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March 21, 2014

Intimidation?

Filed under: Basketball,Media,NCAA Tourney — Chas @ 7:39 am

I actually want to thank the reporter that asked this.

“Is there any intimidation level for you guys facing a No. 1 team?” a reporter asked of the matchup Saturday with top overall seed Florida.

“Intimidation?” Patterson said as he did a double-take. “Do you know anything about Pittsburgh basketball? No, we are never intimidated.”

The question was asked of Patterson and several other players in the locker room after Pitt’s 77-48 win against Colorado Thursday in the second round of the NCAA tournament — and this was before the hometown favorite and No. 1 seed even took the court to play its game.

That’s a great response by Patterson. Just the WTF response that it deserves.

James Robinson was a little more polite/reserved in his response.

“No, we are not going to be intimidated,” point guard James Robinson said. “If I remember correctly, Syracuse was No. 1 when we played them and that game came down to the wire. This is a basketball game, it is what it is, you have to come out and play 40 minutes.”

And Cam Wright was eloquent in a way befitting the ACC Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year:

“The University of Pittsburgh is never intimidated by anyone. Not in academics. Not in basketball. Not in football. Not in anything …

“We have a lot of pride in our university. We have a lot of faith in our guys.”

It’s a stupid question on its face. Pitt is a major conference program. They regularly play top-10, top-5 teams. They have been the No.1 team in the country and a #1 seed in the last 5 years (twice).

As for why I (and I can guarantee Jamie Dixon as well) loved the question. It drove home to the players just how much of an underdog they are perceived. As if they are some low-major just happy to be at the dance, playing one of the big dogs.

Best kind of motivation they could be offered after such an easy win.





Major moment for this Dixon era…. after ‘never beating a better seeded team” in NCAA Dixon finally has a chance to Over perform…. over deliver.

This win along gets the monkey off his back for a few more years… pumps optimism into the program… great ride into next season.

and hey, if they can go even further the absolutely awesome.

Honestly, if they lose everyone forgets about the Colorado win very quickly.

Tomorrow is big and Pitt can do it!! All of those tough and close games this year payoff tomorrow!!

Even Vegas is starting to feel it!
H2P

Comment by Pittscript 03.21.14 @ 4:14 pm

Sorry to disagree @Pittscript — haven’t been as excited about about a single win since the UCONN manhandling in 2009. It was a great performance — almost wish they saved it for a better opponent

Comment by Ghost of Hornman 03.21.14 @ 4:32 pm

I’d be disappointed if they lose tomorrow but not heartbroken. Florida is tough defensive matchup. Pitt needed to bottle up whatever they brought yesterday. That was some good shit

Comment by Ghost of Hornman 03.21.14 @ 4:36 pm

@Ghost – I’m sure @Pittscript meant the next win…..not the last one.

Comment by TVax 03.21.14 @ 4:58 pm

The key to the entire game tomorrow is for Pitt to crush the Florida press with layups at the other end. How Pitt handles the press is how the game will go. Now looking back on the N Carolina melt down, at least we know what not to do.

Please….no passes to the short corner!

Comment by Dan 72 03.21.14 @ 5:02 pm

I feel good about playing Florida and think the Panthers have a great chance. Florida is not used to playing tough physical defenses and played in a weak conference. Go panthers!

Also, check out our monthly sports auction in Lancaster PA. Bid anytime on-line as the bidding ends tomorrow on rare autographs and sports cards. As a Pitt alum, I’m glad to keep advertising here on my favorite Panther site. http://Www.wheatlandauctionservices.com

Comment by Dishman 03.21.14 @ 5:08 pm

At what point this year has Pitt been a PHYSICAL defense?

It is a talking head talking point, but not true. Not dissin’ Dishman, but I hear it from every tv game commentator and on most stories about Pitt. These people don’t watch games.

Pitt hasn’t been physical since Blair left.

Comment by TVax 03.21.14 @ 5:37 pm

Wonder how Khem Birch is enjoying being the two time Mountain West Defensive player of the year?

Comment by gc 03.21.14 @ 5:46 pm

To change the subject, anybody watching the OSU-Gonzaga game?

I believe the ref crew is ACC. A total of 40 calls so far! No flow to the game. A whistle very two seconds or so it seems.

Typical lousy ACC officiating!

Can any of you guys keep track of the names/ addresses of these crews? Would love to make sure the ACC knows via specific memos, the fans are aware of the individuals making these games unfair. Oh hell, they are cheating!

Would love a running tally of the worst up to the better refs. Yes, there was at least one crew that was decent.

The crew at the game I’m watching is terrible! It must be at least 55 fouls by now.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 03.21.14 @ 6:08 pm

Just heard the ACC crew of refs made the record number of calls in a tourney game I just watched. My wife said it was 61 or 62 whistles.

Unbelieveable!!!!!

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 03.21.14 @ 6:42 pm

gc, Khem Birch is dead to me.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 03.21.14 @ 6:45 pm

If Pitt decides to beat the press and then go into a deliberate half court offense, we will lose. Gotta make them pay….that’s why everyone presses us.

Comment by Jackagain 03.21.14 @ 7:13 pm

Carolina in trouble.

Good one, old Pitt Grad.

Comment by gc 03.21.14 @ 8:19 pm

Colorado win was huge… but if we can win this next one… wow. Would be huge for a lot of reasons even if we do not advance any further.

Comment by Pittscript 03.21.14 @ 8:19 pm

Carolina pulls it out. ACC having a tough go.

Comment by gc 03.21.14 @ 8:36 pm

After 61 years of my own life experiences, I’ve come to realize that life’s most memoriable ones are those that involve ordinary individuals aspiring to their full potentials in extraordinary circumstances.

This Pitt Panther team is composed of a bunch of pretty ordinary basketball players, tomorrow’s match-up is an extraordinary opportunity for those Panthers.

Question is, can they inspire themselves to their full potential, if only for this one game? Who cares what anyone of us predicts, we have absolutely no influence on the outcome tomorrow. Not so for those members of this Pitt Panther squad. They have every influence on that outcome, they CAN make it happen.

Do they dare grab the golden ring when the opportunity presents itself? It’s the stuff that lifelong memories are made of, so make some memories tomorrow Panthers.

Hail to Pitt!

Comment by Dr. Tom 03.21.14 @ 8:47 pm

BTW, where the hell is Upittbaseball today, always talking about his high expectations of Pitt being included in the national discussion when considering the elite athletic programs around the country. Tomorrow involves a contest that will garner that national attention and will be front page news if Pitt pulls off the upset. So where is the love and encouragement for our Panthers, wishing them best fortunes for tomorrow?

Yesterday the Panthers put the biggest hurt on a losing team in the history of the NCAA Tournament, a record breaking performance on the biggest national stage in collegate basketball. Where is Upittbaseball to give them their due for an outstanding performance? CRICKETS!

Come on buddy, where is the long overdue love when the Panthers come to the top on the national stage, you’re always there when they fall short.

Could it be that you’re INTIMIDATED??????

Comment by Dr. Tom 03.21.14 @ 9:02 pm

Pitt needs to get some easy buckets tomorrow. They need to force a few turnovers and convert them into fastbreak opportunities. Turn overs were the reason they were able to run on Colorado. Pitt also needs to make Florida pay if they press. Get the ball to Patterson on the second pass. Let him work the 3v2 that should result.

Florida will have a tough time scoring on Pitt’s half court defense. Pitt should be able to hold their own on the boards.

It is a race to 65 points, Pitt needs some easy ones to get there.

Comment by Boubacar Aw 03.21.14 @ 9:23 pm

I think I am home sick. Miss the old Big East.

My oldest son called (Syracuse-Rutgers law Grad.) He said he was really happy Duke lost. He said he never had a feeling like that when a Big East team lost. I feel the same way.

I know. We needed to go where the money is. Or did we? Gonzaga will never be more than a nice small Jesuit university in Spokane, Wash. A lot of kids are appying though. Not a bad place to live. Gonzaga is happy.

PITT will have a hard time winning another football national championship. If the money helps our minor sport teams maybe it’s worth the agravation of putting up with Tobacco row.

We need to start teaching them to play fair.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 03.21.14 @ 9:34 pm

Looks like the NCAA’s are no different this year. Teams who win with defense during the year have a tough time winning because every team ups their defense in the NCAA. FL is a defensive team so maybe if Pitt runs their offense well they should win. Lets hope.

Comment by Frank 03.21.14 @ 9:37 pm

Looks like the NCAA’s are no different this year. Teams who win with defense during the year have a tough time winning because every team ups their defense in the NCAA. FL is a defensive team so maybe if Pitt runs their offense well they should win. Lets hope.

Comment by Frank 03.21.14 @ 9:37 pm

Coastal Carolina shooting out of their minds, up 5 over VA at half. Could this be first #1 seed to lose to #16? Will Pitt have to carry ACC banner by itself?

Comment by Old School Panther 03.21.14 @ 10:08 pm

Okay so Whitt and the Hokies have played the Buzz Williams card in attempting to make VT a MBB program that could compete (sometime) in the future. 7 year, 18 million buck contract! Did you also see that Jim Calhoun is rumored to show some interest in the BC vacancy. Add the Ville next season and the ACC is going to down-right vicious in the future! H2P! Tobacco Road may end up just a rural stretch of road in the boonies! UPone

Comment by UPone 03.21.14 @ 10:30 pm

Frank, I have to disagree with you. Consider:

– Duke is not known for its defense.

– All 4 No. 1 seeds are known more for their defense

– defending champ Louisville won last year more because of their defense turning the ball over

The closest Pitt came to the Final 4 was the last second lost to Nova. Check out the final score .. we scored plenty that game, but still lost a close one

Comment by wbb 03.22.14 @ 6:29 am

@@@@@@

Huge day for Pitt. Potentially an historical
day. Whatever the outcome another
exciting season by JD and his team.
It is the Golden Age of Pitt BB.

Let’s go Pitt!!!!!!!!

Comment by JR 03.22.14 @ 7:46 am

Blatherites. We are ready to rock.

I am DVRing, as usual. But, the “blue and gold” boxers are on and I am psyched.

H2P

Comment by pmdH2P 03.22.14 @ 8:26 am

@Dr Tom

Upitt said that he was going to the games in Orlando, as I recall. So, let’s watch for the stud in the stands with the bat in his hand and wearing a catcher’s mask. Maybe also a “Durand” headband.

H2P

Comment by pmdH2P 03.22.14 @ 8:32 am

Hank
Yesterday was the 4th time I’ve seen Maverick Rowan play 3 times in person. Other than Pistol Pete he is the best shooter I have ever seen at the high school level. He is a little loose in handling the ball and if that improves he could be a one and done. If that is negative you and I aren’t on the same page

Comment by Chick 03.22.14 @ 8:51 am

Watched the Lincoln Park replay last night.

Maverick Rowan is the real deal. He is going to be a superstar. Only a sophomore and he has all the tools. He is six seven, shoots the three, does not miss foul shots, moves pretty well and can pass.

He threw and in bounds pass the length of the court over close coverage for a lay in. Don’t remember seeing that done before, especially by a high school soph.

Sure hope he stays committed to Pitt. I am sure the big boys will be hounding him for the next two years.

So of course Cook writes the obligatory article about criticism of Jamie so that he can list his failings. Even though he says it goes with the territory, what a jerk. On the morning of the big game. Can’t wait till tomorrow. He does make one good point though, even if Jamie wins tomorrow, he will still have his critics. Even if he wins it all, they will want him to do it again.

Sure be nice to keep the critics off his back one more day.

Let’s go Pitt!

Comment by gc 03.22.14 @ 9:05 am

Chick, Rowan has a way to go before he is a one and done. I agree it might be possible, but he reminds me more of the kid from Duke a few years ago that could really hit the open shot.

But what a pure shooter and he does have good instincts and gets the ball off really quick, especially around the hoop. Most impressive.

Comment by gc 03.22.14 @ 9:14 am

A kid named Elijah Minnie was all over the court and a super shot blocker for LP. Looks like PSU got a good one in Mike Watkins and a kid named Samir Doughty scored 26 for MCS.

Oh yeah, Rowan plays good defense as well, should fit in real well.

Comment by gc 03.22.14 @ 9:30 am

Vulcan Rob said, “Don’t worry, after Pitt beats them all the “experts” will say Florida wasn’t that good anyway!”

Well,well,well….you fools should have listened to me.

For those of you that stated Pitt must play a great game…break the press….no turnovers…I applaud your insight.

For you stupid fools that said Florida is over rated…the SEC sucks….they aren’t that good…

I hope you enjoy the rest of the tourney…..

Comment by tallahassee panther 03.22.14 @ 12:59 pm

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