Same Knight, new position

Think back on the paramount moments in recent Pitt men’s basketball history. Whether it’s the… Think back on the paramount moments in recent Pitt men’s basketball history. Whether it’s the Big East regular season title in 2002 or the Panthers Big East tournament crown last year, there’s a common factor appears in every highlight: Brandin Knight. Widely accepted as one of the most accomplished players in Pitt basketball history, Knight played for the Panthers from 1999-2003. During that time, the former All-American and Big East Player of the Year guided the team to an 89-40 record, including a 57-11 mark in his final two seasons ‘- seasons that initiated the implausible turnaround of Pitt basketball. His abilities and guidance were instrumental in the creation of the basketball powerhouse thriving in Oakland today. But his story at Pitt didn’t end there. The player credited with Pitt’s basketball resurgence returned to Pitt as a video coordinator in 2006. After serving as the director of basketball operations last season, Knight looks to lead the Panthers from a new perspective this year as an assistant coach. He received the promotion over the summer, after ex-Pitt assistant Orlando Antigua accepted the same job at Memphis. Knight said that with the job change came a change in responsibility. ‘The biggest transition is just getting guys to understand that my role has changed a lot,’ said Knight. ‘I’m not able to be around as much because of rules.’ Often referred to as a coach on the floor during his playing years, Knight said that his new position allows him to take on a leadership role similar to the one he held as a point guard. However, he made sure to credit the seniors for the guidance they offer to the relatively young Panther squad. He pointed out that many of the players on the roster have never played a game in the Big East or at the Petersen Events Center. ‘My job is trying to get them to understand what it takes to get to the next level and what it takes to elevate our team to the next level,’ said Knight. As a player, Knight certainly understood how to raise the level of the program. With Knight on the floor, the Panthers reached two consecutive Sweet Sixteens, won two Big East regular season championships and claimed Pitt’s first Big East tournament championship in 2003. Now, Knight looks to improve the team yet again. But this time, he will wear a suit and tie instead of a Panther uniform. Last year Knight watched as Pitt brought home its second Big East tournament crown. While playing for the Panthers, Knight suffered through two championship losses before bringing home the title. Even so, he said that last year’s championship might have given him more satisfaction. ‘It’s kind of like watching your kids finally getting their championship,’ he said. ‘It’s a little more rewarding sometimes from this side because you get to watch it and see how happy it makes all of them.’ Not long ago, Knight and his teammates made up some of the most accomplished teams in Pitt basketball history. Despite that, he doesn’t want the current players to concern themselves with the past. He tells them to concentrate on this season. ‘My thing is just trying to get them to understand not to worry about the guys in the past or the years prior,’ said Knight, ‘because none of those things matter.’ Knight mentioned that he isn’t far removed from the current players, knowing many of them since his playing years. He still understands what it’s like to be a player, including dealing with the pressure and expectations. ‘On paper, I can say that all the rankings are great,’ said Knight. ‘But at the end of the year, I want to be ranked on top. I want to end our season with a win.’ This preseason, college basketball experts ranked the Panthers nearly unanimously in the nation’s top 10. ‘Every year is a new year and it’s different,’ said Knight. ‘You never know what it’s going to be like in a game until it’s played.’ Every year is different, but Knight seems to be the familiar thread holding them all together. Just five years ago, Knight played his last season in a Pitt jersey. He had a short stint in the NBA before injuries sent him out. Now he stands on the brink of his first season as an assistant coach for the program he helped guide into a golden era. And it almost seems as if Pittsburgh basketball without Brandin Knight wouldn’t be Pittsburgh basketball at all. ‘This place has been like home for me for the past nine years,’ said Knight. And although he’s had success here in the past, he’s hoping his best days are yet to come.