Sometimes you don't know...

[Exhiled 2 Da Cuse]

...what you've got 'til it's gone.

Coach Dixon saw the writing on the wall a few years ago when Pitt decided to transfer to the ACC. The ACC - IMO - has always been a stacked deck in favor of the tobacco road royalty. And it always will be.

Because of the transfer to the ACC with its decreased north-eastern media exposure, Dixon has lost a good bit of his north-eastern recruiting base. And he has failed - predictably - to successfully recruit the south east against the perennial "Chicken n' Biscuits" ACC powerhouses. Recruiting was tough in the Big East. But it is an order of magnitude tougher when competing against Coach K, Roy Williams and (now) Rick Pitino.

Of course, JD has also seen a dwindling and increasingly vocal / grouchy fan base, including decreased attendance at the Pete, weakening our once formidable home court advantage. (Does anyone REALLY think that boycotting games or booing your home team players helps them to win?)

Last but not least, Dixon's best (recent) chance of advancing in the NCAAs was this season. Pitt enters next year with a few pretty good forwards and major questions at every other position on the court. NEXT YEAR'S TEAM WILL HAVE NO PROVEN / EXPERIENCED POINT GUARD. (No, James was not the best point guard Pitt has had but was smart, steady and solid.)

Dixon left Pitt because he is smart. And an upgrade is unlikely. Why? 1st of all because there simply aren't that many better coaches out there and the ones who are better already have good jobs. And 2nd, because those coaches are smart too.

John Miller - who has not been a great friend to Pitt, by the way - nailed it (I paraphrase): "Pitt had one of the best coaches in the profession and a good bit of the Pitt fan base has been trying to push him out for the last five years. I think that any candidate interviewed for the job should probably take a look at that."

As I said, "Sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til its gone."

'Cuse

 

[pittguy81]

John Miller speaks the truth, although those fans he was talking about lack the self awareness to realize it.

So JD is gone and now Pitt will reap what has been sowed.

 

[Pittx9]

It's been portrayed that way, but I don't think that segment of the fan base is the majority. Usually it's always the vocal minority.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

John Miller speaks the truth, although those fans he was talking about lack the self awareness to realize it.

So JD is gone and now Pitt will reap what has been sowed.

Yeah, a program that doesn't lose to lower seeds in the tourney and isn't afraid to mix it up a little on the recruiting trail. And John Miller is concerned with one thing....the Miller family legacy. Who cares what he thinks.

What a gutless wonder you are. You probably advocated hiring Rudolph when chryst left.

 

[gary2]

...what you've got 'til it's gone.

Coach Dixon saw the writing on the wall a few years ago when Pitt decided to transfer to the ACC. The ACC - IMO - has always been a stacked deck in favor of the tobacco road royalty. And it always will be.

Because of the transfer to the ACC with its decreased north-eastern media exposure, Dixon has lost a good bit of his north-eastern recruiting base. And he has failed - predictably - to successfully recruit the south east against the perennial "Chicken n' Biscuits" ACC powerhouses. Recruiting was tough in the Big East. But it is an order of magnitude tougher when competing against Coach K, Roy Williams and (now) Rick Pitino.

Of course, JD has also seen a dwindling and increasingly vocal / grouchy fan base, including decreased attendance at the Pete, weakening our once formidable home court advantage. (Does anyone REALLY think that boycotting games or booing your home team players helps them to win?)

Last but not least, Dixon's best (recent) chance of advancing in the NCAAs was this season. Pitt enters next year with a few pretty good forwards and major questions at every other position on the court. NEXT YEAR'S TEAM WILL HAVE NO PROVEN / EXPERIENCED POINT GUARD. (No, James was not the best point guard Pitt has had but was smart, steady and solid.)

Dixon left Pitt because he is smart. And an upgrade is unlikely. Why? 1st of all because there simply aren't that many better coaches out there and the ones who are better already have good jobs. And 2nd, because those coaches are smart too.

John Miller - who has not been a great friend to Pitt, by the way - nailed it (I paraphrase): "Pitt had one of the best coaches in the profession and a good bit of the Pitt fan base has been trying to push him out for the last five years. I think that any candidate interviewed for the job should probably take a look at that."

As I said, "Sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til its gone."

'Cuse

Coaches left the old Big East because the league was too tough and it would be easier to compete in another league. Maybe what we are seeing is another example of that.

If we just lost a coach who believed what you described, I look forward to Pitt hiring a new coach who does not believe in this excuse and is not afraid of the competition. I trust Barnes to find such a coach.

 

[pittguy81]

Yeah, a program that doesn't lose to lower seeds in the tourney and isn't afraid to mix it up a little on the recruiting trail. And John Miller is concerned with one thing....the Miller family legacy. Who cares what he thinks.

What a gutless wonder you are. You probably advocated hiring Rudolph when chryst left.

And what a loud mouthed blowhard you are...oh and completely off point regarding what I posted...oh and undoubted one of the people old man Miller was referring to, and that I referred to as lacking self-awareness.

 

[Exhiled 2 Da Cuse]

Yeah, a program that doesn't lose to lower seeds in the tourney and isn't afraid to mix it up a little on the recruiting trail. And John Miller is concerned with one thing....the Miller family legacy. Who cares what he thinks.

What a gutless wonder you are. You probably advocated hiring Rudolph when chryst left.

Fact of the matter is that John Miller - whether you or I or the man in the moon cares what he thinks - was right. And that makes what he said important.

And by the way, my gracious friend, it is easy to call people names on a message board. I don't really think you'd do it if we were face to face.

"Cuse

 

[Gep Dawg]

No offense but most of the acc is loaded with northeastern players and has been for a long time. Pitt plays Duke, North Carlona, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Louisville, Miami and Boston College every year on national tv and those programs have huge exposure and following in the northeast. Dixon should have been scheduling road trips to Philly, NYC and Baltimore every year. There is no excuse for the fall off in recruiting In NYC and Philly or even the playing style change as Virginia wins playing the same tough defensive style Pitt used to in the old big east. And regardless even Dixon admitted that next year's team will be better with Wilson, Kithcart or even Jones will at the point.

Dixon left because he was plateauing here and could hit the reset button on his career. We all might be sensitive to criticism but this decision was more than that because Dixon had a great contract and was believed here by most. The fans have a small if anything reason for this. It's more about control and familiarity with TCU and their athletic director. Any other suggestion is way off base.

 

[levance2]

I still don't buy the excuse that the ACC killed Dixon's success, or his recruiting. Pitt was playing in the CBI before we played in the ACC. If Dixon can't recruit outside of NYC, then he's going to have a hell of a time in Texas. The Big 12 was a better conference top to bottom this year than the ACC, and if you think TCU ever has a prayer of competing with Kansas, you are certifiably insane.

It's just another meme.

 

[Exhiled 2 Da Cuse]

No offense but most of the acc is loaded with northeastern players and has been for a long time. Pitt plays Duke, North Carlona, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Louisville, Miami and Boston College every year on national tv and those programs have huge exposure and following in the northeast. Dixon should have been scheduling road trips to Philly, NYC and Baltimore every year. Next year the team will be better with Wilson, Kithcart or even Jones will at the point. Dixon left because he was plateauing here and could hit the reset button on his career. We all might be sensitive to criticism but this decision was more than that because Dixon had a great contract and was believed here by most. The fans have a small if anything reason for this. It's more about control and familiarity with TCU and their athletic director. Any other suggestion is way off base.

I don't know so well about where the players come from, as the only two teams I watch regularly are Pitt and Syracuse (from Pitt, living near Syracuse the last couple decades).

I do know that the media coverage for Pitt basketball stinks since they went to the ACC, though. We never missed a TV game while Pitt was in the Big East. But since then, it is usually the crumby ESPN3 broadcast or nothing, and sometimes not even ESPN3.

'Cuse

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Fact of the matter is that John Miller - whether you or I or the man in the moon cares what he thinks - was right. And that makes what he said important.

And by the way, my gracious friend, it is easy to call people names on a message board. I don't really think you'd do it if we were face to face.

"Cuse

Wow, internet tough guy, impressive. Wasn't really calling him names, just calling it like I see it....someone who wants to settle for mediocrity rather than try to be better. If that isn't a gutless wonder, what is?

 

[CCHS82]

...what you've got 'til it's gone.

Coach Dixon saw the writing on the wall a few years ago when Pitt decided to transfer to the ACC. The ACC - IMO - has always been a stacked deck in favor of the tobacco road royalty. And it always will be.

Because of the transfer to the ACC with its decreased north-eastern media exposure, Dixon has lost a good bit of his north-eastern recruiting base. And he has failed - predictably - to successfully recruit the south east against the perennial "Chicken n' Biscuits" ACC powerhouses. Recruiting was tough in the Big East. But it is an order of magnitude tougher when competing against Coach K, Roy Williams and (now) Rick Pitino.

Of course, JD has also seen a dwindling and increasingly vocal / grouchy fan base, including decreased attendance at the Pete, weakening our once formidable home court advantage. (Does anyone REALLY think that boycotting games or booing your home team players helps them to win?)

Last but not least, Dixon's best (recent) chance of advancing in the NCAAs was this season. Pitt enters next year with a few pretty good forwards and major questions at every other position on the court. NEXT YEAR'S TEAM WILL HAVE NO PROVEN / EXPERIENCED POINT GUARD. (No, James was not the best point guard Pitt has had but was smart, steady and solid.)

Dixon left Pitt because he is smart. And an upgrade is unlikely. Why? 1st of all because there simply aren't that many better coaches out there and the ones who are better already have good jobs. And 2nd, because those coaches are smart too.

John Miller - who has not been a great friend to Pitt, by the way - nailed it (I paraphrase): "Pitt had one of the best coaches in the profession and a good bit of the Pitt fan base has been trying to push him out for the last five years. I think that any candidate interviewed for the job should probably take a look at that."

As I said, "Sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til its gone."

'Cuse

Losers make excuses and winners find ways to adapt and overcome. Let me remind you that we played in the BEST BB conference in the country in the BE and won.

 

[tuckshop]

in recruiting, 2010 and 2011 were killers - only Cam Wright really contributed. 2012 would have been pretty good had Adams stayed a 2nd year. 13 had young and artis. 14 luther and cam johnson. Truly the lack on significants bigs like Adams has been missing. Dixon was getting bigs but the well dried up after Gary left with only Steven spending one year. Steven's one year turned around the worst defensive season in Dixon's tenure to be on par with his past good teams - that defense was as good or better than 09 and 11; the offense not so much - he was getting the guards/forwards but the cupboard was pretty empty after Gary left and it never got restocked. I don't think the move to the ACC did this.

 

[thebadby2]

...what you've got 'til it's gone.

Coach Dixon saw the writing on the wall a few years ago when Pitt decided to transfer to the ACC. The ACC - IMO - has always been a stacked deck in favor of the tobacco road royalty. And it always will be.

Because of the transfer to the ACC with its decreased north-eastern media exposure, Dixon has lost a good bit of his north-eastern recruiting base. And he has failed - predictably - to successfully recruit the south east against the perennial "Chicken n' Biscuits" ACC powerhouses. Recruiting was tough in the Big East. But it is an order of magnitude tougher when competing against Coach K, Roy Williams and (now) Rick Pitino.

Of course, JD has also seen a dwindling and increasingly vocal / grouchy fan base, including decreased attendance at the Pete, weakening our once formidable home court advantage. (Does anyone REALLY think that boycotting games or booing your home team players helps them to win?)

Last but not least, Dixon's best (recent) chance of advancing in the NCAAs was this season. Pitt enters next year with a few pretty good forwards and major questions at every other position on the court. NEXT YEAR'S TEAM WILL HAVE NO PROVEN / EXPERIENCED POINT GUARD. (No, James was not the best point guard Pitt has had but was smart, steady and solid.)

Dixon left Pitt because he is smart. And an upgrade is unlikely. Why? 1st of all because there simply aren't that many better coaches out there and the ones who are better already have good jobs. And 2nd, because those coaches are smart too.

John Miller - who has not been a great friend to Pitt, by the way - nailed it (I paraphrase): "Pitt had one of the best coaches in the profession and a good bit of the Pitt fan base has been trying to push him out for the last five years. I think that any candidate interviewed for the job should probably take a look at that."

As I said, "Sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til its gone."

'Cuse

I know we haven't had much of a program the last 4-5 years and weren't going to have much of one for at least the next 2-3 years to come.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

I still don't buy the excuse that the ACC killed Dixon's success, or his recruiting. Pitt was playing in the CBI before we played in the ACC. If Dixon can't recruit outside of NYC, then he's going to have a hell of a time in Texas. The Big 12 was a better conference top to bottom this year than the ACC, and if you think TCU ever has a prayer of competing with Kansas, you are certifiably insane.

It's just another meme.

The Big 12 better than the ACC this year? How many Big 12 teams vs ACC teams made the sweet 16?

 

[Exhiled 2 Da Cuse]

Losers make excuses and winners find ways to adapt and overcome. Let me remind you that we played in the BEST BB conference in the country in the BE and won.

Oh, yes that is right. JD was coach then. When we were the best team in the Big East.

Boston College used to win in the Big East too. And even WON THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP their first year after transferring there. But the ACC royalty has prevailed haven't they? Stacked deck, like I said. Always was, always will be.

Keep your rose colored glassed on for as long as you like. But reality will set in.

'Cuse

 

[OriginalEther]

...what you've got 'til it's gone.

Coach Dixon saw the writing on the wall a few years ago when Pitt decided to transfer to the ACC. The ACC - IMO - has always been a stacked deck in favor of the tobacco road royalty. And it always will be.

Because of the transfer to the ACC with its decreased north-eastern media exposure, Dixon has lost a good bit of his north-eastern recruiting base. And he has failed - predictably - to successfully recruit the south east against the perennial "Chicken n' Biscuits" ACC powerhouses. Recruiting was tough in the Big East. But it is an order of magnitude tougher when competing against Coach K, Roy Williams and (now) Rick Pitino.

Of course, JD has also seen a dwindling and increasingly vocal / grouchy fan base, including decreased attendance at the Pete, weakening our once formidable home court advantage. (Does anyone REALLY think that boycotting games or booing your home team players helps them to win?)

Last but not least, Dixon's best (recent) chance of advancing in the NCAAs was this season. Pitt enters next year with a few pretty good forwards and major questions at every other position on the court. NEXT YEAR'S TEAM WILL HAVE NO PROVEN / EXPERIENCED POINT GUARD. (No, James was not the best point guard Pitt has had but was smart, steady and solid.)

Dixon left Pitt because he is smart. And an upgrade is unlikely. Why? 1st of all because there simply aren't that many better coaches out there and the ones who are better already have good jobs. And 2nd, because those coaches are smart too.

John Miller - who has not been a great friend to Pitt, by the way - nailed it (I paraphrase): "Pitt had one of the best coaches in the profession and a good bit of the Pitt fan base has been trying to push him out for the last five years. I think that any candidate interviewed for the job should probably take a look at that."

As I said, "Sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til its gone."

'Cuse

Well, he had to recruit against Perino in the big East also. And Calhoun. And Huggins. And Wright. And Thompson.....

And you make it sound like Pitt left the big East on their own. Not really. They really had no choice but to pursue an ACC invite. Don't think hoops would be better off in the American.

 

[CCHS82]

Oh, yes that is right. JD was coach then. When we were the best team in the Big East.

Boston College used to win in the Big East too. And even WON THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP their first year after transferring there. But the ACC royalty has prevailed haven't they? Stacked deck, like I said. Always was, always will be.

Keep your rose colored glassed on for as long as you like. But reality will set in.

'Cuse

That's the spirit!

I'm going to keep my PITT tickets because I am a PITT fan and I will continue to support them. How about you?

 

[gary2]

I know we haven't had much of a program the last 4-5 years and weren't going to have much of one for at least the next 2-3 years to come.

I am hoping for a coach who can recruit, properly construct a roster and actually "coaches" during the game (in game adjustments, time management, strategy, etc) . That would be a nice change

 

[Jeffburgh]

I still don't buy the excuse that the ACC killed Dixon's success, or his recruiting. Pitt was playing in the CBI before we played in the ACC. If Dixon can't recruit outside of NYC, then he's going to have a hell of a time in Texas. The Big 12 was a better conference top to bottom this year than the ACC, and if you think TCU ever has a prayer of competing with Kansas, you are certifiably insane.

It's just another meme.

I have been saying this all along.

The slide started well before the acceptance into the ACC.

 

[Jeffburgh]

I know we haven't had much of a program the last 4-5 years and weren't going to have much of one for at least the next 2-3 years to come.

Unfortunate reality ...

 

[Jeffburgh]

in recruiting, 2010 and 2011 were killers - only Cam Wright really contributed. 2012 would have been pretty good had Adams stayed a 2nd year. 13 had young and artis. 14 luther and cam johnson. Truly the lack on significants bigs like Adams has been missing. Dixon was getting bigs but the well dried up after Gary left with only Steven spending one year. Steven's one year turned around the worst defensive season in Dixon's tenure to be on par with his past good teams - that defense was as good or better than 09 and 11; the offense not so much - he was getting the guards/forwards but the cupboard was pretty empty after Gary left and it never got restocked. I don't think the move to the ACC did this.

I think the biggest kick in the gut JD suffered was Adams bouncing after his frosh year.

Had he even stuck one more year, he, Zanna and Lamar would have had a shot to do some real damage in the post season tournaments.

Might have really changed the dynamics.

 

[Jeffburgh]

No offense but most of the acc is loaded with northeastern players and has been for a long time. Pitt plays Duke, North Carlona, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Louisville, Miami and Boston College every year on national tv and those programs have huge exposure and following in the northeast. Dixon should have been scheduling road trips to Philly, NYC and Baltimore every year. There is no excuse for the fall off in recruiting In NYC and Philly or even the playing style change as Virginia wins playing the same tough defensive style Pitt used to in the old big east. And regardless even Dixon admitted that next year's team will be better with Wilson, Kithcart or even Jones will at the point.

Dixon left because he was plateauing here and could hit the reset button on his career. We all might be sensitive to criticism but this decision was more than that because Dixon had a great contract and was believed here by most. The fans have a small if anything reason for this. It's more about control and familiarity with TCU and their athletic director. Any other suggestion is way off base.

I mostly agree.

IMO, JD lost his way a long time ago, and it has been slowly degrading since 2009.

I think he was digging himself out a bit, but he still had all these little quirks with recruiting that probably was going to keep holding him back.

Ideally you try to work through it with him, but TCU was the ideal out for everyone.

Despite all that they have put into getting him, given what the program is and has been, he has lower expectations than the ones he helped to create here.

 

[Piranha]

John Miller speaks the truth, although those fans he was talking about lack the self awareness to realize it.

So JD is gone and now Pitt will reap what has been sowed.

U are a complete fool if u take John Miller's word as gospel. He is as big of a fan of Pitt as we are of PS.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Oh, yes that is right. JD was coach then. When we were the best team in the Big East.

Boston College used to win in the Big East too. And even WON THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP their first year after transferring there. But the ACC royalty has prevailed haven't they? Stacked deck, like I said. Always was, always will be.

Keep your rose colored glassed on for as long as you like. But reality will set in.

'Cuse

What John Miller said was right because you can say that about every fan base in the country, including Arizona, Dayton and NC state-three places that are linked to his boys. Of course there are fans who wanted a change. That's not unique. Mr Miller was out of line and said something in the media that should not have been said. That kind of a comment tarnishes our program.

When will Mr Miller realize that his sons record of underachievement in the NCAA tourney is eerily similar to Dixon's, and that his son is probably gonna take more heat than Dixon ever did because Tucson is not a pro town, and those fans out there have a false sense of who UA is in the basketball world? They aren't a blue blood. They've had one good run in their history under one coach. That's it.

 

[paulbl99]

...what you've got 'til it's gone.

Coach Dixon saw the writing on the wall a few years ago when Pitt decided to transfer to the ACC. The ACC - IMO - has always been a stacked deck in favor of the tobacco road royalty. And it always will be.

Because of the transfer to the ACC with its decreased north-eastern media exposure, Dixon has lost a good bit of his north-eastern recruiting base. And he has failed - predictably - to successfully recruit the south east against the perennial "Chicken n' Biscuits" ACC powerhouses. Recruiting was tough in the Big East. But it is an order of magnitude tougher when competing against Coach K, Roy Williams and (now) Rick Pitino.

Of course, JD has also seen a dwindling and increasingly vocal / grouchy fan base, including decreased attendance at the Pete, weakening our once formidable home court advantage. (Does anyone REALLY think that boycotting games or booing your home team players helps them to win?)

Last but not least, Dixon's best (recent) chance of advancing in the NCAAs was this season. Pitt enters next year with a few pretty good forwards and major questions at every other position on the court. NEXT YEAR'S TEAM WILL HAVE NO PROVEN / EXPERIENCED POINT GUARD. (No, James was not the best point guard Pitt has had but was smart, steady and solid.)

Dixon left Pitt because he is smart. And an upgrade is unlikely. Why? 1st of all because there simply aren't that many better coaches out there and the ones who are better already have good jobs. And 2nd, because those coaches are smart too.

John Miller - who has not been a great friend to Pitt, by the way - nailed it (I paraphrase): "Pitt had one of the best coaches in the profession and a good bit of the Pitt fan base has been trying to push him out for the last five years. I think that any candidate interviewed for the job should probably take a look at that."

As I said, "Sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til its gone."

'Cuse

Jmho the day Pitt signed to join the ACC is the day assuredly he was going to be out soon. As much as possible he opined about the BE after that....if not mistaken even called a game w Cuse a BE like game....

That set the trap and starting out kinda ordinary closed it.

 

[gary2]

Jmho the day Pitt signed to join the ACC is the day assuredly he was going to be out soon. As much as possible he opined about the BE after that....if not mistaken even called a game w Cuse a BE like game....

That set the trap and starting out kinda ordinary closed it.

This is so true. Jamie never was willing to accept his new reality. He could not get his head around, because of that, we had much less of a chance of success.

 

[pittguy81]

U are a complete fool if u take John Miller's word as gospel. He is as big of a fan of Pitt as we are of PS.

You sure like to call people names. It doesn't matter if he likes Pitt or not. What he said regarding JD being a good coach and a pretty big segment of Pitt fans wanting to see him gone was 100% accurate.

 

[PITT92DOG]

I am hoping for a coach who can recruit, properly construct a roster and actually "coaches" during the game (in game adjustments, time management, strategy, etc) . That would be a nice change

So all you want is the perfect coach. Not to difficult.

 

[Black_Man_Panther]

John Miller - who has not been a great friend to Pitt, by the way - nailed it (I paraphrase): "Pitt had one of the best coaches in the profession and a good bit of the Pitt fan base has been trying to push him out for the last five years. I think that any candidate interviewed for the job should probably take a look at that."
'Cuse

Nice "paraphrase" of John Miller. Here is the ACTUAL quote:

“The guy that was there (Dixon), he's been winning 25 games a year. He's done an unbelievable job. But, yet, they've been trying to get him out of there for four, five years. If you're the new guy coming in, I think you'd better look at that.”

Which is a veiled slam at the Pitt administration. Not that he could help it - it's in his blood.

 

[maxxwell]

I think the OP's points are mostly right on. However, I think JD initially used the TCU offer as a gauge of the support he had from the new administration and found it lacking, so he bolted for someplace he'd be comfortable at before possibly getting booted out in a another couple of years. TCU doesn't make sense from any other perspective, especially when Jamie has passed on better opportunities. I do think Jamie was thinking he couldn't sustain the success here but I also think that is part of the reason that Barnes let him go. Barnes has to know it will take someone with a different and more dynamic approach to recruiting to compete in the ACC. I am sad that JD left and fear for the future, but maybe the only shot Pitt has at staying a Top 25 team is to get new, young ambitious blood in here.

 

[PITT92DOG]

Nice "paraphrase" of John Miller. Here is the ACTUAL quote:

“The guy that was there (Dixon), he's been winning 25 games a year. He's done an unbelievable job. But, yet, they've been trying to get him out of there for four, five years. If you're the new guy coming in, I think you'd better look at that.”

Which is a veiled slam at the Pitt administration. Not that he could help it - it's in his blood.

How has been pushed out by this administration for 4-5 years when they have been for less than 2 years. Idiotic comment by JM. Just another example of his vendetta with Pitt. I am really beginning to believe that the Miller's orchestrated yesterdays events to some extent.

 

[PITT92DOG]

I think the OP's points are mostly right on. However, I think JD initially used the TCU offer as a gauge of the support he had from the new administration and found it lacking, so he bolted for someplace he'd be comfortable at before possibly getting booted out in a another couple of years. TCU doesn't make sense from any other perspective, especially when Jamie has passed on better opportunities. I do think Jamie was thinking he couldn't sustain the success here but I also think that is part of the reason that Barnes let him go. Barnes has to know it will take someone with a different and more dynamic approach to recruiting to compete in the ACC. I am sad that JD left and fear for the future, but maybe the only shot Pitt has at staying a Top 25 team is to get new, young ambitious blood in here.

He no thoughtful even headed post on these sites. Only hyperbole and over reaction.

 

[Exhiled 2 Da Cuse]

What John Miller said was right because you can say that about every fan base in the country, including Arizona, Dayton and NC state-three places that are linked to his boys. Of course there are fans who wanted a change. That's not unique. Mr Miller was out of line and said something in the media that should not have been said. That kind of a comment tarnishes our program.

When will Mr Miller realize that his sons record of underachievement in the NCAA tourney is eerily similar to Dixon's, and that his son is probably gonna take more heat than Dixon ever did because Tucson is not a pro town, and those fans out there have a false sense of who UA is in the basketball world? They aren't a blue blood. They've had one good run in their history under one coach. That's it.

 

[PantherO]

If John Miller was such a great coach, he wouldn't have hid at the H.S. Level.

Please stop with what the Millers think. Good Lord. Jamie was an average coach over the last 5 years with an inflated record from playing a horrid OOC schedule. He couldn't win a tournament game to save his life and hasn't recruited a Center or Point Guard in how long? Neither his Staff or his team was build correctly. He never wanted to be in the ACC and it showed.

Plus, no one here knows what is going on in terms of the search.

 

[Exhiled 2 Da Cuse]

U are a complete fool if u take John Miller's word as gospel. He is as big of a fan of Pitt as we are of PS.

This has nothing to do with whether or not John Miller is a fan. And I did mention in my post that he was "no friend to Pitt". This has to do with reality.

Reality #1 Pitt is not a basketball town. #2 There is relatively little local talent to recruit from. #3 We will not recruit successfully against the top ACC teams without cheating - which Pitt, historically, has refused to do. #4 Most of the top level coaches already have better jobs than the one Pitt is offering.

The reality - and if you think I like it you are mistaken - is that our prospects of an upgrade over what we have had aren't good. It is possible that we could do well in this scenario but far from likely.

'Cuse

 

[Panther Parrothead]

If John Miller was such a great coach, he wouldn't have hid at the H.S. Level.

Please stop with what the Millers think. Good Lord. Jamie was an average coach over the last 5 years with an inflated record from playing a horrid OOC schedule. He couldn't win a tournament game to save his life and hasn't recruited a Center or Point Guard in how long? Neither his Staff or his team was build correctly. He never wanted to be in the ACC and it showed.

Plus, no one here knows what is going on in terms of the search.

If the rumors are true, Miller's high school success had a lot to do with the players who (*ahem*) "moved-in" to his district, and not with the local kids whom he tried to develop.

If I'm wrong, anyone can feel free to correct me....

 

[levance2]

The Big 12 better than the ACC this year? How many Big 12 teams vs ACC teams made the sweet 16?

Yes, top to bottom, the Big 12 was the best conference this year, as they were last year also.

 

[pittbb80]

If the rumors are true, Miller's high school success had a lot to do with the players who (*ahem*) "moved-in" to his district, and not with the local kids whom he tried to develop.

If I'm wrong, anyone can feel free to correct me....

John Miller was an excellent recruiter in his day. He'd identify players through his AAU team and then get them to transfer into Blackhawk.

 

[revampedpanthers]

I have been saying this all along.

The slide started well before the acceptance into the ACC.

Yep it actually started when dixon upgraded his recruiting. Before that he was getting the mid major types keeping them in the system for 3 or 4 years and then winning with them. But guys like Taylor, Birch and Adams either flamed out or left early and he wasn't able to replace them with other top recruits and he didn't have the experience that got him through the early years because those guys took recruiting spots of the players who fit his original mode. I do think losing some key assistants then the move to the ACC hurt some but not to the point many are making it out to be.