nation. Robinson’s steady hand running the offense – he only has three turnovers all season – has been just what Dixon was looking for out of his point guard.

Tray Woodall is close behind with a +78 rating and Lamar Patterson is fourth with a +66 rating, which is tied for 117th nationally. All four of those players are starters.

Reserve J.J. Moore is next with a +54 rating followed by Talib Zanna, who starts in front of Moore, with a +47 rating. Next in line are Trey Zeigler (+28) and Dante Taylor (+12).