Okay, maybe the title of this post is the understatement of the season, but tonight's Pitt v. Nova game has huge implications for Pitt's basketball program. Over the past 5 years, I have felt that our program has gone largely unnoticed and disrespected by most analysts. I have a variety of theories to explain the lack of respect we receive, ranging from playing in a small city to the insane amount of success experienced by other programs in the Big East to our lack of being able to recruit McDonald's All-Americans to our lack of success in the NBA. However, when you look at the facts, you'll realize that we've been to 5 Sweet 16s in the past 9 years, have one of the greatest home court advantages in the nation (The Oakland Zoo), and consistently perform well in the best conference in the nation. Yes, all you ACC readers, the Big East is much better than your conference, and don't give me that shit about we have 4 more teams. When was the last time the ACC had 4 teams in the Elite 8? I rest my case.
The thing is, there's definitely a huge distinction between the Elite 8 and the final weekend of the tournament. No one really remembers the losers of the Elite 8, but you consistently hear about teams reaching the Final 4 (George Mason anyone?) and reaching that plateau absolutely validates your program for years to come. Pitt absolutely deserves to make this Final Four, to validate everything this program has accomplished over the past decades. Jamie Dixon is one of the most respected and classiest coaches in the nation, and motivates his players like few others can.
So with all that said, Let's Go Pitt! I hope you all enjoy the game, unless that is, you're rooting for 'Nova.
- Kaps
Prediction - Pitt 63, Nova 57
Song of the Day: Blues Traveler - Hook
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