I know this is an old topic but Pitt needs to seriously improve its basketball schedule if it really wants to be considered with the big boys.
Everybody is excited about the Purdue game but that game is only played because of the Big 10-ACC challenge. It is not Pitt being aggressive and scheduling real opponents.
Playing a top 20 team early cannot hurt Pitt even if it loses. First and foremost The team gets to measure itself against other top progams. Playing lessor teams just allows players to play soft realizing they are going to win the game anyway. They don't get much better as players. Second the OOC ranking gets better. Seriously we play 10 games that we get no credit for and if we lose we get punished.
Finally I believe the fans would prefer two less "non games" at the Pete in exchange for a couple of real opponents.
The great John Wooden changed after coaching UCLA to a lot of victories but no championships.
Pitt needs to Change if it really wants to compete with the big boys and take on all challengers.
I think this strategy also would translate into more victories in the NCAA tournament.
Everybody is excited about the Purdue game but that game is only played because of the Big 10-ACC challenge. It is not Pitt being aggressive and scheduling real opponents.
Playing a top 20 team early cannot hurt Pitt even if it loses. First and foremost The team gets to measure itself against other top progams. Playing lessor teams just allows players to play soft realizing they are going to win the game anyway. They don't get much better as players. Second the OOC ranking gets better. Seriously we play 10 games that we get no credit for and if we lose we get punished.
Finally I believe the fans would prefer two less "non games" at the Pete in exchange for a couple of real opponents.
The great John Wooden changed after coaching UCLA to a lot of victories but no championships.
Pitt needs to Change if it really wants to compete with the big boys and take on all challengers.
I think this strategy also would translate into more victories in the NCAA tournament.
