Respect is a coveted asset in the sporting world, and it’s not uncommon for teams to claim… Respect is a coveted asset in the sporting world, and it’s not uncommon for teams to claim they have been denied the admiration they deserve. But for the Pitt Panthers – a team that has been denied the appropriate respect all season – praise is just a fringe benefit. They get the job done, critical acclaim or not, and now they’re taking their blue-collar work ethic into the NCAA Tournament.

After administering a stern-faced beating to the UConn Huskies in the Big East Championship, talk began to circulate that Pitt would be granted one of the four No. 1 seeds in the big dance. When the selections were released, however, Pitt had to settle for a No. 2, much to the disgust of popular commentators including the fast-talking, phrase-coining Dick Vitale. Instead, a top spot went to Texas, who lost to Texas Tech in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament.

But despite missing out on a No. 1 seed, Pitt has a lot to be excited about. The Panthers ride into tournament play on a nine-game winning streak, capped by very convincing victories over good teams en route to a Big East title. They went undefeated at home this season and dropped only four games on the road, and despite nagging injuries, are playing as well or better than they have all winter. Pitt’s play has been so impressive, in fact, that it’s easy to trace the selection committee’s decision to a general lack of respect for Big East teams, further supported by their snub of Boston College and Seton Hall – both had 10 Big East wins.

The committee has also been criticized for placing the two favorites, Kentucky and Arizona, on the same side of the board, denying them the chance to face each other for the title. But, as NBC sports contributor Ray Glier argues, Arizona takes a backseat to Pitt’s talent: “The national championship game won’t be played here April 7 in the Superdome. It will be played in Minneapolis on March 29 in the Metrodome: Kentucky vs. Pitt.”

While seeding is sure to affect the outcomes of certain games, it is likely that Pitt will perform well regardless. The Panthers face potential obstacles in Marquette, Missouri and Kentucky on the road to the Final Four, and once there, could face any number of great teams out of the West division. But the Panthers have proven themselves to be solid and relentless, and no one in this tournament is out of their league.

When it’s all said and done, respect will finally go to the deserving, and the NCAA title will come to Oakland.