SAM CLANCY, from the Hill District, was cheered by thousands at the Petersen Events Center as his No. 15 jersey was retired, Jan. 18. (Photo courtesy University of Pittsburgh athletics)
by Bill Neal and Rob Taylor Jr.
For New Pittsburgh Courier
By now you’ve awakened from your sub-zero hibernation to join the rest of the basketball world to know that the University of Pittsburgh retired #15, Sam Clancy’s now-immortalized jersey, to be hung in the rafters of the Petersen Events Center forever more. The long-overdue event was held on Jan. 18, at halftime of the Panthers’ men’s basketball contest against Clemson. Clancy joins Don Hennon, Billy Knight, Charles Smith, Brandon Knight, Jennifer Bruce and Lorri Johnson to have their shirts retired.
Pretty much the entire arena stood and clapped as Clancy, the Hill District native, walked onto the court in a blue Pitt sweatshirt. They remained standing as longtime “Voice of the Panthers” Bill Hillgrove announced his career achievements when he played at Pitt from from 1977-81. Hillgrove surprised some in the crowd when he said that Clancy had been drafted by two different professional sports—the NBA’s Phoenix Suns in 1981, and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks in 1982. Clancy went on to play in the NFL for the Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts.
Then Hillgrove asked the crowd a question: “What 12-year pro football veteran had more career rebounds (in college) than Patrick Ewing (during his time at Georgetown)? It’s Sam Clancy!”
In fact, for all of the accolades dished out to Ewing in the early ’80s at George town, Clancy amassed 1,362 rebounds at Pitt, to Ewing’s 1,316 during his four years at Georgetown.
SAM CLANCY, IN HIS PITT BASKETBALL DAYS…
How did Sam Clancy land at Pitt?
During a press conference with Clancy following his jersey retirement, Clancy was asked by a reporter how he ended up at Pitt. Clancy was recruited by many schools following his outstanding career at Fifth Avenue and Brashear high schools.
Clancy revealed that in his mind back then, it was down to three schools—Ohio State, North Carolina State, and Pitt. Clancy said he “really liked” Ohio State, even getting to have a conversation with the historic Buckeyes football coach Woody Hayes. Clancy said Hayes told him that if he came to Ohio State, he would be able to play football and basketball. While it sounded enticing, Clancy said he came away feeling as though Hayes pretty much ran Ohio State athletics, and that it was more so about football first, then basketball. Clancy said he liked N.C. State as well, but in the end, Pitt won out.
“I thought I would fit better because of the relationship I had with Tim Grgurich, Cleve(land) Edwards and Fran Webster, the University of Pittsburgh basketball staff,” Clancy revealed. “Tim Grgurich probably came to my house 50 times or more. That whole staff knew every one of my aunts’ names, my uncles’ names, cousins’ names, and every time I played in the Ozanam Summer League, they would ride by and say hello…”
Clancy was ready to don the Pitt colors, but what really cemented his decision was an interaction he had with Pitt icon Tony Dorsett. It was during a home game. “He came up to me and said, ‘Stay home, Sam. I’m telling you. Pitt will love you forever. And do it for your family. They will love you forever.’ It was a done deal then.”
Clancy also discussed how he believed Western Pennsylvania high school basketball was among the best in the country in the ’70s and ’80s. “You hear about New York, Chicago, Detroit, Texas, California…when we go around and play in these tournaments, we represent well, ever since Maurice Lucas, who is my hero.”
Lucas, also from the Hill District, helped lead the Portland Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA Championship.
Clancy is the only player in Pitt basketball history to score over 1,000 points (1,671) and amass over 1,000 rebounds (1,362). A double double of points and rebounds for every game of his career, a four-year starter, along with being a Pan-American Classic gold medal winner under coach Bobby Knight.
After seeing the world, Clancy returned home to his beloved University of Pittsburgh where he currently holds the title of Director of the Varsity Letter Club, overseeing athletic and alumni relations. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from Pitt since his return.
Clancy, during the press conference after halftime on Jan. 18, called the moment of seeing his jersey in the rafters, retired, as “unbelievable. I dreamed about being up there, never knowing if I would make it.”
Sam Clancy, you made it.
SAM CLANCY PLAYED 12 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL, AFTER STARRING AS A BASKETBALL PLAYER AT PITT.
SAM CLANCY, IN HIS NFL DAYS…
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