Pelicans @ Pistons Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • March 25, 2024
Team Stats
(Pelicans @ Pistons)
Final Score: 114-101
Rebounds: 41-46
Assists: 27-20
Blocks: 7-5
Steals: 8-4
Turnovers: 10-16
Stat Leaders
(Pelicans/Pistons)
Scoring Leaders: Zion Williamson, 36; Malachi Flynn/Chimezie Metu, 17
Rebound Leaders: Trey Murphy III/Naji Marshall, 8; James Wiseman, 11
Assist Leaders: CJ McCollum, 7; Jaden Ivey/Malachi Flynn, 4
My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson
Takeaways
- Zion put on an absolute clinic. He was unstoppable, and no one from the Pistons could slow him down whatsoever.
- CJ McCollum picked up where he left off against the Heat, scoring 23 points and draining threes.
- Herb Jones better be first-team all-defense or we riot.
- Trey Murphy scored eight points, missing every three-pointer he took. He only is shooting deep threes for some reason instead of taking a dribble in closer to the three-point line. He can certainly hit those, but this is something he needs to tweak.
- The Clippers lost today, which means the Pelicans are only half a game back for the #4 seed.
- Join the Pelicans at home for the next six games as they take on some very good teams -- OKC, Milwaukee, & Boston.
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LB Zach Dresch 6-3/222 Cheshire, CT Dresch is a versatile two-way player who brings a blue-collar work ethic and athletic upside to the linebacker position. His decision to reclassify and transfer to Cheshire Academy for a post-grad year allowed him to face elevated competition in the NEPSAC, boosting his recruiting profile and leading to his commitment to Tulane in the American Athletic Conference. Dresch emerged as a mid-level three-star prospect after a strong senior campaign. His recruitment was relatively under-the-radar, but his film and production drew interest from Group of Five programs. Measurables Dresch possesses a college-ready frame with room to add mass without losing agility. He has long arms and good lower-body power, allowing him to explode through gaps and pursue plays sideline-to-sideline. His size and speed make him suitable for inside linebacker duties, with the versatility to align at outside linebacker or contribute on special teams. Scouting Report: Instincts and Play Diagnosis: Exceptional ability to read plays quickly, anticipate gaps, and flow to the ball. Tackling and Run Defense: A sure tackler who wraps up securely and drives through contact. He fights off blocks effectively, using strong hands and low pad level to disengage. Athleticism and Speed: Combines size with quick feet and burst, allowing him to make downfield plays and pursue from the edge to the boundary. Good change-of-direction ability for his frame. Versatility: Experience at tight end adds value; he has soft hands and can block in-line. On defense, he’s consistent in making plays and generating turnovers. Motor and Toughness: High-effort player who plays through the whistle. His 115 tackles in 2025 demonstrate his nose for the ball and durability. Intangibles: High-character athlete with leadership qualities, as evidenced by his transfer to challenge himself against better competition. Follow me on X for even more Green Wave content.

Edge
Reshad Sterling - Houston
Reshad Sterling fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 250-pound high-motor EDGE/DL with four-star pedigree, explosive point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power burst, heavy hands, dip-and-rip pass-rush nuance, and two-way versatility who immediately adds depth, competition (potential starter), and physicality to a revamped defensive line/EDGE room in their scheme.
He’s a redshirt freshman transfer from Houston (Big 12) who committed in January 2026, via the portal (entered early January). A four-star recruit (No. 11 player in Louisiana, top-50 nationally at EDGE) out of Lutcher HS (Lutcher, LA), he has four years of eligibility remaining (#51).
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s defense relies on active, violent EDGE rushers who can win with first-step quickness, heavy hands, redirection in pursuit, and a mix of power and bend off the edge, whether as a hand-down DE in 4-man fronts or hybrid roles. Sterling is a natural scheme fit as a classic four-man end or bandit.
• Pass-rush and disruptiveness: Highly active with point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power ability, heavy hands, inside counter, and dip-and-rip arc-running athleticism. Flashes sudden redirect and effort plays that combine with athleticism and technical awareness.
• Physicality and versatility: Two-way HS experience (DL + offensive tackle) shows toughness and football IQ; ideal for sustaining blocks in the run game while creating pressures. Coach Hall has raved about his intangibles and quick integration.
• Traits alignment: Self-described “beast” on the field with Micah Parsons-like traits (his sports hero); brings P4-caliber tools that were underutilized in limited Houston snaps. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X

