2-10-15

Vol. 105 Issue 110

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Tuesday, February 10, 2015 Chancellor to address sexual assault response procedures Abbey Reighard and Dale Shoemaker The Pitt News Staff Chancellor Patrick Gallagher intends to outline Pitt’s sexual assault procedures in a memo to the University community in the near future.

University spokesman Ken Service said there is no date set for the distribution of the memo to University faculty and staff. The memo would “reaffirm the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to fostering an environment where there is no discrimination, including dis-

crimination by sexual violence,” according to Service.

Service said Gallagher’s memo will address issues including sexual assault reporting requirements (both individual and institutional) and the informational resources and training the Pitt community currently offers.

Given the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights’ recent investigations into sexual assault on college campuses — which began last May — the chancellor would like to address Pitt’s stance on these issues, according to Service.

Though Pitt is not among the 95 schools being investigated, which were updated by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights last Wednesday, the chancellor’s memo will also “clarify both individual and institutional reporting requirements in this area,” Service said. The Department of Education initially announced that it would investigate 55 schools.

“The memo will reinforce the responsibilities that faculty and staff members have in regard to Title IX,” Service said in an email.

Memo

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Board of Trustees passes power over student fee increases Lauren Wilson Staff Writer

The power to raise student fees now lies with the Student Affairs Committee after a unanimous vote by University Board of Trustees.

On Monday, the University Board of Trustees voted on a resolution to delegate authority to the Student Affairs Committee, which will hear any annual requests for fee increases, to approve mandatory Lauren Levine grills chicken at Campus Deli on Semple Street. fee increases for full-time and partColin van ‘t Veld | Staff Photographer time students. This responsibility

previously belonged to the Board of Trustees, which had final say over the University’s operating budget, including student fees. Chancellor Patrick Gallagher heads the Board which, “is responsible for advancing the purposes of the University; promoting and protecting its independence, academic freedom, and integrity; and enhancing and preserving its assets for the benefit of future generations of students and society at large,” according to the Board of Trustee’s website. The Student Affairs Committee members

include Pitt faculty, administrators and students.

Activity Fees of $160 per student annually funnel into the Student Activity Fund that the Student Government Board, from which the Board allocates funds to student groups.

The Wellness Fees, which pays for student health services, cost $210, the Computing and Network Services Fees cost $350 and the Security, Safety and Transportation Fees cost $180.

Fees

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February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com FROM PAGE 1

MEMO

FEES

Title IX, which states, “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance,” was first passed into law in 1972, and it ensures that victims of sexual assault are able to get the help they need.

Pitt currently offers students resources through the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education. SHARE is a resource for students who have experienced sexual harassment or assault and “provides counseling to victims of sexual assault, assists victims in obtaining medical care and offers support in all aspects of the recovery process,” according to its website.

Students can receive education about sexual harassment and assault and assistance with reporting instances of both.

Service did not say whether or not SHARE will make any changes in the near future as a result of the chancellor’s memo.

University spokesperson Ken Service said the resolution is a procedural change that does not determine whether or not the committee will increase mandatory fees this year.

The Student Affairs Committee must report to the Budget Committee, a committee that endorses the University’s operating budget ,to include fees in the budget. The Board of Trustees approved a $1.97 billion budget for the fiscal year last July.

Service said he does not know of any future fee increases, but pointed out that fees were increased in 2014. The Board raised the annual wellness fee from $170 to $210, hiking up the total full-time student fees to $900, according to the list of mandatory fees published by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

The resolution states that mandatory student fee increases are “based on the length of time since the last increase and the specific use for the increase.”

According to the Student Affairs Committee’s resolution, individual fees typically increase by $10 to $40 about every five years.

2009-2010 Academic Year

Total Fees $810

Student Activity Fee $160 Student Health Fee $170 Computing and Network Services Fee $300 Security, Safety and Transportation Fee $180

2014-2015 Academic Year

Total Fees $900

Student Activity Fee $160 Student Health Fee $210 Computing and Network Services Fee $350 Security, Safety and Transportation Fee $180 If history is any indication, then student fees are likely to climb. During the 2004-2005 school year, the total cost of mandatory student fees was $700, compared to the current $900 total.

T P N S U D O K U

“Student fees are raised to meet increased costs of the services provided,” University spokesperson John Fedele said in an email.

“And due care is taken to consider the effect that increased costs have on the student body.”

Today’s difficulty level: Hard Puzzles by Dailysudoku.com

February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com

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February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com

EDITORIAL

OPINIONS

Students: Consider value of internships before investing The excessive opportunity costs of interning — including time spent completing responsibilities, the risk of only performing grunt work and the expected lack of pay — already drive a wedge between high- and lowincome students. This chasm grows deeper, though, when another variable is thrown into the mix — the supposed competitive edge of international experience over domestic internships.

Studying abroad alone has lost popularity to interning abroad, the Washington Post recently reported. In the 2012-2013 school year, about 35,500 students participated in internships, internationally and domestically combined, according to the Institute of International Education. These internships start at around $3,500 for a six-week program .

Internship economy reinforces privilege and makes it seem as if

people paying thousands of dollars to work is normal. In a February 2014 Time article, David Lloyd, founder of The Intern Group — which has placed young adults from 80 countries in positions around the world — said that interning abroad “will build a young person’s contacts and context.” But isn’t this true of traveling to another city or state within your own country?

Automatically viewing international internships as more valuable than domestic internships creates a disparity between middle-class and upper-class students.

Just as studying abroad does not instantly equal cultural enlightenment and personal development, experiences interning abroad can turn into partying abroad and doing a bit of paper-pushing. An international internship can make a student into an experienced competitor, but some stu-

dents land at companies that are only interested in the guaranteed free labor — international interns, by law, must work for free. So, if there is an option to do research or real work interning in the U.S., versus grabbing coffees in France, students should consider working in their area before concluding they must leave the country.

This is a multifaceted compromise.

Employers should not put all stock into the face value of a unique geographical location. If two prospective employees have each interned at a business firm, they should be considered on similar platforms, regardless of location. If the student studying at a German firm simply observed others work, and the student interning in New York published findings or conducted their own research, the latter has better experience.

Most of the funds for study abroad

tuition go toward internship placement, which involves one-on-one time with each student, during which an adviser then acts as a matchmaker between the intern and companies.

It’s not always a perfect fit, and it can be more cost-effective to seek out an internship on your own than through a third-party program. Students who choose to intern abroad should vigorously examine the placement company’s reviews and history.

Looking into the value gained through an interning experience rather than the glamour of crossing the ocean is a great equalizer between students of all incomes. For this reason, students should be careful when choosing an internship, whether abroad or at home. Interning is costly no matter how you slice it, and it is important that you get your money’s worth.

COLUMN

Student athletes: Make the most of your education Rebecca Peters For The Pitt News

You wake up before the sun rises, get dressed and head to practice seven days a week. Monday through Friday, you leave your first practice to go to class, grab lunch and come back for your second practice. Two or three hours later, you head back for a class or two and then rush to film sessions or get to the training room for extra lifts. Then, it’s nine hours before you have to get up again, and you’ve yet to eat dinner or begin any of your assignments. Welcome to the life of a student athlete — a life that I chose to pursue through crosscountry and track.

Some student athletes think schools

force them to abandon their studies in pursuit of this athletic success, though.

On Jan. 22, two former student athletes at the University of North Carolina have sued the school, claiming their athletic endeavors deprived them of a “meaningful education,” according to Businessinsider.com. In the case of the UNC lawsuit, both former student athletes were female basketball players.

The defense in the UNC case provides reports of the times their basketball players spent practicing. Most that responded to the report said they practice 30 to 40 hours a week. However, athletes are only allowed to practice 20 hours per week, according to NCAA compliance standards. The lawsuit recognizes that the extra 20-plus hours

are considered voluntary. But, by saying these extra hours are “voluntary,” UNC coaches could get away with forcing their players to practice as much as 42 hours per week. If a student athlete missed one of these sessions for class or to complete an assignment, they could very well be out of their starting spot.

Through athletic scholarships, some student athletes can attain a higher level of education because of their athletic abilities, which is fantastic. These students are notably talented, athletically, and get recruited to revered schools where they have a chance to gain a deeper education than if they only applied based on academics. After a student athletes’ years of eligibility are finished, which typically run the four years time

needed to earn a degree and they — not so surprisingly — haven’t “made it” professionally, their education is there for them.

The chance of a female basketball player making it professionally is 0.9 percent, according to the NCAA. The decision to attend a university should involve some thought of what this student athlete will do after their collegiate athletic career is over. This deliberation is solely the student athlete’s responsibility. It is not the coach’s responsibility, or the parents’ or even the university’s.

According to CollegeParents.org, for every one credit, two hours of work per week per class outside of the class are

Peters

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February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com FROM PAGE 4

PETERS necessary to succeed. A full-time student has at least 12 credits, which totals to 24 hours of studying. Totaling time for practice, competition, proper sleep, eating and attending class, a student athlete has around three hours a week for school. The 21 hours missing for student athletes creates big problems for their GPAs, eligibility and, more importantly, their futures.

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Although the schedule is tough, depending on the university, student athletes receive academic and athletic benefits as a type of compensation for the time they have dedicated to their sport. At the University of North Carolina, student athletes can take advantage of priority scheduling, free tutoring, access and transportation to volunteering events, free university game admission and scholarships. There are coaches, tutors and advisers throwing opportunities to every student athlete. The student athlete can hit them or miss

E S T A B L I S HE D 1 9 1 0

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them, but it is ultimately their responsibility to put academics first and athletics second.

Importance placed on academics differs from school to school, but each student is responsible to make time for their school work, whether that means doing homework on bus rides or taking the minimal number of credits necessary. Athletic coaches are not responsible for making sure their athletes succeed off the field. The life of a student athlete is a life of balance for which only one person is responsible. I am

currently double-majoring, minoring in French and actively involved in five organizations, in addition to practicing every day and competing most weekends. Success on and off the field is not impossible, but it is difficult.

Student athletes deserve a “meaningful education,” but they should be held liable for making sure they receive it, just like any other student. Student athletes who fail to dedicate themselves should not blame the university for their failure.

Email Rebecca at rcp30@pitt.edu

Editorial Policies Single copies of The Pitt News are free and available at newsstands around campus. Additional copies can be purchased with permission of the editor in chief for $.50 each.

Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the students, faculty or University administration. Opinions expressed in columns,- car toons and letters are not necessarily those of The Pitt News. Any letter - in tended for publication must be addressed to the editor, be no more than 250 words and include the writer’s name, phone number and University affiliation, if any. Letters may be sent via e-mail to letters@pittnews.com. The Pitt News reserves the right to edit any and all letters. In the event of multiple replies to an issue, The Pitt News may print one letter that represents the majority of responses. Unsigned editorials are a majority opinion of the Editorial Board, listed to the left.

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Complaints concerning coverage by The Pitt News, after first being brought to the editors, may be referred to the Community Relations -Com mittee, Pitt News Advisory Board, c/o student media adviser, 435 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260.

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February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com

ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT

WRITING

How to publish a bestseller: faculty and students weigh in Britnee Meiser Staff Writer

Before a book can fly off the shelves, it usually has a long, methodical process to get there.

Every year, thousands of writers try their luck in the world of freelance by sending out manuscripts to publishers with hopes that they’ll land a writing gig.

The ugly truth at the end of the paper trail is that it’s really hard to get a work of fiction published — and even harder to publish something that will gain a large following and become a bestseller.

As a writer in college, the initial hump of publishing can be pretty discouraging.

Yet starting small and starting early when it comes to fiction writing often promises more uplifting results.

Aubrey Hirsch, author of the short story collection “Why We Never Talk About Sugar,” says it’s possible to sell short stories in college — speaking from experience.

“It’s a much easier path to master the short form [before trying to sell a novel] and gain an audience,” Hirsch, a visiting lecturer in Pitt’s writing department, said. “[Later], when you’re selling your manuscript, it’s helpful to say you already

have a following. You’re much more likely to get an agent.”

An agent isn’t necessary to publish your work on a smaller press — Hirsch didn’t have one when she published her collection with Braddock Avenue Books.

But, if you’re trying to submit to a larger publishing house, Seema Mahanian, editorial assistant at Pamela Dorman Books/ Viking, a branch of Penguin Random House, almost guarantees that a publisher won’t even consider work without an agent. “[To get published by a large press], be very realistic about what it is you’re writing,” Mahanian said in an email. “Know what it is so you can pitch it to agents accurately. Do research, find the right kind of agent for your book and, before sending it out, have as many people as possible read it. It’s all about editing and listening to feedback.”

College writers are often so focused on the dream of signing with a large press that they overlook other options that are more practical for new writers.

Freshman Rebecca Tasker took the DIY route with her collection of short stories and poems, “A Small Town Heart,” by self-publishing through Lulu.com. Lulu, along with other self-publishing sites

such as Siminars and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, have contributed to the boost in self-published works — the figure reached 391,000 in 2012, according to the book data company Bowker.

“I liked the flexibility of self-publishing and that I didn’t have to pay for an editor,” Tasker said. “I know that a small [press] could do basically the same [quality publishing work] I could — and I’d pay more.”

As much as Tasker recognizes the merit of self-publishing, though, she knows that doing so makes it harder to advertise and have success with her book.

Some writers might need the backing of a publishing house to get off the ground.

“It’s a combination of both luck and talent — and strong support in-house,” Mahanian said in an email. “No matter how talented the author is, there always is a little bit of luck involved in making a book a bestseller. There can be so many factors at play, [such as] timing and, of course, marketing.”

To succeed, Hirsch said to recognize the importance of timing with writing something that’s still culturally relevant.

“Keep an eye on the market — know what’s selling,” Hirsch said. “If you’re writing a book that hit its peak years ago, like [a plot that focuses on] zombies, you’re

going to have a hard time selling to a publisher.”

For most college writers looking to make a name for themselves, selling books to publishers isn’t a primary focus — it’s selling their first short story to magazines and journals to gain exposure.

Jeff Martin, winner of the Scott Turow Award for Fiction and author of the story “Children, Go Where I Send You,” stressed the importance of venue.

“Read the journal [that you’re submitting to] and get an idea of the journal’s sensibility,” Martin said. “Don’t send your punk record to a rap label. Journals have different requirements.”

But when publishers are considering a manuscript, Mahanian said the ultimate questions are “Is there an audience for this?” and “Will it sell?”

“For fiction, [we look for] the ability to tell a good story, the strength and quality of the author’s voice and, importantly, can it hold your attention for 80,000 words or more?” Mahanian said in an email. “It’s actually quite surprising how many manuscripts can’t do that. But when there’s something there, it’s easy to spot, and it’s a wonderful feeling to be reading a manuscript and know ... it will end up being an incredible book one day.”

TELEVISION

ʻTogethernessʼ a mostly satisfying new indie entry for HBO Dylan Gaper Staff Writer

Given its history with high-budget, “cinematic” programming, it’s surprising that HBO is now a hub for indie television shows.

The company’s newest venture, slotted nicely between its highly acclaimed “Girls” and somewhat lackluster show “Looking,” is “Togetherness,” a new original series from independent filmmakers and siblings Mark and Jay Duplass. Adding another

entry to the growing number of dramedies whose stories and indie sensibilities are firmly entrenched in real life, “Togetherness” follows the lives of Brett Pierson (Mark Duplass) and his wife Michelle (Melanie Lynskey). Their house gets a little crowded after they take in Michelle’s sister, Tina (Amanda Peet), and Brett’s longtime friend and failed actor, Alex (Steve Zissis).

At the beginning of the show, we find Brett and Michelle struggling to maintain the intimate connection they once had while juggling work and raising two kids.

But, surprisingly, Brett was more in need of a household change than Alex, who was recently evicted from his home. Alex is ready to give up on his acting dreams and move back in with his mother in Detroit until Brett pleads him to move in.

This, of course, is much to the dismay of Michelle, who is already battling feelings of claustrophobia in a house that demands her endless attention. And, as if two children weren’t enough, her emotionally fragile, yet buoyant, sister Tina moves in after a breakup. Perhaps in an

effort to combat (read: forget) her own problems, Tina decides to make a project out of Alex, whom she promises to turn into a leading man.

Shows like “Togetherness” work best by infusing familiar or identifiable scenarios with a comedic lightness and zeal — and there are times when the show operates quite effectively on this premise. Most of the show’s finer moments come in the interactions between its two

HBO

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February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com FROM PAGE 6

HBO

The Pitt News Crossword, 2/10/2015

most wholly conceived characters, Tina and Alex. Whether it be TPing Tina’s exboyfriend’s house or exercising to an “Insanity” DVD, the pair brings a vibrancy and smoothness to an otherwise uneven show that is often in conflict with its own premise.

For instance, Brett and Michelle’s nonexistent sex life provides some of the show’s more uncomfortable moments.

The two catch each other masturbating, and it makes for a scene far more clumsy and distressing than it is funny. Michelle, inspired by “Fifty Shades of Grey,” tries but fails to add some edge to their sexual proceedings by assuming the role of a femdom — only for the awkward scene to end prematurely before any progress in their sex life is made. The scene, in its attempt to add some lightness to a recognizable situation, floats away to a strange and notso-recognizable ether.

Fortunately, by the strength of its actors, much of the show keeps its feet plantACROSS 1 Thom __: shoe brand 5 Greek Zs 10 This, in Spain 14 Poi source 15 Motionless 16 Like spider webs 17 __ the Impaler: model for “Dracula” 18 One of a 1492 trio 19 Ritual flammable stack 20 They’re juiced in Jacksonville 23 Anteater’s sound in the comic “B.C.” 24 Mobster’s gal 25 Hawaiian wreath 26 Flood-control project 29 Garbage barge puller 31 Odorless gas 33 They’re baked in Boise 37 Disaster relief org.

38 Put the kibosh on 39 Exec’s “By yesterday!”

42 They’re boiled in Bangor 47 Sets aside for future use 49 __ and improved 50 Barnyard home 51 Suffix with transit 52 “Green __ and Ham” 55 Knock sharply 57 They’re shelled in Savannah 62 One-liner, e.g.

63 Make __: get rich 64 Dining table expansion piece 66 Degree recipient 67 Guts 68 Year-end clearance event 69 Office note 70 Deuce toppers 71 One-named Art Deco artist DOWN 1 Network that once employed VJs 2 Muscle prone to cramps

From left: Lynskey, Peet, Duplass and Zissis with the kids. HBO

2/23/15

By Kurt Krauss

3 Devastated Asian sea 4 Caffeinated pill 5 “Be quiet!”

6 Oklahoma city 7 Early brunch hr.

8 “Star Wars” droid, familiarly 9 Hollywood hopeful 10 “College Football Playoff” network 11 Crow’s-nest telescopes 12 Deep serving bowl 13 Infant’s bodysuit 21 __-Rooter 22 Voice above tenor 26 “What’s the __?”: “So what?”

27 Fruity cooler 28 “Li’l Abner” matriarch 30 Departed 32 Furnace output 34 Lukas of “Witness” 35 “Shop __ you drop” 36 Neural impulse conductor 40 Museum collection

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

©2015 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

41 Would-be social worker’s maj.

43 “__ your pardon” 44 NFLer who plays at the Meadowlands— in NJ, ironically 45 Scolds but good 46 Ugly duckling, as it turned out 47 Lumber mill blockage

2/23/15

48 Bump from which cactus spines grow 53 Xbox enthusiast 54 Cathedral topper 56 Throb 58 San __, Italy 59 Jealous feeling 60 Rip 61 Word after sea or before Lake 65 Doctor’s charge

7 ed firmly on the ground. Zissis creates one of the most interesting characters in recent television memory in his melancholy but likable Alex, and Peet’s Tina is equally compelling. Duplass is a joy to watch as the affable husband, and Lynskey manages to infuse as much angst into her character as possible without losing control.

Although it causes some unease with the viewer, awkwardness is a staple of these people’s lives. While Alex continues to struggle as an actor, Brett’s work as a sound guy in the movie industry also goes underappreciated. In addition to a stale sex-life, Michelle also struggles to find the kids a good school, and Tina gradually starts her own business. While they’ve all been residents of southern California for quite some time, they still resemble outsiders desperately searching for some solid footing.

The show may encounter some rough spots, but so do the lives of its characters.

In an era where the stories viewed on television resemble real life more and more, rough spots will be a familiar concept to its audience, who should enjoy empathising with such identifiable characters.

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February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com

SPORTS

BASEBALL

Play ball!

Pitt baseball hopes to improve in second year of ACC play going, pushing from behind instead of dragging from the back.”

While their 11-19 record suggests they In its second season in the competitive ACC, were overmatched in ACC play last season, Pitt baseball expects a major improvement Jordano and company stress that the bad after a disappointing 2013-2014 in which it record is somewhat misleading, citing seven failed to make the conference tournament. one-run losses in conference games.

Many problems still reside that need Still, the players understand that an infixing in order to make that leap, especially ability to finish games is not an adequate with a depleted pitching staff following the excuse for their disappointing season. loss of 2013-2014 players Matt Wother“I think it’s just execution. It’s one pitch, spoon, Joe Harvey and Luke Curtis to the one mistake and not dwelling on it,” MLB Draft.

Vazquez said. “If somebody Tacked on to the graduation boots a ball, you just need of slugger Casey Roche, the to be able to move departures of the three drafton instead of BOO VAZQUEZ T.J. ZEUCH ees create a big obstacle to dwelling on it OUTFIELD PITCHER improving in 2015. The and move on Panthers will need to to the next rely on younger pitchers pitching to ensure that the gaping hole instead of in the rotation is filled. letting it snow“It is a challenge with a question ball. I think that’s to pick up those innings,” head coach going to be the key to Joe Jordano said. “But we do feel confithis year.” dent that the pitching staff that we have asJordano echoed those comsembled will have the ability to keep icing ments, suggesting that in a confergames.” ference as competitive as the ACC, one The ACC is a conference composed of e n c e mistake can cost a team a game and, in powerful lineups, so the Panthers must pick s ch e d u l e turn, several spots in the standings. up some of the production lost from last against three Despite the optimism, the Panthers are season. upstart offenses in a team with many new faces and moving PHOTOS BY HEATHER TENNANT | A key front of the rotation starters is St. Louis, Ohio State parts that must acclimate quickly with the STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER T.J. Zeuch, a returning starter who made 15 and Kansas State down Vazquez tough early-season schedule. Pitt doesn’t appearances and nine starts his freshman in Port Charlotte, Fla. struggled from play a home game until March 10 against season, leading the team with a 2.75 ERA Despite the excitement surthe plate at times Niagara, and their long road trip includes in the process. rounding the pitching staff, Jordano last year, batting only stops against VCU and College World Series “Honestly, I think that’s tough for any preaches patience to Pitt fans expecting .246 after registering .300 runner-up Virginia. team when you lose your three weekend this team to gel from day one. plus averages in his first two sea“We’re anxious to get the season started guys to the graduation or the draft,” Zeuch “I really don’t know, nor do I care, to sons with Pitt. However, he still led to figure out exactly where we are at,” Jordasaid. “We’re doing our best and worked hard project the ceiling for this team,” Jordano the team with six home runs and 39 RBI’s. no said. “We work very hard to make certain in the offseason to try and get up to that said. “We certainly need to take it one game With another strong season, the senior our guys have a clear understanding of our level.” at a time. could raise his MLB draft stock, but his team- expectations and what we need to do every Standing at an intimidating 6-foot-7, Jordano went on to praise the team’s first mentality could push Pitt to a successful day to position ourselves to be successful.”

Zeuch looks to be a future ace of the staff. effort in practice, behind an intense con- 2015 offensive.

The new-look Panthers take the field for Assuming he can build off of a strong fresh- ditioning regimen put in place by strength “I’m just trying to be a leader and a team the first time this Friday against St. Louis man season, Pitt may replace the void in coach Brian Bert. guy,” Vazquez said. “I wanna get the team in Florida.

Mark Powell Staff Writer

their rotation sooner rather than later.

“Obviously everyone’s goal is to get to Omaha,” Zeuch said. “Personally I think our team goal should be to make the ACC tournament. Last year we fell short, and that was really a tough one to handle for myself.”

The beginning of the season will test the Panthers’ staff, as the team opens its noncon-

Offensively, Pitt is led by Boo Vazquez, who should once again consistently see time in the middle of the lineup, either at the outfielder or designated hitter spots.

Entering his senior season, Vazquez is the unquestioned centerpiece to Pitt’s offense, and the team expects him to compile another strong statistical year.

February 10, 2015 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com MEN’S BASKETBALL

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Big man in conference

JAMEL ARTIS 2 games 26 points per game Jamel Artis wins ACC Player of the week were the most individually scored by a Pitt Dan Sostek 8 rebounds per game player since 2009, when Sam Young also Assistant Sports Editor 32 in an NCAA tournament victory 3.5 assists per game For the first time this season, a Pitt men’s tallied over Oklahoma State. player has taken home an ACC Artis continued his surge on Saturday 3 steals per game basketball weekly honor. against the Orange, notching his first caSophomore forward Jamel Artis was reer double-double with 20 points and 10 7 consecutive games named ACC Player of the Week for his per- rebounds, while tallying three steals for the against Bryant and Syracuse. second consecutive contest. His late conas Pitt’s leading scorer formances As it’s Pitt’s second year in the confer- tested 3-pointer all but sealed the victory for ence, Artis is only the second Panther recognized as ACC Player of the Week. Lamar Patterson earned the honor three times during the 2013-2014 season.

He is the first sophomore Pitt player to earn a conference weekly award since Ashton Gibbs took home the Big East Player of the Week award in January of 2010.

Artis averaged 26 points, 8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3 steals over the two contests, including a career-high 32-point outburst on Monday against Bryant. The 32 points

JEFF AHEARN | ASSISTANT VISUAL EDITOR

the Panthers against their longtime rivals.

Artis has led the Panthers in scoring for seven consecutive games. The sophomore is averaging 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on the season, while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.

The Panthers and Artis will look to continue their recent run of success with a tough matchup on Wednesday when they travel to the KFC Yum! Center to take on the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals.