The season is over. Bitterness still lingers. Thursday night I didn’t want to hear it. Even now, part of me winces to admit this. We have been witness to one of the best runs of Pitt basketball ever. I don’t want it to peak here. I don’t want it to stop. I don’t even think it is over. I don’t deny the disappointment. I just think there has to be a moment to acknowledge what has transpired.
Pitt has played in the Big East Tournament Championship 4 straight years. Only Syracuse has done that. Three straight years in the Sweet 16. Pitt has gone from being lumped with Rutgers and Miami to UConn and Syracuse in the Big East. From being lucky to being listed as among the best 100 teams in preseason rankings to among the top 25.
This years starters have accomplished so much that already has them placed among Pitt’s records. I looked at Pitt’s records (PDF). Looked at the individual summaries through last year (PDF) and what the starters accomplished this year, to determine some things.
Julius Page
The all-time Pitt leader in Games Started @ 128, passing Sean Miller with 124.
The all-time Pitt leader in Minutes played @ 4398 to pass Brandin Knight with 4307.
He is ranked amongst Pitt players:
#2 in total games played @ 136.
#2 in minutes played in a season, 2003-04, @ 1281.
#4 in minutes played in a season, 2002-03, @ 1201.
#7 in minutes/game for a career with 32.3.
#12 in total scoring with 1512 points.
#11 in Field Goals Made (FGM) for career with 544.
#10 in Field Goals Attempted (FGA) for career with 1250.
#3 3-Point shots made in career with 210.
#2 3-Point shots attempted in career with 624.
#7 for 3-point Attempts in a season (2001-02) with 182.
#9 for 3-point Attempts in a season (2003-04) with 170.
#12 [tied with Sean Miller and Brandin Knight] for 3-point shots made in a season (2001-02) with 57.
#15 [appears tied with several] for 3-point shots made in a season (2003-04) with 56.
#9 3-point shot Percentage for career with .337.
#17 Assists for career with 244.
#18 Blocks for career with 44.
Jaron Brown
The all-time Pitt leader in games played @ 137.
He is ranked amongst Pitt players:
#3 in minutes played in a season 2003-04 @ 1258.
#6 in minutes played in a career @ 3777.
#8 in games started in a career @ 109.
#6 in career steals @ 192 (and had 6 steals in a game 3 times, tied with several for #2 in game record).
#14 in career points @ 1258.
#14 in career assists @ 295.
#15 in career blocks @ 59.
Carl Krauser
Ranks:
#16 in career assists (after only 2 seasons) @ 238.
#6 in minutes played in a season 2003-04 @ 1155.
Chevon Troutman
Ranks:
#1 Field Goal % for career (minimum 400 attempts) @ .656 (335-511).
#16 Blocks for career @ 61.
Chris Taft
As a freshman already ranks:
#9 in Blocks for a season @ 60.
#17 Blocks for career @ 60.
Amongst Pitt Freshman Records, he ranks:
#1 FGM @ 162.
#2 Points @ 392 (Charles Smith, 1984-85, 435).
#2 FG % @ .559 (Rod Brookin, 1986-87, .564).
#2 FT Attempts @ 125 (Charles Smith, 175).
#2 Rebounds @ 270 (Sam Clancy, 1974-75, 327).
#3 Blocks @ 60.
#4 Rebounds/Game @ 7.5.
#4 Scoring Average @ 10.9.
#5 FGA @ 290.
#6 Minutes Played @ 923.
And if you believe the beat reporters, things can still get better — even as soon as next season. I’m going to do a Big East look to 2004-05 in the next couple weeks.
