Pittsburgh Panthers men’s basketball

The Pittsburgh Panthers men’s basketball team is the NCAA Division I intercollegiate men’s basketball program of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as “Pitt”. The Pitt program began competing in 1905 and currently competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The team has reached two Final Fours, appeared 13 times in the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen, and won nine regular season conference titles. As a result of its rich history, Pitt was one of four schools selected by ESPN for inclusion that year into their list of all-time greatest programs.

Historically known as a football school due to its success on that side under legendary coach Jock Sutherland from 1924–38 and again from 1940–42; however since then it has become better known for producing successful players such as Charles Smith who led them to three consecutive Big East Tournaments and became an All-American player at Pitt. Other famous alumni include Jerome Lane who set several records including becoming only player ever recorded with over 1,000 rebounds in a single game against Providence College during the 1987–88 season. In addition Sam Clancy helped lead him alma mater back into relevance after joining head coach Ben Howland’s staff prior to his freshman campaign with some notable wins over Duke Blue Devils (twice) Villanova Wildcats among others while being ranked No 10 nationally. Since then they have gone onto bigger accomplishments such as making five straight NCAA Tournament appearances between 2001&2006 which included reaching their first Final Four appearance since 1974 when they were defeated by Michigan State Spartans 79-76 despite having future NBA star Carl Krauser leading them offensively with 21 points & 7 assists per game average along with Chris Taft adding 17 points & 8 boards each night out. Afterward Beilein left for West Virginia Mountaineers leaving Jamie Dixon took helm where he posted 11 consecutive post seasons winning 247 games total until 2008 before resigning following unsuccessful campaigns within ACC although still managing 6 more postseason berths afterwards through 2014 though without any further advancement past 2nd Round stage yet notching highest ranking ever attained #2 overall just once February 2009 . They also made headlines off court when 3 former student athletes namely Maurice Lucas Jr., Steven Adams & Lamar Patterson declared themselves eligible draft marking first time group had done so simultaneously resulting respective selections 2013 NBA Draft earning distinction “triplets” media outlets alike ran story multiple times throughout remainder summer months ultimately ending era 12 years later upon departure Cameron Wright graduation 2016 signaling start new era current leadership Jeff Capel III taking reigns 2018 succeeding Kevin Stallings whose tenure ended abruptly end 2017/2018 academic term amidst allegations mishandling matters regarding former recruit Sheldon Jeter now playing professionally overseas Belgium country Europe continent lastly but certainly least dynasty started 1970 Mark Roth Bill Frisell John Brown Mike Rice culminated Jimmy Connors 1977 National Championship win Eastern Kentucky Colonels 75-68 effectively concluding chapter college careers these 5 legends lives many fans remember fondly even today 80+ years later!