Targeting a JUCO guard

Pitt exited the postseason early, but the coaching staff didn't waste any time in getting out on the recruiting trail. One advantage to a quick out is the leg up the staff can get on recruiting.

Jamie Dixon will look to add a few more players to the 2015 recruiting class, and one target is Benji Bell, a 6'4 combo-guard at Northwest Florida State Junior College. After sharing Panhandle Player of the Year honors with incoming Pitt center Rozelle Nix this season, Bell and the Raiders went on to win the JUCO Championship Saturday night. Bell exploded for 28 points, which was symbolic of his season.

Northwest Florida assistant coach Rory Kuhn spoke with Panther-Lair.com about Bell's recruitment the day after the team's championship win.

"Houston, Oregon, Kansas State, Florida State, Pitt and St. Louis have all been involved," Kuhn said. "They are all offers for the most part too, except for Pitt. I would think they are close to offering, but we will see.

"Recently, Pitt has had been down here twice to see him. They have known about him for about two years as well, just from being around the program and watching other payers."

With Durand Johnson lost for the year due to suspension, Pitt lost a good portion of its scoring from the perimeter this past season. In addition to the issues at the center position, Pitt's guard play faltered down the stretch, as the Panthers lacked a guard who could make a play with the shot clock winding down and end significant scoring droughts.

Dixon and his staff are well aware of those issues, and Bell is one option the coaches are exploring to fill that hole.

"He is a shifty, quick, strong guard that can get into the lane at will to get his own shot or to set up teammates," Kuhn said. "He also shoots it extremely well from three. Wherever he goes next, he should be able to contribute right away. I think he can play in any style and fit in immediately."

Bell has two years of eligibility left and will be eligible to play immediately. While Pitt is very interested, an offer may not be extended until the staff gets the final word on the current roster. If the program loses a guard to transfer, Bell seems to be the player they have pegged as a replacement.

At this point, Kuhn said that Bell is still working through the process.

"We haven't really talked about the recruiting at all. Things have been so crazy and this is the literally the first day after the game. Over the next few weeks, we will sit down and go over his options. At that point, we will figure out where he wants to visit and then make the best decision for Benji."