** For me, it seems fitting that the remainder of this season begins on New Year's Day, because it's been quite some time since I've gone into a New Year this excited about the status of the Pitt Hoops Team.
** In fact, you have to go all the way back to the 2012-2013 Hoops Season when our team was even ranked once in the AP poll before January 1. That's 12 seasons ago.
** And the number 18 ranking we achieved (then lost) a few weeks ago was the highest ranking the team has at all enjoyed since the 2013-2014 season (when we were also 18th).
** Sure two years ago, on New Year's Eve Eve, we beat the #25 UNC team to go 10-4 at the moment. But it really wasn't until 3 days past the ball dropping when we beat the #11 Cavaliers when things started getting really interesting.
** Anyway, mostly I'm really excited thinking abut where this season goes. We will end up being decent (bubbly once again this year like the last two), good (legit NCAA team), or really good (competing for a protected seed)?
** At the moment, most signs point to good. But there are three real opportunities to move to the latter.
** First, Damian returns. Second, GDG should get better, even if just shooting 30% from three the rest of the way. Third, yes, I still believe that Amsal could join the mix in a meaningful way.
** But in the next few months of 2025, I'm pumped thinking about what's going to happen in those next 19 ACC games, followed by a to-be-determined number of post season games.
** In short, it's the first time in a long time I'll be looking forward to March with our Panthers while sipping Champaign when the ball drops.
** Along those lines, I hope our the Panthers receive a near packed house at 2:00pm on New Year's Day! Roll Call! Who else will be there?
** So once again, Happy New Year to my fellow Pitt Hoops Fans!
** Here's to 2025!
** In fact, you have to go all the way back to the 2012-2013 Hoops Season when our team was even ranked once in the AP poll before January 1. That's 12 seasons ago.
** And the number 18 ranking we achieved (then lost) a few weeks ago was the highest ranking the team has at all enjoyed since the 2013-2014 season (when we were also 18th).
** Sure two years ago, on New Year's Eve Eve, we beat the #25 UNC team to go 10-4 at the moment. But it really wasn't until 3 days past the ball dropping when we beat the #11 Cavaliers when things started getting really interesting.
** Anyway, mostly I'm really excited thinking abut where this season goes. We will end up being decent (bubbly once again this year like the last two), good (legit NCAA team), or really good (competing for a protected seed)?
** At the moment, most signs point to good. But there are three real opportunities to move to the latter.
** First, Damian returns. Second, GDG should get better, even if just shooting 30% from three the rest of the way. Third, yes, I still believe that Amsal could join the mix in a meaningful way.
** But in the next few months of 2025, I'm pumped thinking about what's going to happen in those next 19 ACC games, followed by a to-be-determined number of post season games.
** In short, it's the first time in a long time I'll be looking forward to March with our Panthers while sipping Champaign when the ball drops.
** Along those lines, I hope our the Panthers receive a near packed house at 2:00pm on New Year's Day! Roll Call! Who else will be there?
** So once again, Happy New Year to my fellow Pitt Hoops Fans!
** Here's to 2025!
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