Bluey Blog - Official Blog of Robert B. Bluey

Pitt’s Path to the Final Four

I’ve read the predictions. Watched the analysis. Know the history. I don’t care. I’m picking Pitt to make the Final Four.

The last time I felt this confident about the Panthers was the 2002-03 season when Pitt made the Sweet 16, only to be upended by Dwayne Wade and Marquette by three points. That team was led by Brandin Knight, Ontario Lett and Donatas Zavackas.

This year a new combination of stars led the Panthers to an upset against Georgetown in the Big East tournament. Under the direction of a healthy Levance Fields at point guard, Pitt is 17-1. The supporting cast, including Sam Young, Ronald Ramon and DeJuan Blair, pose a tough front on offense and defense.

Looking ahead to Pitt’s competition, the first two rounds should pose little trouble. Oral Roberts and then either Michigan State or Temple are beatable. Should Pitt draw the Spartans from the weak Big Ten, they’ll have the edge solely because Michigan State is a pathetic 7-7 away from home.

Once the Panthers arrive in the Sweet 16, they’ll most likely be matched against Memphis, a team that’s lost just once this season. Although everyone seems to think the Tigers are invincible, if history is any guide, they’ll underachieve once again this year. Despite their high ranking the past two years, the Tigers failed to make the Final Four.

From there, all it takes is a win against Texas in hostile Houston, and Pitt will make it to the Final Four for the first time since 1941. Call me crazy, but I’m feeling good about this team. Pitt is it!