3. The 2021 NCAA Tournament is now a realistic goal for Pittsburgh Basketball
Sometimes, a timeline for expectations jumps around unexpectedly. For the Panthers, the goal was to make a run into the top-10 of the ACC and at least be in consideration for the NIT. After losing to Saint Francis (PA) to open the season, the NIT was viewed as a best-case scenario for the program.
And if that didn’t deter fans, then Champagnie’s injury and original 6-8 week prognosis had to. Pittsburgh was competitive against Louisville when both Champagnie and Toney were out but that loss signified some future struggles in ACC play. However, after upsetting Syracuse while being underhanded weeks ago and then beating them again last Saturday, a resume started to build for the postseason. And while this version of Duke isn’t a signature victory, it now sets up the Panthers to be projected in some Bracketology Fields of 68.
So does Pittsburgh have to make the NCAA Tournament this season even if that wasn’t the original goal for the fanbase? The potential future circumstances dictate that in a way. First off, the ACC has never been so weak at the top, with both Duke and North Carolina struggling. The middle is still strong but at the moment, none of these teams in the conference would be big favorites to beat Pittsburgh. So you have to take advantage and win as many games as possible in league play this season before the elite gets back to being elite.
And let’s face it. It’s starting to look like Champagnie’s last season. He’s putting up absurd numbers and is making not only a case for ACC Player of the Year but also a spot on an All-American list. His NBA Draft stock is soaring and if he can continue to hit three-pointers at a solid clip, could find himself as a top-40 selection. His “tweener” status would be the only thing that hurts him with scouts at the next level but some team will take a flyer out on him regardless.
If this is Champagnie’s last season at Pittsburgh, the team needs to take advantage of his services and find a way to get one of those at-large bids. And right now, they’re on the right track and will have plenty of opportunities to get more resume builders.
Fans of Pittsburgh Basketball have had little to root for in the past few years but things are finally changing in a positive direction. With a star player, coach, and quality supporting cast, it’s time to expect and hope that this team will end up as many did in the Jamie Dixon era… back to the NCAA Tournament.