PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Who would have thought he would have this kind of impact? From the third game of the season until the 11th, Federiko Federiko totaled 15 points, 24 rebounds, one assist, three turnovers—that's 1.8 points, 3 rebounds a game.
As the competition increased, so did the level of his play. As he gained knowledge and comfortability, Federiko not only became a regular starter, but a big contributor.
"I think he understands what is required at this level," said Pitt head coach Jeff Capel. "Federiko did not get here until the end of August. Right away, everything was new-the speed, the physicality, the work—all of it was new. I think as we have gone on he's become more and more comfortable which normally makes you more confident. When you understand what you are doing, what is required and the work it takes to do that."
The results are not only shown in team wins, but his stats. Since game 11 at Vanderbilt he's scored in every game, nine of them with eight points or more. He had his first college double-double and was close five other times. In his last five games-40 points, 33 rebounds and 16 blocks.
"He plays with energy," Capel said. "He allows his actions to show. He is not a guy that talks a lot, but he's an incredible kid. He's smart, inquisitive, wants to learn, not afraid of work. He's been incredible invaluable in our program."
"Fede comes in every single day and works hard," said guard Nelly Cummings. "He works on the right stuff. Coaches put him in the right position to do the right things and Fede is going to do them."
While blocks are an obvious defensive stat, there are so many things he brings on that side of the ball. Capel listed some of them:
· We haven't had to double the post as much
· Does a really good job in ball screen defense
· He's able to show hard
· He's able to clean things up if guys get beat
· He's alert and active and gives good energy
"I think he's been as good a defender as there has been in this league, especially since conference play has started," Capel said. "I think he's done an outstanding job. We need for him to continue to do that. He's a guy that works. He's incredibly, incredibly low maintenance and he's just a joy to be around every day."
"It gives us a lot of confidence to just guard in general because we know he's always got our back," said forward Blake Hinson. "Good person to have on the team."
Last year Federiko played at a junior college in northern Oklahoma. The year before that he played at First Love Christian Academy in Washington, PA. Now he's becoming a defensive force in the ACC as just a sophomore.
"It takes a while, it normally does but when you have a work ethic like him, you are smart and low maintenance, it can happen quicker," Capel said. "We are fortunate that it's happened quicker for us. There are different levels that he can continue to get to after being with him now and working with him and seeing him. We want to continue to push him."
