Pitt F Blake Hinson Breaks Shooting Slump

Blake Hinson's strong showing against Louisville is a promising sign for the Pitt Panthers.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers were ecstatic to see their leader both on and off the court return to form in their win over Louisville. 

After a scorching start to the season, Blake Hinson cooled down considerably in Pitt's recent games. Over his last three contests heading into a bout with the Cardinals, Hinson was a combined 9-of-38 from the field and 3-off-22 from behind the arc for a total of 27 points. 

Against Louisville, however, Hinson recorded 21 points on three three-pointers and looked like himself once again, which was a welcome sign for the Panthers as they look to build back momentum. 

Perhaps the most positive development from Saturday's game was the renewed energy Hinson and the rest of the team played with. Jeff Capel noted that Hinson is a vocal presence and brings a spark day in and day out that inspires the team, but his recent struggles had changed his approach and led him to be less energetic. 

"Blake is a young man who really, really cares," Capel said. "He’s incredibly grateful and has the ability to feel things on a deep level. He felt like he was letting us down .... Instead of continuing to be him, he became inward. It happened against North Carolina, where he just wasn't talking. Those that have been around Blake know that he's always loud. He's always energetic."

Hinson was back to his old ways against Louisville, however, and Capel stated how his zeal and passion make him a special player and person who provides necessary guidance for the Panthers. 

"I had a long talk with him Thursday after practice about being outward, because that’s who he has to be," Capel said. "Even if he’s not making shots, that’s who he has to be, because these young guys look and start trying to figure out what’s wrong with our best player .... It was really good to see all of our guys be outward and share energy and positivity today.” 

Hinson chimed in as well, stating that the exuberance Pitt played with is essential to its overall identity as a team and allows them to gel in terms of their connection towards one another and the game as a whole. 

“I think what our identity is, and what it needs to be, is an energetic and lively team as far as our attitude towards the game,” Hinson said. "I think that’s what changed tonight for everybody. For the win, for shots going in for me, shots going in for Zack …. We played with a different energy and a different spark and a different passion and a different love for each other.” 

The Panthers go as Hinson does, and if Saturday was an indication of what's to come, then Pitt should have restored confidence heading into a game against Duke that has major implications on the outlook of their season. 

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