** Well … it sure is tough to dribble after a whooping! And that was surely a whooping of the highest order.
** I mean, it would have been nice to get a few minutes of enjoyment out of this contest. But almost from the get-go, the proceedings never once offered even a hint of hope that the Panthers would even join the challenge.
** But hey, at least we didn’t have to get into any specific message board brouhahas about the bad calls from "ACC refs." So there’s that.
** Unfortunately, that might indeed be the only positive thing I can say about the Panthers 40 minutes on the court today.
** That’s not completely true I guess. We got a decent enough look at what Guillermo might look like if he plays more extensive minutes against a top opponent, and it was surely a satisfactory showing. It certainly reinforces the hopes of many about what he may be capable of if he can add some strength and weight. Although it’s hardly a given that he be able to do so significantly.
** And Nike looked enough like he earned his 6th man trophy.
** Beyond that, well … I got nothing.
** Last night, I believe I appropriately commended Coach Capel for being able to keep to his pledge for the need to get better players. Something certainly went right when a team turns does a complete flip flop of their ACC record.
** Still, today was also a stark reminder that we there’s still plenty of work to be done in the getting better players department.
** But that work to do is something to talk about in the coming weeks. That is because in the coming days, there’s still basketball to be played by our Panthers. And regardless of whether it’s just one more game to be played, or two or three or more, I’m grateful that our Panthers will get the chance.
** I cannot begrudge anyone whose has lost all faith that all this season has to offer is one more loss. I’d be lying if I suggested that I harbor high hopes.
** But I do believe that when you have some shooters combined with the right matchup, it’s realistic to suggest our Panthers could offer a game or so of enjoyment in the Dance.
** Perhaps there are some Pitt Hoops fans who would maintain this is far too low of a bar. In the long run, I wouldn’t necessarily disagree. But in the short run, I’ll settle for our standing.
** After all, the next big event for the Panther Nation is the Selection Show. Despite today’s whooping, I fully expect to see the name Pittsburgh Panthers called at some point during the show. I’m worried a bit now this could actually mean a spot during Round One in Dayton though.
** But I’m still more than OK with that. Our men have played well enough this year to deserve at least that. And even if you are to believe this Duke demolition displays all too well the current inadequacies of our Panther program, then let’s give our team and coaching staff all of the credit they deserve for overachieving their way to 14 ACC wins.
** So in the words of the former Bucco Skipper Clint Hurdle, let’s hope the Panthers "shower well" after this grotesque game in Greensboro.
** In our own way, I hope Panther fans can do the same. There’s more basketball to be played, and I hope we can join our Panthers players in creating some good karma for their next effort in March. Despite their ups and downs, which are usual for all College Basketball teams, the Panthers have brought us a fun four months and deserve our fullest support for the last chapter.
** I mean, it would have been nice to get a few minutes of enjoyment out of this contest. But almost from the get-go, the proceedings never once offered even a hint of hope that the Panthers would even join the challenge.
** But hey, at least we didn’t have to get into any specific message board brouhahas about the bad calls from "ACC refs." So there’s that.
** Unfortunately, that might indeed be the only positive thing I can say about the Panthers 40 minutes on the court today.
** That’s not completely true I guess. We got a decent enough look at what Guillermo might look like if he plays more extensive minutes against a top opponent, and it was surely a satisfactory showing. It certainly reinforces the hopes of many about what he may be capable of if he can add some strength and weight. Although it’s hardly a given that he be able to do so significantly.
** And Nike looked enough like he earned his 6th man trophy.
** Beyond that, well … I got nothing.
** Last night, I believe I appropriately commended Coach Capel for being able to keep to his pledge for the need to get better players. Something certainly went right when a team turns does a complete flip flop of their ACC record.
** Still, today was also a stark reminder that we there’s still plenty of work to be done in the getting better players department.
** But that work to do is something to talk about in the coming weeks. That is because in the coming days, there’s still basketball to be played by our Panthers. And regardless of whether it’s just one more game to be played, or two or three or more, I’m grateful that our Panthers will get the chance.
** I cannot begrudge anyone whose has lost all faith that all this season has to offer is one more loss. I’d be lying if I suggested that I harbor high hopes.
** But I do believe that when you have some shooters combined with the right matchup, it’s realistic to suggest our Panthers could offer a game or so of enjoyment in the Dance.
** Perhaps there are some Pitt Hoops fans who would maintain this is far too low of a bar. In the long run, I wouldn’t necessarily disagree. But in the short run, I’ll settle for our standing.
** After all, the next big event for the Panther Nation is the Selection Show. Despite today’s whooping, I fully expect to see the name Pittsburgh Panthers called at some point during the show. I’m worried a bit now this could actually mean a spot during Round One in Dayton though.
** But I’m still more than OK with that. Our men have played well enough this year to deserve at least that. And even if you are to believe this Duke demolition displays all too well the current inadequacies of our Panther program, then let’s give our team and coaching staff all of the credit they deserve for overachieving their way to 14 ACC wins.
** So in the words of the former Bucco Skipper Clint Hurdle, let’s hope the Panthers "shower well" after this grotesque game in Greensboro.
** In our own way, I hope Panther fans can do the same. There’s more basketball to be played, and I hope we can join our Panthers players in creating some good karma for their next effort in March. Despite their ups and downs, which are usual for all College Basketball teams, the Panthers have brought us a fun four months and deserve our fullest support for the last chapter.
