As a high school coach I have had to learn to abide by the 24 hour rule. This means taking a deep breath and making sure I wait to reply to parents emails or confront any issue that might come up during the season. Visceral responses usually are fed with emotions and are not thought through, and this can mean trouble. That’s because it leads to impulsive statements and conclusions.
This got me to thinking about Pitt basketball in 2014.
Not going to lie, Jamie Dixon’s timeout at the end of regulation had me beside myself. I felt compelled to run to my computer and break my own rule. Like many, I saw Lamar Patterson breaking to the hoop for what looked like a sure fire lay up and a Pitt victory. When the whistle blew and play was stopped, I could not believe it. That was a game that was truly frustrating, no question.
After the game ended, some of the reactions like “Dixon can’t coach” or “it’s time to fire Dixon” got me to thinking. Are we going a little crazy here? I get it, coming up short in March is tough, offensive sets that can remind you of the movie Hoosiers can frustrate. Add some unfortunate outcomes in games against top 10 teams this season, and even the biggest Dixon supporter might want to pull their hair out.
They might even be willing to break the 24 hour rule…
However, lets take a step back for a second. Pitt is 22-7 with losses to #4 Syracuse(2), #12 Virginia, and #11 Cincinnati that could have easily gone the other way if not for a bounce, inexplicable miss, or 35 foot runner. All the sudden, you are 25-4 and likely ranked among the top 15 in the country. With the exception of a second half collapse against Duke, the Panthers have been in every game they have played, and could have easily won all of them just as easily as they slipped through their fingers.
I know, in hindsight they did not win those games. However, its not like they were losing games to Drake, Oral Roberts, and Siena, their “worst” loss is to Florida State, who is not exactly a pushover. The Seminoles have wins against Michigan (before Mitch McGary got hurt) a ranked UMass team along with a one point road loss to #1 Florida. We act like the sky is falling because Pitt lost a close game to them? They ain’t Rider people. No offense to Rider intended.
When you look at the 2014 team, what was your expectations going in? If somebody told you they would be among the top 5 teams in the conference, and would be in position to make the NCAA’s, would you not be happy with that?
They lose Steven Adams, then, Dixon is asked to rely on three freshman, two sophomores, along with a transfer are asked to either start or play significant roles this season. They lose their best shooter/bench scorer in Durand Johnson to injury, and lack any real front court depth. Its not like this team came in with goals of a Final Four in most people’s eyes. Am I wrong?
I think the biggest problem in all of this is we are trying to reason out that this team is supposed to be better than it is. A few negative outcomes go a little different and Dixon is probably lauded for doing his best work all while making the transition to the ACC. Instead, it seems like the guy can’t buy a break with some Pitt fans.
Its hard to not to agree he needs to lighten up at times and loosen the grip from the time to time. Maybe he’s dealing with the uncomfortable proposition of asking players he’s not certain are ready to play big roles in the ACC. Is it a stretch to think some of the players simply might not be completely up to the challenge and he feels like he has to micromanage? Maybe he’s looking to protect his players. Right or wrong, I see that as a real possibility.
Maybe we need to keep that in mind. Look at this group, its not like its a roster that screams 25 wins, and yet, there’s a reasonable argument with a little luck, they are in that position, and will reach that total, maybe more by the end of the season. That would be quite and accomplishment of the program in my eyes.
Just like Dixon might need to lighten up, I think some of the reactionists calling for Dixon’s job need to also. Take a deep breath, and go with the 24 hour rule.
