Pitt/Dukes not looking good

[TIGER-PAUL]

City Game between Pitt, Duquesne won't be part of the 2021-22 basketball season

The Pitt and Duquesne basketball teams won’t play each other this season for the third consecutive year, the longest suspension of the City Game since they didn’t play from 1940-1952. Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot said negotiations have occurred this year, but “the terms weren’t amiable for us at...

triblive.com

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot said.

If the two universities can’t come to terms, it would extend the suspension of the City Game to three consecutive seasons, the longest since they didn’t play from 1940-1952.

Dambrot said negotiations have occurred this year, but “the terms weren’t amiable for us at that point.”

“They wanted us to go there (to Petersen Events Center) every year,” Dambrot said. “We’re not going to do that.”

Pitt officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Dambrot said he holds no grudge against Pitt.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

I wouldn't want to see it at the Pete every year. I don't think we should be regularly playing in RMU's gym but Duquesne is in the A-10. Us playing in their gym every other (or every three years) would be a good non-conference "road" test for us without the travel.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Why not neutral at PPG?

 

[pittchagg]

If Duquesne wants to play it so bad and if their fans are so convinced that they’d win, you’d think that they’d be willing to play it anywhere. Especially considering the huge fit that Dambrot threw about it in the media last year.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Why not neutral at PPG?

We both have nice arenas. Mellon Arena was a good venue back in the day when we both played in tiny, outdated gyms. I think PPG is too big to get a good atmosphere for a City Game. Then again, the Pete is probably too big for that too these days!

 

[joeydavid]

Why not neutral at PPG?

That's a terrible venue imo.

 

[Dointhatrag]

PPG costs both school money from tix and concessions. We sound like Penn St football demanding a 2:1 if we arent willing to do a 1 for 1 series.

 

[joeydavid]

We both have nice arenas. Mellon Arena was a good venue back in the day when we both played in tiny, outdated gyms. I think PPG is too big to get a good atmosphere for a City Game. Then again, the Pete is probably too big for that too these days!

Duquesne wants a guaranteed check to come play at the Pete that's more than Pitt is willing to pay them. The End.

 

[TempleBAPittMPA]

We both have nice arenas. Mellon Arena was a good venue back in the day when we both played in tiny, outdated gyms.

Actually, Duquesne had been essentially a band of gypsies until they established a "home" base at Mellon, nee the Civic Arena, prior to the construction of the Palumbo (did it get renamed for Chuck Cooper?)

Duquesne Dukes men's basketball - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[wbrpanther]

If Duquesne wants to play it so bad and if their fans are so convinced that they’d win, you’d think that they’d be willing to play it anywhere. Especially considering the huge fit that Dambrot threw about it in the media last year.

When the shoe was on the other foot re the Pitt- PSU football series we screamed bloody murder when Joe wanted 2 out of 3 games in Happy Valley. And rightfully so. You can’t blame the Dukes for balking.

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

Duquesne wants a guaranteed check to come play at the Pete that's more than Pitt is willing to pay them. The End.

This is just not even remotely accurate. They offered to come to the Pete for free this year and no tickets and Pitt turned it down. It’s ridiculous Pitt won’t play duquesne and they should do it at PPG to get the “neutral site” win that Jamie always touted on his schedules.

Instead we’ll schedule some team, pay them 90 grand and possibly still lose. It’s dumb

 

[HailToPitt725]

They need to figure it out and get a deal done... the “City Game” ought to happen on a yearly basis! Just my opinion.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Dambrot said he holds no grudge against Pitt.

The next paragraph there is the key to this whole thing from Dambrot's perspective.


“Everybody at Robert Morris, Pitt and Duquesne have to do what’s in the best interest of their program,” he said of the city’s Division 1 basketball programs. “I really don’t have any problem if coach Capel really doesn’t want to play or coach (Andy) Toole doesn’t want to play or we don’t want to play.


He knows if he bitches too much that eventually someone is going to ask him why he refuses to play Robert Morris. And he'd rather let that sleeping dog alone, so he can't complain too much about Pitt doing the same to him.

 

[PharMorNightStocker]

Capel is too big-time to be playing jobbers at neutral sites. If they don't want to come to our place for an ass beatin', we'll just invite St. Francis in for their dose of medicine.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Actually, Duquesne had been essentially a band of gypsies until they established a "home" base at Mellon, nee the Civic Arena, prior to the construction of the Palumbo (did it get renamed for Chuck Cooper?)

Duquesne Dukes men's basketball - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

It pretty much got rebuilt from the ground up. I must say, it's a pretty sweet looking little arena now.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Pitt should play Duquesne 2 for 1 and RMU 4 or 5 to 1. Pitt/Duq are far from equals and really arent rivals. 2 for 1 is more than fair.

 

[joeydavid]

This is just not even remotely accurate. They offered to come to the Pete for free this year and no tickets and Pitt turned it down. It’s ridiculous Pitt won’t play duquesne and they should do it at PPG to get the “neutral site” win that Jamie always touted on his schedules.

Instead we’ll schedule some team, pay them 90 grand and possibly still lose. It’s dumb

Same source as.....? 🙄

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

Same source as.....? 🙄

Duquesne has never gotten a check to play Pitt when we played at PPG. It’s been a split. What is your source that they’re asking for money to come to the Pete?

“In a statement released Thursday, Duquesne athletic director Dave Harper said he was informed that Pitt did not wish to play the game at PPG Paints Arena either year, as was planned. The Dukes had offered to play at Petersen Events Center, the Panthers’ home arena, this year for no guarantee fee — which can often run close to $100,000 — ticket allotment or special considerations, but Harper noted that proposal was declined.”

from the post gazette this year. Why should Duquesne bend over to serve Pitt’s needs when they tried this year and Pitt wouldn’t play?

 

[Parkview57]

When the shoe was on the other foot re the Pitt- PSU football series we screamed bloody murder when Joe wanted 2 out of 3 games in Happy Valley. And rightfully so.

Because Paterno was an arrogant narcissist, just sayin'....

 

[joeydavid]

Duquesne has never gotten a check to play Pitt when we played at PPG. It’s been a split. What is your source that they’re asking for money to come to the Pete?

“In a statement released Thursday, Duquesne athletic director Dave Harper said he was informed that Pitt did not wish to play the game at PPG Paints Arena either year, as was planned. The Dukes had offered to play at Petersen Events Center, the Panthers’ home arena, this year for no guarantee fee — which can often run close to $100,000 — ticket allotment or special considerations, but Harper noted that proposal was declined.”

from the post gazette this year. Why should Duquesne bend over to serve Pitt’s needs when they tried this year and Pitt wouldn’t play?

Continue.... See if you can bring this home.

Personally, I could care less if Pitt ever played Duquesne again. 36-4 over the last forty games hasn't been entertaining for anyone.

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

Continue.... See if you can bring this home.

Personally, I could care less if Pitt ever played Duquesne again. 36-4 over the last forty games hasn't been entertaining for anyone.

I would think that’s all the reason to play them... that’s my whole point. Play them at PPG and get the boost like Jamie used to.

 

[BigZeke]

City Game between Pitt, Duquesne won't be part of the 2021-22 basketball season

The Pitt and Duquesne basketball teams won’t play each other this season for the third consecutive year, the longest suspension of the City Game since they didn’t play from 1940-1952. Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot said negotiations have occurred this year, but “the terms weren’t amiable for us at...

triblive.com

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot said.

If the two universities can’t come to terms, it would extend the suspension of the City Game to three consecutive seasons, the longest since they didn’t play from 1940-1952.

Dambrot said negotiations have occurred this year, but “the terms weren’t amiable for us at that point.”

“They wanted us to go there (to Petersen Events Center) every year,” Dambrot said. “We’re not going to do that.”

Pitt officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Dambrot said he holds no grudge against Pitt.

Pitt should play the Dukes and Bobby Mo every year but what’s good for the city and the fans takes a backseat to the willingness of Capel to play some no name school from Podunk State that gives Pitt all they can handle. Just stupid.

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

Continue.... See if you can bring this home.

Personally, I could care less if Pitt ever played Duquesne again. 36-4 over the last forty games hasn't been entertaining for anyone.

I just think they should all find a way to play everyone in the city. Duquesne not playing RMU is also lame.

 

[Saboteur II]

If Duquesne wants to play it so bad and if their fans are so convinced that they’d win, you’d think that they’d be willing to play it anywhere. Especially considering the huge fit that Dambrot threw about it in the media last year.

By that way of thinking we should play Penn State in football every year in State College.
No thank you. I prefer to retain my dignity.

 

[Fsgolfdr]

How’s this any different than Pitt vs PSU in Fb ? Pitt should play Duquesne every yr in bb just like Pitt and PSU Fb alternating home games . Disgraceful!

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

How’s this any different than Pitt vs PSU in Fb ? Pitt should play Duquesne every yr in bb just like Pitt and PSU Fb alternating home games . Disgraceful!

Its a lot different. Pitt and Penn State are actually fairly close in terms of historical and even recent football success. PSU is, I dont know, lets say the 20th best football program. Pitt is maybe like the 40th.

 

[iMissTheOldDayss]

Capel knows he would get out coached and we would take an L to mighty Duquesne

 

[levance2]

Its a lot different. Pitt and Penn State are actually fairly close in terms of historical and even recent football success. PSU is, I dont know, lets say the 20th best football program. Pitt is maybe like the 40th.

It's also extremely disingenuous to say the monetary situations are at all comparable. PSU would sell 100K tickets to play Pitt in State College. Pitt will sell maybe 4000 tickets to host Duquesne at the Pete.

Let's not forget that Capel made it no secret that he fought Lyke to avoid traveling to RMU to open their arena. He clearly doesn't care what the city or the fans want. It's more important to him to lose at home to St. Francis.

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

Its a lot different. Pitt and Penn State are actually fairly close in terms of historical and even recent football success. PSU is, I dont know, lets say the 20th best football program. Pitt is maybe like the 40th.

Purely from a win perspective, penn state has been a top 5 program the past 5 years. It’s not that far off of a comparison.

 

[docpanther26]

By that way of thinking we should play Penn State in football every year in State College.
No thank you. I prefer to retain my dignity.

But maybe we can schedule Robert Morris in football!

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

It's also extremely disingenuous to say the monetary situations are at all comparable. PSU would sell 100K tickets to play Pitt in State College. Pitt will sell maybe 4000 tickets to host Duquesne at the Pete.

Let's not forget that Capel made it no secret that he fought Lyke to avoid traveling to RMU to open their arena. He clearly doesn't care what the city or the fans want. It's more important to him to lose at home to St. Francis.

PSU plays similar programs like Syracuse, VT, and WVU home and home though.

If Pitt would schedule GW or St. Bonaventure home and home then I would say Duquesne would have a gripe.

I think Pitt and Duquesne should play but I have ALWAYS complained that we shouldn't have been giving Duquesne equal treatment. Its a garbage program.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Purely from a win perspective, penn state has been a top 5 program the past 5 years. It’s not that far off of a comparison.

ehh...They were 4-5 last year but had 4 good seasons the previous 4 years. Overall, they probably check in around #20 as I said. Like even though Texas has been bad recently, I would rank them as a Top 5 program based on history, brand, potential, etc.

 

[WeaverIsComing]

losing to the dukes would look worse, so you play hardball till the team doesnt suck

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

ehh...They were 4-5 last year but had 4 good seasons the previous 4 years. Overall, they probably check in around #20 as I said. Like even though Texas has been bad recently, I would rank them as a Top 5 program based on history, brand, potential, etc.

Who cares? They’re a top 5-8 program now and have been ranked in the top 10 under JF multiple years at the end of the season.

If Narduzzi had their success he would’ve either left for a better job or be paid like 18 million by us considering how we overpay him now.

You’re clearly wearing blue and gold glasses because they are a top 8 program at worst rn and with history probably top 10. You’re just way off, again.

 

[pittchagg]

I’ll say this: if Jeff Capel was as good of a basketball coach as James Franklin is a football coach, we wouldn’t be having the conversations we’ve been having all offseason, and we’d be very seriously talking about who to replace him with when (not if) he gets hired at Duke.

And I say this as someone who really likes Capel and think he’s a better basketball coach than this fanbase has given him credit for.

 

[Chescat]

If Duquesne wants to play it so bad and if their fans are so convinced that they’d win, you’d think that they’d be willing to play it anywhere. Especially considering the huge fit that Dambrot threw about it in the media last year.

I don't give two hoots about
Duquesne. However if I were
the Dukes, I wouldn't play
every game at Pitt either.
I wouldn't let my team play
the "little brother" role.
The game has a lot of
tradition and should be
played.
Easy answer IMO....play it
at the neutral PPG.

 

[levance2]

PSU plays similar programs like Syracuse, VT, and WVU home and home though.

If Pitt would schedule GW or St. Bonaventure home and home then I would say Duquesne would have a gripe.

I think Pitt and Duquesne should play but I have ALWAYS complained that we shouldn't have been giving Duquesne equal treatment. Its a garbage program.

I agree with that. The issue is that PSU only plays so many OOC football games now. They aren't going to sign up for Pitt to be their one road game every other year for the rest of time. If they pick a similar team like Syracuse over Pitt, then that is a bogus argument.

Pitt will play 11 OOC basketball games, and they will surely play teams similar to Duquesne, as well as teams a lot better and a lot worse. I know you didn't buy the "cupcake" sells tickets argument of previous administrations, but now that nobody goes to games, that has even less merit. If Pitt says they MUST host an NEC team to cash in on ticket sales, that's a bogus argument.

In the 2020 season, Pitt paid for #193 Nicholls State to come in and beat us but wouldn't play #95 Duquesne for free.

If there was ever a year to play at Duquesne or PPG, this would be it. Pitt is playing an exempt event with only a single neutral game in NYC, and we should be due for a B1G-ACC home game. Pitt should be playing at WVU this year, but who knows how they adjusted that agreement.

 

[JS School]

Who cares? They’re a top 5-8 program now and have been ranked in the top 10 under JF multiple years at the end of the season.

If Narduzzi had their success he would’ve either left for a better job or be paid like 18 million by us considering how we overpay him now.

You’re clearly wearing blue and gold glasses because they are a top 8 program at worst rn and with history probably top 10. You’re just way off, again.

You went from top 5 to top 8, or maybe it's top 10. You're losing this argument to SMF.

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

You went from top 5 to top 8, or maybe it's top 10. You're losing this argument to SMF.

Lol. I am certainly not ever losing an argument to SMF. wise they are top 5. It’s not an opinion thing. But based on their bowl performance and not going to the final 4 during that time period, they’re somewhere between 5-8. Theyre a top 10 program historically. Top 10 in wins and prestige.

Pitt Duquesne hoops is much closer to Pitt Psu football than many on here want to admit. We would kill for their success in football over the last 40 years. We try to act like we’re too good to play Duquesne and Penn State tries to act like they’re too good to play Pitt and both arguments are silly. Play and dominate the other team so there’s no dispute.

 

[73CAV]

Capel was mentored in the Krzyzewski school of scheduling. The ideal: Never play a game in an opponent's gym unless you are compelled to do so (ACC games and B1G Challenge). All other away games should be at neutral venues.