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Vukovcan: Hey Pitt, Go Talk to Sean Miller

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Sean Miller at University of Arizona Press Conference at McKale Center. By Lance Linn | CC BY-SA 4.0

Sometimes in life, a relationship develops because two people just need each other.

I believe that’s the case now with the Pitt basketball program and Sean Miller.

The Panthers are coming off of one of the worst seasons in their school history and the fan base is extremely unhappy with the current state of the program.

They need someone or something to inject life back into what was once a proud and successful team.

Last night, Buffalo pulled the biggest upset of the 2018 NCAA Tournament by dismantling Arizona, 89-68.

Miller and Arizona go from being #2 preseason ranking to getting bounced by #13 seed Buffalo.

Now, not only will Miller be under intense spotlight from the FBI investigation but he might get more heat from the Arizona fan base, boosters and the Wildcat administration.

Once again, despite having a roster full of four and five star recruits, Miller and Arizona underachieve in March.

This is the 3rd straight season Arizona has lost to a double digit seed: 2018, 13 seed Buffalo, 1st round; 2017, 11 seed Xavier, Sweet 16; 2016, 11 seed Wichita State, 1st round.

Considering the embarrassing loss last night and the dark cloud that’s surrounding Arizona basketball, it’s real hard to paint a scenario in which Miller survives this mess.

This is where the Pitt administration needs to enter the picture.

Regardless of the controversy, Miller is one of the top coaches in college basketball. Heather Lyke needs to be on a plane ASAP, meeting with and having a real talk with Miller. She needs to determine if Miller would seriously consider returning to his hometown and his alma mater to coach.

Considering the current state of the program, Pitt needs to get this hire right. Obviously, Miller would be a home run hire but they need to find out if it would be a waste of time to pursue him.

Pitt can have all the interest in the world but if Miller doesn’t have any, Lyke and company need to know 100% so the “Hire Sean Miller” talk from the fans ends.

For as long as I can remember, Miller has always been the guy Pitt fans wanted to coach their basketball team. He was the leader of the Panthers team in the early 90’s that put life in and put the Pitt basketball program on the college basketball map.

Fast-forward 26 years and the Blackhawk native could have a chance to do it again.

This is a very complex situation but before Pitt tries to work it out, Lyke and maybe even Chancellor Patrick Gallagher need to meet and talk with Miller as soon as possible.

Eyeball to eyeball.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
 
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