167 thoughts on “Pitt at Louisville Basketball Thread”

  1. Must win game tonight – with the win we would be in a 4 way tie for 2nd place, one game behind Clemson.

    If we lose we tumble to 5-3 and in a tie for 5th place and the stigma of losing to an 0-7 team sitting at the bottom of the ACC standings.

    Come on Pitt – hustle and fight hard for a W tonight.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Last evening I noticed a halftime score on the ESPN website that caught my attention. It was Tennessee 23 and Mississippi State 23. I looked at the box score and saw that TN was 2 of 15 from the three, 13%. Miss St was 1 of 8 from the three, 12%. So even a top 10 team like Tennessee can go into a cold shooting spell. Apparently it happens to everyone.

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  5. “Capel has done a nice job building the program ” What program…we have yet to have a winning season or vacate the bottom of the ACC with him as coach. LOL

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  7. 2 fouls on Hinson….both offensive borderline fouls. Same on Burton’s charge foul.
    I feel we’re gonna get ‘gamed’ in L-ville. Pitt is 0-10 in this dump.

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  10. Does Louisville have BETTER players than Pitt?

    That’s all you need to know. Been sayin’ it since his second year at Pitt, history shows Capel ONLY wins when his players are better than the other guy’s.

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    2. He was fighting to hard for rebounds – they want him to dial it back a bit.

      Kidding, but if you watched the last 3 games…?

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  25. Woody only gets excited when Loserville scores. They must be picking up his bar tab. lol

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    1. yea that was an absurdly stupid foul, cause the loserville guy had picked up his dribble.
      oh well….The Fighting Dentists…they’re not ! lol

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Pitt winning but not playing too well. Hinson is completely on ice. Cards have one excellent player Ellis but clearly not a good team. Cards getting offensive boards.

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  33. Classic quote of the night by Dan Bonner ( me thinks dementia might be setting in)
    ” Hard to come back, when you don’t score ” And then earlier.
    “Capel has done a nice job building the program “.
    I like Dan, cause he’s an Avonworth guy but someting is amiss ! lol

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    1. I grew up in the Avonworth school district. Most people don’t know Bonner is from Avonworth. Two of my brothers went to Avonworth and one went to school with Bonner. The other brother went to North Catholic. I went to North and then Sewickley Academy.

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  34. Pitt NOT playing with a sense of urgency outside of moments and Nike

    hit early with marginal fouls

    Hinson hasn’t shot well since the interview where they questioned him about “selective amnesia”,,, that must’ve gotten in his head 😦

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    1. He didn’t have much to do with the win. 5 points & 3 assists. Avg’g less than 7 ppg.
      He was no loss at all.

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  36. I guess the fans in Louisville weren’t drawn to this game to see the different hair styles – huh…a lot of red, empty seats as was mentioned already.

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  37. So it looks to me like Hinson is lost and Cummings is struggling. Other than that, Pitt tearing up a pretty poor Louisville team. H2P

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  38. Femi seemed like a good kid

    not a good PG

    wouldn’t have helped THIS Pitt team any bit at all but wouldn’t have hurt either

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    1. Yea he would have….taken minutes from Elliot, Nike, Burton & Cummings.
      Pitt is Guard heavy for the first time in a long time.

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  40. I can see Hinsons shooting problem
    His hand on his jumpers is not centered on the ball. Bet Isnore saw that too!

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  43. Elliott probably played most solid, Nike great too but Elliott didn’t force anything and took what was given and steady throughout

    glad to see Nick hit a couple and also Hinson keep shooting at the end to get some to drop too because seems he needs to regain his amnesia 🙂

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    1. Everyone seems to always overlook Burton. Who only had a double/double tonite.
      10 points on 5 of 9 shooting and 11 assists and 3 steals, the only Panther to register a steal.
      Burton is the glue on the team and should be recognized as such.

      Liked by 2 people

  44. Nice beatdown of Loserville in the Dumb Dumb Center. Would have luved to have been there to tell Woody….we’re frickin……PITT.
    He has no problem calling Loserville……the Ville ! a&%hat

    Liked by 1 person

  45. That is the way it is done! I don’t care how bad they are it is a wonderful thing beating a team that has owned you for years.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It is great to have a team with so many offensive weapons, when one is cold others are hot.
      Fede and Graham with solid games on both ends of the court.

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    1. Wouldn’t we be pulling for TCU ? One never roots for WVCC unless playing Ped State or Ohio St.
      Bring Back the O !!!

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  53. Although I guess the Hoopies beating a ranked team(#14 TCU), makes Pitt’s loss to them…….less. (which is beneficial in the BPI & other metrics)
    Really hate rooting against Jamie….cause regardless of how we never got Over the Top,
    we’ve haven’t come close since.
    Funny enough TCU has a good hoops & football team at the same time, sort of like when Dixon & Wanny were coaching at the same time. Before HuskerCornHole blew that up.

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  54. When two of your starters shoot 3 for 19 and you still find a way to win by 20, that’s seems like a good sign…. 👍

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 5 people

  55. Pretty insightful comments here during the Providence/Marquette game on Cbssports channel…..by former Marquette/Indiana coach Tom Creen….on how you have to deal the ego’s, the players & their parents & posses during the course of the season. So that your team doesn’t blow up.

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  56. I think we all knew that….but you generally don’t get a Coach to talk about it on National television….during a game. It was refreshing to hear someone do it.
    As we’ve seen that here with the McGowan/Xavier showdown and resulting blowup of the Pitt team.

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  58. The Box score is incredible, monster game by Elliott, Guillermo with 8 rebounds. Only 7 free throws. 23 bench points.

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  63. How about Nate Santos? Perhaps Coach Capel should get some credit for sticking with this guy.

    While he has struggled scoring, he has demonstrated a good looking shot from 3, at least form-wise, and a surprising ability to drive to the hoop. The bucket he made last night off the drive and lefty finish was impressive – especially since he’s a righty…

    He seems to be in a good role right now – hopefully he keeps progressing and earning minutes…. Would be great to see him turn into a big piece for next year’s team…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Agreed. Santos has good size and athleticism and quite frankly, he’d be transferring if not getting playing time this year. I believe he was a good 3pt shooter in high school. The scoring will come. I hope he starts driving and rebounding better.
      Juggling playing time between high school recruits you want to develop and transfers is a new coaching dilemma with the portal. Kids want PT. Santos is worth developing.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. On the ACC Huddle show, they are talking football and the portal but only talk about FLST, Miami and Clemson, what is up with that? All the other schools financially supporting this?

    Also how many times can you show the Charlie Ward story?

    Pitt ought to produce a piece on great Pitt running backs, there have been many. Wide receivers would have been good too except that the last great one left a year early. Could have highlighted the three Bilitnekoff guys and added Gordon Jones, Tyler Boyd and other highlight catches.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Now it’s the Jim Valvano story, how many times have they played that? Pitt needs to produce some content and promote it.

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  67. Hopefully the transfer portal will become a less desirable option for those who find themselves in a college team situation that isn’t working out like they expected. As Gordon noted, there are over 4000 players in the portal who likely gave up a college scholarship and now might find themselves without a suitor. While that sucks for them, I think it will be a good thing for college sports in general.

    Also, regarding the kid who supposedly signed a $13 million NIL contract and signed a letter of intent to play for Florida, I thought the NCAA rules prohibited a link between an NIL deal and playing for a specific team (pay for play?). So if the 3rd party, who offered and signed the contract, reneges, how would that give the kid an argument to withdraw his letter of intent? I assume he can pursue a legal claim against the NIL partner, but that shouldn’t affect his commitment to play for Florida unless that commitment was somehow linked to the contract. Or do I misunderstand the NCAA rules on NIL?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The kid and his family probably never looked into the person or persons who made the offer. He obviously got suckered into signing the letter of intent by the NIL offer. Maybe that was the intention of those that made the offer in the first place.

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    2. An ESPN article mentions that the QB or his representative could sue the Collective and maybe the Florida athletic department.

      “The situation could have long-term ramifications for Napier and the Gators. Rashada’s representatives could file a lawsuit against the Gator Collective and maybe the athletic department.”

      https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35469311/reports-florida-qb-commit-asks-nil-deal-falls-apart

      Huff could weigh in on the legal aspect. If i read the article correctly, he signed based on receiving the NIL deal.

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      1. Without seeing the deal and based on the article, it looks like the remedy will be against the collective. My sense however is that collectives are not financially stable (assets) to actually go after and recover anything. The kid will most likely be on the short end of the bargained for exchange.

        Universities need to be cautious here. Most are very clear and maintain an arms length distance and dis-associate with collectives…wink wink. , they will be fine. Now, will it hurt Napier’s reputation and ability to recruit, sure.

        This will be another case that moves the NIL needle. Most notably is that the NCAA just came out with new transfer rules and this is an area that was not addressed. They addressed change of coaches, etc., but not a failed NIL deal.

        Liked by 1 person

  68. The lawyers love this environment. A lot of business opportunities. Kid and parents will learn the hard way especially in their finances. NCAA stays asleep.
    We should be very selective in portal but if you need someone, go for it.

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    1. The legal and income tax uncertainties are/can be overwhelming. It is going to be of critical importance for these kids (and some of them are underage) to pick the right advisors. I’m not sure if it’s a quagmire, a minefield, or a minefield in a quagmire.

      H2P!!!

      Liked by 1 person

  69. Another thought on Nate Santos. A few games ago he was on the floor at the end of the first half and hit a tough shot right at the buzzer. A minute or so earlier, they showed the Pitt bench and I could only read lips but it looked to me like one of the assistants asked Coach Capel if he wanted to “sub for Santos.” Coach shook his head no.

    Maybe just another small piece in trying to build the kid’s confidence. I suspect Coach C. sees the ability and is trying to make it blossom…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 4 people

  70. What’s the chance that Pitt sells out the Pete on Saturday? I know single ticket sales are still available right now. At least they were this morning.

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  72. A sell out might be a bit optimistic but it should be a great atmosphere and a better crowd than we’ve seen in a long time.

    My seats will be filled.

    Liked by 2 people

  73. Notre Dame just published their upcoming football schedule. They play Pitt October 28th at ND after a week layoff. Also, it’s senior day!

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  74. -Isn’t it nice to have a BB team that 6-2 in the ACC! And a team that is fun to watch.

    -I don’t want to jinx them, but I worry about the twins getting injured as they earn more minutes. I mean their limbs are so long and so skinny. When Guillermo did that head-first splat last night, I was hoping he’d still be in one piece when he stood up…

    -Federiko Federiko! I was surprised and pleased to hear that Fede is only a sophomore! Nice.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Three young big men. Hinson, Santos, Hugely, Dior if he stays plus a good incoming class.

      A key to keeping the class together…keep winning. Making the tournament would be absolutely huge for the program.

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      1. Going to be tough to replace the shooting and leadership of Burton, Cummings, Sibande and Elliott. Really need Dior to stay and be all that. The maturity of these guys is huge and responsible for the success. I think a solid portal guard would really help.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Add weight and muscle to the twin towers and our team will be very difficult to beat. The incoming recruits look talented and DJ if he can get his act together will give Pitt an enormous boost to be a top10-15 team next year.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Kids know who Prime his, his reputation extends beyond the field. He’s one of those players with a cultural impact, like Iverson, that is even bigger than their Hall of Fame careers. Also, his videos are constantly going viral on various social platforms.

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  78. Looks like I was wrong about Santos not having a role on this team next year. That move to the hoop really was an eye opener. If his threes start dropping, he will earn more PT.

    Liked by 2 people

  80. Want to get this in before the next hoop thread…
    Lifetime friend’s son suddenly passed away at age 36. His dad used to bring him to games and tailgates at Pitt Stadium.
    Last Saturday at the ceremony at the funeral home his best friend spoke of his love of friends, family and Pitt football.
    After making all of us cry he said “Sean would not want me wearing this jacket any longer” and proceeded to show the Pitt t-shirt he was wearing under his suit.
    Not to be outdone the minister also takes off his jacket and he too is wearing Pitt gear.
    After a few final words the minister ended the ceremony with “Hail to Pitt.”
    Smiles and tears all around.

    Liked by 11 people

  82. Nice article on Pittsburgh Sports Now on the return of the Oakland Zoo. Maybe Gordon can link it. I expect that group to be full and loud tomorrow. Usually Zoo shirts are gold but tomorrow is a Roc the Royal game. Maybe the Athletic Department will supply Royal Blue shirts to the students tomorrow. If the Zoo sections are full and the upper deck corner overflow Zoo section is populated, I will be stoked! Unless we get down by 10 or 15, the Pete should be on fire like the old Big East days. Can’t wait!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. It was rocking for the Clemson game and the students weren’t all the way back. I expect the Pete to be 95% filled tomorrow. It will be loud. The Clemson game was as loud as I remember in the good old days. Like I mentioned there are a few tickets available on StubHub. Don’t know what the Pitt Ticket office has left.

        I think there will be a large contingent of football recruits so a win would be awesome.

        A win tomorrow will be one more than we had all last year.

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  83. I was telling a friend yesterday that the best thing about Hugley and DJ sitting out this year is that the 4 seniors are getting rewarded as are the fans with getting to see them play. They have been Marvelous as a group.

    Also the time that Fede and the Bros + Santos are getting will pay huge dividends for them and us fans next year and hopefully years to come. Nothing can replace experience in the development of a player. All of these younger guys have impressed and appear to have huge upside.

    I also think there is still room for improved play this year as they coalesce into a more cohesive unit, both offensively and defensively.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. while playing time is always helpful for individuals, I think it is particularly so for those you mention as it really appears Fede and one twin have found their place and progressed consistently in their contributions, Santos a bit less but starting to give critical minutes

      2nd twin is a maybe as no real game time to see however I believe good/great teams benefit immensely when practices can provide real competition for 2 teams of 5 along with a quality sub

      frankly amazing to think this is the case without Dior or Hugley except some have said Dior IS at practice and giving guys competition, don’t know about JH

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  84. It is also great to see a group of mature athletes that are happy to share the glory, unlike the younger guys that populated Capel’s previous teams.

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  85. Saw this posted on the Lair:

    “Pitt is the ACC’s premier program at producing consensus All-Americans.

    55 all-time » 1st in ACC, 8th in FBS

    4 since 2020 » 1st in ACC, 3rd in FBS.”

    (Now, if we only had a mega-millionaire NIL Golden Panther…)

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  86. It’s been several years since I actually looked forward to going to a BB game at the Pete. It’s great to have that excitement back.

    Liked by 2 people

  87. I see that WR Daejon Reynolds is signed from the portal and in school at Pitt. He was a 4/star recruit at Florida. He’s 6-2 and 205 LBs. Was at Florida 2 years but didn’t play much.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  88. GC Jordan Bass had 58 receptions also

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  89. Reynolds has tremendous upside and will be on campus for Spring FB. I believe that Mumpfield will be much improved and Means started to show some signs of being a baller.
    Watch the incoming freshman from York, Pa Kenny Johnson…strong, speedy good hands and smart…we stole him from going to PSUX.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Are you sure we stole him from Franklin? PSU is so loaded with 4 stars and up that I’m not sure Johnson was ever being considered for an offer. let’s just hope he lights it up at Pitt and Franklin regrets not getting him at PSU.

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    2. Bub Means is the odd man out of a now crowded receiver room. Too many drops, poor route running and bobbles. He will be a portal entry next year if not sooner. IMHO.

      H2P

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      1. Means made a huge catch in the bowl game, I wouldn’t count him out yet. Definitely need to work on his hands though.

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  92. We need all the experienced hands we can gather for our DL. We also have to hope both Donald and FitzSimmons end up performing at a 4 star level for our D come next season. No more hiding behind the curtain for those two youngsters IMO.

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  95. Funniest picture I’ve seen in a long time on PSN is that of our newest portal wide receiver sitting next to all of Pitt coaches as they are totally engaged with him. LOL!! He is so into the staff and wants to be there! Sorry, had to laugh at that!

    Liked by 2 people

  96. For the first time in a long time, I’m jealous of all of you attending The Pete tomorrow. Should be a fun afternoon.

    I will be at the Pete for the first time when it’s announced Dior will play.

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    1. Hopefully that happens, but why wait? These guys are fun to watch, especially when the threes are dropping.

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    1. 7’,4” player and the basketball rim is only 10 feet off the floor… definitely not a game for shorter people… I see an equity problem

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Now there is more than enough depth and experience at WR. Pitt fans should be more worried about the QB and OC.

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      2. Wish I was as confident about the WRs as notrocket. Seems to me the kid from Florida is a total crapshoot.

        We will have 4 or 5 true freshmen WRs and maybe 3 redshirt freshmen WRs (who haven’t played) and from that group we need 2 or 3 guys to play either some or a bunch, depending on injuries.

        And that’s with depending on Bub. Though I do think Bub will be okay and Mumpfield will be good.

        I expect another portal WR…

        Go Pitt.

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    2. Good article. Sounds like Capel finally has a good group of young men. You hear the family atmosphere used to describe the culture of the football team all the time. Capel needs to keep that culture. These kids need to feel supported not pitted against each other. Especially with no family in the country.

      Liked by 1 person

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