JUCO Forward to be a Panther

Pittsburgh has built their program around solid defenders that excel in running the floor and playing multiple positions. The program picked up another player that fits that description when junior college forward Doyle Hudson committed to the Big East program. Rivals.com went out to see the newly committed Panther in action on Tuesday night in Roane State Community College’s first game of the year.

Hudson, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound power forward, suited up for the season opener in Marietta, Ga., as he and his team took on Mount Olive Prep in a humble gym in front of 75 or so onlookers. The native Bahamian displayed flashes of great athleticism and raw potential despite losing 78-70.

Assistant coach Daniel Carver said Hudson only played “one-eighth of what he’s capable of.” Hudson scored eight points, had eight rebounds (six offensive), had four assists and a pair of blocks. That kind of statline, even on an off night, will be something that the Panthers are intruded by.

“They see me coming in and playing the four because I feel like I’m pretty good at rebounding and blocking shots but I can also come out and hit the three,” Hudson said.

He can also pass it. In fact, that was probably his best overall trait of his game he showed in the season opener. He does a good job of finding the open man on the cut under the basket and knows when to make the pass and when to score. The lefty has a quick first step and uses his good spring to score from the block.

His journey from the Bahamas to Pittsburgh has some holes in it, particularly how the Panthers found out about Hudson. Consider the fact that Harriman, Tenn., where Roane State is located, is tucked away in central Tennessee and Pittsburgh‘s roster is loaded with New Yorker and home state products.

“I don’t really know how they found me. It was just all of the sudden,” Hudson said. “I starting talking to them in the summer and it just went from there.”

Whatever the way, Pitt has to be happy with the raw product that will be there next season. Hudson had a chance to get a taste of what to expect after taking an official visit recently.

“I went up there (for an official visit) two weeks ago and saw the campus,” Hudson said. “They have a winning program and I just saw what they had to offer. They are all nice guys and coach (Jamie) Dixon and (Joe) Lombardi are good guys, too.”

Hudson said he picked Pittsburgh over interest from Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.