in Pitt Football 346 Words

LEAVE NO DOUBT!!

Pitt (22-10) vs #1 seed and 9th ranked UNC (26-6) 7:00 PM on ESPN Friday 3/15

KenPom – Pitt 41 UNC 9

NET – Pitt 45 UNC 9

Pitt played an ACC game disguised as a Big East game yesterday vs a Wake Forest team determined to be physical and the refs let ‘em play. Pitt won by 12 and the UFC match was a Pitt TKO ….An upset indeed.

Today if Pitt wins, it will truly be an upset. Vegas Line opens at UNC -7.5.

UNC beat Pitt at Pitt by thirteen at the Pete in January by beating up and posting up Pitt’s young guards.

Here’s what Pitt is facing. UNC leads the ACC in scoring at 82 pts per game and rebounding at 42 boards a game.

Baycot at 6’11 is the ACC leading big man. I think RJ Davis (ACC 2024 Player of the year) is the best guard in the country.

UNC is coming off a total route of FSU and goes eight to nine deep off the bench vs Pitt’s seven.It looks on paper lol a lopsided UNC win but I don’t think so…

This is a different Pitt team, more tough and more seasoned than UNC faced earlier this year. UNC hasn’t really played more than seven close games all season. Most have been easy routs.

Pitt needs to come out strong and muscle them from the opening tip. Bub again is the key. He needs to guard Davis and lose the nerves from yesterday.

Baycot can be very lazy under the basket. Not enough words to laud Leggett from yesterday.

In the movie Hoosiers, Coach tells his team that in tournament play, you don’t look to the next game til you’ve finished the one in front of you!

But boy, if we can just get past UNC I think the ACC title is ours. Does NCST UVA or BC scare you??

I think our Pitt Panthers step up, play great inspired passionate basketball and upset UNC!!

I think Pitt has made the tourney now but why Leave any doubt!!

H2P!

Dan72

608 thoughts on “LEAVE NO DOUBT!!”

  1. Great win. I remember a few on here saying Leggett was a joke when he joined the Panthers because he came from a small university. He wasn’t an ACC player. Wow, did he show up this year. Exceptional play.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Pitt moved up 5 places in NET ( now #40 from 45). Wake dropped 8 (44 from 36) after yesterday’s win.

    Pitt’s +5 wasn’t the biggest change in NET from yesterday games. That belongs to St. Johns +7 (32/39). Colorado State jumped +6 (31/37). other top 40 Net just shuffled positions.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. not only are our guards talented, they really play smart and THAT applies to the freshmen to a level we haven’t had at Pitt for a while

    they push but not out of control, they shoot midrange and 3’s but in almost every situation that you really don’t see it forced or early or in any way that it doesn’t fit into the flow of what the game appears to need

    not sure we had that with 1 or 2 guards on recent Pitt teams and imo we have that in all 3 guards at THIS POINT of the year as the freshmen and really also Ish grew through the ACC season

    does anyone wonder if Capel had a hand in the recruitment/development and lyke what they are witnessing? 😉

    I don’t care what happens today, several here already have crow served and here’s to hoping they get a second huge serving tonight

    Liked by 2 people

  4. NC State caught fire at the right time and I think they had an injured player return? They actually scare me, but, I’d love for Pitt to get that chance.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Pitt moved up in the NET.
    Without beating UNC, their “numbers” won’t be quite good enough, when compared to other teams, to sway the committee.
    If Pitt does overcome today’s odds, I think they can beat either NCSt or UVA.
    Scared? No. But, UVA and NCSt have really good coaches who will have their teams well prepared.
    xfmrman

    Like

  7. Duquesne beat Dayton yesterday in A10. Dayton finished 24-7, has a NET of 21, and beat LSU, St John’s and Cincy in pre-season

    One of their leadin scorers and rebounders is Nick Santos
    Wwb

    Like

    1. If Santos stayed with Pitt and had a chance to get playing time instead of Austin we would have an A++ team.

      Like

  11. Plain and simple, Capel wins when he has the BEST Players. This is especially true when one of them happens to be named BLAKE.

    That said, TOUGH assignment tonight. North Carolina certainly looks to have the edge when it comes to talent on the floor.

    I’m ready to be proven wrong.

    Like

    1. Also true of John Wooden…, but not somehow true of Duke with a plethora of 5* players.

      BTW, who saw and developed Hinson’s talent other than Capel?

      Liked by 1 person

    2. did he somehow NOT have the best players versus Missouri, Syracuse, Miami, Clemson, Duke first time but got them for second game, etc.?

      hmmn

      Liked by 1 person

  12. So….Villain (ova) loses and is 18-15 and still ahead of Pitt in the NET at #39. Makes perfect sense… 😡

    Love this though…

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thanks for rubbing that salt in my wounds, Jackagain†
      I cannot handle the leeway that Nova already feels entitled to, expects. They are a thorn in my side at every mention.
      I get it, to some extent, how The BIG EAST annually garners respect, and some of it deservedly. But the way that conference is annually touted, with seemingly every team but DePaul in “consideration” or on a bubble watch list, one really has to take a deeper look at how this league promotes itself and markets their members and then offer an amount that no one could refuse in order to steal (or hire?:) the personnel responsible for keeping The BEAST entirely too relevant (and competitive) when contrasted to the ACC and it’s failing attempts to drive its own narrative when it comes to reversing the perception that its in a continual tailspin in the C midst of another “…down year in the ACC.”

      Guess one has to give credit to BEAST brass when the credit is due […to magnificent spin doctors of shameless self-promotion of brand and image].

      Indeed this 👇 sh*t is so over the top when it comes to “Vanillaova” and the street-cred this gang garners ever season!

      I’m dying a little inside each time the Prates are mentioned on the same cut line as our Panthers! NO ONE EVEN CARES TO KNOW WHERE THE HELL SETON HALL IS EVEN LOCATED!

      I mean, seriously. Phu**c this s*tit ⬇️, Jack! Glad you noticed!
      —Neil

      “So….Villain (ova) loses and is 18-15 and still ahead of Pitt in the NET at #39. Makes perfect sense… 😡”

      Like

    1. Dixon’s teams played great defense but had a 2 point offense. They got killed by tourney teams with great guards who hit threes.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. No way. I’m happy with Capel. I love Dixon but I’ll take this brand of basketball all day long.

    Just need to be stronger in the post. If we can find a way to get GDG to the 4, the team will have size, athleticism, and 3 point shooting at four spots.

    Tossing

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Absolutely! Dixon only knew one defense and would have pulled Hinson the first time he took a 3 from the logo. He micromanaged every trip down the court too.

      The current team still plays great physical defense when needed and almost always leads in rebounds. But they adjust styles of play for each team they play which is a sign of a great coaching staff.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. exactly!

      and I was one to never want to see Jamie leave and only care about one “brand” of basketball…..the one that gets W’s and to the Big Dance 🙂

      Like

  16. Yes he would .. and he did. But the argument is moot. Many of the players that Capel recruits would not commit to Dixon. Wwb

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Good projection and analysis:

    Like

    4. I completely agree on AD. I’d make AD the head recruit for each and every defensive player going forward. Just having AD enter your house to talk defense and have him make that offer to come play for Pitt might do wonders for Narduzzi’s recruiting efforts.
      jrnpitt

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I always like Zeiss’s comment that analytics should be one factor in a sports decision. Not the ONLY factor. Eyes should be most important. Hope the NCAA takes that into consideration.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I’ve watched these selection shows for decades and they never would consider a 18-15 school under any circumstances. If Villanova gets in you know the fix is in too.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Interesting FACTS per Dixon vs Capel…

    Record… TCU 21-12 to Pitt 22-10

    Total Points… TCU 2615 to Pitt 2430

    Points per Game… TCU 79.2 to PITT 75.9

    Now here is where the REAL interesting fact comes in.

    3 Point Shots Made/Attempted… TCU 217/610 to Pitt 308/860.

    Sorry to say, but it really is all about Capel having the BEST players with one of them being named BLAKE!

    Like

    1. I’m a Dixon fan but I like what Capel is building. Different era. Big12 is a different brand of ball than the ACC. Hard to compare across conferences … part of the reason that the NET is so controversial.

      The lack of 3 ball from Dixon is concerning in this era of hoops, too … and it’s basketball … you always need more talent. Dixon has his ceiling because coaching only takes you so far.

      Tossing

      Liked by 1 person

    2. is there some point you’re making?

      Points allowed per game… TCU 71.2 to Pitt 67.5 so differential advantage Pitt by 0.4

      B12 v ACC means something but the stats above with record, not clear

      TCU beat WVU by 16 at TCU and 12 away, Pitt obviously won by 17 away

      TCU’s best player E Miller is a transfer from T A&M and was good there avg 16.2ppg before coming to TCU and now at TCU in 3rd and final year and stats have declined a bit – does that say Capel is better as Hinson has improved and quite a bit this year along with the obviously amazing relationship Capel has facilitated in Blake

      maybe you can help me understand what you mean

      Like

  22. But rooting BIG time for a Pitt win tonight. Looking forward to be proven wrong.

    Hinson aside, Pitt has enough QUIRKY talent with Carrington and Leggett to make things interesting.

    Besides, I would say Capel is due.

    Fingers crossed.

    Like

  23. Just a reminder and shoutout to Vonteego … the Discord server he set up for us has potential to be pretty fun.

    If you haven’t joined, you should. A bunch of folks already have.

    Tossing

    Liked by 7 people

  24. BREAKING: Crybaby Kenny is being traded by the Steelers to the Eagles (his favorite team).

    Like

    1. He didn’t like the fact that Wilson was coming here. They’re starting to discuss it on the FAN. He was traded for a draft pick.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. If the reports are true that the Steelers told him that they were giving Wilson the starting job and there would be no competition…doesn’t make him a crybaby in my humble opinion. He’s just looking for a better option.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. I’d never want a QB who’s OK being a backup

      not sure I’d tolerate and a crybaby but maybe that’s not accurate

      Like

  26. I’m happy for Kenny to get out of Pittsburgh and away from some of the Mr. Negatives in the local media.

    Tomlin screws up the offense worse than Coach Duzz. Look at the OCs Tomlin has had…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. He’ll have a better OC, but he won’t get to play there. The Eagles QB is top notch. As for the public in Philly….they once booed Santa. They’re the worst fans in the NFL. They’ll eat him alive if he stinks…oh, and they’re PSU fans there who hate Pitt.

      Like

      1. but plenty of Jersey people so will be given as much slack as possible, usually not much in Philly but Kenny will get it

        can’t imagine him ever starting until Hurts is hurt 🙂

        Like

  29. Like

  32. Kenny had an attitude and was not team first. Seems like the Steelers are purging these types of players finally.

    Fields is still available and penix and nix could be drafted.

    Bad look for Pitt football though. But Boyd could help rectify that.

    Like

  33. When the going gets tough, the child with small hands wants out. Great role model and leader that Clipboard Kenny is. I’d expect nothing less from a Jersey boy coached under Narduzzi.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. I’d bet a ton

          needs to relieve with the pressure building from Lyke/Capel nightmare for him

          do they bbq crow down there?

          Like

          1. You are praising Capel in 6 year and he still hanst made the tourney. Jesus the bar is low.

            Upitt

            Like

            2. “hanst made the tourney”

              that spells stroke in more ways than one, stick out your tongue, how’s left arm feeling?, headache or double vision? call 911

              Liked by 1 person

                1. not retired, but working on my schedule after practicing long enough

                  still have a HS senior so pappy applies but maybe not like you are implying but then you are a pappy too

                  and while your post was amusing, the most concerning is that you didn’t remember last year’s tournament that Pitt MBB team both made it to and actually WON 2 games

                  maybe you need to try to be a better and true Pitt fan because if you’re not paying attention enough or somehow not remembering those games just last year, you probably ought to stop texting and driving no matter that you have a job and a few years ahead before your retirement because in your work I’m sure memory/recall of last year could be important 🙂

                  Liked by 1 person

      3. I work for a living Ike and use my name when I post. Shows what value Pickett brought. 7th round talent.

        Upitt

        Like

  34. Liked by 2 people

      1. I agree! I’ve said that for years. Get $5 mil year to watch football games and retire healthy. Sign me up please…

        Liked by 2 people

  35. Leggett’s display yesterday was one of the best Pitt performances in memory. Wasn’t an easy 30 either. Some of those drives he hit in traffic had an extreme degree of difficulty. I won’t soon forget this whatever else happens the rest of the year

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Anytime you’re paying your QB’s chump change you can stack your roster and make a run. I love the Steelers new GM.

      Like

      1. Vastly overrated like most Ohio Fake QB’s 16 TD passes, 9 picks last year and a QB rating not much higher than Picketts.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Fields ? Really you’re than enamored with him ? Cause most NFL teams aren’t.

      Which is why is hasn’t been moved yet !

      Like

      1. You know, I’ve considered taking on the POV and the first thing I’ll do is eliminate any post from Anonymous!! If you’re going to give your opinion have the balls to post your name/handle!!!

        Liked by 5 people

        1. I tried to hit “like” more than once but it would not work.
          One like for content, one like for thinking about assuming Reeds duties and a third for posting anonymously. 😎😎😎

          Liked by 5 people

        2. You can repeat that last part…shall we ever meet in person.

          Better have dental insurance !

          Like

          1. who ru replying to, one anon to another or another commenter in this string?

            crazy stuff. amirite?

            Like

  39. Leggett’s ability to drive and make tough shots through contact is elite. And he’s good with either hand. And he’s listed as 6’3”…

    Have we had a guard who was better than Leggett at this part of the game?

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. Steelers still have many holes in their roster. They still need an OT, a center, two WRs, a corner, and a defensive lineman.

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. I’m hoping that big corner from Purdue we drafted turns out well. When you’re paying your starting QB > 2 mil you have plenty of cap $$$. They will have to re-structure some contracts though.

      Like

  42. The way Pitt is playing is; go to the player of the Big 4 now (formerly Big 3) who has the best matchup. Or to create a good matchup rubbing off a screen/pick and ending up with a bigger/slowerfooted Center on you. Cause most all of Pitt’s screening is using F2 or Twin 1 as the screener/rub.

    Yesterday, Wake had nobody who could stop Ish, so Pitt kept going back to him
    on the matchup and/or the rub off.

    Davis of UNC is gonna be the shortest player at only 6’0″ on the court, now he can score obviously, but can he defend a bigger Guard. Now it would be nice if
    we could isolate Ish on him, cause Ish is 3 inches taller and will outmuscle/outhustle/outphysical him, which could also affect Davis’s offensive play.

    UNC has lost to GT, Clemson & Syracuse as well as 2 BigEast teams.
    What’s interesting is UNC’s losses to Clemson & Syracuse were rematch games.
    Where UNC had won the first meeting and then lost the rematch.

    Today’s game is the Rematch game for Pitt vs UNC !

    They are beatable !!

    Liked by 3 people

  44. I don’t wish upon any Pitt player….. playing for the Stillers.

    Too many Pitt haters that are also Stiller fans. (those being pedo state cult members and hillbilly Pitt haters)

    And unfortunately many of those types are also in the local media, along with some
    Cuse Creeps. (benz & filliponi for 2)

    Kenny was totally mishandled from Day 1 in training camp by the Stillers.
    And then thrown into action with no practice time with the First team, with the
    toughest part of the schedule coming up. Buffalo, TB, Miami & the Eagles.
    With 3 of those games on the Road, against playoff teams.

    That was a guarantee to fail and they went 1-3 and 2 of the losses were routs.
    And of course they would have been losses with whoever was QB, as they were 3 of the better teams in the NFL. All playoff teams. But they plugged Kenny into those
    3 guaranteed losses where of course he didn’t play well. How could he ?

    First impressions are also very difficult to overcome. And Kenny never did.
    Having Canada and Tomlin as Coaches didn’t help either. As they made it all happen.

    He was setup to fail from Day 1.

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Never thought KP was worth a first round pick, but to give him away for basically nothing is amazing. Maybe he’ll ressurect his career like Conner apres Steelers.
    Doubtful he sees the field in Philly.

    Same day the great Aaron Donald retires and Tyler Boyd is in play. Does he want to play with Maholmes or Wilson? Maholmes going for the illusive three pete.

    Like

  53. Feature Article on Cbs Sports . Eagles Win

    Kenny Pickett trade grades: Eagles get ‘A’ for backup upgrade, Steelers look panicky despite justified QB swap.

    The NFL’s two Pennsylvania teams shook up the quarterback landscape on Friday, with the Pittsburgh Steelers trading former first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. The move clears the way for Russell Wilson to become Steel City’s unquestioned new starter, while giving Philly a new high-profile backup for Jalen Hurts.

    How did each team fare in the trade? Only time will tell, but here are our instant reactions:

    The trade
    Eagles get: QB Kenny Pickett, 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 120)
    Steelers get: 2024 third-round pick (No. 98), two 2025 seventh-round picks
    According to Drafttek’s trade value chart, the Eagles essentially surrendered the equivalent of a mid-fourth-rounder for Pickett.

    The grades
    Eagles: A-
    Did the Eagles need to give up a Day 2 pick for a backup? Not necessarily. But Jalen Hurts has fought through injuries in consecutive seasons, and only the unproven Tanner McKee remained on their depth chart after Marcus Mariota’s exit via free agency. Pickett, meanwhile, is just 25, only two years removed from going No. 20 overall and brings 24 games of starting experience. He’s also cheaper than most backups on the market, due just $4.6 million through 2025 on his rookie deal. He’ll likely enjoy the best supporting cast of his mercurial career in Philly, playing for the team he grew up supporting. It’s a classic low-risk, high-reward bet at the most important position in the sport by a team notoriously committed to QB2 investments.

    Steelers: C-
    Everyone knew that change and/or competition was necessary after Pickett’s first two seasons, even if the young signal-caller was often saddled with an unreliable staff or setup. Russell Wilson’s arrival as a short-term, albeit big-name rental signaled the club’s confidence in Pickett had, in fact, wavered. And yet, did they really need to dump him for so-so draft capital at this juncture? What if 35-year-old Wilson doesn’t pan out? Or what if he does, but he peaks as wild-card material? Sure, they can be credited for admitting Pickett isn’t “the guy” rather than delaying the inevitable, but then why are they also leaking reports of Pickett’s apparent desire to jump ship? As if he, not they, propelled this sudden split? The Steelers certainly needed to do something under center, but this unceremonious axing of a long-term prospect comes off as unusually reactionary.

    Liked by 1 person

  54. The good news for Kenny P. is that now he is playing for an offensive-minded head coach.
    Sirianni has been a successful OC and QB Coach.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  55. Wasn’t that enthralled with Kenny, ever since the no-play in the 1st New Years Big 6 Bowl game for Pitt in almost 20 years, his senior year.

    But then again did we want another 12 win team…since our ONLY 12 win team
    was 12-0 and won the National Championship. And the 2021 team should NEVER be confused with the 1976 team.

    But this is the last draw for me with the Stillers.

    They can take their SJW and other 3 letter group abbreviation sayings on their hats (mainly Tomlin) and their sweatshirts and the back of the Endzones….and collectively shove them up Art Rooney II’s cornhole.

    Liked by 1 person

  57. Love how we’re playing but the missed lay ups are bringing back memories of the Clemson game. 2 fouls on GDG now. Jeffress for rest of the half? And Hinson needs to get going. Need to run him off ball screens and get him looks.

    Liked by 1 person

  58. Refs and espn announcers creaming themselves over the Heels.

    Seen this crap since Pitt played UNC in the Dance over40 years ago.

    Like

  65. Hinson’s better game is outside not inside. They’re too big inside.
    And with Twin 1 outta the game….Bacot can camp inside to help defend.

    Key was Twin 1 drawing Bacot out of paint.

    Also we need to get Ish going !

    Like

  66. Game’s tied and Hinson is scoreless. Keep it close this half and we’ll have our bigs back for the 2nd half. Unless the refs…

    Liked by 1 person

  67. To avoid the jinx I’m deliberately not watching. Am I missing something that there’s a FT disparity already? Refs or just our guys are a little tight?

    H2P!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  68. Leggett & Hinson doing nothing and we’re up by 2. Things are looking good. Bub is the man though.

    Like

  69. F U…..refs, Tarholes, Hubert Goofball Faux Glasses Davis and the announcers.

    Pitt leads at half !!!

    Like

  70. Great first half defensively for Pitt. On offense it’s the Bub and Diaz show! Pitt doing well in give and take …. so far. Fouls a big problem for Pitt big men.

    Like

  72. GDG is having a great game too. Missed a bunny or he’d have 10. Needs to stay out of foul trouble on the screens and on Baycott. We need hos offense…

    Like

  73. Ish gave 200% last night.. I hope he finds some reserve energy for the second half. Hinson being tied down, but I have a funny feeling he will break ou. Bigs in trouble

    Like

  78. Our shooting this half is terrible and Hinson looks lost. What could have been if Hinson wasn’t having his worst game of the year.

    Liked by 1 person

  83. Pitt inbounds scares me to death. Big mo has switched. Can Pitt hang. Carolina crowd. They’re like roaches.

    Like

  87. I see no way to win this with Hinson & Leggett stinking the way they are. I just hope we keep it close now.

    Like

  88. What the heck was that – ? Do we have any subs for Hinson? He’s standing still – is he hurt?

    Like

  89. Good TO Jeff! UNC outplaying Pitt on defense and turning Pitt misses into easy points. Legs are gone for Hinson and Ish. My greatest fear. Pitt can’t let this run continue.

    Like

  98. Federico should not touch another offensive ball – he has fumbled or missed five in tight passes.

    He is a liability tonight.

    Like

  100. Capel needs to get GDG in there until he fouls out. We need guys who can score other than the 2 freshman.

    Like

  103. Actually they need to get Ish the ball more. Cause Bub is tiring clearly.

    Hinson needs the ball too….surely they could get him some 3 looks.

    Like

  104. Rest of the game needs to be tons of ball movement, Llegget and Lowe attacking the rim. Hinson is pressing. It’s gonna have to be Bub and Lowe, hopefully with either Hinson or Ish finding some late mojo

    Like

  106. tHIS game is there for the taking…..come on Pitt….beat these No class stupid looking
    Tarholes !!!

    Let’s Go Pitt !!

    Amoeba

    Like

  109. Capel must monitor this blog of more experienced/older coaches.

    Finally moved Ish over on the double team. BS call by ref

    Amoeba

    Liked by 1 person

  110. Bacot is one good representative of a big stupid looking University of No Classes…poster stoop.

    Like

    1. Pitt cold as ice to end the game.

      Good season – I’d pass on an NIT bid if I’m Capel.

      Like

  122. Capel waited way too long to move Ish over on the Double team of Bacot. Ish had 5 steals yesterday on the double team of Reid/other Wake big….Lowe isn’t strong
    like Ish. Ish was wasted guarding Cormack Ryan ????

    Like

  123. If Pitt does not make the NCAAs this will be my last column and maybe the close of the POV. It has been an honor and a huge privilege to prep these columns. Thank you so much for joining in! Thanks especially to Reed for green lighting!

    Ps RJ Davis best guard I’ve seen this year!

    Pss Pitt covered !

    Liked by 8 people

    1. You have been terrific. Enjoy reading. Please stay with them until bitter end, whatever and whenever that is. Thanks for your insights.

      Like

    2. Dan

      Thank you for everything. I feel so much more informed because of you. Be well and stay safe. See you down the road.

      H2P!!!!

      Like

  124. The only good news is that our 2 best players by far were the freshman. Bad news is one will be gone.

    Like

    1. I agree although I don’t get a more.
      The idea that a team with Pitt’s record must beat a likely #1 seed in the dance in order to make the field of 68 teams is absurd.

      Liked by 1 person

  129. Bacot and Davis just too tough. UNC defense stuffed Hinson and Ish.
    Our freshmen are tremendous kept us in the game. GDG with a pretty good game.
    Too many missed layups.
    Really good season

    Liked by 1 person

  130. Since I didn’t watch the game, and it didn’t work anyway, and I know Tossing will reassure me that FTs don’t tell the story, how is it that they got to take 19 and Pitt took 6?

    H2P!!!

    Like

  131. If the Media Hitjob on the ACC works……Pitt will not make it.
    Cause that hitjob wasn’t really on the 2 bluebloods UNC or Duke, it was the rest of the conference.

    So we’ll see if the ACC or Pitt has any real pull !
    And of course the power behind the Curtain is ESPN, since they fund the ACC.

    And yes it’s all about that…for the ultra naive.

    Like

  134. Harrison English blanketed Hinson all game because Blake was gassed and had nothing to give tonight.

    When he did run the court, it was slow and choppy.

    The bench was too short – our guys looked like they lost their legs. Why did Carolina not look that way? Is it a conditioning issue?

    Pitt seemed to have no flow tonight.

    Like

    1. It’s pretty simple EE….look at the UNC boxscore from yesterday, no UNC no class player played more than 29 minutes (of 40) yesterday against FSU.

      Bacot played only 25 minutes. UNC had 9 players play 10+ minutes or more.

      Meanwhile Pitt only played 7 guys yesterday cause they had to win.
      Hinson & Lowe played 39 minutes
      Carrington 38
      Ish 35

      The Big 4 were gassed or the game was fixed.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ish and Hinson had no legs, no energy, spent it all last night. Plus Ingram had one job, shut down Hinson.

        Like

  136. The fouls on Fede and GDG allowed Bacot to go off. Also Hinson had to be careful not to get in foul trouble. I posted before the game the refs would not let Pitt play.

    We’re worried about losing our guards after one season but UNC kept Bacot for five seasons and Davis for four. Capel has to start over every year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bacot has limited upside in the NBA. Davis is only 6 feet tall so that is a hinderance in the NBA as well.

      Capel had several players for several seasons prior to last year. So that doesn’t wash either.

      He did a good job rebooting the team this year, other than Bigs. If we knew Fede
      was about max’d out, surely he had to too !

      Like

      1. Last year Fede, the Twins, Hinson, Cummings all new, only Burton had any impact the year before. Sibande was injured. It’s a reboot every year.

        Like

        2. What are you talking about….he had the core of X-man, McGowans and Toney together for 2-3 years than Champagnie & Horton was added to X-man and Toney.

          Hasn’t been a total reboot except for the last 2 years. Maybe he’s better rebooting….which is how it’s gonna be from now on.

          Like

          1. McGowans stayed one year, X two years, they started as freshmen, X is still playing this year.

            Like

  138. One of those scum bucket ESPN announcers, after kissing Tarhole butt all night, graciously pronounced that Pitt was a tournament team. Don’t you feel better now that these UNC suck up’s have given Pitt their blessing?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Yes those pious blue blood sucking scum buckets….threw Pitt a crumb at the end.

      Which is about normal in both bball & football broadcasts. They wait to almost
      the end of the game…..to throw Pitt a crumb.

      And if Bilas was ‘talking up’ Bub….it’s only cause he hopes he leaves Pitt.

      Got it, get it…..Good !!!

      Like

  139. Call me crazy but Capel should have used Austin more, he had fresh legs, only played 8 minutes last night got off to a good start with defense and rebounding. Only played 15 minutes. Could have spelled Hinson and helped double team Bacot.

    Like

    1. Yeah, I don’t think Austin is the liability that some others think he is. He just needs to be out there longer than a couple of minutes.

      Like

    3. Yep and I’d rather him shooting a 3 than Jeffress too (cause he’s actually made 1). Plus he’s a shot blocker or at least a threat to block a shot. Did Jeffress ever block a shot inside/outside or otherwise ?

      Another indicator the game was (fill in the blank)

      Like

  140. On to The Dance!

    And on a different note: Think the Stillers would have kept Kenny if he hadn’t skipped the bowl game, robbing Pitt of its most wins in 40 years?

    Like

    1. How many for Calipari in the last 20 years? With the transfer portal it doesn’t much matter now.

      Like

      1. Calipari gets one and dones,hardly comparable. You need guys to stick around for a while. Burton much better his second year, so was Hinson. Davis and Bacot played together for some time, it makes a difference.

        Sure there are more moving parts these days and in college you are always replacing some of those parts, but Capel has been starting from scratch most years. McGowan, Xavier, Champagnie, Hugley, Odukale, Dior Johnson and so many others leave before they make much of an impact and kill any kind of continuuity. Burton made a huge difference last year as did Hinson this year, what if you had two or three of those difference makers stick around?

        Like

        1. More excuse making for Capel. Let’s just leave it at….Capel did well the last 2 years….his first 4 years were horrendous.

          Players like Toney & X-man quitting halfway thru their 3 seasons.
          McGowans left after Year 2. Same deal with Champ.

          Like

  142. Kenny never had to face actual competition at Pitt or with the Steelers as a 1st round pick. Narduzzi always made it clear he was the guy. Now he gets some competition and apparently talks his way out of Pittsburgh. Sounds like some character issues to me.

    Like

    1. He was Colberts pick, obviously Khan not sold on him. Pretty stupid on KP’s part. sit the bench in PGH behind a guy whose best days are behind him vs. a young stud. The fact that they got the 98th pick for him also says a whole lot about his value.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. We’ve heard that before let’s hope it is true this year. He is the definite team leader if he stays. He just kept getting better as the year went on. Not a straight line, but if he had any help other than Lowe Pitt wins tonight.

      Like

  144. Capel based on his last 2 years is much better at rebooting every year than assembling a team long term. For the 4 years of assembling teams he was an abject Failure.

    The last 2 years where he only has to bullsh*t a kid for a year or two, works much better. Apparently his BS has a short shelf life.

    So stick to just mass recruiting every year and like a Marketing Organization, throw em up against the Wall and see what works.

    Those of you who never were in Sales or Marketing will of course be clueless.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He recruited two excellent freshmen guards this year and it looks like one next year. If they stick around for a while Pitt could be real good.

      Liked by 2 people

  145. Liked by 7 people

  147. So Lunardi was bloviating how Pitt’s non-com is one of the weakest ever and a team with that weak a schedule never got in. So how do you know in advance that WV, Missouri, Florida, and Oregon St. are going to stink. Also wasn’t Mizzou picked by the conference? And why should non-com matter at all?

    Like

    1. Lunardi should know bloviating, he is a king of it.

      Somebody posted bracketologists rankings. He was 98 th best over the last
      5 years. He’s a joke.

      Just like Espn in general, he shouldn’t be taken seriously and should be laughed at.

      Florida was pretty good btw, they finished 11-7 in the supposedly vaunted SEC.
      23-10 overall.

      This is all sports politics….Moutain West is being made out to be good, because many of those teams are going to be in the PAC 12 either next year or the next.
      So they have to build them up, as to, the jokes they are. And who is on the committee……Herman Munster Barnes of Oregon State and the PAC 2….who are
      in negotiations NOW to bring in those same Mountain West teams, the media and the EsPN’s and Lunardi are hyping.

      Come on,,,,,,this is pretty obvious. Right !

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Gotta love Blake. No excuses. “I gotta do my job and I didn’t. If I do my job, we win.”

      Like

  149. UVA Basketball the biggest frauds in the NCAA. Duquesne would trounce them.
    But NCST let them play at their slow pace and had to bank in a three w .01 left to send to OT. Then crushed them in OT.

    Like

    1. Duquesne. We talkin the Dukes here.

      Come on dude…what are you high or something.

      I like Duquesne as much as the next guy, god knows I spent enough time in Cricklewood banging their girls. Even went to Red Manning’s Pine Hill Basketball Camp.

      But they might be lucky to win a couple games in the ACC.

      Duquesne….LMAO

      Liked by 1 person

  150. Florida(NET 35) beating Alabama (NET 8) tonite 102-88 should help Pitt I gather in this ludicrous NET crap. Since Pitt played Florida.

    Meechigan State losing and is now 19-14, should be OUT now. But who knows.
    OHio Fake(53) & St. John’s(32) lost albeit to ranked teams.
    Texas Tech(NET 25) got crushed.
    Colorado & Oregon won so that is not good, since one of them now will get the AQ,
    And probably both would have been out as a At Large (or At the Mercy Of Committee) team.

    How can St. Mary’s be 15 in NET ?? They’ve played 2 ranked teams the whole year
    and a bunch of West Coast league patsies.
    Talk about bad losses they got beat by powerhouse Weber State & Missouri STATE.
    THERE IS NO WAY THEIR SCHEDULE MERITS A 15…..well maybe since this NET is
    so SCREWY.

    https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/MARYCA/saint-marys-gaels/schedule/

    Like

  151. Tough to say guys but if Pitt misses the NCAA tournament that will close the curtain on the blog.

    Unless they go to the NIT and someone wants to write articles about them as Dan has done in the regular BB season. If someone does then email me at rkohberger@gmail.com and let me know.

    On a brighter note Vonteegoway’s Discourse site for Pitt sports has turned out to be a great venue to carry on the POV’s tradition.

    I joined, easy to do so really, and what is nice about it is the there is a feature on there where you can (easily) record your comment and it posts as a audio file so everyone else can hear your voice and tone inflections.

    So when someone wants others to know that he feels that “PICKETT SCREWED PITT WHEN HE BAGGED OUT OF THE BOWL GAME!!” we can actually feel your pain!

    Also, it looks to be much easier to post graphics and videos also.

    Seriously though, Vonteegoway has done a great set up over there so please check it out.

    https://discord.com/invite/UNvfHtvD

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Reed – I was very happy to see you join the Discord channel that Vonteego set up. I don’t know why no one thought of offering that as alternative for you in the past. We all knew the POV was less “fun”, and trending towards burden, for you. I’m very happy that at least some of the community that you created will stay together. Hopefully, more and more POV’rs sign up.

      Looks like about 60 POV’rs are already on board.

      Tossing

      Liked by 2 people

  152. Dick Ricketts and Zig Zeigler!!
    Awesome combo…big fans of both.
    Hopefully Bub returns and we get a competent big dude.
    I think we make the Dance but if not I’ll be at Hemingways with Wolfe and Scooter for the NIT.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I will miss Ricketts and Zeigler on this blog, but they will live on in other accessible venues…

      Fran – if Pitt and nova are relegated to the NIT, who gets the home game?

      Like

  153. Zigler – sorry Zig, spellcheck must not have you in its data base. I wonder if AI does?

    Like

  154. Bitter taste with my morning coffee – pulled this from PSN:

    “According to Kenpom.com, Pitt’s non-conference strength of schedule (NCSOS) ranks No. 340 in the nation. Out of the top-100 teams in Kenpom’s rankings as of Saturday at 1 a.m., there are three teams with lower NCSOS rankings than Pitt. Iowa State (projected 2 seed per Mike DeCourcy) has a NCSOS ranked No. 352, James Madison (conference champ – auto bid to tournament) has a NCSOS ranked No. 342, TCU (projected 11 seed)’s is ranked No. 357, Northwestern (projected 8 seed), No. 355.”

    My comment – that detail makes 🤡 Lunardi a liar or at the very least a non-credible analyst. I have found not one bracketologist who has Pitt in after last night’s loss. Why would the committee with Herman Munster Barnes as a member?

    Like

  156. prior to the screwing of FSU football I’d have bet we were in the big dance rn

    add to that Clemson basketball last year

    with those(FSU the clincher) in my memory, I think likely NIT

    that said, this team and how they are playing atm should be in

    the one justification for them not is the absence of a functional big

    I watched a lot of basketball over the last few days and didn’t see another team without a big that could contribute more than Fede and THAT is on Capel/Lyke

    everyone’s high on Papa but I’ve ZERO confidence until I see him play

    this team(other than Fede and Zach too) is playing like they deserve in but with what can be done by opposition to stop Hinson and the fact that that nothing can be done with Fede, last night placed Pitt exactly where they deserve to be

    where that is we’ll find out in about 36 hours

    Like

  157. In retrospect, Kenny was always a selfish guy. Selfish for coming back for a fifth year. Selfish for skipping his bowl. Selfish for refusing to dress in game 17. Selfish for getting that procedure to come back quickly from injury. Selfish for wanting traded.

    There is no problem with being selfish as long as your attitude doesn’t poison the team. As long as you remember its team first.

    One thing I like about Pitts basketball team is that it’s a team. It took all season but the chemistry is there. It’s easy to root for those players.

    It will be easier to root for the Steelers next year.

    Burnt Gold

    Like

  158. Is it possible to influence the selection committee?

    Can big time boosters and AD’s convince members to swing a vote? Lobbying is legal last I checked.

    Can Heather lobby or is this not in her nature?

    Interested Minds Want to Know

    Like

    1. But what will it take. Can’t bribe a committee member with some large ‘O’ fries anymore. Maybe Pirate tickets. 🤠

      Like

  160. Rick, Pitt or Nova home game…Hmmm.
    Neutral site. CONSOL. 😎
    I’ll be attending the Thursday Saturday NCAA games in da Burgh this week.
    Always a good time with the right posse. And I’m with the right posse.

    Liked by 1 person

  161. It would really help if UNC wins tonite, preventing NC State taking a spot. If so, I honestly believe Pitt will be a higher seed than UVa
    Wbb

    Liked by 3 people

    1. As long as UNC runs the floor and pushes the pace. NCST center Burns should be “burnt” by the first time out if done properly.

      Liked by 2 people

  165. I think we are an NCAA play in game again but you know politics. NCAA is not about athletes.
    Thanks again Reed from a Navy guy.

    Liked by 1 person

  166. Lunardi is a jerk, like the guy that predicts NFL draft picks. It’s like political polls, people making a living off of absolute nonsense.

    I do think it is best for the Steelers and KP that he is gone. He would have been nothing without Addison, mid round draft pick. While I’m glad he had success at Pitt and harbor no ill feelings, wish him success etc., wonder how he could be so misguided about his relative worth. The pros only put up with crap from superstars, not guys that haven’t proven themselves. The Steelers basically gave him away. Exchanged third round picks and got a couple seventh round picks, nothing for a former first rounder.

    Like

  167. OT – Someone posted this on X. Brilliant!

    “I’m sure the folks who decided to keep Matt Canada, draft Kenny at pick 20, sign Mitch trubinsky, start him over kenny, then start kenny, fire Canada mid season, then go to Mason, only to ditch mason, ditch Kenny, and sign Russell Wilson know exactly what they’re doing.”

    Go Pitt

    Liked by 7 people

    1. I didn’t post this on X, but I did post it on the POV. I’m sure the folks who decided to keep frank cignetti, recruit and sign Phil Jurkovec, sign Christian Veilloux, and let them play first, over nate yarnell, then start phil while he doesn’t have it, wait until we are out of bowl discussions to replace phil, with christian, then start phil on special teams, then forget to tell him that his number matches someone elses on special teams, then scrap christian in favor of the qb that was with team before those two came here, then ditch cignetti, then sign a new OC, know exactly what they’re doing. Same building, same thought processes apparently.

      Have been busy with some work changes and just started catching up today. Hope you all are doing well.

      Liked by 4 people

    1. 😞
      How is it that Pitt plays one game and are too tired to play the next day? The same thing happened in the Tournament last year where Xavier mopped the floor up with us 2 days after a game.

      Like

      1. it’s not too tired to play, it’s too tired relative to 5 other great athletes that did not play the previous night nearly as much and have more on the bench to give minutes at a high level while Pitt subs include a limited(talent not effort) Jeffress and unfortunately a starting Fede and very physically limited by strength GDG playing out of position against one of the best #5’s in the country

        Like

        1. You need to have a bench – Capel had two scholarships in his pocket (unused).

          Makes NO sense…

          Like

  170. OSU, Virginia, Providence, MSU and Northwestern losing helps Pitt. We’re hanging by a thread here…

    I concur that UNC needs to win tonight and I’ll hope they get a 1 seed. I also will be rooting for all ACC teams in the Tournament and hope the B1G, Big East & Big 12 teams fall flat on their faces. I can’t stand this concerted bias against the ACC every year!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Dude. I’ve been watching the ACC since 1971.

      There has ALWAYS been a national bias against it.

      When you are the best, everyone else is jealous. Only the Big East was equal to or better then the ACC.

      Coach K was also a damn good politician – he kept the ACC relevant to the Committee. Now that he is gone, the barbarians are at the gates.

      Tough loss but I believe Pitt will still make the Last Four. (And yes, I cheered for Pitt the whole game.)

      H2P

      Liked by 1 person

  171. I post this every year. The great Coach John Becker has the University of Vermont back in the NCAA Tourney once again. Becker could coach in a much higher ranked program, however, he loves the amazing lifestyle of beautiful Vermont. He is the definition of coaching sound fundamental basketball… no scandals, no skeletons in the closet… An outstanding coach.

    Liked by 2 people

        1. they are forced to, they don’t have media timeouts like Pitt to break runs on every televised game(most of them)

          kidding too, but actually I think that probably is factual 🙂

          Like

  173. Slightly OT, all the bracketologists had Princeton getting the Ivy AQ. They just lost to Brown. Shows how predictable college basketball is.

    As The Bee Gees said, “you should be dancing, yeah.”

    H2P!!!

    Like

  174. Like

  176. Like

  177. Like

  179. Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks for this clarification. The talking heads have made it seem like NO team under 37 has ever made the field.

      As an aside, Joe Linardi is a fraud, liar and fool. Not necessarily in that order.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Lunardi has explained why Pitt is outside looking in on his projections … He’s just using historical data … no bubble team with Pitt’s OOC ranking has ever made the tourney. He’s not saying Pitt doesn’t deserve to be in. He’s just making a projection based on historical data from how the committee makes its selections.

      People are getting too upset with Lunardi. He’s criticizing Pitt. He’s just going with the odds. He’s been wrong before.

      Pitt is in a similar situation as Rutgers last year. Nobody had them in, either, but the selection committee made a judgement selection.

      All these bracketologist are just using historical data to make their selections. Some vary slightly because they are taking risks and trying to predict the committee’s decision. Lunardi generally plays it straight and does not take a risk with his picks.

      Tossing

      Like

  182. I really am going to miss you all soon

    just make that “soon” commence in another week….

    …..or dare I say/wish/hope/pray 2+ weeks 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ^^^reference to when we exit from the Big Dance rather than the NIT

      if we are in the NIT, I’ll may check back here but maybe not

      Like

      1. already did, see you there! my first post is a couple below your last, then I add a few more colorful ones containing my idiocy below that

        you missed my avatar transfer?

        Like

  184. This feels like the end of era right now. And I guess maybe it is. I also joined Vonteegoway’s Discourse site, but the end of the POV is still sad. I won’t miss many of Tex’s old comments and also won’t miss many of UPitt’s (although admittedly some have been entertaining), but it still feels like something you really like is gone forever. And, even though I’ve never met him (or any of the rest of you for that matter), I have to risk sounding political by ending with “I like Ike!”

    Liked by 4 people

  186. Quick question: I registered at the new site and now how do I get to the blog page where all the ex POVers will be gathering?
    jrnpitt

    Like

    1. left side has topic categories #general, #Pitt-basketball, etc

      left click there and it opens up the comment list

      Tossing’s last comment under basketball at 5:35

      Like

  187. Princeton lost today to Brown but could still steal a bid as an At Large (At the Mercy of the Committee) team at 24-4. NET of 48

    Like

    1. That’s real bad news….and we really need Florida Atlantic to win tonight too. They’re down 57-50 with 8+ minutes to go.

      Like

    1. We wanted the Aggies to lose anyway as they have a 42 NET, right behind PITT.

      Florida was 28, so they were most likely in….. regardless.

      Like

  190. Ever since the article about ‘game/point’ fixing/shaving about Temple….they’ve won 4 games in a row after being 11-19 and in last place of the AAC.

    Now they’re playing another team named Owls for the AAC Championship.

    hmmmm….wtf is going on there ?

    Anyway Temple is playing Florida Atlantic at some place called Dickies (we use to wear those under our shirts in grade school) Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Must be more concession workers at the game than fans. Popcorn anyone !!

    Like

  194. Steelers get Justin Fields an immensely talented QB who’s had four separate Matt Canada level OCs in four years. Younger version of Russel Wilson. Huge Kudos to Steeler management.

    Liked by 1 person

  196. Temple could be ending our bid for the Tournament, up 9 over Florida Atlantic.

    Hate Philly basketball teams…

    Like

  197. Temple might be stealing another At Large (At the Mercy of the Committee) bid as an AQ up 62-55 over Florida Atlantic who is at 33 NET. But of course would drop if lose to a 198 NET Temple. 6 minutes to go. This would be a huge fix…er I mean upset.
    If it holds.

    Like

  198. So Pickett out , an Ohio Fake QB in.

    Not liking it all. Tomlin luvs these Ohio Fake QB’s though, who was the run who stunk that he picked up, that was run over on the Interstate 95 in Florida.

    Like

      1. From a Cuse Creep no less. The fact that the Bears could ONLY get a conditional 4th Round pick….from the Entire NFL of 32 teams….shows how NOT interested
        31 other teams were in Fields. Who stunk in Chicago, worse than Trubisky !

        Like

  199. Now it’s the Browns with the bad QB room in our division…

    Like

  204. Those are the kind of oddball games my tout use to give me.

    Nobody there, not many watching since most weren’t even on TV.

    But the tout was generally right.

    Like

  205. This is crazy absurd….3 of what most experts said were Dance Number 1 seeds have lost already.

    Purdue
    Tennessee
    Houston (just got mauled by 28)

    Tarholes up next ?

    Like

  206. FAU loses to Temple to give Temple(net 198) or UAB(net 107) the aq from the American conference

    FAU had early season losses to Bryant by 9 at home and FGCU(Pitt beat by 12) but oddly beat Arizona and Texas A&M

    Like

  207. Justin Fields would be fun to watch – always like a decent runner at QB. But Fields is 11-29 in the NFL.

    These are desperate moves by the Steelers to get Cam and Watt (and Tomlin) into a playoff run…

    Since they still have the worst team in their division, I don’t think it matters. They need to also be working on a behind-the-scenes 4-year re-build plan, IMHO…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

      1. Exactly JACK. From the moves Omar has recently made the Steelers are now a legit concern for the AFC North title. Write it down. Special K

        Like

  208. NC State up on NC. Will anybody be interested in seeing Pitt play in the NIT. I only would if the matchup was the Dukes. Bring back the City game.

    Luv you Dad

    Like

  211. So Kenny’s final numbers with the Steelers as far as TD’s & Interceptions is a little interesting.

    13 TD’s & 13 Interceptions. haha

    His 3rd and 4th years at Pitt he only threw….wait for it……13 TD passes each season.
    So there is the 13 & 13.

    Additionally the last Pitt QB to be drafted in the NFL’s 1st Round was….

    Danny Marino…..Number 13 !

    Marino was 4th & 9th in Heisman voting. 4 +9 = 13

    Kenny threw 42 TD passes his last year. Danny threw 42 0 NFL TD passes.

    Like

      1. I thought conditioning was issue with this Pitt all year. NC ST looks fresh after 5 days and 5 games.

        Like

      1. Yea but another First 4 in team lost today. Texas A & M.

        We’ll be alright, our NET is over 20 points higher than last year and how can
        they leave the 4th place team of the ACC out of the Dance ?

        Like

  214. Burns weighs like 350# and in game 5 looks to be less gassed than Hinson did in game 2. Something’s wrong with conditioning at Pitt.

    Like

  215. I kinda find myself rooting for NC St. here. I’d like to see Burns & Co. in the Tournament. Very gutsy team.

    Like

    1. I think Pitt missing the Tournament would have Bub returning to showcase himself next year. Maybe they won’t come out of the gate 1-5 again next time either.

      Like

  216. Why?

    Liked by 2 people

  220. I blame Pitt for the Tarholes loss. The Panthers tired them out. State should send Oakland some BBQ for all of campus. I’ll fly in for that.

    Like

    1. with a great 5 both scoring, rebounding and defending

      Colorado looked terrible and Oregon didn’t look great anywhere else

      Like

  226. At least Pitt will get a home game for the first round of the NIT. Maybe 500 fans will show. Or am I being generous?

    Like

  228. So Dixon and TCU make the Tourney while “All in the Family” does not. Year 6 Failure. 6M a year to make the NIT.

    Upitt

    Like

    2. Has nothing to do with Capel & Dixon at all, it’s all the media bias that the Big 12 is great and the ACC stinks. Meanwhile the ACC mopped the floor up with them in head to head games this season.

      Like

  230. UNC missed many open shots last night while they missed very few vs. Pitt.
    NCST at team of destiny. An NCST fan at the golf course the other morning said he wanted Pitt to beat UNC. Guessing he is really glad they didn’t.

    NCST beating UNC for the ACC championship is to their fans what beating PSU in a bowl game would be to ours.

    Like

    1. agree but not sure how much I’d bet on it as the FSU screwing weighs heavily in mind

      if they win 2 I hope people don’t forget next year, I mean that kinda meets a reasonable goal and bar for success

      don’t forget to take your ginko or donepezil

      Like

    2. So I’m having morning coffee with Thomas and he has doubts about Dan’s bold production because there appears to be a detractor (or some call him Judist or Herman Munster) on the committee who will be lobbying for more PAC12 teams so as to line his own pocket.

      I hope Thomas is wrong 😑

      Liked by 1 person

  232. We are all hoping for an NCAA bid but those odds were long before yesterday and by all accounts got even longer. With that in mind, a note for those living near the Burgh who might want to continue supporting these guys. The first round of the NIT will be Tuesday and Wednesday on participant campuses. The second round will be Saturday and Sunday on participant campuses.

    With the NCAA Tourney being played in Pittsburgh this Thursday and Saturday, I hope we would have some pull to get a Wed/Sun assignment. I know of several Pitt season ticket holders who have tickets in hand for the NCAA sessions in Pittsburgh. They obviously would not be going to a Saturday NIT game at the Pete.

    Like

      1. I’m pretty sure they are strictly exhibition games, Larry, and don’t count for anything. Like Annie, I plan to be at the Fitz this Saturday for the match with Ohio State. I am curious to see to what extent the coaches play their projected starters versus getting playing time for their backups. My guess is that a win will be secondary to opportunities to try different combinations and getting newbies into the game to see what they can do. But I’ll be there with my granddaughter who is in 3rd grade and 4 matches into her first volleyball season. She and I will enjoy the event either way.

        Liked by 2 people

  234. Some of these takes are really bad. Comically bad. Especially the Dixon ones and who they’re coming from … Some people should not be allowed to comment on Dixon. Ever.

    Dixon is gone. He was great. Not good, great. Any true basketball fans on the board knows and appreciate what Dixon did for Pitt and laughed at the crowd wishing his departure.

    Most smart fans also understood that Capel’s rebuild was going to be slow … those same fans will also agree that it took 2 years longer than expected and would not have fought anyone on the notion that Pitt should move on … But, it’s pretty transparent that Capel has a very good thing going now.

    Anything implying anything else to that matter is 1) not stating an opinion, but trying to provoke or instigate a response 2) Has not actually watched Pitt basketball.

    It’s complete nonsense to say Capel hasn’t had two good seasons in a row. Absurd.

    Pitt’s problem the last two seasons, in basketball, are ACC related. The conference is letting its membership down – really, in both football and basketball but especially basketball. The football is not elite … the basketball still is.

    There does not appear to be conference unity or strategy like the Big12 has put together. I use them as an example because that’s the conference the ACC really is competing with. The B1G and SEC are both a step above everyone else … at least in money and public perception.

    Pitt’s OOC was fine … until it wasn’t. WVU fired Huggins. Missouri was pre-season 9th (middle) of the conference. Just bad luck scheduling but it wasn’t for lack of effort. If both of them just live up to the preseason hype, Pitt is likely in the 250-280 range of OOC ranking … which is on par with most programs of Pitt’s recent stature. With sustained success you can build tougher schedules. Pitt is not quite there yet. Pitt could have even lost to WVU in that scenario and would be a lock for the tournament right now.

    With more competent conference leadership, Pitt is already a lock for the tourney. I have a link below that shows how much better the ACC is when compared to their conferences when comparing seeding.

    I just spent 3 days at the ACC tournament catching 5 games and I promise you that the ACC has not lost a step. Conference leadership has done a poor job promoting the league and setting it up for proper national recognition.

    As I mentioned above, the ACC drastically outperforms its seeding in the NCAA year in and year out and it’s not even close.

    [OC] NCAA Tournament Performance vs. Seed Expectation by Conference: The ACC dominated, the SEC disappointed
    byu/bennyboy82 inCollegeBasketball

    They outperform the seeding by 8 spots … next closest is just under 3 spots. That’s really all you have to look at for “proof” that it’s an ACC problem. 8 spots is insane. That implies that a 12 seed played like a 4 seed.

    The Big East, SEC and B1G are the big losers in seeding … overhyped … but they all have conference strategies in OOC scheduling.

    Capel has a good thing going. He plays a fun brand of basketball that will be appealing to incoming players. He is recruiting very well and at a high level … and only getting better. He is well respected in the conference (and nationally). He won two games in the NCAA’s last season. He was able to keep a young team that was teetering on collapse together and motivated and got them into a position where they should be in the tournament. Whether that happens is another story and we’ll find out tonight … but this season was a success.

    Pitt is very good. Capel has done a very good job. Pitt is trending the right way … unlike the football program.

    To say otherwise is disingenuous. Comparing Pitt now to 2016 is not apples to apples. A lot has changed.

    This team has a shot at being pretty special next season. Some “if and buts” with that statement but the path is certainly there.

    Tossing

    Liked by 7 people

    1. 6th years. Makes 6M and can’t even make a tournament. Where I’m from that is a failure.

      I love the next year comment.

      Just admit Capel isn’t the answer or his brother, granny, aunts, uncles and cousins on Pitt’s Payroll.

      I’d love to work for you with such terribly low standards for success.

      Upitt

      Like

  235. In 6 years he made the tournament once. Skunkhead made it every year with a 1/3 of the budget. Not to mention he wasn’t allowed to put underperforming family members on the staff.

    Where is Heather Lyke promoting her team? Maybe in South Carolina on vacation?

    Baseball is 1-4 in ACC by the way. Football won 3-4 games last year.

    Everything is great at Pitt right?

    Oh and 75% of our coaches came from the equivalent of the PSAC. Cal U types.

    Upitt

    Liked by 1 person

  237. when you’re wrong, you’re wrong and when you’re right and remember what matters you might get someone to listen

    1/3 of the budget with a new Petersen, and at a time when incoming revenues was 1/2 lower so not quite as disparate

    Capel’s biggest fail of this year was keeping Fede and not getting another big body with a pulse so if Kante was the plan, it was high expectations for a young big

    losing Santos replaced with Zach looks like a net negative but close
    so did Nick choose to leave with Zach coming in as there was scholly room for both, right?

    Like

    1. Santos isn’t athletic enough for the ACC. He’s a better fit in the A10. We need some size down low for sure. Efton Reid would looks so good in a Pitt uniform.
      Tossing

      Liked by 1 person

      1. agree, my big issue with Zach is his inconsistent motor with all that athleticism and love the blocks but can’t quite grasp why he doesn’t get more rebounds with that athletic ability

        Like

        1. That’s not an endorsement of Austin, but he’s a better fit for the ACC than Santos.

          Ideally, we start the 3 guards with GDG at the four and a new big at the 5. Austin off the bench as our 6th man for GDG and Cummings backing up the 3 starting guards.

          Don’t know if Austin will accept that role so hopefully Capel hits the portal hard for a 4 and 5.

          Tossing

          Like

          1. TT:
            I like your idea, for a line-up. But, I am not confident Pitt will get a “Big”.
            I would not mind a 5-out, with Austin at the 4, and GDG (5). Austin and the guards would have to rebound.
            xfmrman

            Like

  238. If no NCAA for Pitt, would anyone still go to see NCAA games in Pittsburgh?

    Steelers going all in for next year. Good or bad?

    Like

    1. Steelers being aggressive is a good thing. No idea if it will work out or not but average is the worse thing in sports. I’d rather be bad than average.

      Tossing

      Like

      1. Well they bettered the chances of being bad, cause Fields had the worst interception % in the NFL and worst being sacked % and Wilson was among the leaders in sideways passes of less than 7 yards and quite a few other categories you don’t want to be among the leaders.

        So on paper it’s a change….a little digging reveals why they came so cheaply.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Wilson is potentially washed up, Fields stinks and Smith doesn’t exactly run a high powered offense. Could be more of the same.

          Like

    2. I’m going again. It’s a blast.
      Group has tickets for all games played Thursday and Saturday and a hotel room for Thursday between sessions.

      Like

    3. I’ve gone in DC. If you like college basketball beyond watching Pitt play its a blast.

      Tossing

      Like

  239. re Discord – nice how the next thread/topic connects from the last thread – this might work out and as someone mentioned, great that Reed is there

    everyone should give it a shot

    key will be the articles/stories and in particular wonder how the amazing stat features will translate and display there

    Liked by 1 person

    2. So we’re NOT in the Big Dance 😕?
      Love this idea if NIT but rooting for Duquesne today.

      Like

  245. Liked by 1 person

  246. Like

  247. Under Lunardi, so the B12 and SEC get twice as many teams as ACC and MWC and B10 get 50% more.
    Sounds like it is really not a national tourney at all.
    NCAA is just a computer formula that does not represent over 300 teams who should all get to play.

    Like

    1. The NCAA is just a semi-legal money laundering organization IMHO. The new system has just brought a lot of it into the light.

      They have always let the almighty $ rule. As long as they have been around. That is why in a lot of respects Pitt’s athletic dept.’s ethical stand is either magnificent or just plain stupid, depending on your view.

      Some fancy show trials and slaps on the wrist over the last 70 years are just a big maskarova to protect the big money donors when they buy players.

      H2P

      Liked by 1 person

  248. Hope KP invested his money well. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. He has backup NFL talent at best. He should have learned from Mason Rudolph how to get along.

    Bub will not be at Pitt next year. He’s a young man who spoke truthfully when he said he’ll be back. However, when he sits down with his family in the offseason and the smoke clears, money will do the talking.

    Like

    1. If he is smart he will stay one more year in college. To me, he is not quite ready for the NBA. Just ask the Champagne guy.

      Perhaps Bub would be a 2cd rounder this year – with even an a little above average season in 24-25 he will be a First Round Pick.

      H2P

      Like

    2. Just keep posting the BS that Picket is a bad kid. Stupid comment.

      KP will be in the NFL a while whether as a backup or starter. Fields is no better. KP will get his chance again.

      Like

  249. Yale wins the Ivy League title beating Brown on a buzzer beater down low – guard pass to open big man – after Brown misses two clutch free throws. Probably saved Yale or Princeton from stealing a bid.

    H2P!!!

    Like

    1. If only we he City game was played – we’d know which team was better. Instead, the dukes get an automatic bid and Pitt waits with baited breath.

      Like

      1. It might have been an interesting matchup back in December but today it would be no contest. After watching Duquesne vs VCU I think Pitt would win going away. The talent level difference was pretty clear.

        Like

  254. I screwed up on Vonteego’s new site. I deleted his server by stupidity in exploring his site. I need a new invite.

    Like

  256. Congrats to the Dukes !

    1977….Norm Nixon led team. Old Eastern 8 with Pitt, Pedo State, WVU, Villanova
    was a lot of fun. Rutgers & Umass was the doormat every year.

    And the George Washinton Colonials (which is now a taboo word in looney world).

    How long before the looneys change it entirely and erase George himself.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I saw Sam Clancy vs BB Flennory? For the Eastern 8title game at arena.
      Don’t know year but I was probably 13.
      Great memory.
      Kman

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That was actually an NIT game between Pitt & Duquesne in 1980 at
        the Igloo.

        I was there too !

        Like

          1. Hey you were 50% right….Pitt & Duquesne did play the following year for the Eastern 8 Title….but BB had already graduated.
            Pitt won the Eastern 8 title that year.

            Maybe you were at that one too ! Like me.

            Year of the infamous Dean Smith getting the ref to change the basketball during the Pitt/UNC NCAA 2nd Round game. Cause Pitt was winning
            the game. 1981

            Like

  257. I was at the Steel Bowl at the Arena 1973 when Duquesne guard Dave Roddy got knocked out on the floor.
    From the mostly Duquesne crowd there was utter silence. Then a single voice from the small Pitt section yelled “Get up faggott!”

    Like

    1. Haha! I was there too. It was like complete silence and then the lone voice rang out as if it was over the PA system.

      Considerable animosity back then between Pitt and Dukes.

      Liked by 1 person

  258. Yea lots of animosity because the two teams featured many local players who had played against eachother in WPIAL.

    Don’t remember Roddy, he must have been a scrub.

    Mike Barr yes, Roddy no. Oscar Jackson played for Beaver Falls, when they
    had that really good State semi-final team. Don McLane played for North Catholic.
    Big Train Lionel Billingy. Rich Cotton played for maybe Perry HS. It was a City League team. BB Flanery played for Valley HS, when they were pretty good. Doug Arnold played for Norwin HS, he was pretty good . Battled the bigs for Pitt, like Clancy &
    Sammy Ellis.

    Sam Clancy (Fifth Ave)vs Bruce Adkins(Wilkinsburg) was a bruising affair.

    Pitt was the upstart as well in the 1970’s. Media seemed to favor the Dukes too.
    That all changed when Pitt joined the BigEast in 1982 and left Duquesne in the dust.

    Until today !

    Like

  259. Baseball 1-5 in ACC. Lost (2) of (3) to BC. This has to be the last year for Mike Bell. Another Heather Hire Underperforming.

    Upitt

    Like

      1. You mean scrimmage games against non conf’s bc that’s what they are. But you know everything.

        Upitt

        Like

    1. If that is accurate, that is a disgrace !!

      The 3rd place & 4th place teams….both more than 4 games above .500
      in the ACC….being disrespected like that.

      They would NEVER omit the 3rd, 4th place teams in the Bigjoke or SEC.

      They did this to the PAC 12, before they eventually broke it up.

      And they have the same plans for the ACC obviously.

      Liked by 1 person

  261. If you don’t let them in they can’t prove you wrong.
    Kman
    N.b possible last thread going for 500 comments!
    Out with a bang

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Exactly like last year, when Pitt was a First 4 and won 2 games.

      The latter game destroying media darling Big 12’s Iowa State.

      Who is expected to get a Number 1 seed today. Worst case a Number 2.

      Like

  265. FAU & NW getting in for the East Region is a tough negative sign for Pitt.

    The commentators just said the committee placed a heavy emphasis on the non-conference games.

    Really entertaining run with you Reed. I hope our paths cross again.

    Erie Express signing off…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Erie was so much fun cheering with you in the North Club back in the day when I could go to games. Take care Sir.

      Best Regards Tom

      Liked by 1 person

  266. Texas A&M got in….they were on the same Last 4 in Line or First 4 out Line as Pitt.

    Does not bode well !

    Like

  279. Well the good news….I won’t be wasting any of my time…watching the Big Farce…previously known as the Big Dance.

    First 4 seeded teams in the South….all lost their last games, many of them got
    routed.

    Liked by 1 person

  281. The Revenge of Herman Munster.

    Well I’ll be a non watcher this year. Hope the ratings are in the dumpster.

    Like

  282. VA, Clemson, Michigan St. What a joke.
    See you all over on Discord
    Thanks for everything Reed.

    Like

  286. The tournament has become a joke.

    All of the 12, 13, 14, and 15 seeds should play each other for the right to play in the tournament. Yes there is the yearly upset or two, but c’mon who wants to watch those games?

    Liked by 1 person

  288. BigEast got the Shaft as well. Only 3 teams.

    Pitt is a former member of the BigEast. Note UVA & Clemscum got in, original ACC teams.

    Big East trio of St. John’s, Seton Hall and Providence. Only three bids for the Big East? Wild.

    Like

  289. Yes Pitt beat VA at VA, and finished higher than Clemson in the regular season and the tournament. Michigan State had 19 wins in the weak B1G.

    Like

  292. And the particulars on the Favored & the Forlorn:

    Last four in: Boise State, Colorado, Virginia, Colorado State

    First four out: Oklahoma, Seton Hall, Indiana State, Pittsburgh

    Like

  293. This is what happens when Jeff Capel’s your coach Heather Lyke is your A.D. and you don’t win enough games.

    Upitt

    Like

  295. Pitt had a hell of a year and the future is bright. I could see them not making it in but I’m aghast at the teams maybe 15 that made it in that Pitt would blow off the floor.

    Pitt has no pull,respect or clout in the NCAA, ACC and around the USA. That’s on Heather, Chancellor, our Football disiaster and Alums. There are people who will delight that the Dukes made it in and Pitt didn’t. The rest of the ACC and Barnes are partying hearty right now. Pitt needs to schedule Duquesne!!

    Like

    1. I’m sure peeps have snickered over some of the posts I’ve posted over the years, suggesting Pitt has many things(entities) working against it.

      But unfortunately I have this little problem of being more observant than a lot of others.

      Now it’s been a blessing in some areas of life and not so much in others.

      Pitt being slighted, yet again. Is just the latest validation.

      Like

      1. if so then you should be observant that posting alias results in no one snickering over any of your posts

        few caring about alias’ views and none that you can claim

        validate all you want….in your mind likely the only agreement 🙂

        Like

    1. Almost 50 years to the day, NC State got to play a Home game
      in the Eastern Regional Elite 8 game, besting Pitt.

      March 16, 1974

      Like

  298. Soon as I figure out Discord I’ll see you on the other side. I am just devastated for everyone that we got royally F cked!!

    Like

  299. Pitt Declines NIT
    https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2024/3/17/mens-basketball-panthers-decline-invitation-to-nit.aspx

    “PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball team has declined an invitation to the 2024 National Invitation Tournament.

    “I am incredibly proud of the performance, development, and fight of our team,” said head coach Jeff Capel. “We ultimately fell short of our goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament, despite ranking favorably in the computers, performing well in conference play with a fourth-place finish and an ACC Tournament Semifinal appearance, and playing our best basketball over the last eight weeks of the season. We made the decision to decline an NIT invitation as a team and with the support of our University leadership. It was a difficult choice, but ultimately what is best for our student-athletes.”

    “The 2023-24 season was a memorable one that began in August with our trip to Spain and the hometown of Guillermo and Jorge Diaz Graham;” Capel continued. “Blake Hinson proved to be one of the elite shooters in the NCAA and our young backcourt of Carlton Carrington and Jaland Lowe grew into one of the best young guard tandems in the country. Ish’s performance against Wake Forest with his father at Capital One Arena and their moment together after the game was special and throughout the roster, we had great performances that led to a second consecutive season with at least 20 wins overall and 10+ victories in ACC play. We are grateful for the tremendous fan support this season. The Oakland Zoo was amazing all season long and is a big part of our program. We look forward to continuing to build this program and preparing for an NCAA Tournament run in 2025.””

    Liked by 1 person

  300. My brother in law, who recently worked in the Pitt Athletic Dept just heard that the team voted to decline an NIT invite.

    Like

  302. See ya on the other side Dan.
    Thanks for the fun ride Commander.
    Not the way we wanted to go out but…
    If we get an NIT home game I’ll be at Hemingways with whoever shows up.

    Like

  306. Note to Capel & Lyke, don’t schedule nothing but bums, and make sure you win every Quad 3 & 4 team and most Quad 2 teams.

    Liked by 1 person

  307. I do not respect the decision to skip the NIT. I think it would have been the prefect opportunity to mop the floor with the competition. Then show the committee their mistake.
    I guess this is what you get from the guy who won’t schedule Duquesne.

    xfmrman

    Like

    1. I disagree.

      I just cringe at the thought of one of the frosh guards (or any other player ftm) getting injured in a meaningless game.

      Just not worth it.

      H2P

      Like

  308. I guess this will be it for this blog. So sorry to see it go as it was a great place to discuss all things Pitt and get info on what was happening at Pitt. Thanks for all your hard work keeping it going Reed! I very much appreciated it!

    I would also like to thank Reed for allowing several of us to make several of you women’s volleyball fans. The spring exhibition schedule starts March 23rd. Pitt will be playing both Ohio State and Penn State home and away. Get out and support our team if you are in the area.

    Thanks to everyone I have met in person, you have all been great representatives of our university!

    Hopefully you all will move over to the Discord site. It is entirely new to me so it will be a steep learning curve over there.

    Hail To Pitt!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. We got shut out last year trying to get V’Ball season tickets. But we made about 5 games anyway.

      Maybe we’ll have better luck this year – but wife and I will be at the Fitz in 2024 as much as we can, regardless.

      H2P

      Liked by 1 person

  309. Reed, Thank you for the pov and for keeping it relevant and on target, not just a lot of made up stuff and carping like many other sites. Hope to see you on discord if I can figure out how to get on. All the best to you and your family. Soccer Gramps

    Liked by 1 person

  310. One good thing is that Bub & Company will be fired up to play great next season and our backcourt will have no peers in the NCAA. A lot of tough seniors are graduating this year in the ACC and other schools and the table is set for us IMO.

    Now if only we can land Meleek…..

    Liked by 1 person

  312. Liked by 3 people

  313. As I was saying about MSU….

    Liked by 2 people

  314. “At least once every few years, the committee seems to make an example of a bubble team that didn’t challenge itself in non-league play. That happened again Sunday when the committee slammed the door on a Pittsburgh team that played the NET’s 343rd-ranked non-conference strength of schedule. When asked about his scheduling last Friday, Pittsburgh coach Jeff Capel said his intent wasn’t to duck strong competition. “We didn’t know West Virginia would turn out like they were,” Capel said. “We didn’t know that Missouri wouldn’t win a [SEC] game.” The committee, it seems, was unmoved. So a Pittsburgh team that won 12 of its last 16 games must settle for an NIT invitation.”

    https://sports.yahoo.com/here-are-this-years-6-biggest-ncaa-mens-tournament-snubs-224825486.html

    Liked by 1 person

    1. As the head coach of a Power Conference team, should he be aware of the committee’s standards?
      xfmrman

      Like

  316. Dixon that fox….

    Liked by 2 people

  318. I am signing off to get my feet wet on Discord. I can only hope that the overwhelming majority of POV’ers move to the new source for thoughtful ( and sometimes not thoughtful) discussions involving one of the most disrespected athletic programs in college sports. Reed, you are a very special person in many ways well beyond the nonsense of Pitt athletics. I hope you will not be a stranger and check in on Discord.

    Our basketball season reflects the absolute disrespect given to the ACC… football will probably be ouch worse for the Conference….to be continued on Discord.

    Liked by 3 people

  319. Thanks again to Reed for this blog, to all the authors and all the great commentary over the years. In the words of Dandy Don:

    Turn out the lights, the parties over…

    Like

  320. Capel may not have known how bad some teams would be. He also didn’t know how good they would be either. He can’t play the Dixon schedule unless he wins 25 plus games like Jamie did and have multiple big time wins. Pitt screwed themselves.

    Like

  321. I’m talking when Dixon was at Pitt. Just realized he’s at TCU now and that soft schedule for is still being practiced by him.

    I don’t agree with the TCU or Virginia selections. But there are a few teams besides just Pitt that got hosed.

    Wondering who at TCU was able to influence the committee.

    Like

  323. Reed, you and your wife and son and family are truly loved by all you touched through your efforts through the Blather and POV.

    It’s easy to talk. But much HARDER to do.

    You did time and time again.

    Like

  324. Blame losing to Syracuse and Clemson twice each and Missouri. Win a couple of those and strength of schedule wouldn’t matter.

    It’s all BS, the fact that they one 12 of their last 16 should matter much more than who they played in December. The fact that they finished higher than Clemson even though they lost twice to them, finishing 4th after starting 1-5, but somehow Clemson gets in. The fact that they beat Duke at Duke and VA at VA places they rarely lose meant nothing.

    Like

    1. That would have gotten them 25 wins like Jaime used to do. They would probably have been a 9-11 seed then.

      Like

  325. Pitt told the NIT to get bent (in nicer terms).

    Reed, I read your goodbye post and I want to thank you for all you have done. Both with Pitt POV and in the Pitt Blather days as well.

    I lurk here but like you have come to enjoy college athletics less and less. For many of the reasons you stated.

    I will miss you and while I haven’t ruled out Discord…I just am finding that I would rather spend more time in my later years doing things than watching other do things.

    I am sure one day I will get there but as of now…the best to all of you. I really enjoyed our time together here at the POV.

    Dave Dellett

    Liked by 1 person

  326. The snub is not against the players. This rests solely on the administration, specifically the coaching staff and AD, as well as the ACC leadership. To compound matters, it appears the coach has decided to teach the athletes that when a decsion is made against you, pout, take your ball and go home. Apparently at Pitt, quitting is an option.

    This move by the people over-seeing the program is representative of today’s society. Pitt is trying to cancel the ncaa and nit because what someone did, hurt their feelings. The AD is over her head. Always has been. Pitt will now hide behind “academics” as a reason not to play under the guise of doing what is best for the athlete students. That is hypocritical. They wouldn’t deny an invite to the ncaa tournament as the last play in game for the betterment of the athlete student.

    They are teaching the athletes to quit when you don’t get your way. They should be teaching them that they needed to work harder and to focus on their profession, as paid athletes.

    Pitt’s administrative actions will cause the super-conference to re-think any invite, to Pitt’s detriment. Pitt needed to play nice, and go out and win. Pitt has no strategic thinkers and thought only of the short term rear end hurt they are experiencing, versus the long term betterment of the organization. Pitt doesn’t understand risk.

    I hate this for us. We knew for a week that we were on the bubble and needed to win two games. We didn’t and now we complain about the teams that did make it. We had an awful out of conference schedule. The Pete was not a sellout all year, just after we started winning. Let’s not say something it wasn’t. We need to be better. Maybe next year.

    Reed, thank you. I have been on here very little this last year due to work, so i am not up to speed on what is happening. Assuming Mike taking over the reigns again. If not, Would be nice to get a last day announcement. My most favorite experience moving over here with you was getting on the zoom calls. If you all want to set-up a last call, I think it would be great! If not, thoughts and prayers always for me brothers and sisters on the POV.

    Like

    2. sounds biased, a bit emotional and even opportunistic

      pout? teach quitting?

      I’m sure you have some real factual inside information to substantiate the statements

      we didn’t need to win 2 games imo looking at who was invited, we needed to have a better committee that understands what matters rather than inconsistently applies what they can while NOT acknowledging or grasping its failing in use with the 3-5 teams it affects

      maybe our coach and admin should be credited with not accepting the BS and making a statement of that rejection

      maybe a couple of the several other schools have cases but my look at them shows none that quite meet Pitt’s stronger position

      maybe it would be more credible if before you jump to the criticism, you would spend a little time judging the other teams and/or the other “declining invitations” teams before commenting on Pitt’s decision

      that might be part of humility or at least would avoid the knee-jerk predictable position taken

      Like

  327. Cdr Reed

    Thanks again for the POV. Looking forward to seeing you, Mike M, Dan, John, Annie, Tossing, and all the great POV writers and contributors on discord. It’s been a great run here and we are all forever in your debt for building this wonderful community.

    H2P!!!

    Liked by 2 people

  328. When was the last time Pitt declined a NIT invite? Heck Pitt paid to play in the CBI one year under Dixon and won it.

    Does Pitt think they are a blue blood like Kentucky and Duke?

    I think this sets a very bad example. It was an emotional and not rational decision.

    Any extension of the season is good for players and fans. Pitt just killed school spirit with this decision.

    And I agree with everything Huff said.

    Like

  329. I totally am OK with turning down the NIT

    if it was HL or JC or the players, I’m glad they had the cohones, no way do I turn the other cheek after being slapped in the face

    of course there will be those that oppose anything Pitt chose to do because it is JC and/or HL they can’t help oppose, not because is wasn’t a perfectly justifiable decision and frankly a waste of time and resources with no real upside whatsoever

    frame it however you want, similar to FSU, you get screwed, walk away and don’t go along with being crapped on and stand there wait for more

    if there were a financial upside, I’d have sent 5 players out on the court and laughed all the way to the bank like FSU practically fielding a jv level team while accepting the bowl invitation and money but this had none of that available

    go home, work on getting a true BIG through the portal and adding to this team in ways that are meaningful and will matter next year

    there will always be those that know better taking the opposing position, I read some here that post whenever they decide they can get in a slap justified or not

    H2P!

    H2Reed!!

    H2Discord or whatever is the future!!!

    Peace

    Like

  330. The NIT has lost a lot of prestige the last few seasons (whatever prestige a second class tournament has) … it’s become a lab experiment for potential rules changes in recent years … y’all know I hate bowl games so this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

    Hinson would have opted out. Jeffers walked on senior night indicating he’s likely transferring … so another guy who probably opts out. You have one of the twins out for the season. Pitt already had a short bench playing 7 most games.

    Capel probably didn’t see a team that he’d feel comfortable fielding … and to be honest, Bub will hit the NBA circuit to gauge his draft stock so that was another guy who would be a stretch to expect to suit up.

    Probably for the best.

    Tossing

    Like

  331. Players can hit the portal Monday. Some won’t be at Pitt next year despite what they say now. Some don’t want to risk injury.

    But they all would have played in the ncaa so what gives?

    Aren’t all these players getting paid now and are technically employees or at the very least on scholarship?

    When did schools decide to let the players run things?

    Like

  332. I approve of this selfish decision and quitting when I don’t get my way or have risk of injury.

    Kenny Pickett

    Like

    1. Kenny is QB1 going into next season. I’m excited to work with him and seeing just how far he can go and what he can become.

      Mike Tomlin

      Like

    2. Who is kidding who? Carrington will not be wearing the Blue and Yellow next year.

      He’s an 18-year-old who is 6-5 with skills who looks more like a high school freshman than a kid in college.

      The NBA is well aware there’s a HIGH ceiling here.

      Good by Bub. We hardly knew you.

      Like

  333. This is why college sports stinks to high heaven.

    Players will test the portal today. If they get a better offer from some other school, they are gone. The offer could be one that is better financially or one that is better for their career.

    But there is no loyalty to coach or school these days.

    The players can say how much they love their coach and school, but the love is driven by dollars and which school can help them further their career.

    Five players will most likely hit the portal. Pitt would have fielded a seven player team in the NIT.

    Far too easy to transfer these days without penalty. These players need to sign contracts and if they want out then it’s up to the school to find a buyer and loan them out or have the buyer pay a transfer fee.

    It’s no wonder well respected and long tenured coaches in both basketball and football have walked away over the past few years.

    Liked by 2 people

  334. Sadly, just as society in general these days.
    Just watched a clip on Indiana State player nicknamed Cream Abdul Jabbar. I wasn’t able to copy and paste but his highlight film is entertaining.

    Like

  335. I’m fine with them opting out. They have nothing left to prove this year.

    The most important thing right now is for Capel to work the portal and get what is needed for next year. The NIT means nothing.

    The snub was on Pitt and the ACC and caused by a flawed system of metrics which weighted certain aspects and ignored others, but let’s blame Capel, Heather and Pitt admin. The ACC is going to take a lot of hits because it is by far weaker than the SEC and B1G. They are going to continue to try to squeeze the life out of it.

    Capel did a brilliant job of coaching this year, a turn-a-round of fortune for the ages.
    Great 3 point shooting and very solid defense which were not evident early on.
    Hinson a name that will be remebered among Pitt’s best. That is what should be remembered.

    I don’t care for the unregulated Portal and NIL but it exists and Pitt has to do its best to manage it well. You can always opt out of college sports like Reed if it bothers you that much.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Heya GC, if this was in response to mine above, I clearly typed ACC leadership, Pitt Coach and Pitt AD. The future landscape is what I was referencing. You have to be strategic in all athletic discussions and actions. Offending those that have a say in your athletic future may be problematic. The AD’s have alot of pull when you have alliances. Ours does not.

      I like Capel, especially now that he is in his element of paying players above the table. He is relatable for the kids he is recruiting. Not sure he is an above average coach, but as a recruiter with cash, fantastic.

      The out of conference schedule hurt Pitt. Some of that is bad luck, but it is a metric now as it was in the beginning of the tourney. Our in-conference had some nice wins, but when the conference struggles with national perception, the conference suffers. The ACC was projected at 4 teams for at least a month. We all knew that Pitt needed to win two games in the tourney to get in, but when they came up short, the excuses started to roll. That’s fanship.

      We didn’t win enough, and taught our kids to quit if a decision goes against you. Great lesson as these kids get ready to join corporate america. Me personally, I accept the invite, field a team of those that want to play, and candidly, reward the walk-ons if needed. Be about the whole team and not just the paid ones. The paid ones got better because of the non-paid ones. By all means, convince the non-paid ones to continue to support the arrogance of the paid ones. Humility is a great lesson.

      Like

      1. I agree we didn’t win enough, but I don’t agree they are teaching the kids to quit.
        If so we are in pretty good company.

        Because of the portal it is more important for the coaches to be working it than coaching for a meaningless tournament that the kids don’t want to play in.

        Like

  337. take your ball and go home

    opt out

    when the going gets uncomfortable sometimes people quit, even good/great ones

    make sure to take you last shots cowardly running away

    some post anon cowardly(you may claim WordPress yet all can add a signature)

    some alias which is another cowardly even if clever

    be great if all go but leave this behind on discord

    Like

  338. I don’t like the “PITT arrogance” that Capel and Lyke show…..

    They refuse to play the “City Game with Duquesne” …and show a snooty attitude
    They are “better than the NIT” and lose another chance to promote the national brand with several more games in the NIT

    SHAME ON YOU, Jeff and Heather.

    PS: …it further shows thru, when another Pitt alum, KP8….”takes his ball and goes home” to NJ and the Eagles when he could have stayed with the Steelers (not asked for a trade) and developed , learned and hopefully taken over the reigns during the next 2 years

    H2P

    ~ BOO CITY PA
    ~ HE HATE ME

    Like

    1. NIT is a joke. Great decision by Pitt.

      Everyone from Pitt is arrogant and selfish, LOL. Your comments are funny.

      Like

  340. My statement was too cryptic. Sorry.
    I agree with those opposed to opting out and canceling others in general.
    Both signs of weakness and lack of character in my humble opinion.
    I was raised my a man who fought in WW II as a US Marine so there’s that. 🙃

    Liked by 3 people

  341. Gee, remember when Pitt obligated itself to guaranteeing a four year scholarship to FB recruits who chose Pitt…even if they got cut from the team (except because of poor academics or behavioral issues)?

    Then we see the horrid actions at Colorado where Deion Sanders cuts almost every player on the roster denying all those players their scholarships massivly impacting both the players and their families. That, and the non- outcry from the NCAA and media, was another nail in the coffin of college sports for me.

    On another note Discord is actually very easy once you register and get acquainted with it. Took me about 10 minutes before I was linked in and posting on the NC game.

    Plus, many more bells & whistles on there including a very easy way to pass on your thoughts by voice and then post the audio file in the game thread with two clicks of just buttons. Can you imagine how much fun that will be during FB season!!

    Thank you for all the comments above. No matter how frustrated I’ve been with college sports and maintaining the blog I always knew that doing positive things for others not only makes both lives better but brings you friends and acquaintances you would never have had before.

    If I can leave the POV with one thing to ask of all of you it is that you to try to do that as much as possible in your own lives…

    Thank you all,

    Reed

    Liked by 11 people

  342. maybe the coaches and AD’s at these schools suck almost as bad as Heather and JC – anyone have an opinion(bias and agenda free) to apply?

    Indiana beat MSU near the end of the year – not saying they were deserving otherwise but neither was MSU
    SJU at least finished strong but lost 4 of last 10 and early to BC at home
    OU lost 6 of last 10
    Memphis lost 4 of last 10 and 8 of last 15
    Ole Miss lost 8 of last 10

    Pitt of course lost 3 of last 10 and last one to a #1 seed where they were tied with 4 minutes remaining

    https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2024/3/17/24104479/teams-that-turned-down-nit-bid-2024-recruiting-st-johns-pitt-oklahoma-memphis-ole-miss-indiana

    Liked by 3 people

    1. You left out Syracuse. I believe they opted out as well. Or were they not offered the NIT? Either way, just because you get invited to a party, it’s still ok to politely decline the invitation. The NIT isn’t what it once was. Now it’s just more TV content. It can’t even rise to the level of the late, great Toby Keith and say, “I ain’t as good as I once was but I’m as good once as I ever was.”

      H2P!!!

      Liked by 3 people

  343. It would have been great to see this team play again. But half of them are hitting the portal today. Tough to be a coach these days. Tough to be a fan. It’s the Wild West and the players are the gunslingers.

    I’ll miss the POV but with every page turned, new chapters can begin.

    Meeting places where information can be shared, opinions and ideas debated, and for people to talk about all things Pitt and sports and just life in general.

    A place for people to freely engage and agree to disagree but still respect one another after healthy discussion.

    The POV was a good place for all this. It was a good place for fans and alumni to talk about something that unites us. It was a place where everyone knows your name.

    Thank you Reed for allowing us to be patrons and for serving up some nice sports cocktails. It’s time I call for a cab.

    Mike Andra

    Liked by 4 people

  344. Did kids vote on NIT? When NCST won ACC I knew we were out. NET is set up to reward non conference games and expand TV coverage for CBS. We need to buy more players.

    Like

    1. I thought we might be out but when UVa was announced in I thought we were definitely in and with NCSt would end up being 6 ACC teams IN

      but somehow all the UVa bid turned out to be was a confirmed screw job of Pitt by the committee and the ACC

      UVa should be embarrassed, I wonder what Tony Bennett might say as to whether they deserved it over Pitt

      UVa lost 5 of last 10 games including the beatdown by Pitt at their place and destruction by VaTech and Duke away and of course the NCSt loss at the end, which IF they’d have won AND competed with UNC better than Pitt when they would’ve faced them in the final, I’d be perfectly OK with their selection

      we almost embarrassed them on their court but I guess they could think it was a one-off

      .

      btw, anyone else think it looked like UNC(Ryan, Ingram, Cadeau) didn’t seem to try to make shots v NCSt with all the open ones they missed including Davis who got 30 but missed a ton when it mattered

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I think UNC knew they had a 1 seed locked up and tanked the game. I think the NC legislature was pleased to have both teams in. Screwing Pitt was a bonus.

        H2P!!!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Jay will be a good ACC Commissioner some day. He is pushing so hard for the ACC brand with Clempsin last year and us this year. Jay said he can name 3 or 4 teams that got in, that Pitt could beat. I would suggest that there were three or four teams that didn’t get in that could beat Pitt. The beauty of Jay’s statement and mine is that we will never know. So, we can’t say he’s definitively correct or incorrect so to suggest with 100% certainty is just blather…which was a previously extinct site for Pitt fans.

      When Jay says that the tournament is based on the full body of work, I think he contradicted himself. It was the rest of the body for Pitt. The out of conference, period. Add to that the perceived notion that the ACC is down in talent, and the perception is that the games we thought were great wins, became average wins.

      I do think we should have gotten in. I also think we should have won a few more games along the way. December and January games count.

      Like

      1. so you suggest Jay is making the argument mostly due to his ACC bias and pursuit of something?

        and then try to discredit his statements because the games he says Pitt would win aren’t going to ever be played, so what, it’s clearly an opinion and an educated one from an analyst who probably watches more than most

        of course he MIGHT just be a blowhard with little information as far as the entire scope of NCAABB nationally but at least do you think he could judge the ACC itself?

        do you think he’d include UVa as one of the 3 or 4 teams Pitt would definitely beat?

        do you remember that game having been played and what it looked like?

        tiring typing replies but I’ll go on if it would help you

        Like

        1. Never mentioned he was pursuing something. What I did say was that he would make a good ACC Commissioner. He would in my opinion. I didn’t say he made the remarks to get an ACC Commissioner job. He’s smart.

          I didn’t discredit him. What I typed was the teams he wouldn’t mention that are in the tournament would not play Pitt going forward, this year. That is just a fact. His opinions can’t be proven, fact. Pitt is not playing in the same tournament, fact. Very similar to several comments here saying that if we started Yarnell in game 2 we would have won more games. Makes for great discussion, but can never be proven.

          Jay wasn’t on the selection committee. Kind of like saying lunardi and palm have no idea what they are talking about either, or any other talking head that indicated the acc would get 4 bids over the last month or so.

          Not sure why you are tired of typing vax. You can be disappointed in how things turned out, as I am, but I also know you can’t say we would beat a team or lose to a team this week, except, I know pitt will not lose a game this week. Fact.

          Like

          1. typing what would otherwise better be stated in conversation is the tired of typing piece
            heck, I barely can work up the energy to use the shift key as you might have noticed 🙂

            so, do you think he’d include UVa as one of the 3 or 4 teams Pitt would definitely beat?

            do you remember that game having been played and what it looked like?

            of course he’s not stating fact, but opinion and my point is he’s knowledgeable and frankly if you followed him, he doesn’t act like a shill for the ACC and really hadn’t given Pitt any support until the end of the season after Pitt proved who they were beating Duke, UVa and making the extended late season push

            I’d say I am really disappointed in the lack of good sense and logic in making these decisions, and would expect better as they should be experts in this one thing

            your position is that Pitt should just accept that treatment and Lyke and Capel are wrong in not accepting the arguably(by knowledgeable and objective opinion) flawed snub and therefore NIT invite, mine is you don’t accept and play nice when you are treated like this, I’d NOT go unless the players really wanted to, virtually no upside for them or Pitt, maybe for us the fans but I think they’ve fulfilled reasonable scholarship obligations and imo it hurts Pitt going along with the ACC/NCAA slap in the face which is weak

            you may think otherwise

            more tired typing 😉 help?

            Like

            1. We will disagree. I don’t quit as evidenced by my replies. Almost at 600 for the thread! 🙂

              Heard the OSU coach “Diebler” tonight indicate how important the nit games are for the development of his team and to give them opportunities to learn how to win close games so they will be better next year. I didn’t say that, he did. I thought it was odd since one of his players is a 5th year guy that won’t be playing next year.

              I spoke to an AD who sat on last year’s committee just to make sure that I was not typing something that was way off base. He and I used to work together. He stated that one AD doesn’t control the conversation, so it isn’t just a Herman that hung Pitt out. He did say that AD relationships and conference commissioner relationships are important when the criteria gets tight as teams are so closely ranked. Said it is not perfect, but they do a real good job at the end of the day and there are always 5 or 6 schools that could have gotten in and won a game.

              He said something very important today. He said to not only watch clemson and fsu, but keep an eye out for other schools that have already met with the ACC about the media rights. You learn as much from the people who are trying to better themselves, versus the “wallflowers”. He said that Pitt is a wallflower.

              Like

              1. I’d think “wallflowers” would quietly take the NIT bid, say thank you and play

                I don’t care about the good old boys in the room with the secret handshakes that Heather isn’t allowed to be a part of, that you think it is and are an insider with them is quite telling and should be unacceptable to all

                sad

                the OSU coach? the NIT games is where they learn to win close ones, ok, study up

                Capel is far from perfect, but if playing another 4-5 games is the key to learning to win close ones, what the heck were you learning in the last 25 or so that left you short of that?

                whatever, again Pitt is a wallflower that isn’t going to play along with the BS

                UVa should not be in, MissSt and Tex A&M, Drake, Boise, Colorado, Nev, New Mex, take your multiple picks, all are good candidates who should be outside looking in at Pitt playing and winning a couple even if a play-in

                Like

                1. Agree with all those that shouldn’t be in, in lieu of Pitt
                  Except for Drake. Just because we use to pass Drake’s Bakery on Liberty Avenue, by the Bloomfield Bridge, it seemed like every day when I was a kid.
                  Oh the smell, the smell of the mass baking of bread ! Almost
                  can still smell it 50 years later. Luved the walking lit up Drakes as well.

                  No really… just kidding…..Drake was the AQ for the MVC.

                  So it turned out with all the incessant media bias against the ACC,
                  for most of the season

                  Except that bias didn’t really affect UNC & Duke both got in and UNC even got a Number 1 seed. UNC even gets their first 2 games in North Carolina. Duke gets Brooklyn and many Dookies are from up in that area, so both of them not affected at all by the anti-ACC media bias. Just business as normal.

                  And UVA, who Pitt ended their 23 game Home winning streak and Clemson who Pitt finished ahead of in the ACC standings, both got in. Clemson got a close first 2 games in neighboring Tennessee. The anti-ACC bias didn’t affect them.

                  And NC State got in as the AQ. Didn’t affect them.

                  So in the end all the anti-ACC media bias as well as the NET bias……all ended up….only really affecting….guess who?

                  PITT

                  And that should speak volumes.

                  Like

                  1. yes, it speaks volumes

                    and playing in the NIT would speak volumes about Pitt rolling over for the ACC and the NCAA and for zero upside except for us fans(some)

                    for me the bakery was Ciampi’s – fresh baked Italian rolls that we would pull open and make a pocket while hot and stuff with Middlesworth potato chips for a lunch treat, carb loading with fresh bread and salty potato chip flavor most every year in HS in Exeter, PA

                    Like

                    1. Yes, NiT is nowheresville.

                      It’s a lose/lose. If you lose, it’s justification for them
                      saying, proof you didn’t belong in the NCAA as an At Large.
                      And if you win, it doesn’t really matter. Nobody cares or watches on a nationwide or even regional basis.

                      Even worse now since if you make it to the semi-finals
                      you don’t even get the chance to play at Madison
                      Square Garden as a reward.

                      I had to look up where Exeter was, and quite funny it’s in the Greater Pitt ston-Wilkes Barre area. Guess you were destined to go to Pitt !

                      The Drake’s bakery wasn’t like a local backery it was a large
                      factory that supplied local grocery stores like Giant
                      Eagle, Foodland, Krogers, Thorofare and others with
                      bread. Pittsburgh had at least 2 of these local made bread brands. There was Drake’s & Towntalk. This was sort
                      of before grocery stores having their own in house
                      bakeries and such.

                      Like

                    2. half my graduating HS class went to PSU or a branch campus, I was the ONLY 1 to go to Pitt that year

                      I didn’t even apply to PSU

                      no strong reason as to why I chose Pitt but cost with scholarship money ended up being lowest among a few other choices in and out of state of which 3 were TCU, SMU and Texas

                      I made the right choice!

                      Like

      2. If Pitt didn’t lose to both Clemson and Syracuse twice. If Pitt didn’t lose to Missouri. If Pitt didn’t lose to Miami. If Pitt didn’t schedule the likes of Canisius and NC AT&T. If Pitt would have played Duquesne. Pitt has nobody to blame but themselves.

        Like

  346. Let’s say you have a team that won their first 15 games and lost their last 15. And you have a team that lost their first 15, but won their last 15. Who would you choose if you had to choose between them?

    If the goal is to have the best teams in the tournament, shouldn’t how you perform during the latter part of the season be weighted more?

    While that is an extreme example, the NET doesn’t differentiate afaik. The tournament appears to be a reward more than trying to have the best teams in and that’s just one reason why I think it’s flawed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Going forward, arguing the merit of the NET/Committee evaluation system is valid.
      But, for now, this is what MBB is stuck with.
      What cannot be argued is that the system that has been in place for 6 years-as long as the current staff has been at Pitt.
      Throughout the season, Capel has openly criticized and dismissed the NET. I think this was a mistake. Not only was he saying he did not comprehend it, he was effectively thumbing his nose at the folks in the Committee Room.
      If you were invested in the development of the system, and on the Committee, would you be inclined to reward your critic?
      xfmrman

      Like

    1. Seemed fitting… hee hee

      Im going to pull for Keith Dambrot and Duquesne in the tourney.
      Hope they can keep the program winning going forward.
      Pitt and Duquesne would pack PPG next season if they decided to do it.

      Liked by 2 people

  348. If Pitt had the Dukes on the schedule this year, their SOS for non conference would have been better. Instead Duquesne steals a bid from Pitt. Why should Capel have any say in the City Game. That should be the AD’s call. Play the game and honor history and tradition.

    The guy who took the cab.

    Like

  349. Not playing the city game is like the Nitters not playing Pitt.
    Weak beyond words.
    Although I am now no longer interested in playing PSU in anything.
    KMAN

    Like

  350. Haha. Neither do I Kman.
    I should not even mention their name anymore.
    Maybe just ‘that school out East that sux’🤔

    Liked by 1 person

  352. one of the teams displacing Pitt is down 27-14 at the half v a weak Mountain West team

    Tex A&M and Miss St will be out quick also

    trash picked over a very good Pitt team playing better late, but yeah, the committee got it right and Pitt should have played in the NIT

    hahahaha, maybe Bilas knows what he’s saying, not just a promoter of the ACC and Capel and Lyke don’t tolerate the stupid slap like a few here would say is the smart strategy

    lolol

    H2not a doormat P!!!

    Like

    1. There is part of your answer. Colorado St beat UVA by 25, more than double of what Pitt did. Should we assume that they would beat Pitt, NO. Pitt was not, next-in according to lunardi and palm and apparently, the committee.

      We will never know if colorado st. would have beat Pitt in the play in tourney. Keep arguing that Pitt is better than every team that loses in the first round. I get the frustration and don’t necessarily disagree, but the point is that they didn’t do enough to get in the dance, period. I accepted that immediately because I can’t change it. Bias is a part of every person’s dna if we are being honest. That is why they have so many AD’s deciding on who gets in and who doesn’t. They try to remove bias the best they can. If Va beat colorado st, the argument would be that since va beat them, and pitt beat uva, then pitt should have gotten in. it just doesn’t work that way.

      Separately, watch the under-current of what is happening with the acc. If ACC loses ESPN next year, there will be a mass exodus starting with the teams that have already met with the ACC Commish about leaving. Pitt is not one of those teams. The ACC has a strong rights deal between the league and their teams, thru something like 2036, however, the third party doesn’t attach so if espn says “NO”, there will be an opening to bolt. ACC better have a back-up plan regarding media rights that pay more than espn, or they are sunk.

      Like

      1. I won’t argue that Pitt is better than every team that loses in the first round, but by reasonable, substantial data state Pitt would’ve performed better than UVa and deserved more to be in, period.

        Anyone who’s watched much basketball this year would agree, Bilas likely is one. Lunardi is not quite the expert he is held up to be, Palm is better.

        The fact that Pitt wasn’t first out is just more evidence of how poor a job the committee did. It’s over, sitting out the NIT in part is the response that I’m perfectly ok with, it’s a meaningless few games that will do nothing for this Pitt team and prepares them for nothing.

        Spend time and resources on all that will which is keeping who we can and adding where we desperately need.

        Like


        1. Thanks vax. I haven’t watched basketball much at all this year and have written about that often, except for the team I work for. You may be right about Pitt deserving a spot over virginia. That was an abysmal outing by both teams and just plain hard to watch. But Pitt was not next……allegedly.

          My only point was that we didn’t do enough to get the invite. The committee doesn’t rank in-conference wins as much as they used to and that hurts Pitt the last two years because the perception is that the conference is down from a talent perspective. It used to be that if you played 500 or better in your conference and had a decent record, you were in. Data analytics has taken over.

          There are also politics around these things and we don’t do well in that space at all. We don’t have influencers. Our decisions make it worse.

          Fyi – you win. We won’t agree on this point and I won’t convince you that we aren’t in the dance for a reason. To the next debate…… 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          1. nah, I just disagree with the “experts” and their application of criteria and really don’t think they grasp the significance of what matters in today’s CBB environment

            I was a go along to get along type in the past but learned it gets you nowhere and if I’m diving into something I will attach like a dog on a bone until someone convinces me why I’m wrong

            you could (smarts and experience in your favor) and in some cases in the past you have done exactly that…..this one I’m still biting down hard 😉

            best Huff!

            Like

  353. This is the first time that Pitt wrestling has had no All-Americans since 2019, when three wrestlers lost in the Round of 12. It is also the first time that no wrestlers made the Round of 12 since 2018, in head coach Keith Gavin’s first season at the helm.

    “I think that we need to get better,” Pitt wrestling head coach Keith Gavin said. “We lost some heartbreakers and we got some young guys coming back next year that gotta get better from that experience and turn it around next time.”

    Like

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