masthead.jpg

switchconcepts.com, U3dpdGNo-a25, DIRECT rubiconproject.com, 14766, RESELLER pubmatic.com, 30666, RESELLER, 5d62403b186f2ace appnexus.com, 1117, RESELLER thetradedesk.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER taboola.com, switchconceptopenrtb, RESELLER bidswitch.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER contextweb.com, 560031, RESELLER amazon-adsystem.com, 3160, RESELLER crimtan.com, switch, RESELLER quantcast.com, switchconcepts , RESELLER rhythmone.com, 1934627955, RESELLER ssphwy.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER emxdgt.com, 59, RESELLER appnexus.com, 1356, RESELLER sovrn.com, 96786, RESELLER, fafdf38b16bf6b2b indexexchange.com, 180008, RESELLER nativeads.com, 52853, RESELLER theagency.com, 1058, RESELLER google.com, pub-3515913239267445, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
May 4, 2016

There’s a “but” involved.

Been rumored for a month or so that Pitt and Penn State would face-off in basketball this year. BUT that it wouldn’t be any sort of “home-and-home” exchange. Sure enough, it’s going to be in New Jersey. And it is the undercard.

Villanova will play Notre Dame and Pitt will face Penn State in the first Never Forget Tribute Classic at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on Dec. 10, sources told CBS Sports.

An official announcement is expected soon.

The first game of the doubleheader between the Wildcats and Fighting Irish will be available on CBS while the second will air on CBS Sports Network.

Villanova and Notre Dame will tip off at Noon ET with Pitt and Penn State expected to begin their game at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET.

So it is the undercard, but goes second. That’s different, but that is CBS for you. They will make the Nova-ND their Saturday noon game, and see if people can find their cable sports channel for the second game.

The Never Forget Tribute Classic is tied-in to 9/11.

Established within one week of September 11, 2001, the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund provides education assistance for postsecondary study to financially needy dependents of the people killed or permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks. The Fund has already delivered millions of dollars in scholarship support, and will continue to offer education assistance through the year 2030, ultimately delivering more than $100 million to affected family members.

Not to be confused with the Royal British Legion.

The good news is that means Pitt doesn’t have to go to PSU for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge this year. Pitt is on the road this year for the Challenge. Date and opponent TBA.

It means that Pitt’s non-con looks pretty good, but it doesn’t seem likely that Pitt will have a stellar non-com home slate. The 2K Classic at MSG in November will have Pitt face 2 of the following 3 teams: Michigan, Marquette and SMU. There’s the neutral site, City Game with Duquesne. That’s 5 of the usual 12-13 non-con games either on the road or at a neutral site.

I’m not holding my breath for the start of a good home-and-home non-con game this year. Pitt is going to need it to start at the Pete. Not sure who will agree to that at this point.





The unknown with Stallings adds some excitement.

Do have a GOOD feeling.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 3:11 pm

The only way PITT’s new basketball coach gets me to recognize him is to prove his ability to recruit not only the Youngs and Artises of the world, but also the “BIGS” out there. Of course we also need point guards and shooting guards too.

The public letters from Dixon and Knight got to me.

Until then I’m a Rutgers fan. Hope in 3 years Knight can prove himself. I hope.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 05.04.16 @ 6:19 pm

Funny how PSU wouldn’t play us for years when we would have chalked up victories, but now when they are maybe competitive, they are ready again.

Comment by gc 05.04.16 @ 6:41 pm

They were certainly competitive last year.

We’ll have to see about this one.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 9:02 pm

Duquesne beat them last yr by 26.

Comment by alcofan 05.04.16 @ 9:20 pm

They also beat Indiana, Rutgers and Illinois.

Competitive is probably an accurate term.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 10:12 pm

Predicting GOOD things for Stallings.

But that’s just me.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 10:20 pm

If history means anything then history say’s Cesar Head will suck.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.04.16 @ 10:41 pm

Jamie was not exactly the best Quaffed Guy… just ask Emel.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 10:50 pm

Prediction… Stallings is going to make Dixon look PEDESTRIAN.

Not in total wins of course… but QUALITY Wins.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 10:51 pm

Wait has Stallings recruited anyone yet????????

Comment by Boo Boo #1 05.04.16 @ 11:01 pm

Has Jamie?

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 11:01 pm

I’m going to go out on a limb… and say Stallings can coach some Offense.

Coaching Offense leads to Recruits. Recruits lead to BETTER Offense.

Amazing how that works.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 11:06 pm

Pitt of Dreams, I get it. You like PITT’s new coach. Saying it once is enough.

Wake me when something good happens with PITT BB.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 05.04.16 @ 11:48 pm

OPG… Your take is exactly mine, but I tend to be a little more OPTIMISTIC.

Positive until something negative.

Comment by PittofDreams 05.04.16 @ 11:56 pm

@@@@@@

To old Pitt grad: Really turning to a Rutgers fan? Would suggest you were always fair weather fan with Pitt. Good-bye
and don’t come back.

Comment by JR 05.05.16 @ 6:51 am

I’ve always been a jersey guy, a team guy that is.

I root for the jersey, the team, the school, same as in pro sports.

I mean I wish anyone well that coached here or played here certainly, but I cheer for Pitt, Penguins, Steelers, Pirates first.

I get a little flak when someone transfers and I say “next” so soon.

Sorry, you don’t want to be here, see ya.

As for Dixon and Knight, I wish them all the best in their personal and professional lives, but really, I could care less about them as it pertains to Pitt.

They are historical figures to me.

Next!!!!

Comment by Dan 05.05.16 @ 8:56 am

And, before anyone says it, yes I do consider them Pitt brothers and appreciate what they did here.

I also have reverence for the all time greats and how they represent us.

Dorsett, Majors, Sherill, Marino, Green, Fitzgerald, Conner etc. etc.

I’m talking about next season. Dixon in Texas, Knight in Jersey?? Couldn’t give less of a rat’s ass compared to the upcoming Pitt season.

Comment by Dan 05.05.16 @ 8:59 am

I’m voting with POD, I think Stallings will turn out to be a big upgrade for the BB program. “Decidedly Optimistic”

Comment by jrnpitt 05.05.16 @ 10:01 am

If Jamie couldn’t recruit where are all the good feelings coming from for Stallings? I find it difficult to believe that it’s based upon his record, especially recently, at Vanderbilt. His supposed offensive genius leading to better recruits doesn’t appear to have led to anything other than greater disappointment for Vandy fans.

Barnes clearly doesn’t give a shit about what fans think, but if Stallings misses the tourney next year (with four major minute seniors) or doesn’t make it past the first round in year 2 I will bet even PoD is calling for his head.

Remember Stallings career is built on the SEC which has been terrible the last few years and his record has sunk with it.

Comment by Barvo 05.05.16 @ 2:18 pm

We need some abbreviation standardization here:

BB = baseball

BKB = basketball

HKY = hickey

FB = soccer

Comment by steve1 05.05.16 @ 4:18 pm

When I said PSU is competitive, I should have said more competitive than they have been for a while, or trending upward. They have a very good recruiting class coming in.

I am hoping that Stallings is a good coach for Pitt. Looking back at it, I think an experienced coach was needed so that the senior season of our best clas in a while won’t be wasted while a young guy learns the ropes.

It still won’t be easy since Stallings will be working with guards who are new to the program, and he still lacks a true ACC caliber center.

His overall experience should be a big plus in putting it all together.

Moving forward he needs a great recruiting class with some big guys that can contribute immediately.

I agree with Barvo that there is no excuse for missing the tourney this year, but year two will be a big challenge if he doesn’t recruit well. Only big men Luther, Manigault and Nix return. Not nearly enough to compete in the ACC.

Jamie’s recent poor recruiting has left the cupboard very bare after this year.

OPG, sorry to hear that you are going to be a Rutger’s fan. Although it would be nice to see them beat PSU once like Temple.

Comment by gc 05.05.16 @ 7:46 pm

Here’s one for our pal JoeKnew:

Report: Joe Paterno knew of Jerry Sandusky sex abuse as early as 1976

link to washingtonpost.com

Comment by Jackagain 05.05.16 @ 8:51 pm

Guys, I’m becoming a Rutgers man mainly because of a son’s family ties with the new coaching staff, and the fact my grandson will be a freshman there. Yes, Knight will be there too.

As far as PITT’s new BKB (that’s for you Steve1) coach, I see PITT exchanging an equal level coach for Dixon. Of course, PITT’s personnel should make our new guy’s job easier.

Funny both PITT and Vanderbilt fans were looking for a new direction. No question, Vanderbilt and TCU will gain from the changes

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 05.06.16 @ 3:45 am

Powered by WordPress © PittBlather.com

Site Meter