I actually want to thank the reporter that asked this.
“Is there any intimidation level for you guys facing a No. 1 team?” a reporter asked of the matchup Saturday with top overall seed Florida.
“Intimidation?” Patterson said as he did a double-take. “Do you know anything about Pittsburgh basketball? No, we are never intimidated.”
The question was asked of Patterson and several other players in the locker room after Pitt’s 77-48 win against Colorado Thursday in the second round of the NCAA tournament — and this was before the hometown favorite and No. 1 seed even took the court to play its game.
That’s a great response by Patterson. Just the WTF response that it deserves.
James Robinson was a little more polite/reserved in his response.
“No, we are not going to be intimidated,” point guard James Robinson said. “If I remember correctly, Syracuse was No. 1 when we played them and that game came down to the wire. This is a basketball game, it is what it is, you have to come out and play 40 minutes.”
And Cam Wright was eloquent in a way befitting the ACC Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year:
“The University of Pittsburgh is never intimidated by anyone. Not in academics. Not in basketball. Not in football. Not in anything …
“We have a lot of pride in our university. We have a lot of faith in our guys.”
It’s a stupid question on its face. Pitt is a major conference program. They regularly play top-10, top-5 teams. They have been the No.1 team in the country and a #1 seed in the last 5 years (twice).
As for why I (and I can guarantee Jamie Dixon as well) loved the question. It drove home to the players just how much of an underdog they are perceived. As if they are some low-major just happy to be at the dance, playing one of the big dogs.
Best kind of motivation they could be offered after such an easy win.
Please….no passes to the short corner!
Also, check out our monthly sports auction in Lancaster PA. Bid anytime on-line as the bidding ends tomorrow on rare autographs and sports cards. As a Pitt alum, I’m glad to keep advertising here on my favorite Panther site. http://Www.wheatlandauctionservices.com
It is a talking head talking point, but not true. Not dissin’ Dishman, but I hear it from every tv game commentator and on most stories about Pitt. These people don’t watch games.
Pitt hasn’t been physical since Blair left.
I believe the ref crew is ACC. A total of 40 calls so far! No flow to the game. A whistle very two seconds or so it seems.
Typical lousy ACC officiating!
Can any of you guys keep track of the names/ addresses of these crews? Would love to make sure the ACC knows via specific memos, the fans are aware of the individuals making these games unfair. Oh hell, they are cheating!
Would love a running tally of the worst up to the better refs. Yes, there was at least one crew that was decent.
The crew at the game I’m watching is terrible! It must be at least 55 fouls by now.
Unbelieveable!!!!!
Good one, old Pitt Grad.
This Pitt Panther team is composed of a bunch of pretty ordinary basketball players, tomorrow’s match-up is an extraordinary opportunity for those Panthers.
Question is, can they inspire themselves to their full potential, if only for this one game? Who cares what anyone of us predicts, we have absolutely no influence on the outcome tomorrow. Not so for those members of this Pitt Panther squad. They have every influence on that outcome, they CAN make it happen.
Do they dare grab the golden ring when the opportunity presents itself? It’s the stuff that lifelong memories are made of, so make some memories tomorrow Panthers.
Hail to Pitt!
Yesterday the Panthers put the biggest hurt on a losing team in the history of the NCAA Tournament, a record breaking performance on the biggest national stage in collegate basketball. Where is Upittbaseball to give them their due for an outstanding performance? CRICKETS!
Come on buddy, where is the long overdue love when the Panthers come to the top on the national stage, you’re always there when they fall short.
Could it be that you’re INTIMIDATED??????
Florida will have a tough time scoring on Pitt’s half court defense. Pitt should be able to hold their own on the boards.
It is a race to 65 points, Pitt needs some easy ones to get there.
My oldest son called (Syracuse-Rutgers law Grad.) He said he was really happy Duke lost. He said he never had a feeling like that when a Big East team lost. I feel the same way.
I know. We needed to go where the money is. Or did we? Gonzaga will never be more than a nice small Jesuit university in Spokane, Wash. A lot of kids are appying though. Not a bad place to live. Gonzaga is happy.
PITT will have a hard time winning another football national championship. If the money helps our minor sport teams maybe it’s worth the agravation of putting up with Tobacco row.
We need to start teaching them to play fair.
– Duke is not known for its defense.
– All 4 No. 1 seeds are known more for their defense
– defending champ Louisville won last year more because of their defense turning the ball over
The closest Pitt came to the Final 4 was the last second lost to Nova. Check out the final score .. we scored plenty that game, but still lost a close one
Huge day for Pitt. Potentially an historical
day. Whatever the outcome another
exciting season by JD and his team.
It is the Golden Age of Pitt BB.
Let’s go Pitt!!!!!!!!
I am DVRing, as usual. But, the “blue and gold” boxers are on and I am psyched.
H2P
Upitt said that he was going to the games in Orlando, as I recall. So, let’s watch for the stud in the stands with the bat in his hand and wearing a catcher’s mask. Maybe also a “Durand” headband.
H2P
Yesterday was the 4th time I’ve seen Maverick Rowan play 3 times in person. Other than Pistol Pete he is the best shooter I have ever seen at the high school level. He is a little loose in handling the ball and if that improves he could be a one and done. If that is negative you and I aren’t on the same page
Maverick Rowan is the real deal. He is going to be a superstar. Only a sophomore and he has all the tools. He is six seven, shoots the three, does not miss foul shots, moves pretty well and can pass.
He threw and in bounds pass the length of the court over close coverage for a lay in. Don’t remember seeing that done before, especially by a high school soph.
Sure hope he stays committed to Pitt. I am sure the big boys will be hounding him for the next two years.
So of course Cook writes the obligatory article about criticism of Jamie so that he can list his failings. Even though he says it goes with the territory, what a jerk. On the morning of the big game. Can’t wait till tomorrow. He does make one good point though, even if Jamie wins tomorrow, he will still have his critics. Even if he wins it all, they will want him to do it again.
Sure be nice to keep the critics off his back one more day.
Let’s go Pitt!
But what a pure shooter and he does have good instincts and gets the ball off really quick, especially around the hoop. Most impressive.
Oh yeah, Rowan plays good defense as well, should fit in real well.
Well,well,well….you fools should have listened to me.
For those of you that stated Pitt must play a great game…break the press….no turnovers…I applaud your insight.
For you stupid fools that said Florida is over rated…the SEC sucks….they aren’t that good…
I hope you enjoy the rest of the tourney…..
This win along gets the monkey off his back for a few more years… pumps optimism into the program… great ride into next season.
and hey, if they can go even further the absolutely awesome.
Honestly, if they lose everyone forgets about the Colorado win very quickly.
Tomorrow is big and Pitt can do it!! All of those tough and close games this year payoff tomorrow!!
Even Vegas is starting to feel it!
H2P