Yes, I’m the new Rodney Dangerfield… I get no respect.  I do understand that with an opinion/editorial Blog like The Pitt POV, sitting firmly outside the mainstream as we do here, isn’t considered a completely valid ‘media’ outlet   in the world of Pitt football but sometimes things rankle me (of all people Chris Dokish once responded to my disagreeing comment on his article with a “YOU HAVE NO CREDIBILITY!” answer).

I tend to listen to Chris Peak’s podcasts while I’m working out at the gym sometimes – it’s a good way to get a feel what other Pitt writers are thinking about different issues and it sometimes leads me in directions for articles – and last night I heard the below from him when he was discussing the start of Spring Drills and the 2018 offense (to paraphrase):

“No one thought that we’d see the QB problems coming that we had last season… No one thought Pickett would play… Fans were shell-shocked the offense played poorly, etc…”  

Well, that made me sit straight up and drop a bar bell on my foot.

This is what gets me because I know a lot of other media writers read the POV,  but hell guys – I was screaming all of that from the rooftops way before last season started.

I wrote that Max Browne wasn’t going to be a good QB even before the spring drills of last year; I wrote that DiNucci wouldn’t be a starter lunless Browne got hurt and finally, after I watched Pickett practice,  I wrote that he was by far the best QB on the roster.

And I wrote that our offense was going to suck because of the QB situation and putting a poor OL on the field.

So, yeah – someone did think all those things and even wrote about them. Oh well…

In a comment to yesterday’s article a reader wrote this:

Read the PSN write up on Jacob Gamble(OT Ventura CC) visit to Pitt tomorrow. Quite a story around him IMO. With the offer to the Lackawanna College OT today and the visit of Gamble tomorrow it would appear that Pitt is in a little “panic mode” in trying to shore up the OL numbers for next year with a couple of our senior OL graduating this year.

To which I responded yes – there is panic at Pitt about the OL for this season and next year.

What he was referring to is the recent spate of offers to JUCO and CC offensive lineman to step in and play as soon as they get on campus.  I’m not the only guy who thinks Pitt OL is going to be scary this season – Peak in a podcast addressed this same issue – which honestly got me thinking more in-depth about it.  In the podcast #320 linked above Peak begins talking about the OL and states “the OL is what concerns people the most this coming season…“.   That’s absolutly true – his OL bit starts at the 20:15 mark and I suggest you listen to it.

The current state of the offensive line sure does generate major concern especially with the coaching staff, and even given Peak’s tendency to downplay real problems on the Pitt football team (as all mainstream media do in PGH), you can tell he also thinks it’s pretty much crap at this point – which it truly is.

Here is what we most likely will have so far for the OL in Peak’s opinion and it sounds right to me:

LT – Chase Brown  (Drake possibly)

LG – Mike Herndon (moved back from defense) or Ford, Hargrove, Morgan…

Center – Jimmy Morrissey

Right Guard – Alex Bookser

Left Tackle – Stefano Millin (who isn’t in spring camp)

Not exactly Murder’s Row by any means and a starting lineup that has a re-converted defenseman, a transfer at LT, and JUCO transfer at RT and a walk-on Center… in other words  an OL that hasn’t been built by recruiting offensive linemen good enought to play D1 ball over the last four years – and that is a clear and present problem.

So that lack of talent has the staff in a panic mode six months before the season’s first game.  Really only Bookser has shown any quality play as Morrissey didn’t do all that well at Center last year…unless you caveat that with the fact that he was a just a walk-on so he did OK for one of those type players.  Which then leaves the fact that we were forced to play and start a walk-on rsFR at Center!  No wonder we sucked last year and folks and we truly did.

That is also why Pitt has reached out to Lackawanna Junior College OT Devon Davis an unranked player coming out of JUCO and OL Jacob Gamble, a JUCO player from QB Ricky Town’s old community college in Ventura, CA a couple of months ago:

”I’ve been talking with Pitt for the past two months and specifically Coach Salem for the past month. He’s telling me that they’re looking for some O-lineman and he loved my film. Hopefully, this visit will help build a connection and I can check out the team and see if there’s any interest

There is nothing on any of the three recruiting websites about these kids – completely under the radar. You know our new OL coach Dave Borbely has to be tearing his hair out right now.

We also are trying to get a jump on 2019 with an offer out to another Lackawanna OL Anthony Whigan.  All these moves are done because we have basically no good starting talent already in the OL pipeline and that is a real problem.

It isn’t as if Pitt is targeting and snatching shining gems out of the JUCO and CC ranks away from other pursuing schools and landing great transfers – these are run of the mill transfers, Stefano Millin included, who have to be brought in to replace the current offensive lineman who were recruited over the last four classes but are not D1 starting material.

Pitt Spring Football Media Coverage Links

March 26
Post-Gazette: How Pitt DB Maddox went from MLB to NFL draft hopeful
Panther-Lair: Harley on the linebackers

March 25
Tribune-Review: Pitt’s Wirginis ‘excited to be back’ after injury

March 23
Post-Gazette: Hamlin goes from ‘little kid’ to leader in Pitt secondary

March 22
Panther-Lair: Aston returns to role as the Swiss Army knife
Panther-Lair: Narduzzi on the safety competition and more
DKPittsburghSports.com: Safety, linebacker pivotal to Panthers’ defensive growth

March 21
WQAM Sports Radio Miami (audio): Partridge joins South Florida High School Sports Radio
Panther-Lair: Former Pitt players seek to honor Sutherland
Post-Gazette: Bad-luck Browne takes realistic approach to NFL hopes
Post-Gazette: Ryan Shazier scouts for Steelers at Pitt pro day
Panther-Lair: Powell on Aston, the running backs and more
Tribune-Review: Pitt’s Hamlin ready to finally make full impact
Tribune-Review: New Pitt DB coaches Collins, Sanders working well together
Tribune-Review: Pitt pro day could provide boost for Whitehead
The Pitt News: Pickett proves worth as rising Panthers star
DKPittsburghSports.com: Whitehead, Henderson brush off Combine on Pitt pro day

March 20
93.7 The Fan (audio): Pitt OL O’Neill Promises Preparation and Versatility to NFL Teams
Post-Gazette: Pitt football’s ‘Energy Bus’ and ‘Mr. Positive’ are back in pads
Tribune-Review: Carson Long leads group of Pitt lettermen working to honor legacy of Jock Sutherland
Tribune-Review: Pitt spring notebook: Coaches pleased with running backs, linebackers
Tribune-Review: Narduzzi ‘about as happy as you can be’ with Pitt’s first spring scrimmage
Tribune-Review: ‘The best feeling ever’ — Fullback Aston happy to be back healthy for Pitt
Panther-Lair: Narduzzi on energy, the linebackers and more
DKPittsburghSports.com: Aston, Tipton return to bolster offense

March 19
Panther-Lair: Hendrix keeps following his path

March 18
Panther-Lair: For Tipton, spring camp has been 8 months in the making

March17
Panther-Lair: Partridge on the DL and more

March 15
Tribune-Review: New defensive coordinator Bates assimilating in at Pitt
Tribune-Review: Pitt football notebook: WR Tipton works back into practice
Panther-Lair: Narduzzi ‘a little disappointed’ by the first day in pads
Panther-Lair (audio): Idowu on the Pitt linebackers
Post-Gazette: New defensive coordinator Bates is turning up the volume at Pitt practice
DKPittsburghSports.com: First chance to hit has Panthers all smiles
Pgh Sports Now: Pitt Practice Notebook, Sights and Sounds: March 15

March 13
WTAE-TV (video): Guy Junker one-on-one with Coach Narduzzi
Beaver County Times: Pitt corner Jackson to take on more responsibility in junior season
Panther-Lair: Bookser digs into new roles this spring
Panther-Lair: Bates’ first impressions
Panther-Lair: Narduzzi on the WRs, the OL and more
Tribune-Review: Pitt’s Bookser practices at right tackle, works on being leader
Tribune-Review: New Pitt OL coach Borbely ‘has lot left in the tank’ 4 decades into career
Tribune-Review: Narduzzi endorses new Pitt secondary coach, is eager to add pads to practice
Post-Gazette: Ford intrigue only grows through two days of Pitt camp
DKPittsburghSports.com: Secondary scoping out whole new world
Pgh Sports Now: Pitt moves elite talent Ford to cornerback
Pgh Sports Now: Pitt Practice Notebook, Sights and Sounds: March 13

March 12
Post-Gazette: Pitt’s spring camp opens with Pickett as the main reason for optimism
Post-Gazette: Paul Zeise: If Pickett can handle the pressure, Pitt could thrive
Post-Gazette: Five questions to ponder as Pitt football opens 2018 spring camp
Tribune-Review: Pickett starts spring drills as Pitt’s No. 1 quarterback
Tribune-Review: Pitt football notebook: New secondary coach Collins out for ‘effort, juice, enthusiasm’
Tribune-Review: Tipton, Aston practicing with Pitt after injury-plagued 2017
Tribune-Review: Pitt’s Ford happy to be practicing, OK with move to cornerback
Tribune-Review: Ah, spring! Footballs are in the air at Pitt
Panther-Lair: For Pickett, ‘business as usual’ means something different this spring
Panther-Lair: Narduzzi: ‘A good day overall’
Panther-Lair: Collins on the DBs, Ford and more
DKPittsburghSports.com: Spring football: Pickett, now Pitt’s No. 1 QB, takes command
Pgh Sports Now: Pickett QB1 from Day 1 for Pitt in 2018
Pgh Sports Now: Pitt Practice Notebook, Sights and Sounds: March 12
The Athletic: Bates, Pitt and Narduzzi: Together again for the first time

March 9
ESPN.com: Pitt looks poised for big strides this spring

KDKA 1020 (audio): Coach Narduzzi on the KDKA Morning News Show

March 7
93.7 The Fan (audio): Coach Narduzzi on The Fan Morning Show (part 1)
93.7 The Fan (audio): Coach Narduzzi on The Fan Morning Show (part 2)

Michaelangelo holds a degree in Travel Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a former staff writer for InPittsburgh Newsweekly, and currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a Pitt fan since 1997 after he witnessed Pitt upset #22 Miami on Thursday night at Pitt Stadium.

344 thoughts on “POV’s Bits & Pieces; 3/27/18”

  1. There is no reason to believe that the OL this year will be any better than last year, which was mostly a disappointment. I will reserve my judgement on the new OL coach …. but I bet that if you looked thru Jim Hueber’s resume, you may find a few down years (remember, OL performance is a function of coaching, talent as well the QB.)

    I would argue though that trying to recruit another JUCO OL is an act of desperation. If in their film studies of watching Chase Brown, if they thought this guy was a really good prospect, I would have no issue with them trying to recruit him.

    Like

  2. BTW, Jeff Goodman CBS Sports says that Schmidt wants to stay at St Bonaventure. Note that even if Pitt offered $2M, it would be a healthy pay raise ….. it would appear that the current situation at Pitt BB is a little too toxic for a number of candidates.

    Like

  3. Stop being so “negative”, Reed.

    I think our OL has a lot of “potential” and will be the key to a 9-10 win season and ACC Coastal Championship!

    Like

  4. here is the latest from Goodman .. sounds interesting. Maybe Schmidt was just covering his tracks

    Jeff Goodman@GoodmanESPN
    St. Bonaventure’s Mark Schmidt and Buffalo’s Nate Oats are both out of Pittsburgh search, sources told ESPN. Looks like the Panthers are closing in on another candidate.

    Like

  5. I think most of the panic concerning the O-Line is coming from the media. Not saying that unit will be great, good or otherwise but I think the younger players recruited there will be alright eventually. I really don’t get questioning bringing in players no matter where they are from. If the coaches think they can help, I’m all for it.

    Reed, if you would start recognizing that JC and transfer players are a part of recruiting you woul;n’t have such a problem. They are being recruited, thus the offer to play at PITT. and how are walk-on players such a big deal? It’s common place in today’s college football. ike

    Like

    1. Blaming the media is ridiculous. Having only two starters returning is a big problem.Filling this many holes with JUCO players is a big problem. Having so few upper classmen ready to go is a huge problem.

      We have been talking about this long before the media joined in.

      Like

      1. I agree unless you consider POV the media. At this time, there is little reason to believe that the OL will perform well. There is a chance that the light turns on for the young guys, however.

        Like

    2. Recruiting JC kids and adding walk-on’s for depth isn’t a big deal. But that’s no what we’re talking about here. When a program has to RELY on getting help from Lackawanna CC to build a STARTING OL because kids coming out of high school don’t want to come here, that’s not so “common place.”

      Here’s a list of OL transfers on ACC rosters.

      Clemson- 0
      Florida St.- 1
      Lousiville- 1
      Wake Forest- 0
      NC State- 0
      Boston College- 0
      Syracuse- 0

      Georgia Tech- 0
      Virgina Tech- 0
      Virginia- 0
      North Carolina- 0
      Miami- 0
      Duke- 0
      Pitt- 2

      Only TWO transfers are on the rosters of other ACC schools- and neither are on the 2-deep. Pit will have two STARTERS and looking to add more.

      But hey, no reason to panic.

      Like

      1. Using Jucos has worked for Kansas St for years. I get everyone’s concern but has worked for at least Kansas St. I’d be happy if we could replicate that formula.

        Like

  6. Unfortunately, a weak unit like this one is also prone to injury, especially with a schedule with so many big, strong, fast defensive linemen to go against week after week.We are going to see a lot of the young guys filling in with on the job training. Hopefully some of these JUCO players are respectable enough to keep our QB healthy.

    I do think we will have a real defense this year. Hopefully they are not the only ones on the field all day.

    Like

  7. Take it easy J, we get the sarcasm dripping from your comment. People walk around in different frames of mind with different points of view. POV .. My day is better for me if I’m not constantly ripping on a team that I root and have been rooting for, for a long long time. Whatever gets us through the day.

    Like

    1. I’m not “ripping” anyone. I’ve been rooting for Pitt for over 35 years myself.

      Ever hear the old expression, “Don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining.”? Well, the precipitation surrounding our OL recruiting smells a lot like asparagus. LOL

      Like

  8. Too many new starters on the line to be good at the beginning of the year. Maybe toward the end of the season they gel.

    Like

    1. Boberly’s 59 yo I believe and he’s coached these linemen to the NFL:

      Eugene Monroe at Virginia, Brad Badger and Nathan Marks at Stanford and Mark Fenton at Colorado are the guys listed in his Pitt bio according to Chris Peak.

      Anyone impressed? If Alex Trebec told me those four names and said who are they, I’d have said” Who are four guys that haven’t been in my kitchen.”

      Like

  9. I wasn’t blaming anybody. Suggesting that bringing in players from where-ever doesn’t equate to the PITT coaching staff as panicking. That is not an indication or indictment of any kind. Although the media sure thinks it is and when you post on the POV, believe it or not, you’ve become part of the media.

    Like

  11. I remember Gary Burley..wasn’t he a JUCO transfer. He was the first one I remember back in the Johnny Majors 1 tour of duty.

    Hopefully, Duzz and company step up to the plate and hit a couple of “homers” the next time the WPIAL produces a couple of 4 star O-lineman

    Like

    1. And so was Otah, but they were both highly touted and sot after guys coming in.

      These guys are far from that.

      Like

  12. Gonna be a long year with an inexperienced line and first year starter as QB. Maybe they gel by years end assuming Pickett isn’t killed and line injuries don’t mount. Can see anything better than 6 wins. Mediocrity once again. SOP.

    Like

  13. Reed, I stood in the parking lot prior to the opener against YSU, you looked me square in the eyes said you talked to some connections at USC and they all said Browne is not a division 1 qb. Than Browne went out and played like he wouldn’t start at Saint Francis or Robert Morris. I for one feel you have great credibility. Thank you for all the hard work you put in. You give all the facts with no fluff unlike all of the other people who cover Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Have to see in Fall camp if the Ol is a problem. Narduzzi made the change to fix the issues of recruiting, and development. Millen at LT will buy time here. He is very capable looking at his play vs Clemson. Bookser, the center and the JC transfer are in the mix as well. Pitt just has to have a decent OL this year. It will take time to bring that position up to the level needed to win. But for now Millen, Bookser, probably Herndon, provide some experience as grad transfer and seniors to be OK. Just need some of the rest like Drake, Warren, to come along.Pitt has injuries to O’Neill a Rt who had no mobility and a walk on center last year. Officer was a under performer and still could have beaten Syracuse, VTech away and was able to handle the NC ST DL which was really good. Beat Miami and I suspect the running game which is a priority with Hall, Ollison, Davis and Sibley can be very capable this year. The OL coaching was subpar as to development and hopefully that is fixed.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. The oline did not handle nd state we couldn’t run the ball at all it cost Pitt the game. 4 plays from the 1 against va tech yes it was dumb play calling but 4 plays from the 1 the oline couldn’t make one block. I’m scared guys throwing jucos and community college players at this will not fix the problem.

    Like

  19. Jeff Capel is a solid hire. Much better than Stallings.Not as good as Miller but I guess that was just pie in the sky for me. Capel checks all of the boxes IMHO. Pretty excited to see what he can do. Now, I just can’t wait to see how the realists on here feel about him.

    Like

  20. So Heather went to Disney world and PITT hired a bb coach while she was laying in the sun with her family.

    If this is the guy, I think it’s a good hire. Actually I think the best could do given the circumstances.

    Like

  21. Very nice hire. Heather does a better job while on “vacation” than Barnes every did in the office!

    Like

  23. an opinion from a national source

    Jason Jordan@JayJayUSATODAY
    Jeff Capel to Pitt is a grand slam for the Panthers.

    But, are you sitting down for this? Even Filliponi has nice things to say

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ok…maybe Filliponi has nice things to say BUT what about UPitt?

      Maybe Heather lured Capel with a 7 yr contract and free Fanta for life.

      Like

  25. I’ve been telling you guys to not get out of sorts until you hear the hire. It may not have been Hurley, but I would argue it’s better than most here was expecting.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. I pointed out above that Pitt is the only team in ACC relying on JUCOS/Transfers to start on their OL. Why is there no response from the “there’s no reason to panic”, “Narduzzi’s recruiting is fine”, “everybody signs JUCO’s” crowd?

    I’m a big fan of sarcasm and I agree with ike that personality and point of view will color our takes on specific issues but when people say things like “everyone’s doing it” and then statistics prove otherwise.. CRICKETS!

    Like

  29. So Clark is probably gone at TE as he has left the program for now. Pitt was OK vs NC St. Chubb really didn’t dominate vs O’Neill. If the reports and correct and Pitt has hired Capel, he has experience as a head coach at two programs and brings a recruiting know how that is most important. Pitt is behind the program being a winning program that fills the Pete and stops the cash drain. For Pitt at this point, this was as good as they can expect. Sometimes missing on your first choice turns out to be a blessing.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. CoreyEvans@coreyevans
    Jeff Capel it is for Pitt. Turned down a number of jobs in the past. Has become known as one of more vaunted recruiters in recent years. If they were going to hit the assistant coaching front for a head coach, couldn’t have done better than Capel

    Dan Wolken@DanWolken
    Pitt did pretty well

    Jon Rothstein@JonRothstein
    Give Pitt credit. No high-major head coach with a good situation was leaving for the 412. Panthers got the next best thing: A high-level assistant with massive pedigree.

    Paul Zeise@PaulZeise
    Capel will indeed be introduced as Pitt’s head coach tomorrow. I can’t imagine there will be any reasonable Pitt fan who doesn’t love this hire. Even the “Sean Miller or bust” crowd has to be satisfied with Capel. Lyke deserves a lot of credit.

    Like

  32. Drawback: his inability to keep Scottie Reynolds as a Sooner recruit led Reynolds to sign with Villanova. We know the rest. Damn you Capel! So we can say when he screws up he has been causing Pitt heartburn since 2009.

    Like

  33. What’s puzzling to me is Capel supposedly did some shady stuff at OU. If that’s true then why hire him and not Miller? This isn’t squeaky clean like I expected

    Like

    1. they were just talking about this on The Fan. They said Capel was not implicated, and that Heather having a compliance background, certainly vetted … likely with Fogler’s assistance

      Liked by 1 person

    2. JJ – he was not involved. The kid at Oklahoma – Tiny Gallon – accepted money ($3000) from a sports agent into a join account with his mom. Oklahoma investigated that and another matter involving an assistant. Capel was cleared, yet the program vacated 13 wins.

      I have contacts in the VCU athletic dept. They really like this guy.

      One reason they think he will do well at Pitt is he is great at team-building and can really help players develop over a 4 year period. He’s never going to be a guy who runs a one and done program like UK and even Duke to some extent.

      I saw firsthand what he did at VCU – he was my UR Spiders cross-town rival coach.

      Its a great hire for Pitt.

      I will admit to wondering if Lyke was up to the task before this news broke. She got rid of Rockports and hired a really good replacement. Perhaps some of us should cut her a break for a while.

      Like

  34. So do you think this is genuine or Coach K recommends his assistant to go coach at Pitt for awhile so when he retires Duke can replace Coach K with an active Head Coach? Where have I seen this before???

    Like

  39. The reality is the Pete is a major investment and Pitt needs fannies in the seats. If Capel can deliver and get the Pete rocking again and drives demand, Pitt will be in great shape in the major sports. Presser tomorrow and the boosters like the hire….all good.

    Like

  41. I think he’s a decent pick given the circumstances. He’s been a head coach. He’s still young. He played at Duke. He knows how to recruit the South. There is some scandal associated with him though but never implicated. I’d grade this pick as a solid B. Now lets see if he can hold the team together and get some transfers or recruits. Even if he uses Pitt like Chryst did, Pitt should be in a better position for the next hire and Heather wont be around to make it and take nearly 4 weeks to do it.

    Like

  44. IMO, this is how it’s done …

    Matthew Steinbrink@MattSteinbrink

    Capel is a very strong hire. Lyke and Fogler kept things extremely quiet and they got it done.

    Like

    1. If Capel hire would have leaked, Louisville may have been all over him…

      Instead, ville is going after a KY assistant.

      Like

    1. “Narduzzi did not rule out seeking a veteran graduate transfer tight end before the season begins, but he did downplay that possibility and expressed satisfaction with the composition of the tight end position group now.”

      Another panic grab will happen between now and August.

      Like

      1. Is it a panic grab if they think it is someone better than they have? I get that people are unhappy with the recruiting levels and I continue to believe that is more a function of the recruiting ground of Pitt’s backyard than the coaching staff being lousy but I could be wrong. I don’t get that trying to find someone better as some horrible embarrassing thing.

        Like

  46. I think 99% of the news out there was BS. Lyke stayed patient and searched long and hard for the right fit with experience. I like the hire. She did a great job.

    Sounds like the local media loves it so it will be a better news conference this time, LOL.

    Like

  47. You knew we weren’t going to touch Miller with a 10 foot pole (or an 8 foot Hungarian). And there was never any boosters waving many millions around, that is a fabricated Pitt wishful thinking myth…

    Like

  48. I will pretty proud of Pitt today. Heather got there in the end and that is all that matters. Even if she closed Jeff on the Harry Potter ride.

    I’m at a loss for a good nickname for him. Maybe in time.

    Like

  50. Guy knows how to recruit. Hopefully he’s learned how to coach better under Coach K. Once Griffin left OU, it got real bad real fast. Fans at OU dont have good memories of him based on how it ended. Ended so bad that he’s been a assistant for the past 8 years. But I think this change will do him good. He’s back East and back in the ACC. And I know the man can recruit and I’m hopeful he’s learned from his mistakes. Again, he had Coach K as his mentor for the past 8 years so he should do fine.

    Like

  51. Naw, Lots of other Dukies to take over, and Coach K will be around for awhile anyway. While he wasn’t my guy, I can live with this hire. If he can turn on some fans, keep the 4 or 5 kids that could somewhat play, and recruit another 4 that’d be great.
    Announced tomorrow at noon. Should be quite a different scene. 7 yrs. at ? per year. Wonder how much, I’d guess 2.3 to start.

    Like

    1. Any commentary on this Pitt FB team that includes Ben DiNucci’s name has to be taken with a large grain of salt. How up to date was this bird brain who wrote up that piece on his Pitt ACC prediction?

      Like

    2. Interesting that Pitt is picked #9 but plays #8, #10, #12, #13, and #14. Don’t lose to those guys and the year could be a good one.

      Like

  54. Yes the search firm was hired to lend experience and do the real background work here. Fogler is connected and keep in mind, those in the inner circle are invaluable in helping who to hire. Sonny Vaccaro told Pitt to hire Howland as a in the know guy. Credit Heather for understanding she needed to connect to the search firm that has info and expertise she doesn’t. This a Majors hire in the sense recruiting and being a little on the edge is what is required right now.

    Like

  55. FWIW … PSN, which hasn’t been the most reliable source as of late … writes that Brandin Knight may be coming in as an asst. (of course, this could be another Richie Walsh special)

    maybe it’s a long term plan for Knight to succeed Capel after he bolts for Duke in 2022

    Like

  56. Plan B! Duke only lost a few days ago. I’m feeling pretty good about waiting on Heather and staying patient. Still doesn’t make her the AD of the year in my eyes but she did prove the sky is falling crowd wrong.

    Like the avatar, it’s not always what it seems at first… ike

    Like

  59. Again, the conjecture here as if it’s fact is what just kills me..

    Here’s what we KNOW:

    Lyke fired Stallings;
    our search took 2 days less than three weeks;
    a number of bigger name coaches were hired elsewhere;
    Lyke hired Capel.

    Unless you have “connections” in the athletic department you don’t KNOW anything else. We don’t KNOW if Pitt targeted anyone else. We don’t KNOW if anyone else was offered the job. We don’t KNOW how much money was available to Lyke to offer as salary. We don’t KNOW if boosters offered money specifically for Miller.

    So, if you feel the need to say these things, is it too much to ask you to provide statistics, facts or sources? Every day posts on here say, “I think” or “I know” and then provide virtually no explanation as to why. When Reed says he believes something to be true he always follow up with a “why.” And that why consists of sources, quotes, statistics or first-hand knowledge of the situation. I read this blog to LEARN things about the program I can’t get elsewhere. People with no statistics, no facts and no sources are just as credible as the guy standing on the corner screaming about the end of days.

    I HOPE Capel succeeds. I want Capel to succeed. I haven’t seen enough to THINK he’ll succeed. And I’m certain I don’t KNOW if he’ll succeed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. “I HOPE Capel succeeds. I want Capel to succeed. I haven’t seen enough to THINK he’ll succeed. And I’m certain I don’t KNOW if he’ll succeed.”

      You can replace Capel’s name with any coach ever mentioned in this search.

      Like

    2. “a lot bigger names were hired elsewhere”?? … aside from Hurley, what big name was hired elsewhere? And don’t say Crean … Capel is a much better hire than for Pitt’s situation — not even close.

      Like

      1. Crean IS a BIGGER name. I didn’t say better. But if you don’t think Crean is a BIGGER name, you don’t watch basketball. Tubby Smith is a bigger name, too.

        I don’t like Crean and I’m glad we got Capel.

        Like

      2. IMO Capel is a bigger ‘name’ than Hurley. We should discount Hurley’s family name and just go with the individual. Capel has more experience and just as much success, and should recruit as well or better for an ACC team.

        Now, can he get any of those 5* guys to flip?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Capel is a much bigger name than Crean and Hurley – IMO.

          I would have kept my mouth shut for 24 hours if either of those other two were hired. Don’t lyke either one, never did.

          Happy to welcome Capel to Pitt with some positive noise.

          H2P!

          Like

    3. Jay, whats gone on these past two weeks and what you just commented on is what I’ve been saying. We didn’t know squat. Some thought they were funny without knowing what they were talking about. I wish you would have posted this sooner.

      Like

  60. Stop the talk of him returning to Duke. He can only do that if he turns the Pitt program around and is successful because their are tons of coach K guys floating around.

    Like

  61. Here are a couple of links discussing Capel’s termination from OU:
    http://newsok.com/article/3548674
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/625576-oklahoma-basketball-blake-griffin-is-wrong-jeff-capel-did-need-to-be-fired
    http://www.normantranscript.com/oklahoma-fires-men-s-basketball-coach-jeff-capel/article_a32b204f-1333-5cbf-9092-96e1df9eb3a2.html

    Basically, Capel did a great job of recruiting when he took over the helm. Several of those top prospects left early and he wasn’t able to find new recruits at those same high levels, so could not sustain his early success. After 2 losing seasons, he was fired.

    OU was found to have committed NCAA infractions during Capel’s time at OU, but those were blamed on one assistant coach and a single player (Keith “Tiny” Gallon). Basically, an assistant coach arranged a loan for a player’s mother to pay a remaining bill from the prep school he attended so they would release his transcript and he would be eligible to play. Arranging a loan for a player’s family, regardless of the use of proceeds, is obviously an NCAA violation.
    http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7220727/oklahoma-sooners-ncaa-finds-major-violations-men-basketball
    http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/ousportsextra/ncaa-disputes-tiny-gallon-s-comments/article_c9ede916-c33d-549a-9b52-af6612e107b2.html

    Capel was never implicated as being culpable, but you would assume he knew something about a problem in obtaining a newly recruited McDonald’s All-American’s transcript, so that the guy would be eligible. The assistant who arranged the loan, Oronde Taliaferro, took the blame and resigned. It appears the finance guy who set up the loan got busted by another employee at his office (TMZ originally broke this whole story):
    http://newsok.com/article/3462472

    OU had previously been in trouble due to violations committed by Kelvin Sampson prior to Capel taking over, but basically got a slap on the wrist (reduced recruiting visits for a year and forfeiting games in which Gallon played).

    Overall, Capel has 9 years of head coaching experience (4 at VCU & 5 at OU) in addition to 7 years as an assistant under Coach K at Duke. Let’s hope he was able to learn about sustaining success while at Duke to bolster his previous experience as a head coach.

    Like

      1. Bless you my son!

        I don’t just like it…I love it and don’t think Pitt could have done better. When Reed posted this morning, I was going to write some of the traits I wanted in Pitt’s next HC. I wanted someone who had been a HC, I wanted someone who was a great recruiter…I even wanted someone who had failed once. We got it all in Jeff and I am so proud that not a single person has brought up his race. I love that he’s a Steelers fan as I have been for 60 years.

        And I love Mrs. Fanta ….Heather. Hope she didn’t read this board while she was quietly and professionally conducting this search. Honest to God…if one more person had made up another story on her…geez!

        I’m not a big fan of the Flex offense as it takes great shooters from m the wings to make it work but only Duke runs it in the ACC and it’s hard to prepare for. Not Pitt will.

        So to all my Pitt brothers …rest easy…Jeff Capel is on th3 job! Hail to frickn Pitt!

        Like

  64. Let’s all pop the top of a cold frosty Fanta…” Cheers -Bottoms up !!! ”

    Chris Clark…what is up with him…………I know it’s a personnel matter.

    Liked by 1 person

  67. My guess is Clark saw the abilities of the young guys behind him. Otherwise with a shot at making the pros after this season why leave?

    Looks like I might hold on to my BBall tickets now.

    Like

    1. the article said for family and personal reasons. Given the situation, it would make sense …. but who knows? (he sure as heck can’t transfer anywhere else – at least in D1)

      Like

    2. gc, I’m also believing that Clark saw the writing on the wall with one(or more than one) of the 3 freshman TE’s recruited the previous passing him by at the position.—-I’m also quite pleased with Capel hire and expect to see Pitt playing at the Pete to a full house early next season. After the early games who knows how full?

      Like

  68. I love the fact he’s changed his Wiki page to say he is the head coach at Pittsburgh. Looks to me like he will hit the ground running( he better, considering how late it is). Will wife and kids move, hell, buy them a house on ?Beechwood Blvd and be done with it!
    What’s the opposite of a Zombie?

    Like

  69. Man mountain charles reeves lifted Clark 5 feet off the ground with one hand. That was it for chris.

    RT is where I’m worried on the OL. Millin should be okay. Bookser should be okay
    though he’s been inconsistent so maybe not. Morrissey played a lot better by the end of last year. He should be okay. Despite people insisting that he’s just physically overmatched and that’s that. So RT and one of the guard spots are the question marks and they look like huge question marks.

    Capel is an excellent hire if they give him the proper program budget.

    Like

  70. My god, PItt did something right with the basketball hire! We all seem to like it. When is the last time there has been a collective spirit of positivity from Panther nation?

    Like

    1. about 5 years ago I edited Sean Miller’s wiki page. It said as a ‘redshirt freshman’ he started at point guard …. I corrected the wording from ‘redshirt to ‘natural’ (he was never a redshirt freshman

      Like

  72. He has recruiting chops and his VCU and Oklahoma experience so he should have an idea on how how wants to run his PITT program. He got fired from OK so he knows what not to do…

    Like

  73. Clark didn’t leave because of talent behind him. He left because he felt slighted somehow…maybe Watson said he’d have to compete for a job and he felt that was an insult or something along those lines. He’s not the most stable kid as seen in his history.

    We didn’t recruit any TEs in ’15 and ’16 and that’s a problem.

    Reeves has to come up big, but again he’ll be the 6th OL to keep Pickett alive.

    Like

    1. I actually hope that is the case. The “family matters” makes one wonder if the family is going through something. That would be worse for the kid. Wish him well.

      Like

      1. Spring practice is the time to get things right or take care of “family matters”.

        Hoping the best for Chris Clark –

        Like

    2. Sear, Reeves and Carrigan were the 3 recruited TE’s that were freshman last season. Sear actually was the only one of the 3 that played a little last year and then I believe he was injured. The other two restarted and I believe Sear actually was jumping ahead of Clark in Spring practice. Of course it’s easy to jump ahead of anyone that doesn’t show up for practice for 5 days in a row.

      Like

  74. Spent the whole morning working and not distracted by the search and what happens? Pitt hires a coach!!! I think I would have been happy with it being anyone at this point but Capel seems like a good hire which is a double bonus. Yay Pitt.

    Like

  75. As I mentioned yesterday or the day before, he seems Capelble! Seven years is a long time for sure. I am more perplexed than ever on how Capel didn’t beat out Hurley, straight up. Not even close in my opinion. He did struggle however, in P5 Big12 conference over a 5 year period.

    I too would have preferred MIller.

    Wish him well. He needs to go save a few current members of the current team and get on Brandon Stone ASAP. At least he should get a fair shake out of the gate. Not sure if he sells any more tickets right away, but it will stop the bleeding. If he can bring in a top recruit quickly, ticket sales will increase….i think.

    Like

  76. Clark was as over-rated as Browne (no offense to Browne, he seemed like a great kid). I’m really glad he moved on, I hope he gets his act together for his own sake.

    Capel???????? Thanks goodness this is over! I can’t remember the last time the Pitt blogs were filled with so much positivity? Is this a precursor to Armageddon? Seriously though, I hope we continue with what appears to be- in hindsight- a solid process by Heather & Co. and get the right staff in behind Coach Capel. Kudos, H2P!

    Like

  77. ESPN lists their top 7 stories daily for all sports and #2 top story is “Pitt hires Duke assistant Capel as coach.” The Louisville hire of Mack did not make the top 7. Biggest resume red circle for Capel: started all 4 years as guard for Coach K at Duke; basically, Coach K’s brains on the court.

    Hail to Capel!
    Hail to Heather!
    Hail to Gallagher!
    Hail to Board of Trustees!
    HAIL TO PITT.

    “Dear old Pittsburgh, Alma Mater
    God preserve thee evermore. “

    Like

  78. Good news, or not .. depending on your perspective

    Craig Meyer@CraigMeyerPG
    Jared Wilson-Frame, Pitt’s leading scorer at 13 points per game last season, will remain with the program, according to a source. He had previously requested and been granted his release

    1:11 PM – Mar 27, 2018

    Like

    1. Craig Meyer@CraigMeyerPG

      Shamiel Stevenson announced on Instagram that he’ll be returning to Pitt.

      Like

      1. So will everyone else IMO….unless they think they aren’t good enough to get playing time.

        Like

  79. I hope the students and the Zoo are just as upbeat with this hire and I’m sure they are. Season ticket renewals will surely benefit as well.

    Wasn’t there a tall player from South America considering PITT? Stone could be a nice addition with some of the players sticking around under a coach that wants to get an offensive rebound. Hopefully JC, another one, will run actual plays on offense.

    Like

  80. Reed, Clark seems to be a head case. I wasn’t impressed with his “toughness.” Reeves steps up into the #1 spot, Tyler Sears brings attitude at #2 and Carrigan is on the roster and a big man. He could be learning 2 positions for all we know. I have no idea about his talent level. No significant experience but we shall see.

    Good choice in Capel. Hope he brings in some ace assistants to get excited about.

    Like

  81. Brian Batko@BrianBatko
    Jeff Capel in, Chris Clark out (at least for now) at Pitt. Truly hope Clark is OK given the tone of Pat Narduzzi’s comments today.

    Just like what most here feared about the BB coaching hire just earlier this morning … I wouldn’t rush to any judgement on Clark just yet

    Like

  82. Capel is married to the daughter of a popular long time former NC legislator Dan Blue. Jeff has deep Carolina ties but there is lot’s to love about the Burgh….We all need to get behind him and this program and stick with it come hell/hail or high water….

    Like

  83. Not so fast on Reeves moving in at TE as I think Tyler Sear may be the one moving in right now.

    Like

  85. from CBS Sports:

    “I am honored to be named the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball program,” Capel said in a statement. “Pitt has a great tradition of success and I look forward to putting together a staff and team that will enable us to build on that tradition. As a lifelong Steelers fan, I know Pittsburgh as the ‘City of Champions’ and our goal from day one will be to recruit, coach and develop champions on the court, in the classroom and in the community.”

    Like

    1. and note the wording in last paragraph from Heather … from the same CBS story …

      “Coach Capel is a high-energy leader committed to being a part of our university and the city of Pittsburgh,” athletic director Heather Lyke said in a statement. “He has a tremendous basketball pedigree and a strong track record of recruiting, developing and mentoring high-quality student-athletes. His relentless work ethic, passion for the game and clear vision of how to build a program capable of competing at the highest levels in the ACC and on the national stage are impressive.

      “I look forward to our student-athletes, fans, donors and the Oakland Zoo getting to know Coach Capel and his family and watching this program flourish under his direction.”

      Like

    2. Love the lifelong Steeler fan comment. Both Stevenson and Wilson Frame have already announced they will be staying. Carr and Stewart were getting some very high profile programs reaching out to them but I think they would have to sit out a year if they go? I would be happy if both came back too.

      Like

  86. lets hope he takes advantage of all this nice stuff and positive vibes because it doesnt last long in Pittsburgh.

    Like

    1. He’ll get at least 2-3 years to put out this dumpster fire though, even for the toughest fan. His recruiting early will tell a lot though.

      Like

  87. Well, last night I stated that the passengers on the Titanic had more hope than us Pitt fans…..
    and low and behold, we missed the iceberg and Captain Heather steered us to safety with this Coach Capel hire.
    WELCOME COACH COPEL – WE ARE VERY GLAD TO HAVE YOU AS A PART OF OUR PITT FAMILY!!!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Woops….this link:

        Like

  89. Best part of the article…

    “Like the day my dad took an 18-year-old kid out to lunch — a kid who didn’t know a good thing when he had it — and taught him that sometimes … you just shut the f*** up. Sometimes … you just stop complaining. And, man: Sometimes, you just play.”

    Like

  90. “My guess is Clark saw the abilities of the young guys behind him. ”

    Now Ike, this wasn’t you but it’s exactly what I mean. What is this statement based on? Maybe that IS why he’s leaving. Maybe it isn’t. But, if you notice this statement isn’t proceeded or followed by quotes from a coach or teammates– or ANY other piece of information. Just a random statement.. based on what????

    People on here just say anything they want for any reason with ZERO supporting information. It’s simply mind numbing. So, for my final POV comment let me say this..

    “I’m pretty sure that Goofy, Donald and Pluto were on the search firm and that’s why Lyke was in Florida. In fact, it was probably Jeff Capel’s connection to Orlando’s Gatorland that sealed the deal. I fully expect our newest top-secret donor, Vladimir Putin, has authorized a $4M salary and will be our top European recruiter… and we will win 9 games and the ACC Coastal in 2018.”

    https://giphy.com/gifs/15BuyagtKucHm

    Like

  93. Reed you were right on last year regarding the QB’s hopefully just as wrong on ol’s this year but afraid you’re right. The other media types blew it on qb’s and just covering their butts. Like the BB hire. One thing he scouted and watched this team so will know which ones to keep.

    Like

  95. “My lifelong journey around the game of basketball has taught me to surround yourself with great people that you believe in,” Capel said in the Pitt release. “My meetings with Director of Athletics Heather Lyke and Chancellor (Patrick) Gallagher made a huge impact in the decision process. I was thoroughly impressed with their vision for the University of Pittsburgh, the athletic department and our program. I look forward to building outstanding relationships with the leadership team at Pitt as well as with the numerous individuals who will help shape our program.”

    Liked by 1 person

  96. I have no idea how successful he will be as our coach, but his success as a son and as what sounds like a very decent human being is profound. My gosh, what a great read.

    Like

  98. Coach K on Capel going to Pitt:

    “Pittsburgh just made an amazing hire to lead its men’s basketball program. Having come from a proud basketball family, Jeff Capel is one of the most dynamic coaches in the country. He possesses championship-level experience as both a head and assistant coach, as well as distinct knowledge of the Atlantic Coast Conference that will benefit Pitt immediately. On a personal note, I want to thank Jeff for being directly by my side for the past seven years and completely committed to our mission at Duke and with USA Basketball. His insight, passion for the game, relationships with our players, and most importantly, his friendship have meant the world to me and my family. Jeff, Kanika and their wonderful children Cameron, Sydney and Elijah will represent the University of Pittsburgh at the highest level and with the utmost class and integrity.”

    – Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University and former USA Basketball Head Coach

    Like

  99. JC – Nothing but Net!

    This is exactly the type of hire the BB team needed…this is how I should have felt 2 years ago… Pitt is back on the right track with this hire.

    Will take several years to get back to being competitive in ACC men’s hoops…but hey, just about that time frame is when Jeff should have Pitt competitive again – Roy and Mike and Jim will probably be on their last legs…IMO the timing will be perfect for Pitt and Coach Capel to rise to the top.

    He will have my support – we will be buying season tickets again next year.

    Let’s make some positive noise for him tomorrow…

    Good job Ms. Lykes.

    H2P

    Like

    1. Yea agree Pitt should have hire Capel instead of Otis 2 years ago, we’d be $10 mil richer and probably have some excellent recruits and freshmen now.

      Like

  100. This should be a better hire than Hurley, as Capel has actually gotten a team to the Elite 8, has won at both spots he was HC AND is a known commodity as a RECRUITER in the ACC’s predominant footprint.

    Funny that none of the media boobs that I read….even had Capel on any of their lists. And this is what these
    boobs do of a living. The Sports boobs are just as bad as the Fake News ones.

    Good Hire Heather ! H2P

    VeV

    Like

  101. Love this hire. Very impressed by the story about his dad. After a 1 year hiatus I just called Pitt to reserve my season tix for next year.

    Hail to Pitt!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Including coach K

      Like

  103. Fantastic hire!!
    We have to give Coach Capel 2 full years of recruiting before we can make a judgement as to where we will be going.
    The cupboard is bare with very little talent, however, Coach Capel is extremely knowledgeable about the
    ACC recruiting territory and I firmly believe that he is the anti-Stallings!!!

    Like

  104. Noon tomorrow the Capel era officially begins…

    Like

  105. So do all the realists think that Lyke did a good job here? I sure do.

    All the negativity over the last 2.5 weeks for NOTHING. That jerk from coaching changes on Twitter looks like a genius now.

    I’m really excited to see what Capel can do with this squad. When he makes a mistake, will we say that Pitt was Handi Capeled by one of his decisions?

    Like

  106. I posted Pitt may have their coach Monday. Heather sealed the deal yesterday as Capel felt comfortable with the commitment he was given. I said Pitt needed a Johnny Majors type hire here. Great recruiter and coach who will have the pride and enthusiasm needed to turn the program around. He checked the boxes as did Hurley. But sometimes the best hire is not the first priority. He is a better fit for Pitt as his ACC experience will prove invaluable. Plus he has recruited elite players and know what that entails. Duke had the top classes 4 out of the last 5 years as the top recruiter. He will sell him, the program and Pitt and the ACC. Look forward to major happenings.

    Like

  107. Check this out.

    “The Blue Devils have landed the No. 1 class in the country in four of the past five seasons, with Capel the top recruiter on staff”

    Capel recruits kids who can play immediately and be stars. That is what he is known for.

    Like

  108. I’m sure the 2 Syracuse boobs in the Pgh. sports media are not gonna like Jeff Capel as Pitt’s HC.

    We’re going to start actually getting better players than them !!

    Like

  109. Capel has targeted many players in the Jersey and NYC area. I dont see why Pitt cant recruit these kids to play in the ACC. Are they all waiting for a scholie to St Johns?

    Theres no reason to think Pitt cant recruit players in DC, Philly and NYC. Plenty of talent there.

    What hamstrung Pitt over the years has been the inability to recruit. I’d take a great recruiter over a great coach any day.

    Like

    1. Capel has deep ties in the AAU circuit according to people like Seth Greenberg. And that’s what you have to have, to be successful recruiting and he also said, Capel has a personality, where nobody he
      meets is a stranger. So he has the ‘gift of gab’. 🙂

      This is gonna be good !

      Like

  111. Here’s transfer player coach Capel..

    Like

  112. Recruiting and hiring assistants will keep Pitt blogs busy for the next couple months on this Capel story. Narduzzi better open up practices, etc. or he could become story #2 at Pitt through July.

    Like

  113. Haven’t seen this anywhere…..but I’m wondering if Coach K….reached out to Pitt in some manner.

    Like

    1. I wondered that too….he really is a guy who wants the ACC on top and hated to see Pitt stay a dumpster fire.

      Like

    2. I’m thinking he did. Now is it because he knows Pitt can teach what Capel needs to know before taking over once Coach K retires? We’ll know in about 4 years.

      Like

  114. I may be a giddy right now but I’m more excited by this hire than if we got Miller, of course because of the FBI stuff. Pitt’s reputation stays stellar too. Can’t wait to see who he hires and recruits over the next 6 weeks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You know what’s exciting is : Duke has to pretty much do a rebuild every year, so Capel is use to recruiting that way. From 247 sports:

      At Duke, Capel built the reputation as arguably the best recruiter in the country and was instrumental in the recruitments of, to name a few, Zion Williamson, Harry Giles, Jabari Parker and Tyus and Tre Jones. The Blue Devils have signed three straight No. 1 classes.

      Liked by 1 person

  115. Does anyone know offhand what his offensive or defensive philosophy is? Not Dukes, but his? Like to know what he prefers to run, system guy or adopting to talent?

    Like

  116. Can’t post the link for some reason, but reading over some of the Duke message boards/forums….they are all pretty much in a state of shock. They seriously don’t like losing Capel. Especially to another ACC school.

    Like

  118. Good to see all the positive reactions to this hire, Excellent recruiter, previous HC experience, knows the ACC, comes from MBB royalty. Given time I think he and the team will be forces to be reckoned with. I think we lucked out with Hurley going to UCONN and getting an up and comer.

    Like

    2. Agree Larry, however Capel actually has more experience than Hurley as a HC and has reached an Elite 8 and is a KNOWN commodity as a recruiter, moreso than Hurley.

      So he’s much more than an Up & Comer. He’s been Coach K’s right hand man and Chief Recruiter and
      a somewhat successful HC before for 9 seasons and he’s still only 43.

      Like

      1. Even more reasons to like the hire. Now just to have the patience to let him and the program grow…

        Like

  119. All I have to say is poor Narduzzi now with Heather and the basketball program off the hook. In case you missed it. Yeah, Heather from zero to hero.

    Like

  120. Thank you HL and your enablers at Pitt for getting this done.

    You have given me the ability to never post about and even think of our last disastrous AD….whatever his name was…

    I think I may have my daughter reopen her mind for college decision as we navigate the next few weeks…this is one less reason not to choose Pitt!!! 🙂

    H2P!!!
    H2JC!!!

    Like

    1. As much as I would like to see that happen, I think it sends a bad signal to future coaching candidates. Hopefully they can negotiate a smaller buyout.

      Like

  122. Please folks keep in mind recruiting to Pitt in BB is far different than recruiting to Duke. I’m excited with this Capel hiring but i fully realize he’s got his work cut out for him when it comes to recruiting the same individuals that he was recruiting to Duke.

    Like

  123. Wow, ?That was quick. One less thing hanging over our heads. I’m really,really, scared, did we,actually do something right? Reverse the curse!!

    Like

  124. You know what also is really great about this is:

    Our new HC is an ACC guy. Everyone else mentioned was NOT.

    And we really needed an ACC guy, that has major recruiting ties and much success in the ACC.

    PITT finally realized we are in the ACC, not the BigJoke or the BIgEast.

    Like

  126. It took Heather to realize what needed done when only a few on the POV held judgement. To think of all the fun she was made of and the doubts. I didn’t predict a winner hire like Capel, I just needed to see with my own eyes. She passed.

    Yes I’m rubbing it in…….. Heather 2 Upitt 0

    Like

  128. Ike, settle down, she did her job. We were just so jaded by Barnes andStallings that we were gun shy. She did her job and did it well.

    Like

  129. No I won’t Joe. Everyone is right until they are wrong and then silence. You guys did a number on her for two weeks. You should have settled down Joe. Now you try and tell me I’m over reacting. lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are a 5 year old sometimes. She did the job she is paid to do! The problem is the bar is so low when she or Pitt performs like other schools we can’t believe it. I agree with Joe wholeheartedly. This Heather vs. Upitt is ludicrous. Fanta Debacle gets me 2 points anyway. Haha

      Like

      1. Upitt, You’re a fake and a phoney. You made this about you and Heather not me. The 4th grade name calling and bullschitt you made up out of nowhere is for people who need therapy. Get over being benched 15 years ago…. ike

        Like

        1. I was never benched. I started as a sophomore and got injured and had 2 shoulder surgeries if you listened.

          You are in your 60’s acting tough on a message board.

          I work for a living and said I was happy with the hire. I get off work 30 mins ago and all I see is you typing about me being wrong and Heather is awesome and 0-2. Seriously go get a job or donate your time. Don’t respond I’m seriously done with you Yinzer Pappy.

          Like

  131. I’m pretty sure if Ike were keeping score and rubbing it in, he would have listed several more names than just Upitt’s.

    Well, I do think he is keeping score…

    Like

  132. Ike, she. did. her. job. We have had such poor ADs for so long that we were used to total incompetence. The PR handling of the firing and initial search were more of the same,right or wrong? She rallied magnificently. We shouldn’t be doing victory laps for that. She deserved to be slammed for part one, she deserves to be praised for part two. Upitt was right on the first, you on the second, win/win. Everyone should be happy.

    Like

  133. There’s no reason why Pitt can’t become a place where one and done’s want to come.

    We’ve had those type of players in the past. Steven Adams comes to mind. DeJuan Blair could
    have left after one year but decided to stay another year. Dante Taylor and Khem Birch were 5 star
    recruits. Now they didn’t work out, but they were 5 stars.

    Had one & dones been around in the 1980’s, Charles Smith, Jerome Lane and Brian Shorter all would
    have met that designation.

    So it can be done, and what’s not to like about an urban school if you play bball.

    Like

    1. Also, grad transfers can be one and done diamonds in the rough.

      Xavier has a grad transfer who has 2 years of eligibility – averaged 17.5 points and 9 rebounds per game.

      Like

  134. No Upitt was wrong in calling Heather a puppet with no guts to fire Stallings, that’s 0 for 2 … and the jokes told about her yesterday, one day ago, were childish and completely out of line and wrong by many of you. If I have to hear how right some of you are at times, I take it upon myself to draw attention when you guys are wrong and unwilling to say it.

    So we all move on in a better place.

    Like

    1. Who was wrong?

      Reed was a bit wrong in guaranteeing we would get a coach under 35 who would be an assistant without head coaching experience. No problem Reed. Keep warming up. Hopefully you still have some eligibility left and can man the 4 position this fall as a preferred walk-on for the hoops team.

      Noone was wrong about the AD. Hurley is not a better get than Capel and I think that is why you see the excitement. I wouldn’t think we only had one “official offer”. That is a misnomer and not how negotiations work. Salaries are usually bracketed as in our budget for the position pays anywhere from 2.1M -$2.7M. If the other side says I’m not interested in that number, is that considered an offer? Contracts law says no, but negotiation law says you don’t talk money until you are comfortable with a potential hire.

      And let’s be clear, the AD is still in over her head. She didn’t stand up to donors or BoT, Legal did. If she is relying on a third party to make a hire, it means she isn’t comfortable making big decisions. I wish I could ask my boss if i could hire a vendor to make decisions for me and blame them if it goes wrong. We will see how it plays out. I hope Capel wins big. I hope we fill the Pete and become profitable. But more than anything I want to win an ACC title in something major before I die.

      Like

      1. Totally wrong. Can’t say she is over her head. You have no idea what went on between donors, BOT and Lyke. I call BS.

        Like

        1. So do you think that Hurley was better than Capel? Be serious? Capel is a much better higher, yet she offered the Hurley. That is the first thing that what went on after Crean was referred by Fogler and the Matta practice interview. Try to say “nobody knew for sure” is garbage. So let’s stick with the facts on this.

          We are in a much better place with Capel. Her 2nd or 3rd choice was better than her first and probable second miss. Just call it what it is and move on. It’s a real solid hire.

          What will be more critical at some point will be the buyout and whether he can leave for certain programs without a claw back. The details are important here. In the interim, let’s hope coach K stays healthy and at Duke for awhile more.

          I would love for one of the media talking heads to ask that question about the contract. Transparency will be great, so everyone knows.

          Like

          1. I think both Hurley and Capel would be a good hire. I don’t see one as better than the other. Only time will tell.

            ….and nobody but Lyke knows for sure who was offered, who was interviewed.

            Like

      1. Sure, Ike is a spiritual being but he is hardly on the same level as the ultimate devine entity. So I would appreciate it Upitt, if you would refrain from referring to him as God, even in jest.

        Like

  135. Curtis Aiken was the first real big out of town recruit to come to PITT then went over the top with the big class including Gore, Smith and a few others.

    Like

  136. You remind me of a old friend. Would argue all night, couldn’t admit there were two points of view that could both be correct. As he would go into his house he’d say “goodnight, I win another one.” He is now the governor of Ohio.

    Like

    1. Joe, I really want to move on here. I’m not saying being negative or even having doubts about Heather as an example is a bad thing. I wasn’t a big fan of her hire…. but I believe in giving people a chance and then judging with an educated opinion. You guys can do and say what you want. Why can’t I? You remind me on one of my sons who never admits when he’s wrong.

      BTW, I like John Kasich and he probably was right. ike

      You All You Got
      You All Need More
      🙂 🙂

      Like

      1. Heather is like a broken clock. She can be right twice a day. So that Heather scorecard of 2-0 doesnt mean much.

        I still think she is in way over her head for the responsibilities of running an ACC program. Her 3 weeks of a PR nightmare and being spurned by Hurley doesnt suddenly go away with the hiring of a coach supported by 95% of Pitt fans.

        I judge an AD based on hires, fundraising, financial health of the program and building brand equity. This was her first major hire. Time will tell. I have not heard of any significant donations coming Pitt’s way so a rainmaker she is not, the health of the program was severely hurt by the revenue shortfalls in the basketball program (but the cause is now gone), and branding is to be determined but I’m not confident given the PR mess, yellow seats and Fantas (ESPN headlines), and no generation of excitement/marketing for the Spring Game…elite schools get 80,000 to attend and Pitt will be lucky to have 8,000.

        I can only hope Pitt gets their act together but history says otherwise.

        Like

  138. Well I am looking forward to a much more positive vibe on the POV. I did ask you all to be calm until the hiring was done. Hey, for once I knew what I was talking about! Ike too!

    Like

  139. Upitt – Time to lighten up a bit on Heather? Appears she wasn’t quite the puppet we thought she might be. Had to fend off Miller from alumni and still convince them to give her money for Capel and to finish off the buyout … which happened, as well.

    Reed – I’m sure a great article but TL;DR … WE GOT A NEW BASKETBALL COACH THAT EVERYONE LOVES!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  141. The KEY for us to all get along is to not hold grudges against each other and fully understand that Reed gave us the POV as a gift for all of us to freely share our hair-brain ideas. While we will not agree all the time – we certainly can respect each others crazy views all the time! (Just another hair-brain idea). :>)

    Like

  142. Miller was a non starter/ Hurley was Ok with the boosters and the AD went after him armed with a nice offer. Hurley declined. She moved on to other candidates including Oats who asked for way to much from coaching Buffalo in the Mac. One side issue was the AD controlled the process for the most part and the boosters were in line on her terms. The process of using the search firm that is basketball insiders and making the commitment to Capel on the support and money behind him was big as well.

    Like

  143. Love Coach Capel!

    And he was hired less than 48 hours after he was available. Not that anyone is keeping track.

    I thought the most important think was to get an ace recruiter – and it sounds like we did.

    Pitt’s recruiting credibility just went way the he11 up in places like Philly, NYC, Atlanta, DC, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit…

    I happen to think it is a huge bonus that our new coach is a black man. Makes a ton of sense for our northern, urban University, IMHO…

    Hats off to HEATHER for a job well done.

    Like

  144. Reed — On FB, appreciate the podcast, but I sure hope you have reason to be a bit more optimistic after the spring game than you are now…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. It’s not just meMajors…read and listen to the media types who can actually speaks their feelings without blowback… The worry is a constant, especially with the OL, RBs, DBs and now TEs.

      Although I don’t think losing Clark at TE is a big deal at all as he never did anything and I knew he never would. I’m just surprised he lasted as long as he did I thought he’d back off mid-season or even in Fall Camp last year.

      I think almost any tight end on the roster could play as well as he did and we have Charles Reeves coming up who looks like he might be a good one. But really it’s the running backs any ol that are the key concerns for offense this year.

      Like

  145. Sigh……cortisol draining from body….anxiety dissipating…pride for Pitt skyrocketing…excitement for the future back again.

    Can’t wait to see this guy get to work!

    Like

  146. Oh and I TOTALLY forgot one REALLY IMPORTANT thing.

    All the naysaying negative nancy S–t on P–t writers at ESPN, the PG and Tribune can GO TO HELL.

    Don’t go acting now like you want to rejoin the bus….we don’t want you.

    Liked by 1 person

  147. I think today’s BB hire was also a win for the football team. Hopefully Coach Duzz doesn’t have to avoid taking FB recruits to the Pete, like he did this BB season…

    The atmosphere at the Pete should be a positive not a negative…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good point MM. I’ll bet the Nard Dog cringed every time he took prospects to the Pete last year.

      Like

  148. Before we appoint him savior, Capel needs to prove that he can recruit and coach at Pitt. Recruiting at Pitt is a far more difficult sell than Duke. Capel’s last coaching job at OU (8 years ago) did not end well. You wont hear many OU fans singing his praises.

    But he’s been under the tutelage of Coach K as his top assistant so I’m sure he’s learned something. He seems to be the right coach at this moment. His personality and energy should serve him well. Evidently he wanted to interview for the Pitt job back in 2016 per Zeise.

    Heather deserves credit for this final call but she also deserves the blame for 3 weeks of a PR mess. This is her first major hire. Her legacy will be defined by it.

    Like

      1. The next positive thing that tx posts will be the first. Turn that frown upside down and put on a happy face tx!

        Like

      2. I second that. Yikes. You do know that Coach Capel was still coaching 48 hours ago… What was HL supposed to do – telegraph that Pitt was interested in Jeff Capel as their second or third or fourth choice?

        And many, if not most, think he’s a better hire than anyone but the totally tarnished Sean Miller.

        And I don’t think anyone was appointing him Savior – just a damn excellent hire for Pitt under the circumstances, really, under any circumstances.

        Go Pitt

        Like

        1. All I’m saying is temper your enthusiasm. He hasnt coached in 8 years. And that stint ended in scandal and failure. He’s been an assistant for 8 years for a reason. That doesnt mean he cant be successful. But again, the recruiting wont come easy at Pitt. Duke and Coach K sells itself. Capel will have to use sheer personality to sell Pitt. And I’m pretty sure he will need some good assistants to help him with coaching responsibilities. I hope theres enough money in the budget for that. But Pitt fans have Hope back today for the first time in 2 years. Thats a good thing. Lets support him and see how it plays out.

          And I’m firm in my belief that Pitt stumbled upon Capel (got lucky). He wasnt in their top 5 choices because he didnt check the boxes…not a current head coach, tainted by scandal. Coach K did Pitt a favor much like Barry. But I’ll give Heather credit for seemingly getting the hire right after 3 long weeks and being spurned by Hurley.

          Like

          1. Really reaching for negativity wih this comment txpanther. Inferring that Duke’s assistant head coach has not “coached” in years is legitimate Fake News.

            Like

            1. And she got Capel 5 days after loosing Hurley, two days after Duke was elimated. It wasn’t 3 weeks of doing nothing, except nothing couldn’t be formalized until both coaches were eliminated…she did great!

              Liked by 1 person

  149. I liked it that they went after Hurley, but I love the Capel hire. I’m betting they wil both be successful coaches at their respective new universities.

    Like

  150. For sure, txpanther….totally agree…and only time will tell of course. Pitt did the best it could, but no guarantees he can succeed at Pitt, or even be an excellent head coach. I am hoping he pulled a Belicheck…the 2nd (3rd?) time around he pulls it all together!

    Like

  151. I like the fact that he coached at 2 schools. The first was a success. The second was not and ended in scandal. One could also argue he should have at least gone to the Final 4 with a guy like Griffen as opposed to being blown out by Louisville in that Elite 8 game. He does know how to recruit but does the Pitt brand have the cache? He’s young and has been mentored by the very best. So there is hope but it wont be easy. If he can bring in a high profile recruit or two in his first year it would do wonders. I think the Zoo will love him because he’s engaging, high energy, and has a personal charm. He might just be a Belicheck. Maybe at Pitt everything suddenly starts to click.

    I think Heather is learning but also had help during the process from the vetting firm to lawyers to Coach K himself.

    Now we can finally get back to talking football. But no, we still cant because these practices are closed and secrecy surrounds the program. So I guess its basketball talk until the Spring Game.

    Like

    2. I’m thrilled beyond words and commented earlier. I will explain the Flex offense to everyone in a future article for Reed. No heart attack but shoulder surgery 4/2

      Like

  153. One of the best angles of this whole endeavor to me has been how so many on the POV have argued that recruiting had to be the most important consideration of all.

    So what did Pitt do? Apparently, it got the best recruiter in college Bball.

    Like

  154. Just a couple of questions.

    Was Capel ever a Head Coach before?

    How well did he do?

    Why did he return to being an Assistant Coach?

    My apology. That was three questions.

    Like

    2. My question. Why do you have so many unanswered questions? No access to a smart phone, computer, TV or newspaper I’m figuring.

      Like

  155. Yes at 2 schools. The first successful and he left Shaka Smart in good hands. The second at a P-5 school where he went as far as Blake Griffin took him. Ended in scandal although he was never implicated. Fired.

    Went back to Duke where he played. Became Coach K’s top assistant and recruiter over time. Nobody would touch him due to the scandal (which is small in comparison to the FBI stuff). He was supposedly interested in the Pitt job back in 2016. Was being groomed to replace Coach K when he retires. Good thing is that he’s going to a City he wants to go to unlike Hurley. He’s a Big Steelers fan.

    Gives him a chance to prove that he’s a good coach and can still recruit well under far more difficult circumstances…the Pitt brand doesnt sell itself. He may go back to Duke in 4-5 years but if so that will be a good thing for Pitt because he would have done well here. And who knows, maybe he doesnt want to follow someone like Coach K and wants to build his own legacy at Pitt.

    Pitt probably got the best assistant coach who was a former coach out there but that was not Pitt’s initial plan.

    Like

    1. The good news is that he will be too busy Jan through March to notice the abysmal Western PA winters. A far cry from the winter weather in Raleigh.

      Like

  157. Just my thoughts, I think coach K was waiting for Capel to have a chance but it had to be the right place. I think he helped and who knows who called who and who did what but we got what we needed. Our AD and others came through. The ACC really looks out for its league in BB. Congrats to our AD and all who helped. Welcome Capel. H2P

    Like

      1. As a mostly BBall fanatic – let me know and I’ll be there!! Let’s rock the Pete like it has never been rocked before…we can pregame at Peter’s Pub to fortify ourselves for the long walk up Cardiac Hill! I’ve missed that for 2 years now lol.

        Like

  159. So txpanther above says “temper your enthusiasm”, “recruiting wont come easy at Pitt”

    Does that apply to HCPN? or should he have no tempered expectations recruiting here to Pitt also?
    Just wonderin’

    Like

    1. Pitt is not going to get one and done players. What Capel will get are players who can play in the ACC unlike Dixon. What Pitt needs are guards. The Big Dance is all about guard play. Look at the Final 4 teams this year. So if Capel can get 2-3 four and five star recruits each year, he can quickly rebuild the program back to respectability.

      Recruiting doesnt come easy at any sport at Pitt. The name doesnt have enough cache to sell itself. And how does Narduzzi come into this conversation. His recruiting has been average at best and very poor in certain positions like O-line. He really needs help on the recruiting trail and I initially thought he would nail it given his personality…boy was I wrong.

      Like

  160. Lyke handled this hire perfectly. All the craziness was fans believing total BS Tweets and running with fake news.

    Like

  161. We still need to hear from Heather’s confidant – Richman! Richman, what’s your take on the BB hire?

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  162. Not acting tough Upitt, not at all. I’m tired of hearing how right Upitt is all the time when your wrong 90% of the time and you don’t bring it up. You just keep rolling with fake news.

    You’re who I thought you were, you dish it out but can’t take when your words come back home to you. Be done with me. Quite frankly, your act is stale with me. ike

    Like

    1. You expressed your frustration with Upitt much better than I did (I did apologized in a post for my comments, but it didn’t change my feelings/opinion), Pitt Athletics are in a better place thanks to Heather.

      Like

  164. Schools with less to offer than Pitt recruit BB good players – Butler, Gonzaga type schools… What Pitt needs is an ace recruiter and now we have one.

    Big difference between BB and FB recruiting, IMHO. In BB, only need a couple of good players to turn a team around. And Pitt has shown that the Pete can be an exciting place to play. So no negatives on BB recruiting — good city, good school, good arena, good fanbase…

    FB, on the other hand, needs at least 20-some good players plus a couple stars. And we have the significant handicap of the yellow seats – which I’m convinced is a big factor in making it tough to bring in the elite players, who really have gotten used to seeing the adulation of full FB stadium crowds – at other schools who are recruiting them…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. The key is getting guards. They are your QB’s. Dixon was unable to recruit the athletic guards he needed for the ACC. Capel should be able to find them. That will make Pitt much more competitive. And yes basketball can be quickly turned around with a few elite players (top 75). Pitt needs to build back tradition and get results. Players will then come.

      Like

      1. Agreed, skilled guards are truely the key to NCAA success…but a team also needs a couple of skilled big men who can score the ball to be on the receiving end of those assists…a true center is one of the things Pitt has lacked over the last several years, since Aaron Grey, bless his not so strong heart…Adams was the exception, but he was simply too raw and inexperienced his one year here.

        Like

  165. Craig Meyer tweeted earlier that a couple of the players were given bad advice in that once that they ask for their release Pitt is no longer under obligation to honor their scholarship. Perfect for Coach Capel if that’s true…

    Like

    1. I read where Frame and Stephenson had talked to Capel before announcing they were sticking with PITT. Maybe that’s why we haven’t heard more info on the others. I sure would like to see Brown come back but that’s JC’s call.. ike

      Like

  166. Honestly, I never thought a coach like Jeff Capel – the associate head coach at Duke, for crying out loud – would come to Pitt with Pitt being such a mess right now. Can’t wait for the presser, because I have this fear that Coach will wake up in the morning and change his mind. 😉

    If he’s taking on the challenge of Pitt right now, and leaving the job he’s leaving, he must be quite a confident man.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  167. Going to be a long, long road back, but I will be watching Pitt basketball again. Frankly, I am shocked they got Capel considering the situation that presents itself. Finally, this is a hire everybody can get behind. As the weeks passed, I was expecting some random assistant that was willing to work for below market prices. This looks like a solid job by Ms. Lyke. Now go claw back some of Barnes’ salary to pay off that Stallings buyout.

    Like

  169. ^^ I would like Carr back, two other players I like are Davis and Peace U. I liked the way he played but is really raw.

    Like

  170. I am also excited to watch the presser tomorrow! The last one with KS was like a funeral service. This one should be like a wedding with much joy and celebration!!!’

    Like

  171. Great news if its true that all the Pitt BB players who asked for their release and it was granted by Pitt are not currently on scholarship. Now let Capel sit down evaluate the current roster talent base and invite back those he wants to go forward with. In the interim with the freed up scholarships he can go after some grad transfers and a few others to shore up this Pitt BB roster. It’s never too early to learn a lesson in life and I’m afraid several of the released Pitt BB players are going to learn a hard lesson over the coming weeks.

    Like

  172. One SOUR fact to start this day: PSU to play in the NIT Finals this year. How fare they have they come versus how far have we have fallen. Let’s see if Capel and Pitt can reverse that course over the coming years.

    Like

  173. Dan, good luck with your shoulder surgery. I’ve had 3 and am still golfing and lifting weights at age 67. Rehab is key. Hope to see you at the Pete in the fall. Off to Toronto for a few days. Will use the POV to stay connected. I fall in the Iek, Annie, TT camp of positive vibes and am glad as someone posted that the cortisol levels are dropping. Pompeani quoted as “terrific work by Heather” to get this hire.

    Like

  174. Darrelle Revis@Revis24

    Congrats Jeff Capel! As Pitt fans and Pitt alumni we are looking forward to watching you take our program to the level and potential it’s capable of. Winning is in our DNA. Many great years ahead for the future of our basketball program.

    Like

  175. Two of the nine released Pitt players have publically stated they will return to Pitt. Coach Capel will still have a choice to make once he is officially the Pitt HC on those two. My gut says he allows those two (JWF and SS) to return to the roster – both big guards.

    The other seven may have made bad choices by asking for their release, Lex Luther included.

    We shall see…

    The excitement of Pitt BB is back – IMO and many others.

    H2P!

    Like

    1. Erie – Pitt will do the right thing and honor any and all of those scholarships if the kids want to come back. I think Pitt will take the high road for sure.

      Like

    2. Capel still needs a roster to win with, so I expect him to ask most to stay.

      Carr, Davis, Frame, Ellison, Luther, Brown, Stevenson, Golden, Peace.

      I think Stewart is gone regardless. I hope Capel pursues Brandon Stone as I think he reclassified.

      Xavier has a player grad transferring with two seasons of eligibility. That will be a tough one to get but let’s see what Capel can do there.

      Like

      1. Xavier may block the transfer from going to Lville which may be the logical move … many schools do when confronted with this situation. But, yes … it will be a tough get because many schools will be after him

        Like

      2. If Capel needs a roster to win with why would he ask most to stay? Frankly, I’m on the opposite side of Upitt on this issue(honor be damed). They wanted out and Pitt let them out. Now its time for CEO Capel to assemble a team of his liking without any considerations of honor.

        Like

  176. bryan@bryaninpgh

    Eddie Fogler has now successfully helped two universities move on from their respective “Kevin Stallings” eras.

    When Mrs Stallings finally wises up and dumps her husband, she will contact Fogler for the new search

    Like

  177. Dan – Go to James Andrews in Birmingham! Don’t let anyone else close to your shoulder. Good Luck Buddy!

    Like

  178. Capel is a great recruiter, check.

    Major college coaches aren’t recruiters, they are the closers, right? The article linked above from the current duke recruits really emphasize this point. Each said Capel was their guy for recruiting, not coach k. The HC will open doors for his assistants to get into programs/aau, etc.

    The assistants perform the leg work, babysit the recruit and get the players to campus? Let’s hope he can get a staff of recruiters, teachers and hustlers. Need to make some great choices here.

    One of his assistants at oklahoma got him in trouble for recruiting violations. Crossing fingers he can land some big recruiters with a lot of energy. He will also need to hire a teacher of the game to run practices.

    The head coach does a lot of glad handing. The next step for Pitt bball is critical for success. Piece 1 is in place.

    Like

  179. I would not be disappointed if Capel hired (1) Brandin Knight and/or (2) Kevin Sutton as assistants.

    Yes, Brandin has a poor recruiting record but he does have a lot of experience and is a connection to the recent Pitt BB success. Sutton has a big background in ACC country and bridges the divide with the current players.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. all due respect … to each his own. While I don’t doubt spring FB is important to the coaches and the team, it is also a time for experimentation and initial trials. We fans get all hot and bothered when one player looks good in this practice, and that player looks great in another … I am certainly guilty of that.

      Yet, come August and a large handful of the players mentioned in the spring are 3rd on the depth chart at best. Yes, let’s play more attention to FB but do not take what’s happening in the spring as gospel.

      While I will pay attention to spring FB, I will be much more concerned in what happens in Pitt BB over the next month or so.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Tell that to the ‘Duzz…can’t talk much football if the news is blacked out…just sayin’.

      Like

  181. Cheers Heather, and congratulations on a really good hire.
    And here’s to you Dan Hurley for choosing UConn, dilly, dilly.

    Like

    1. Let’s get UConn back on the schedule cause I really dislyke both the coach and the school.

      Revive the old Big East rivalries.

      Like

    1. My guess is that it will be on pittpanther.com — either in real time or as a video to be viewed whenever, or both.

      Like

  183. It is really great, after a disastrous season and a very bleak couple of weeks to once again have hope for the future. I think the low point was Schmidt. Heather has truly surprised most of us and the basketball world. We just went from a laughingstock to the envy of many. There are still many obstacles but this guy knows how to get it done and would not have taken the job unless Heather convinced him of a strong commitment from Administration to support the effort.

    This is definitely not SOP.

    HTP

    Like

  184. I was so pleased by the Capel hire that I just signed up for four seats! I still can’t believe he elected to leave Duke. I was watching their game with KU on Sunday and I was thinking that he would be a solid hire for Pitt, but that he’d never leave Coach K and his alma mater. I assume the itch to return to head coaching was just too strong.

    In hindsight the process leading to Capel doesn’t concern me all that much. There was a lot of poorly sourced and seemingly errant/conflicting information on this hire particularly from non-traditional media that led to a lot of churn among fans. This became particularly true once Crean and Matta were supposedly interviewed and Crean signed on with Georgia. It then moved all over the place and who knows what was ever true. In some ways I don’t blame the fans because of wariness over the Stallings hire. In any event I think Lyke has the men’s hoops program moving in the right direction and kudos to her. I hope her women’s soccer hire works out. I’d imagine that women’s hoops will be her next target. I am guessing that will wait for a year. I thinks Barnes’s and Stallings’s ineptitude was a blessing to SMS’s career at Pitt.

    Hopefully Capel can compel JWF to do more driving and less 3P jacking and Stevenson to better value possessions and use his big body to grab some boards. I would also be good if Brown and Davis returned. Brown has the makings of a good rim protector and pick and roll/pop guy. Davis was Pitt’s best on ball defender last year and needed to be more assertive on offense. I don’t believe Luther has made any statement since the hire, but the return of a healthy Luther would give Pitt a pretty good ACC stretch 4. Capel needs to find a starting ACC PG if the guys above all return. I don’t think Carr is that guy.

    Like

    1. a lot of good stuff here. I am more on the fence about Carr … think he has a lot of talent and the game will slow down for him. Agree about Davis and Brown. I’m happy if Luther, Ellison, JWF, Davis, Brown, Samuels and Carr returns …. and very happy if Bryce Golden comes in. And if there is an opening, I wouldn’t mind seeing Illegomah being redshirted … he is raw but I see potential

      Like

  185. I will be golfing at Myrtle Beach during the Spring Game, but at least I can wear my Pitt gear proudly again.

    Might even stop by a Bojangles.

    Like

  186. I hope he hires assistants from the original ACC footprint.

    I would like to see Carr and Brown stay. Peace too. I think they all have potential.

    Stallings showed me nothing as a coach in terms of player development.

    Carr probably won’t be that great ACC point guard, but I think he can be good enough until we get one.

    From what I witnessed last year, many of the players have some skills but need discipline and coaching.

    Brown and Peace need to eat more and get bigger and stronger.

    Like

    1. Agreed on the need for coaching part…it was obvious the last HC was just mailing it in. These kids deserve better, and I think they now will have it.

      Like

  187. Don’t know if this has been posted. The Fan is reporting that Brandon Knight has been offered an assistant coaching position.

    Like

  188. Maybe not being a know it all AD like the prior two dolts is a good thing. Successful people use connected sources to arrive at good decisions. Not be to proud to use Fogler, coach K and outside sources and keep it buttoned up say a lot about her judgement. Miller, Maata, Crean were never on Pitt’s radar and only made real offers to Hurley and Capel. Yes Fogler did reach out to coaching reps and did some real leg work but no question she knew what was out there for Pitt. .

    Like

  189. —At 6’6”, and with that body, Stevenson looks like a TE, just sayin’…. (Maybe he should talk to Sam Clancy…)

    —Coaching searches are nerve-wracking but interesting as heck, especially when you end up with a stellar hire!

    —Hoping the positives continue with the hiring of assistant BB coaches.

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  190. Capel’s stated he’s a long time Steelers fan. This would be a great opportunity for the Rooney family to step up to the plate and buy 100 Pitt BB season tickets and offer them to some of the charities in and around Pittsburgh.

    Like

  191. Great news that the BB coaching situation has worked out so well! ike was right that Heather was trashed a bit too much on this site, but I agree with the old saying that you are what your record says you are, and Heather is doing well judging by her hires so far. There were rumors floating around that Heather had selected Miller initially, but the lawyers blocked the choice. So she clearly has had winning at the top of the list for BB. By the way, despite the “sort of” positive article by Cook this morning, Cook, Poni and Madden are still scum bags who should be run out of town back to the caves and rocks they crawled out from under. Cook is an obnoxious loud mouth, Poni is a closet Pitt hater, and Madden is a nasty blowhard who is a second rate talent with a big mouth and no skill.

    Like

  192. I believe Stephenson is a gifted athlete much like Sam Clancy was with better ball handling skills. SS needs a good coach to hone in those skills and make him more than a one trick pony. He needs to perfect the pull up jump shot and improve his passing skills.

    Something about the way Peace played the little minutes he did play. Hopefully he’s not done growing height and weight wise. He could give PITT good minutes down the road. << That’s all predicated on Capel keeping him on the roster.

    Still slightly amazed how Capel’s name wasn’t mentioned more as a possibility as Heather kept her cards close to the vest. Now maybe BK in the asst coach mix…. ike

    Like

  193. btw.. I’m in no way suggesting SS is the monster that Sam was. Still one of my all-time favorite PITT athletes.

    Like

  194. I don’t understand why people want Knight. If he was any good he should be a head coach somewhere by now. Isn’t a good recruiter and guard play at Pitt during his tenure wasn’t anything to write home about.
    Every other one of Dixon’s top assistants have had head coaching stints, and could recruit. I just don’t get it.

    Like

    1. by saying his play at PG wasn’t anything to write home about kind of shows that you just don’t like him. I remember him as a very productive PG who was the main catalyst in the BB program’s transformation under Howland. I also don’t have a problem if he is rehired … as long as the other 2 assistants are good recruiters, especially with ACC contacts

      Like

      1. wwb, I loved him as a player. I was talking about guard play while he was a coach. Robinson never improved and many others were complete failures.

        Like

  195. Apparently it’s PITT that wants BK. Guessing they are still in damage control and they think he may help build up lost confidence in the BB program.

    Like

  196. Capel’s press conference will be heard live on 93.7 The Fan at noon. (I’m sure it will also be streamed somewhere)

    I expect the tone of this presser will be much different than 2 years ago

    Like

  198. The current batch of Pitt BB players are quite an interesting group.
    1. None of them are even a 2 star recruit (except Luther) and yet they got to play a whole year in the ACC.
    2. Then, they very unwisely LEAVE the only power 5 school that would ever take them and now they are hoping to get back on the team.
    3. Yes, Luther was a 3*(4?) but every time he plays hard his leg breaks.
    4. Us fans, being fans, have our favorites from this current batch of players. But realistically, John Wooden couldn’t of won with this group of players.
    5. So, we all want Capel to win ASAP, however, the FACT is he can’t win with this group of players whom many of us like on an emotional level.
    6. What’s a coach to do??????
    My guess: Replace as many as possible and keep the ones that can fill in around the edges. But realize, the more that get replaced the better our team will be! If I was one of these kids I would always cherish the fact that I got to play in the ACC during my college career, even if it was for only one year.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.