Pitt shouldn't panic, plenty of opportunities ahead -
The Pitt men's basketball team is coming off a 14-point blowout loss at Duke in its most recent outing. The loss sank Pitt's mark in the ACC to 3-3. Through its first six conference games, Pitt has demonstrated signs of inconsistency. It appears this team is still searching for something, quite possibly its identity. Panther fans do not know exactly what to expect night in and night out. However, what is known, is Pitt faces a daunting schedule over the next 4 weeks. Pitt will either play with its competition or fail. It's really that simple. Given the nature of this team and the program, I believe the Panthers are going to seize the opportunity at hand. There is too much at stake for Pitt not to. Pitt is used to playing a rigorous conference schedule. Go back to the old Big East days. This ACC is nothing new. The Panthers possess the experience, athletes, home court advantage, and the right leader to get the job done, and punch their ticket to March Madness.
Jamie Dixon will lead Pitt to an NCAA Tournament berth for the 11th time in 12 seasons as head coach. The media seems to disagree. Specifically, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PG) columnist and sports writer Ron Cook is in that boat. In a January 11 article, Cook states the Panthers do not possess “enough good players.” Really? Sophomore F Jamel Artis is coming off a career night, scoring 21 points, and has reached double figures in the past 3 ACC contests. PG columnist Paul Zeise points out Artis is embracing the scoring role. His abilities are blossoming for the Panthers, and leadership is ever apparent. Zeise writes, “Coach Jamie Dixon said Artis' slow transformation into the Panthers' top scoring threat has been an important development and a big reason they have an opportunity to make big strides offensively.” It's not just Artis who is making strides. F Michael Young has been a large contributor to Pittsburgh's rebounding. Young is average 7.6 rebounds per game. He further demonstrates exemplary versatility, both underneath and around the perimeter. At 6'9” Young is not a true “big man”. Thus, he possesses ability to shoot from the perimeter, creating match up issues for opposing guards. Young and Artis will be two key cogs in the Panthers' offense the rest of the way. The abilities these players have demonstrated will continue to guide the Panthers through ACC play. In addition, players such as Aron Phillips-Nawanko, Josh Newkirk, and Ryan Luther have emerged off the bench. Each has demonstrated at times, their ability to step up their game when the situation calls.
The man leading the charge, coach Jamie Dixon, has a proven track record of success. Dixon's teams have only missed March Madness once. In Dixon's 11 seasons, Pitt has won at least 20 games each year. The team has not won fewer than 20 games since 2004-2005. Dixon's strong leadership and coaching ability are evident in his coaching history. The man has compiled an impressive list of achievements – two wins over a #1 team, 185 wins at home, and a 22-16 mark against teams ranked in the Top 10. There is not a question Jamie Dixon can take this Panthers' squad into the postseason. Also consider, the Duke game aside, Pitt has been in all of its games this season.
The Panthers' strong record on their home floor will also guide them to March Madness. Pitt has only lost once at home this season (71-62 to Clemson). The atmosphere created by the Oakland Zoo is among the best in college basketball. Pitt used the energy to fuel its comeback wins against Florida State and Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets committed 15 turnovers. No doubt the hostile environment played a part. The environment will only become more intense as the Panthers welcome Top 10 foe in Louisville this weekend. The Zoo will be jumping up and down. Up and down.
My fellow Panther fans, please sit back and relax. Realize the excitement of an adventure for Pitt will continue to unfold before your eyes. Jamie Dixon will lead this team. Its talent will step up and score. The heavy load will be carried, one way or another. History is on Pitt's side. Where there is a will, there is a way. Hail to Pitt.
Sources:
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/r...s/201501110165
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/P...s/201501210087
http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/...e-dixon-1.html
Did you write this sluggermatt?
Originally Posted by Indiana Pittsburgh Fan
This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. ://">://" onclick="kh99_iqts_show('345216_1'); return false;">Show Quote Did you write this sluggermatt? Why yes he did
Originally Posted by Kipper
This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. ://">://" onclick="kh99_iqts_show('345217_2'); return false;">Show Quote Why yes he did How many of these has he wrote? I really didnt realize he was writing blogs.
Great read Sluggermatt.
I'm very excited for Sunday. Big game for me living in the heart of Cardinal Nation.
