Dixon, Groat, Hillgrove.....

As for Dixon and Groat, they both have been very bright spots in the Pittsburgh past and present.  Dixon is still learning the game and will keep getting better.  I think his dependence on Blair says something to his growing into a coach.  He has never gave way to underclassmen expecially freshmen to start and get so much playing time.  I think next year this trend may continue and extend even further.

Groat has been great to listen to as he does a good job with the color and is not shy at pointing out things that are happening in the game and is good at pointing out match-up advantages.

As for Hillgrove, I have little respect for the arogance and ignorance he displayes to anyone who thinks contrary to his high and mighty intelligence.  He feels that what he knows is the only way it is and even hangs up on someone who disagrees with his position.  It is rare (inf fact I never heard him say) that he would say something like "I understand your point"  or "that was a perspective that I did not think about".  His replies are like "You are wrong", "you do not know what you are talking about" and other absolute shut downs.  I actaully do not know why anyone calls in when he is on the air, what a waste of time. 

Call Grote or Hillgove Homies though????   Dixon better be a homie for his team would be in trouble.

My appologies to Hillgrove.  I was thinking of Savran when I was writing this.  Boy, what a blunder.  Hillgrove is a class act and I regret making this mistake.

Sorry.

First of all, Dixon is not overrated and has not underachieved when you look at complete seasons. It is not easy to get 5 star recruits to come to Pitt (for many reasons not worth getting into) but mostly because Western PA does not have many 5 star players. And we need to be worried because with Huggins down south, well he is not afraid to bend some rules, and the NYC connection is always a risk to run dry if St Johns can get their act together or Roererson keeps snagging NYC kids to Manhattan (I believe he actually beat Pitt this year with one recruit)

As for Hilgrove and Groat, since I live on the west coast I end up listening to the 2nd half of weeknight games on satelite radio as I drive home and I LOVE listening to these guys, Groat makes a ton of mistakes but their passion for the team is tremendous, and despite being unbelievable homers, its only that they are rooting for Pitt, they are not afraid to criticize them when it is valid. (reminds me of how Cope used to call Steeler games)

Jamie Dixon has done an unbelievable job, how many coaches have had the kind of success Dixon has had?  He has done it with primarily 3 star players too.  Plus, his players have for the most part, proven to be quality individuals.

Dick Groat racist?  Come on man, give me a break.  This guy is a frickin legend.  One of the best guards of his era and a tremendous player for the Pirates, can you say World Series, 1960?  Great announcer taboot.

Bill Hillgrove is a class act and anyone dogging him simply is a hater.  You could not find three better guys, Pitt is truly blessed.