:10—The Pitt Men’s Basketball team shot their final “3” of the season as they took it on their glass chin from Virginia. A team they split home and home with during the regular season. A tough season to be sure, but I for one enjoyed it. Sure you want the hometown boys to win, but I just love the game. That being said, here’s your “Inside the Ten”…Top 10 problems Pitt had to deal with:
#1 Lack of a true point guard. No dis to Jamel Artis, but true point guards can make the difference.
Pittsburgh guard Jamel Artis defends against a shot by Louisville guard Tony Hicks during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
#2 Jamel Artis, who is a natural 2/3 played the point well, but it did prevent him from being his best at his true position. I think he deserves props for taking one for the team!
#3 No inside presence…no inside scoring!!!
#4 No consistent three point shooter. Cam Johnson was good on occasion, but not the dagger you need.
#5 A very, very, very weak bench. No one to blame really. It was what it was.
#6 A clear and apparent disconnect between the coach and the players. My guess is…”If you keep throwing your players under the bus, they’ll stop showing up to ride it. I’m just sayin’!
#7 Let’s not forget this is the ACC boys and girls. They played some good teams and several NBA caliber players.
#8 I know it happens on both sides, but they lost three games on some very bad officiating. The Notre Dame game here to be exact.
#9 Don’t get it twisted. The players don’t get away clean. There’s this thing called D-Fence…and if played with the force of “Kong,” can cure a multitude of sins!
#10 Last, but not least, not enough cheerleader and dance team time on the court. What? Oh, like you weren’t thinking it too. Yes, you were, but you wanted me to say it. (Hey, I’m 64. I’m not dead!!!)
:09—Here’s your almost final list for the 2017 Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League Hall of Fame Inductions: Nate Duck—Homewood Horses Coach Ringo Saunders—Bump Yes Joe Barlow—The Dons Kevin Price—Rankin Gangsters Brian Carroll—Future Stars Eric Carter—Homewood Horses Corey Gadson—Clairton’s Finest Jimmy Nichols—Heatwave Hosea Champayne— Rankin Gangsters Mark Hassell—Cosmic Echoes Gary Nelson—The DonsVince Lackner—The Lawyers Dave Burrs—Big’s Storm Shawn Harvey—Heatwave Rico Appendanza—Rico’s Boys Kenny Lewis—Bump Yes [All inductees please note you have to call me to be counted in. 412-628-4856] These great athletes will be inducted at the 43rd Annual Willie “Pops” Stargell Pittsburgh MVP Awards, Wednesday, May 31, at the fabulous Savoy restaurant, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 and will benefit Achieving Greatness Safe Summer programs. (Keep this on the down-low, but I’m trying to get Connie Hawkins to come home for the induction. Not easy to do, but I’m trying.)
:08—Tell me again how you keep forgetting about the genius that was the great Curtis Mayfield? Of course “Superfly,” but are you forgetting about “Back to the World,” “Gypsy Women,” “Stone Junkie,” “We’re a Winner,” “Keep on Pushing,” and the 50 plus hits by the Impressions, including “Amen”…c’mon ya’ll!
:07—So, you all remember Leslie Goodman right? She used to be one of, and the director of, the Truly Yours Models…yes, you do…ok, so if you remember Leslie you have to remember her modeling partner Crystal…you remember how Crystal used to rock the house…well anyway, Crystal’s husband Gee-Gee said, “What about us?” Meaning, why doesn’t anybody talk about the cats that the legends like Macklin, Clancy, Kennedy, and Clarke practiced against every day to become great? Well “Gee” here’s to the legend makers everywhere…they make the difference!!!
:06—Your Pittsburgh Pirates kick it off April 3rd against the Boston Red Socks and the home opener is Friday April 7th against the Atlanta Braves.
:05—Lawrence Timmons gone to Miami, Landry Jones still here signed for three years. What’s wrong with this picture?
:04—I know it’s wishful thinking, but adding Terrelle Pryor and Darrelle Revis to the line-up works for me. Let’s win the ring next year. “All Hands on Deck!”
:03—If you’re not following the Taylor Allderdice Dragons, you are truly missing a basketball good time. The Dice rolled over North Hills and the final score was kinder than the game. But the story continues to be the emergence of point guard Jahi Ogbonna. The 5’10” senior guard was almost perfect with a team high 22 points and most importantly great floor management, slick assists, key steals and stellar defense against a very good Nick Smith who had a game high 27 for N.H.—but let’s not forget the two super sophs Jackson Blaufeld (18 points) and Bobby Clifford (20 points) and of course the show time set of Tyler Williams (15 points).
:02—If you don’t know by now, you’re the only one in town that doesn’t know. Starting Friday, March 31, we’ll be “Stompin at the Savoy” every Friday, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Dancin’…eatin’…and drinkin’…the way it used to be! $10 cover, Dress to Impress, 35 and older, valet or street parking, cash bar, cash kitchen, VIP celebs, special VIP reserved seating. Call 412-292-1753, special group party call 412-628-4856. Brought to you by B.N.P.B. Productions.
:01—Final count in on Ed Gainey’s Old School Music vote: #1—Earth, Wind & Fire—148; Temptations—142…What is wrong with you people. #2—Aretha Franklin—202; Anita Baker—179…Win that one. #3—Luther—196; Teddy —127. Looks like Ed knows his music!
~ GAME OVER ~
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