This game will be a match up between our 7-2 Panthers vs the 4-3 Blue Devils. I don’t follow BB much but that 4-3 looks strange to me.
Could you guys fill me in a bit on how our BB team looks this season. so far? I can see the record and player’s stats but have no idea what the team feels like to the fans.
Thanks and discuss…
Duke is 5-3. I thought they were supposed to be so good.
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Reed like how you wrote your intro to this thread. People love to be asked to teach. Frankly nobody really knows about this BB team. Recently with the play of some of the newer players I see a glimmer of hope. Love the newer kids from NYC especially Champagnie. Plus the kids are playing defense! They even look disciplined at times. Still am not sold on Capel.
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There is a marked difference in how they are playing defense, rebounding and passing the ball this year over the last few years. In one word improvement. How much is to be determined. Also their ability to score in different ways and by more players is very encouraging.
Capel has been improving the talent level from year to year. Of course he started at the very bottom so…
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— The team looks like crap for the first 5 minutes or so, then looks pretty good …. especially in the 2nd half
— However, there has been a lot of cancellations and this is the first time they are playing 2 games within a week in a month.
— One thing for certain … they look to have a lot of young talent. Champaignie (soph), Horton (soph), Okudale (Fr), and Jeffries (Fr) look lie real keepers to go along with (juniors) Johnson and Toney.
— The weak point appears to be at center, and they can be exploited there.
— But they play hard, play good defense and seem to be competitive
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The centers are good at driving in the lane.
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not necessarily with vehicles on which they are making payments
🙂
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or even have permission
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https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2021/01/19/lb-chase-pine-returning-to-pitt-for-final-season/
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Pitt a 4.5 underdog to Duke to open. Wouldn’t bet this game with Tex’s money$
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First time since 2016….the Dookies aren’t in the Top 25. And that means we’re almost certain to beat them !
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I was at that game. Top 5 Pitt hoops moment for me.
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In late on the Bourbon convo. So many good ones. But when I want to get hammered quickly, you can’t beat this one.
Once you drink Bookers……it’s quite literally hard to go back. Since it’s 127 proof.
https://hiconsumption.com/best-high-proof-bourbon-whiskey/
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Duke is 3-1 in the ACC. Lost to ranked teams.
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hey Tex, in case you don’t visit the last thread, I need to know:
so either Balcones Baby Blue Whiskey or the Texas Pot Still Bourbon or TEXAS BLUE CORN BOURBON?
Which one is your preference that you are referring to Tex?
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Baby Blue is my preference for tailgating. True Blue for very special occasions. True is more complex and expensive.
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Thanks all, I’ll watch my first Pitt BB game tonight in about 20 or more years. Maybe I’ll be a lucky charm for BB because it sure didn’t work for FB.
HTP!
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POVers – VOICE OF REASON asked me the below in a comment in the last thread. Here it is:
Hey Reed, as you prepare for the first post under your new leadership, maybe some easing of tight rules of the road are needed for clarification. MM ran a pretty tight ship. What are the new boundaries for 1) moderate, flagrant vulgarities; 2) personal attacks slanders and various insults on public figures and POVers; and 3) discussion of politics? Also, what is the tolerance for Nitters? 🙂
MY REPLY:
Well, let’s go back to pre-Mike in someways:
Crude swearing i.e; sht, fck, assh*le, …you get it – the really crude words are out and I’ll leave Mike’s filters on for those. ‘Asshat’ is completely acceptable as is ‘damn’ like “Damn Clemson! We almost had them this year!” Remember we have women on here also and others who might be offended more easily then, say, UPitt.
Politics is completely out. I mean that 100% and will hold all of us to that. There are other venues for that.
Religion is OK if conversed about in a cultured way. However it is fine to call the ND players “whores of Babylon”.
Nitters? Hmmmm, anything you want if it adheres to the above.
Guys, in the 2.5 years I ran the POV I banned only two people if memory serves and those were temporary. But it wasn’t only a loss of interest in Pitt football that led to me giving it over. Just as strong a reason is that I got sick of some commenters’ pettiness and insulting manners on here.
There is no need for that and if that happens again after fair warnings then we will have some hard choices to make. I’ll look in the mirror and police myself as well.
I really don’t want to be involved in The POV on a daily basis just to mediate crap between intelligent adults. I got sick of it in ’18 and will do so again If things get bad. But, I’ve a feeling things will go smoothly…just do not mention my name in the same paragraph as Ike’s name. That would be three tokes over the line as they say.
Which brings me to this – Maryland has legalized marijuana and I’ve got a MCC patient card. So, if my articles don’t make much sense its probably me not you. Since I don’t drink any longer (unless I’m in PGH for some weird reason) drunken posting by me is not going to be a problem.
Thanks, and back to BB…
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Noted and thanks for the laughs.
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👍👍👍
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^Public Service Announcement^
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Hey man …. far out! POT and POV …. and Nacho Cheese Doritos.
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We might recall that we seemed to have unanimous agreement that one good/great player can make a huge difference in basketball. Maybe even carry a team. Well Duke has a projected one-and-done freshman (projected to be drafted 8th overall) who has been out for a month with a foot injury. Of course he will be back tonight. He is Jalen Johnson, a 6’9” forward. Brown and Coulibaly will have their hands full.
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Can’t wait to get back to the Pete with a good ball team, hopefully next year.
For those of you that have not had the experience I highly recommend it.
The Zoo is outstanding and it will really get your Pitt juices flowing.
Have no idea what will happen tonight, hoping we don’t get too far behind, these cold starts are tough.
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Can NOT start slow tonight. Johnson first game back for Duke can take over a game.
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I’m getting the Tenn – FL game on ACC channel now…
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The Pitt game will be coming on ESPN following the Florida-Tennessee game.
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OK, here we go.
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Game link:
http://cdn.livetv379.me/webplayer.php?t=ifr&c=1523102&lang=en&eid=1024500&lid=1523102&ci=428&si=3
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#11 is our best guy right?
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Right.
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Toney has drawn 3 fouls already.
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So much for the spread and the slow start….
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No slow start tonite!!
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Great energy …great start. Owning the boards. Keep it up
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That dukie walked all over!
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We look pretty good, impressed!
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Two 3s…
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What class is #11 Champs?
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Sophomore.
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Soph
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What a bounce pass to Champ, while falling down by X-man !
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Xman starting to show his wild side. Looks a bit frustrated.
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X man needs to settle down a bit. These 5 stars can pick his pocket in traffic. Duke tries to speed you up. Pitt playing terrific ball so far.
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I thought the Duke press was effective. Wonder why they switched out of it?
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Who is X-Man…what #?
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#1
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Johnson 1
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Thanks
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X, as in Xavier
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Dukes walking all over.
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What is the arc inside the paint?
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3 second rule in that?
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must be feet outside to defend, if not, no possible charge call
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Femi is horrible FT shooter, can’t be 38% and a guard
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We look pretty good out there, exciting and quick kids.
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Reed, I think it is there so the defender can’t take a charge if he is inside it.
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Annie! My only true friend!
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Hugley was hoping somebody drew a circle close to the drivers side door, so he wouldn’t take the charge.
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They need to shut Johnson down to win this game. X man needs to settle down. With Johnson and Hurt Duke can score quickly.
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As long as Hurt continues to have more fouls than points, I like our chances.
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That was an ACC call. Horrible charge. Defender acts like he’s Ben shot.
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Glad to have you back Commander!
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Champs is a smart player…
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Pens just won in OT
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14 pts from #11!
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Champagnie is #11. Also known as Champ. Pronounced Shampenny. For your assistance, Reed
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Was wondering about that. Thanks.
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…and 9 rebounds in 15 minutes of play.
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X flashing his “NBA” game tonight.
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Missed a few bunnies with his quick, reckless moves.
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This is a good game
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I was happier at the 73% win probability at 2 minutes in 😉
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I’m pretty certain that in the Pitt-Syracuse game there was not a single charge call made. Which I thought was weird in today’s game.
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X-man with the reply 3
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Pitt giving as good as we get. Foul shooting or Brown could handicap us. Duke very slick…Pitt playing power ball with great authority.
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Duke has 2 starters and 2 bench players with 2 fouls.
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How much is Pitt paying Champs to play for us? Worth every penny…
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hence,,,sham “penny”…nice one reed you are on a roll
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Don Sutton passed away at 76 today
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Loved watching him at Forbes Field.
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Pitts needs to set up Horton and Sibaudi for threes. They should be open when X cuts in.
Duke doesn’t have 3 shooters and Pitt defenses them well.
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Tenacious D!
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Pitt is so much better when X plays under control.
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Ripping it up.
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stupid finish but I’ll take most everything else
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Is this how Pitt plays all the time? They look smart and confident out there.
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Now? Yes…and I can’t wait to see them next season.
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Noooo – but they are improving.
You are seeing the “good” Pitt tonight.
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No…… these are all imposters Capel hired for the night.
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Lately we have been pretty good, Reed. But we also have our SOP moments. X is maddening. Very athletic, but inconsistent.
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Champagne has shut Hurt down completely. Pitt defense is intense.
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X-man should have slowed it down for the last shot there. Dumb…it could turn out to be 5 point difference.
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5 point swing at the end of the half with the bad pass by X-man and then his no D at the other end for a wide open Duke 3.
Nit picking, I know…
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very fair nit pick, smart finish and you are up 13 or 14
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no, 14 or 15, they were up 12 when they could’ve held for last shot
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after the St F game the defense has steadily improved and is probably at their best now
the O is still spurty but like everyone says, X under control and they can be very good with a variety of contributors in addition to Champ’s consistently great play on both ends
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Expect Duke to press more to start 2nd half.
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Best first half of basketball I’ve seen Pitt play in 10 years. ? Can we keep it up. Duke is going to make a run. Xman was out of control last possession. Bad TO. Cost Pitt 3 at the end. What else can I say…..great game so far. Stunned to see Duke in a zone AND..picking up fouls. Zone supposed to keep you out of foul trouble.
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The team looks a bit more disciplined this year, or am I imagining this Dan?
(first game I’ve seen this season)
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Just saw your last post. Ok not imagining.
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Too bad this one is being played in an empty Pete. The Zoo would be in their glory for this one.
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Imagine what this team would be like if they could get offensive production from Brown and Caulibaly.
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hey, happy Brown converted inside when he brought the ball down and dribbled, then hit on the other where fouled and made both FT’s – we’ll take that kind of contribution
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True. But I believe he also tossed up a brick from the top of the key that missed the rim to the right. Luckily Toney got the rebound. Hugley was probably better than both today. And I think he also had more potential.
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I cringed when he put the ball on the floor….
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Pitt is only shooting 13 of 30 FG or 43%…..Duke is worse at 13 of 35 FG or 37%. Steal and Turnovers are even at 4 and 7 for each team. Both teams have five 3’s.
The difference is at the Free Throw line where Pitt has 9 more points from.
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Brown has done better than I expected tonite. Admittedly a low bar.
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Great first half, Champ is a man, Toney playing very well. Looks like this is the year that Pitt turns the dial from down to up. Pitt Basketball may be fun again. Really too bad about Hugely, his power game would be a plus. Plus more fouls to give inside.
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How is Illinois ranked 22nd with a 9-5 record?
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Duke is switching their presses from a 2-1-2 to a3-2. Pitt has to slow down enough to ID those and find the outlet. X cannot go 1 on 3.
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Or 1 on 2…pass the freakin’ ball!
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X is having trouble with their guards who are extremely quick. Needs to play within himself, Femi with the same issue. These are big time players with great skills just a little young.
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Expect them to concentrate their D on Champ in the second half need some scoring from some other guys.
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Can’t miss
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You’ve picked a good game to return to BB.
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Yeah, exciting as Hell (allowed swearword according to POV Regulation 1.1.5)
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Dan – right about Johnson
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X-man with 2 more assists…up to 8 now.
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X man is like the “little girl with the curl” when he’s good, he’s very good, but when he’s bad….
Pitt owns the boards! Hard to rebound out of that zone.
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wouldn’t mind seeing a dookie get his 3rd pf, preferably Roach
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couli hand luke gotta dunk that. he was weak going up on the dish from champ
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Taking lessons from Brown?
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He didn’t even dribble!
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Big mo changing..here comes the Duke run. Announcers are orgasmic!
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nobody wanted to see the 27′ bomb early in clock for NO REASON
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Dukes Johnson looks to be taking over the game
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The hoopies are 9-4 and ranked 14th. If we win we’ll be 8-2. 8-2 > than 9-4.
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#12 needs to kick the ball back out sometimes
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Thats better coouli hand luke.. go strong.
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Is there a red shirt rule in BB?
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Smart foul
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Bad feeling at the moment. X man is not playing well. Seems like he is trying to show Duke how good he is. They need a better final 10 minutes from to win this.
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Noticed announcers are calling us “Pittsburgh” Just like Stevie P. wanted!
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Long way to go..Pitt starting to come down to earth a bit. Horrible turnover by Toney.
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Let’s get our own run here now…
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This 2nd half feels like its 40 minutes long.
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Champ loosely hitting 2 now would be nice start
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21 pts for Champs
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Champagne has shut Hurt down completely. Pitt defense
now needs to reassert intensity.
Coulibany started on the Mali U19 team that won the world silver medal to the USA.
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Ziff…seeing better fundamentals tonight from Pitt. Late in a game under pressure is when they break down for a young team
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Couli has weak hands…gotta strengthen those up.
Femi has got some good box out fundamentals
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Who is “Femi”?
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Femi Odukale #2
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Which team will blink?
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Four fouls on Caulibaly.
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wish someone had loaned Hugley a car
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10 points combined from Brown and Caulibaly.. Not bad.
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They are playing well, just not finishing….yet
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Too close now
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Duke playing a 3/2 matchup zone. Same as Cuse
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4 on Jalen Johnson
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Selfish X-man again…
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Falling apart. Need to go back to basics
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Duke is baiting them to throw to what we think is an open guy…twice in a row
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Ugh, breakdowns, sloppy play hurting us now
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Johnson will be the reason Pitt loses this game.
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Two things pissing me off. X out of control and Duke setting moving picks with no call. Pitt in trouble now. Jalen taking over
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We are back to being very sloppy Pitt.
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WTF?
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And missing foul shots
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Champ limping to the sideline for the time out.
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Pitt and Xman will have to grow up to win this one. Ziff is correct. Duke running sucker play after sucker play and young Pitt taking the bait.
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under 4 t.o. Can’t get a good feel for the flow. Choppy. Not impressed with Duke and see why they are not top 25, yet. Surprised Pitt didn’t take a possession or two with 6 minutes left and run right at their star who has 4 fouls.
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If X plays like he has played recently, we win this going away. Toney with a couple of bad turnovers.
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yeah dan, young eyes see things with their hearts….and not their eyes. if that makes sense.
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That’s a great phrase …and true. Wish I knew it when I was coaching!
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Stupid selfish play loses games!
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that was a big foul. Pitt needs to turn up the defense now that their scorer is sitting
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Johnson fouls out and the TV guy says, aw that’s too bad.
No thats good.
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They are slobbering over Johnson and Champs is way out playing him.
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dan, you may have mentioned a 4.5 spread…….
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And make some FT’s
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awful in bounds defense….you never give that position away.
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Make them FTs!!!
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Duke will kick themselves..they had several 3 point wide open chances they gave up….whewwww!
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Holy Smokes!!! made both FTs
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love PITT HOOPS!!!!!!
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Do i hear a fat lady singing?? Miss Piggy??
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X-man taking over the game in crunch time
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Capel went small and kept Brown out.
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Great win.
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If we keep playing this well – please don’t rank us. Keep the chip on the shoulders of these young men.
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Just 9 seconds!! champagne is a freaking star!
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Wow, gutsy game by the Panthers! Never seen them rebound against a blue blood team like tonight!
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Hate to be premature, but great win for Panthers.
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rick barry needs to teach us how to shoot free throws! Great result!
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We win, and had them all the way.
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Duke never led….unbelievable!
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Great win!!! Xman was great down the stretch and what a game by Champagne!!!!
I can’t believe they beat Duke! I am so pumped!!!!!
H2P!!!!!
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GREAT GAME! GREAT TEAM! Grew up a ton tonight. H2P.
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Damn, now I have to watch every game.
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You are now sucked in Reed! You are officially a good luck charm!!!!
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Nice way to make your return to the POV Reed!
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J. Johnson fouling out was huge…
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Good night all, thanks for the great info on the team. Feels like I really know the young guys now.
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What a noxious set of announcers. If we never get them again….it will be too soon.
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Have we ever had any good ones. I was screaming at the TV during the last Syracuse game. These guys never shut up and let the game be the show.
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LOL….i think i know everything about every Duke player on the roster now. 80% or more of the broadcast was Duke centric. Pitt was just…..there.
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That Box Score is going to look mighty sweet in the morning.
Just a fantastic game. Hope Champ didn’t reinjure his knee.
X came through big time down the stretch.
Getting Johnson out sealed the deal, probably goes the other way if he finishes, but tonight
Champ was the star of the show. Toney with an outstanding game as well.
First win against Duke since we joined the ACC.
Sure feels good.
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In my last season at Pitt and Pitt’s 3rd in the ACC…we beat #15 Duke at the Pete in 2016, 76-62.
Beat them pretty good !
That felt good too !
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Forgot about that one.
I saw you have Covid, hope its a mild case.
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Gotta savor this one. This is beating John Thompson, beating Rollie Massomino, Jim Calhoun, Lou Carnesecca, Rick Pitino, ….. Beating the icons of the game is sweet!!
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what is good is a nice win where there is still a lot of areas these kids can improve
can be a small step up that could be made bigger if the team sees it like that and really works on some of those areas and inconsistencies
never anything less than great to beat Duke even with Jones’ recent return
and please hope no one posts how this was a weak win over a 5-4 terrible Duke team in a weak ACC year
true but don’t say it Tex 😉
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Johnson^^^^ not Jones, losing it, worse than usual 😦
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I may just start donating to basketball if I see these results every week. Great win by Pitt. And most of the nation will think this is huge and an upset since its the vaunted blue blood Duke. The win looks very good. Perception is everything. Where’s that bourbon. I consider this a special occasion.
Tex who wore his pitt gear around town today. My script hat that is.
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Putting it on…2 minutes after the game is over at 10:30 pm…doesn’t count Tex ! haha
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I keep wanting to think that Pitt basketball is back. But, I just don’t believe it yet. However, that was the Dukies wasn’t it? We had’em all the way.
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It may not be back but sure looks like it is on the way.
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It was nice of the announcers to let us know, X-man was leading the ACC in assists. With 2 minutes to go in the game.
Might have missed it, but did they ever say Champ was leading the ACC in rebounding(by a wide margin btw) and 2nd in scoring, with all the blabbering over their Johnson and Hurt ?
Pitt btw has 3 of the Top 15 scorers in the ACC. This announcing crew would have never told you.
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The Dookies had only lost to ranked teams this year. #15 VT, at the time #6 Mich state and #8 Illinois.
So Pitt should at least start getting some votes next week, provided we take care of business and beat
BC on Saturday. BC is horrible this year at 3-10
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It would be a Narduzzi-like thing to lose to BC
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Certainly…..like he has the last 2 years with very avg BC teams.
Hopefully Capel isn’t hanging around with the Dooz too much. It might rub off, like it has
with the Steelers, becoming first quarter bumblers.
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And Johnson, their best player was out for 2 of them. Duke is a very very good team. Don’t you believe otherwise. Pitt however, might be a great team!
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It will be interesting to see if Pitt gets some votes and where they are in Lunardi’s bracketology after this win.
Before the game Pitt was in the second set of 4 out and Duke was an 11 seed in bracketology.
There must be a wrench in the RPI algorithm gears this year as they make no sense. RPIs before the Pitt win over Duke:
#9 Gonzaga and they are ranked #1
#14 Baylor and they are ranked #2
#73 Pitt (thank you St. Francis)
#156 Duke
Welcome back Reed. You filled in very well for the vacant Oakland Zoo
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Champagnie’s stat line for this game is otherworldly.
12 of 15 shooting overall
4 of 7 from three
14 rebounds
5 blocks
Yikes! Where’d Coach Capel find this guy?
Go Pitt.
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Yes, Champ. A 2* recruit. 31 points. The kid is a baller 🏀 to the 3rd power.
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Champ was a 3* actually as was his brother.
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Too bad we didn’t get his brother also. The bro is playing well at St John’s.
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Pitt MBB tied for 3rd in the current ACC standings with FL St at 4-1 in conference and 8-2 overall. Virginia in 1st at 5-0 and VA Tech in 2nd at 5-1.
Three interesting facts:
-1). Pitt did not even receive one vote in either poll ranking earlier this week.
-2). VA Tech with not much of a program drop with their recent coaching change. Pitt’s very poor decision to bring in Stallings set the program back many years.
-3). Champ played some impressive D and shot the three well against Duke – 2 elements of his game that needed to be more consistent – he alone is worth the price of admission…
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Second game in a row I needed to listen to Billy on the radio and tape the game. Another pro move on my part…haha.
Great to hear Billy and Curtis so happy!
Although hard to follow the play by play at times.
Looking forward to watching it today!
H2P
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The good part with Billy is that, while you may not immediately know the details of what’s going on, you do know instantaneously, by the excitement or lack thereof in his voice, whether it’s good or bad for Pitt… 👍
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Nike was back in the rotation last night, but Erie Jeffress was missing. Only 8 players used and the starters except AKC (who fouled out) played 30+ minutes each.
Champ and Toney were hard to keep off the floor as hot as they were and they both played unbelievable D while churning out rebound after rebound.
Hats off to the coaching staff for turning this season around after the ugly St. Francis season opener.
If they stay disciplined they should be 9-2 after this weekend’s game vs BC.
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Panther basketball is becoming fun to watch again. Looking forward to the post-covid era when attendance will be allowed.
The Pete would have been awesome last night.
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I swear that every time I start to watch, we start to play poorly and our opponent goes on a run. I go do something and come back, and things are better, until they aren’t…
I have a definite feeling that I jinx them. Is anyone else in that boat? 😊
Go Pitt.
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MM – I was watching the game and left to pick up my son from his part-time job. When I left to pick him up the scoring was about even, when I returned Pitt was up by 15 points. I almost turned off the game because it was obvious to me that Pitt does better when I’m not watching. However, I kept watching and Pitt won. Down went the Dukies. So glad I didn’t jinx them, this time.
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I wouldn’t say Pitt is back just yet. Their lack of big man depth will hurt them eventually. Having said that, you can win in college with a bunch of 6’6 to 6’9 athletic kids. Pitt doesn’t have enough of those players yet.
X is still maddening to watch. He can dribble past anyone. If he had any kind of consistent scoring he would be a force. Definitely better than last year dishing the ball.
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yea I was wondering why Jeffress was MIA. Nonetheless very content with the team although all the pieces aren’t in place. Now if Capel can find a legit 5 who can block shots and rebound … doesn’t even need to score.
Of course, if Champ keeps playing like this, we won’t be here next year. But I think many more high schoolers will want to play here than anytime in the recent past …. and Champagnie’s success certainly can’t hurt Pitt’s rep in the NYC area.
I’m still cautiously optimistic but admit I will be disappointed at this point if the team doesn’t make the NCAA.
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I hadn’t realized that we shot 37 foul shots to Duke’s 19. If those numbers were reversed playing at Duke, imagine the comments we would be posting.
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Duke went 8 – 28 from 3-point line, I guess that’s their offense this year, or at least it was last night … and you’re not going draw many fouls doing that
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Keep your eyes open for Dan72’s post-game take in an article today.
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As great as this win is, I don’t think we should get carried away. I did not like the way Champ was limping to the sidelines. Having two marginal centers will limit this team at some point when the foul calls go the other way. Remember, Duke is not in the top twenty five, they probably will be as they round into shape, but not yet.
As good as Champ has been playing, it is a huge step up to the NBA, I’m not terribly concerned about him leaving yet.
The future is definitely brighter than it has been in a while. If Capel scores some more recruits at needed positions, next year could be awesome.
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I am
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From the Trib:
“Champagnie was “amazing” — Capel’s word – scoring 31 points, with 14 rebounds and five blocks. He is the only Pitt player in at least 36 years to reach those three thresholds. Perfect on all eight of his two-point attempts, he hit four of seven 3-pointers, added two steals and, oddly, missed half of his foul shots (three of six).”
36 years… He was such fun to watch…
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Yes, and against Duke, not some pansy.
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The box score is amazing as expected. Champ only missed 3 3 point shots and made all the rest of his field goals, incredible!. Toney with 22 points. X turnover- assist ratio was very good, he is playing more and more like a point guard. It really was the big three last night with Champ leading the way.
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Of course easy to get assists, just pass to Champ.
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Great win over Duke last night! It is going to look very good at the end of the year as Duke is just finding itself. Coach K has them getting ready to go on a tear with all that talent.
To think Capel has gotten Pitt to this point in just over two years from Pitt being the worst ACC team ever fielded is nothing short of amazing.
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Brown being the only holdover. Good thing he stayed, especially now.
Too bad Marcus Carr didn’t stay, he is the only star from Stallings team.
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I saw that Marcus Carr was shown last night as one of five candidates for Player of the Year in the NCAA.
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X-Man is 17th in the Nation in Assists per Game.
Carr is 39th in apg.
I’ll take Champ as Player of the Year.
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To think he’s doing this without a true point guard is amazing.
Pitt has three players playing well right now
And Capel seems to be finding what works best for this team. Moreover, it appears his players are developing. That’s good coaching.
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Horton cold last night, looks like he is going to be streaky.
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What’s the word on Hugely, is he still in school?
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He’ll be making license plates at a federal prison by Summer.
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That’s harsh Tex, even for you. Innocent until proven guilty. All we know are rumors and the documented charges. A good lawyer is probably working on a plea deal for community service. They probably couldn’t write a big enough check to get pardoned yesterday.
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Case won’t ever get to court. There will be some plea deal. He’s a first offender who hangs with trouble. Felony charges dropped. He’ll be slapped with some misdemeanor and then given service and probation. But, he will be kicked off the team unless pitt are hypocrites. Probably end up playing for IUP.
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Public figures are guilty until proven innocent now because of the press and social media. Something seriously wrong with that. If there is a plea deal and misdemeanor he should be immediately put back on the team. Give the kid some counseling and guidance.
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Then why did Pitt hire Heather. She self reported level 3 to the NCAA. Now pitt would be letting a car thief back on the team. Wanny got in trouble for having a player throw someone into a glass door. That was part of the case to remove him. Don’t you see this being the least bit hypocritical.
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More likely a state prison.
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He’s fortunate that 2012 Chevy Malibu is only valued at $5k. If it was $10k or more, he’d be facing more serious charges.
Most professional car thieves are not this stupid. To steal a worthless vehicle. And to get caught.
So chalk it up to hanging with the wrong crowd, a stupid kid mistake, whatever.
But I don’t think pitt should be in the business of giving kids a second chance and rehabilitating players. Sets a bad example.
He can get his free education and playing time at some other school.
This was a pretty serious crime and no joy ride. Changing the plates is pretty damning and keeping it for as long as they did.
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On to BC if the virus says ok
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/video?gameId=401265070
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Per Major Majors comment above regarding Hillgrove’s excitement:
My favorite is when he just says”wow” followed by 5 seconds of silence…was it a great dunk, see a hot babe, burn his mouth on pizza, drop his cocktail?
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I think he got the “WOW” from Dick Groat…
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And the winner is……….’drop his cocktail’ !
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BC game looks doubtful. They have Covid issues that may not be resolved in time.
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Can’t wait for Dan72’s post game article. So many good things to talk about.
I call BS on any claims that the win was tainted based on Duke’s record. They annually have one of the top ranked recruiting classes and it’s proven that the transition from HS to college in bball is not as tough as football, with the truly elite 4 and 5-stars.
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Perception wise the win was good. But from a computer rankings perspective, pitt wasn’t really helped all that much. I’m still waiting for the latest rpi rankings.
Now from a modeling and simulation perspective, this win helps. I see Pitts projected wins at 15 depending on the algorithem. That’s good enough for a 12 seed at this point. The field odds change each day.
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So to illustrate and dumb down this concept. Because pitt beat duke. A good team but with all losses to ranked teams before last night. Going forward, pitt is a slight favorite against similar teams on their remaining schedule.
If Pitt goes .500 the rest of the way in regular season and pick up a win in the ACC tourney, they should be a lock.
I see Pitt being anywhere between an 8 and 14 seed when the invites go out. That translates to roughly a 35-50 ranking in rpi. Last I checked, pitt was ranked around 70. So computers have projected based on simulations that pitt moves up the rankings as more games are played.
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The Duke win should not be tainted because Duke had J. Johnson in the lineup. If he had played all year Duke would have a much better record.
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Great win for Pitt! I’m really impressed with the development of these young players. One negative point, however: X-man is still going through spurts where he is playing out of control. Several times he drove the hoop when there was clearly no chance to avoid a block, which produced a turnover. He can’t seem to resist the temptation to push the degree of difficulty, taking a straight forward shot or layout and turning on the razzel dazzel. I was surprised to see that he had 11 assists, because I didn’t feel he made a major contribution to the win.
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Fire Capel!!!!! 👀
#IkeStrong
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Dan, maybe you could touch on how the Duke zone compared to the Cuse zones Pitt is used to seeing, and if they attacked it in the same way.
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Pitt is 8-2 today
I’m projecting them to go 6-6 the remainder of the schedule with another win and another loss in the ACC tournament…assuming there is one.
Final record being 15-9
That should be good enough for a 12 seed
Quality wins against clemson and Tech would help
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6-6….wtf….surely you jest.
We’re not going tp lose another game this regular season.
(and no Jeff didn’t twist my arm to post this)
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More like 9-3
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How muck Koolaid did you have today. 🤠
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Only L’Ville, VT and Virginia and maybe UNC are going to be tough going forward. Pitt can beat any of these teams this year. Note, the ACC may re-schedule the away game at Duke and FSU at home which could make it 9-5 worse case scenario IMO.
https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2020-21
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There some teams that are ranked that escape my logic. Many based on past performances or media worship. It takes major accomplishments to overcome this status bias.
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But that’s why the selection committee looks at computer rankings to form their base. Then they layer some subjectivity and bias particularly in the brackets/matchups. For instance, how great would a TCU vs Pitt matchup be.
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1986-87: 6’6 Jerome Lane 13.5 rpg (led nation)
2008-09: 6’6 DeJuan Blair 12.3 rpg
2020-21: 6’6 Justin Champagnie 13.0 rpg
all had large wingspans
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Champ is currently 2nd in the Nation in RPG.
Something the blubbering blabbering announcers also omitted from the game last night.
In their 2 hour Drooling over Duke !
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I know wing spans…fried and covered in sauce that is.
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Melinda’s makes a nice Habanero Wing Sauce to put on me.
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Rebounding put simply, is your desire to get the ball, more than your opponent. That’s why small guys can get lots of rebounds. Chuck Barkley comes to mind, along with the dudes you mention. It’s a mindset.
Also, Duke was not their typical team. They did not have a big presence and I felt they played exterior ball more than I had seen in a long time. Coach Kryxzwefhaisnrhstudbski will fix that when recruiting.
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Pitt has moved up to #57 in RPi following our big win over the Droolers.
So we moved about 13 spots up ! Too bad the Droolers weren’t ranked.
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I expect Pitt to be 35-40 by end of regular season. Beating clemson would help. They play twice.
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Well before we play Clemscum…we host a higher ranked team than Scum on Feb 3rd @ The Pete.
Gobble the Gobblers !
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If you had a gun to your head and had to fire either Narduzzi or Capel tomorrow – which NC would you keep?
Just kidding of course. We already know they are both going to be at Pitt for eons.
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I’d keep both coaches if I could fire heather.
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You’re obsessed with firing coaches.
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No. Just AD’s
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No, Reed is.
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Capel way > Narduzzi.
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We’re making some news……a Google Search on Duke loses to Pitt…..has 54,900,000 results.
How you get relevant quickly…….. Beat (up) a Blue Blood !
Mike Krzyzewski suffers first loss to one of his former Duke players as Blue Devils slip to 5-4.
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And that’s why sports and not academics is the porch.
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ding, +1 Piitt will never get it!
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Great game. The type of win we’ll look back on as the inflection point when Pitt has reestablished itself as a program to be reckoned with. The team is probably a true inside presence away from the Sweet 16, but if Champ comes back, that’s a realistic possibility for 2021-22.
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I though the team did ok without a very big guy. Champs fills the role very well and even better with his 3 shooting.
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He’s a smaller version of me. We Germans have a good sense of humour.
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Hopefully, the BC game stays on. Pitt needs games right now when they are running hot..
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BC game postponed and is being replaced by Pitt visiting Wake Forest this Saturday.
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ESPN lists the game as postponed.
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Coach K not as intimidating to the refs with a mask on.
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Only I am intimidating in a mask.
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More More More !
On the year, Champagnie is averaging a team-high 20.3 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
He is the only player in the country averaging at least 18 points and 12 rebounds per game this season,
and he is the first ACC player to earn Player of the Week honors twice so far this year.
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often and over hours not minutes.
Sorry that was OT, but I was only answering the nice young lady’s question.
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https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=tiny+bubbles+youtube&view=detail&mid=A882E397C84BB3CBFFA9A882E397C84BB3CBFFA9&FORM=VIRE0&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dtiny%2bbubbles%2byoutube%26cvid%3de14bd3721c79493294fd5ab7c35be96f%26pglt%3d547%26FORM%3dANNAB1%26PC%3dU531
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Didn’t Donald Ho come to one of our tailgates?
😎
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I wish! I will bring Champaign this year.
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BTW, it was Champ’s rebound late that led to J. Johnson fouling out and may have been the play of the game….speaking of which,
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I think the Pitt-BB-team-has-arrived Talk is premature. We have 3 solid to excellent players in Champ, Toney and X. We still need Horton to be a consistent scorer and we still need the post players to step it up.
That said, I think Coach Capel is doing an excellent job, as evidenced mainly by the improvements in defense, rebounding, and ball movement. So it looks like Coach is not just a recruiter (which seemed like it might be the case based on last season)…
Go Pitt.
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Nope….we just need us. Remember Arkansas’s Triplets got to the Final Four.
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This is a scary question for Pitt fans who hope to keep Capel here long term….especially the 2 NC teams. I’m not worried at about Cuse though….
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/30741911/what-head-coach-succession-plans-duke-north-carolina-syracuse
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FYI, at large bids RARELY get a #14 seed
from wiki: “It is extremely unusual that an at-large bid can be lower than a #12 seed, but it has occurred, most recently with BYU and Iona being #14 seeds in the 2012 Tournament.”
Pitt looks like a team that won’t crash or even slide from here, yet with basketball ONE big injury can change everything so nothing taken for granted.
For me the biggest question, and I don’t know what the chance is, but are we certain there will be the typical 64 team field? Probably the biggest risk not mentioned to this point for Pitt is the field due to COVID is cut to 48 or 32 with who knows what cuts to conference champion automatic bids. Would be a real heart breaker if we finish say 3rd in ACC and then miss getting in due to perceived weakness or actual lower rank with Sagarin or Pom ratings and s-curve statistics or whatever they actually use for that factor “in the committee room.”
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Pitt makes a 68 team field…those play ins
I don’t see them higher than 8 or lower than 14
But an injury here or there changes everything. Missed games due to covid
I don’t think the NCAA will reduce the field. I struggle to see how that helps with player safety
I thought they were going with a bubble approach anyway.
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Don’t forget how we’ll do in the ACC Tournament.
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Wake is an even tradeout for BC on Saturday. ESPN already has Pitt/Wake on the schedule for Sat.
Wake is 0-5 in conf, while BC is 1-6.
Dunk the Deacs !
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If the X man and Champ go down for the season there won’t be any NCAA tournament.
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Coach K calls Champ ACC POY
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Capel’s presser:
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Both ESPN and Pitt website has Pitt at Wake Forest @ 6 pm Saturday
https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule
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Call me an optimist, but I think Hugely will be back this year. People with clean records don’t start off by stealing cars. I think he was suckered into paying someone money to use a car this year while in school, and had no idea the car was stolen. Other than stupidity, he may be guilty of simply picking the wrong friends.
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And guilty of actually obtaining a license to drive motorized vehicles on public roadways.
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Quit making excuses for Hugley… let the legal system run its course…. I never got out of line and got on the wrong side of the law…. my Dad taught me right from wrong and I wouldn’t ever want to disappoint BigSherm!!!!
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Then Pitt needs bagmen if kids are so desperate for wheels that they help steal old Chevy Malibu’s.
There’s this thing called walking, public transport and Lyft. An 18 year old doesn’t need wheels in a city school.
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I know I wasn’t making excuses for him. I should have worded my post better, but I was pointing out that he knowingly drove a vehicle without a license. So, at the very least, he knew he was breaking the law on that count.
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Dans article is up…
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It was 20 years ago today Sargent Pepper taught the band to play. It was also 20 years ago today when 6’ 3” Panther Julius Page threw down that mighty tomahawk slam over 7-foot Hoya Ruben Boumtje Boumtje!
Was a great moment for Pitt fans.
And what a great sports moment for JP1 to have on video to show his family…
Go Pitt.
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