Pitt Basketball Poll 1/16/21

[PittPoker]

I think yes. This team is surprisingly better than I think most expected. Remember most experts had Pitt near the bottom of the preseason rankings. Then that first game against St. Francis happened and it looked pretty bleak watching that. Sure it was only game 1 but Pitt got beaten pretty badly.

Since that game however we are watching a different team. Champagnie has shined and imo is in contention now for ACC Player of the Year if he can stay healthy. Definitely 1st team ACC honors. Toney is having a nice junior year and for the most part so is X. And Horton has come along now nicely. Femi has been a huge surprise as well.

Look sure it is still early but to beat Syracuse twice(once without our star) is pretty awesome. Currently 7-2, 3-1 in conference with a big game against Duke on ESPN Tuesday night at home.

I think now we will make the dance. What do you guys think?

 

[Pittisit4me]

I said yes because I am sticking to the theme that this team will get better as the season progresses. Even without big John, this team can make it. If they just continue to defend and rebound like this they have a real shot.

As much as I don't want to think it, I believe Horton holds the key to our finish. If we get more games out of him like we did today, we will make it. Penny, Toney, and X have become consistent and are delivering game by game like upperclassmen should.

This Duke game will tell us alot. They are not nearly as gifted a team as they usually are. We can take a giant step forward by going down to Cameron and coming away with a win.

 

[Pitt2006]

Lunardi had cuse ahead of us and I am curious where Pitt falls in his next update. My guess is first four out or next four out, but a 20 point win over cuse at least gets the team on the radar nationally. But I think the NET benefits us. It will be interesting as we may lose a quad 1 win by leaping cuse tomorrow as they were at 49 today, but PITT will rise from 64. We have 3 road wins, two against bubble teams. We need to pass the eye test and I think today helps.

 

[PittPoker]

I said yes because I am sticking to the theme that this team will get better as the season progresses. Even without big John, this team can make it. If they just continue to defend and rebound like this they have a real shot.

As much as I don't want to think it, I believe Horton holds the key to our finish. If we get more games out of him like we did today, we will make it. Penny, Toney, and X have become consistent and are delivering game by game like upperclassmen should.

This Duke game will tell us alot. They are not nearly as gifted a team as they usually are. We can take a giant step forward by going down to Cameron and coming away with a win.

Game is home at the Pete.

 

[Pittisit4me]

Game is home at the Pete.

You are correct. I don't know why I thought that game was at Duke.

 

[Pittx9]

If there is a tourney we will be there. We might hit a slump and end up with an unfavorable seed, but I think we will be dancing. Already several games to reschedule though, until things are looking to be in the clear come late Feb.-early March I’ll still be skeptical that CBB gets through the season.

 

[DT_PITT]

I think yes. This team is surprisingly better than I think most expected. Remember most experts had Pitt near the bottom of the preseason rankings. Then that first game against St. Francis happened and it looked pretty bleak watching that. Sure it was only game 1 but Pitt got beaten pretty badly.

Since that game however we are watching a different team. Champagnie has shined and imo is in contention now for ACC Player of the Year if he can stay healthy. Definitely 1st team ACC honors. Toney is having a nice junior year and for the most part so is X. And Horton has come along now nicely. Femi has been a huge surprise as well.

Look sure it is still early but to beat Syracuse twice(once without our star) is pretty awesome. Currently 7-2, 3-1 in conference with a big game against Duke on ESPN Tuesday night at home.

I think now we will make the dance. What do you guys think?

I voted yes. At the moment, we sure look like a tournament team.

My only lingering concern is that in both of our first two years, we went into a swoon. There's plenty of reasons to think this team is different (mostly chemistry and Xavier) and this team is playing at a higher level than at any time from either of the past two years. But until we actually avoid the swoon, I will be a bit concerned it could happen.

 

[PittPoker]

I voted yes. At the moment, we sure look like a tournament team.

My only lingering concern is that in both of our first two years, we went into a swoon. There's plenty of reasons to think this team is different (mostly chemistry and Xaiver) and this team is playing at a higher level than at either of the past two years. But until we actually avoid the swoon, I will be a bit concerned it could happen.

Good point

 

[mo cheeks]

voted yes. we look like a tourney team with Champ and with X staying out of foul trouble.. I think this team is a lot more mature than the past 2 years. Also, Champ looks like a superstar, X and Toney look like all ACC players.

 

[Pitt2006]

So per Jerry Palms bracket that was updated to reflect today’s game, PITT is team number 2 in first four out.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

I didn't vote because I don't know if they are or aren't a tourney team.

I do know they are fun to watch again.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Voted no because I am not yet convinced this team will finish with a winning season record.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

I voted yes, because it's a meaningless internet poll so let's hope for the best!

Now if you were asking me to put some money behind my vote....

 

[PittPoker]

I voted yes, because it's a meaningless internet poll so let's hope for the best!

Now if you were asking me to put some money behind my vote....

At this point I'd throw a C Note down on Pitt making the dance.