And Down Goes Pitt…
Once upon a time, Pitt’s football team was the sole source of disappointment. Year after year, the decent recruits at Pitt have failed to live up to the hype. They have more trips to Birmingham than the BCS. But now the basketball team is joining the football team in mediocrity. This year, Pitt was insulted (by some) to have received “only” an 8-seed, and then went out and lost by 18 to the 9th-seeded Wichita St. Shockers.
All you need to do is go here to read the comments from the Pitt fans. They seem to be losing some faith in Jamie Dixon. Of course, they should also recognize that Syracuse fans had lost faith in Jim Boeheim after 10 seasons too. And even in the 1990s, Syracuse fans questioned whether Boeheim could win a national title. For Dixon, he needs to just get the Panthers to a Final Four first.
But the 2012-2013 season was not about that. From a Big Dance standpoint, losing to Wichita State is not the end of the world. It is highly disappointing, however, to lose by 18. So it is understandable if Panthers fans are frustrated. Dixon is getting the recruits… like the football team, those recruits need to start meeting their potential.
The Confidential 
If Pitt ultimately ends up in a search for a new coach, I would suggest Cincy Cronin. He is an outstanding coach and recruiter. IMO, he would solve Pitts postseason woos. Dixon is a great coach as well in his own right.
Dixon was so good for so long, just seemed to lose his mojo last year. Maybe a fresh start is in order. Would have been funny to have Howland at UCLA and Dixon at USC.
I think Shaka Smart to Pitt makes some sense too. ACC $$$ looming. But maybe he will hold out for an even better situation.
I agree with Smart, what he has done at VCU is extraordinary.
He might prefer North Carolina State.
Wait, too soon?
Dixon just announced a contract extension with Pitt.
Good idea.