An Update on the Summer Pro-Am (Summer League) Event ...

[DT_PITT]

** Some folks have been wondering about the Summer ProAm, and it’s my pleasure to provide this update!

** Before getting into what might happen, please remember that I’m using the phrase “might.”

** At this moment, nothing has been determined. But again, at this moment, there is a positive vibe that could make it happen!

** Here’s the twist. If it happens, the event would most likely look much different, and that could be a very good and exciting thing.

** As most of my Lair brethren know, in the past, the event took place over a five week span. If the event happens this year, it could be much shorter. And this could be a great thing!

** Conversations are taking place that could start the event this year just after the 4th of July Holiday, with only a week for pool play, followed the next week with Championship play.

** What could make this so much better is that with such a short time frame, it could require stronger commitments from all participants, and even participation from WVU players and/or more “pros” or local players. In other words, iffy commitments from players won’t be needed this time.

** And because of the sort time frame, it could be easier to gain commitments from a better pool of players.

** Another idea being tossed around would be an evening proceeding the event to include events including introductions of players and teams, following by such things as a slam dunk and three point shooting contest.

** Finally, there could even be some type of a public event surrounding the draft of the teams for the event. In the past, this draft was done completely in the dark.

** I think it’s also important to add that folks from Stallings’ staff have been included in the conversations, and they have been very receptive to this new idea. It would seem that thoughts from some involved in the past may not have been completely thrilled with the overall length of the event. But this shorter event might work out well for everyone.

** So my message to all is to keep your calendars clear from July 7th to July 20th for what could be a new and exciting ProAm event.

** I’ll let everyone know more when more has been solidified. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned!!

 

[R-M-U-h-o-o-p-s-f-a-n]

** Some folks have been wondering about the Summer ProAm, and it’s my pleasure to provide this update!

** Before getting into what might happen, please remember that I’m using the phrase “might.”

** At this moment, nothing has been determined. But again, at this moment, there is a positive vibe that could make it happen!

** Here’s the twist. If it happens, the event would most likely look much different, and that could be a very good and exciting thing.

** As most of my Lair brethren know, in the past, the event took place over a five week span. If the event happens this year, it could be much shorter. And this could be a great thing!

** Conversations are taking place that could start the event this year just after the 4th of July Holiday, with only a week for pool play, followed the next week with Championship play.

** What could make this so much better is that with such a short time frame, it could require stronger commitments from all participants, and even participation from WVU players and/or more “pros” or local players. In other words, iffy commitments from players won’t be needed this time.

** And because of the sort time frame, it could be easier to gain commitments from a better pool of players.

** Another idea being tossed around would be an evening proceeding the event to include events including introductions of players and teams, following by such things as a slam dunk and three point shooting contest.

** Finally, there could even be some type of a public event surrounding the draft of the teams for the event. In the past, this draft was done completely in the dark.

** I think it’s also important to add that folks from Stallings’ staff have been included in the conversations, and they have been very receptive to this new idea. It would seem that thoughts from some involved in the past may not have been completely thrilled with the overall length of the event. But this shorter event might work out well for everyone.

** So my message to all is to keep your calendars clear from July 7th to July 20th for what could be a new and exciting ProAm event.

** I’ll let everyone know more when more has been solidified. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned!!

Sounds fine to me...

If it happens, I will definitely try to go & watch.

I assume RMU & Duquesne would be in this too right??

 

[DT_PITT]

Sounds fine to me...

If it happens, I will definitely try to go & watch.

I assume RMU & Duquesne would be in this too right??

Yes, that would be the plan.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Here's an idea for you:

Offer the chance to draft/"coach" a team to folks who donate X amount to PBC. I say "coach" because there isnt really any coaching going on, just putting in subs.

Would be kinda like your own fantasy team and maybe they can raise more money that way.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

say "coach" because there isnt really any coaching going on, just putting in subs.

There are a couple of guys who have "coached" in the past who would disagree with that statement!

 

[DT_PITT]

Here's an idea for you:

Offer the chance to draft/"coach" a team to folks who donate X amount to PBC. I say "coach" because there isnt really any coaching going on, just putting in subs.

Would be kinda like your own fantasy team and maybe they can raise more money that way.

I don't believe finances will be an issue this year.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

There are a couple of guys who have "coached" in the past who would disagree with that statement!

I have seen actual coaching and guys just sitting on the bench putting in subs.

Looking forward to it this year.

Will it be at Montour again?

With the rules the way they are, Pitt's 12 scholarship players and 2 walk-ons will have to be spread out on 7 different teams, right?

Ideally, I think you'd like to have all players from Pitt, Duq, RMU, WVU, YSU, IUP, Cal, and West Liberty.

So, 10 teams? 2 groups of 5?

Week 1: M-Th, 4 games in 4 days for all the teams.

Week 2: Mon: 7 vs 10, 8 vs 9
Tue: Quarters
Wed: Semis
Thu: Final

Is that about right?

 

[DT_PITT]

I have seen actual coaching and guys just sitting on the bench putting in subs.

Looking forward to it this year.

Will it be at Montour again?

With the rules the way they are, Pitt's 12 scholarship players and 2 walk-ons will have to be spread out on 7 different teams, right?

Ideally, I think you'd like to have all players from Pitt, Duq, RMU, WVU, YSU, IUP, Cal, and West Liberty.

So, 10 teams? 2 groups of 5?

Week 1: M-Th, 4 games in 4 days for all the teams.

Week 2: Mon: 7 vs 10, 8 vs 9
Tue: Quarters
Wed: Semis
Thu: Final

Is that about right?

6 or 8 teams if WVU participates, and almost certainly at Montour.

 

[R-M-U-h-o-o-p-s-f-a-n]

6 or 8 teams if WVU participates, and almost certainly at Montour.

Would they take/want any D2 players?

Or would they want to take ( or be more likely to take) D2 players if WVU &/or YSU doesn't want to participate?

Thanks...

 

[DT_PITT]

Would they take/want any D2 players?

Or would they want to take ( or be more likely to take) D2 players if WVU &/or YSU doesn't want to participate?

Thanks...

Too soon to know.
This is all very early.
It's far from a certainty that the event will even take place.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Yes, that would be the plan.

That would be nice to see and generate some more buzz. These Pro Ams were like some sort of cult festival. Actually, would be nice to see Pitt BB market itself better. I truly think one of the attendance issues it has is when the Pete opened and we were great, it was like the Steelers. Sold out. No need for marketing channels and ticket distribution plans. Now? There is a definite need.

 

[MajorMajors]

Thanks for the info, DT.

Thanks also for posting something other than the totally boring debates about the coaching change. Enough already.

Go Pitt.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Thanks for the info, DT.

Thanks also for posting something other than the totally boring debates about the coaching change. Enough already.

Go Pitt.

Well let's be honest. When you replace coaches after 13 years, there is a lot to discuss.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Too soon to know.
This is all very early.
It's far from a certainty that the event will even take place.

They have pretty much always had at least a few D2/D3 players spread among the rosters though. But maybe with a shorter "season" and more of a commitment for guys to be there every night you wouldn't need to do it.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

They have pretty much always had at least a few D2/D3 players spread among the rosters though. But maybe with a shorter "season" and more of a commitment for guys to be there every night you wouldn't need to do it.

There have always been far more D3 players than D2 which I never understood. I dont think Cal has ever sent a player. IUP just a couple. I remember one year West Liberty sent their team. Not sure which other D2s fall in the mileage boundary.