Point-Counterpoint | The case for NCAA modernization
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
May 19, 2020
News flash — College basketball isn’t going anywhere. Even before a pandemic-induced shutdown and subsequent cancellation of the annual championship tournament, questions about the sport’s future bubbled below the surface as both federal authorities and NCAA leadership conducted investigations into top programs and coaches. These questions boiled over when three top recruits were lured away from the traditional road to the NBA by lucrative offers to spend a year of professional development with a startup team in the G League, the NBA’s minor league, before becoming eligible for the draft next year.
In the shadow of The Mecca: Reflecting on the Pitt-NY basketball pipeline
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
April 10, 2020
During the heyday of Pitt men’s basketball in the Big East conference — the period in which former head coach Jamie Dixon’s teams appeared in eight straight NCAA Tournaments between 2004 and 2011 — nearly every borough of New York City was represented on the Panthers’ roster.
10 sports video games to keep you sane in self-quarantine
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
April 6, 2020
With nothing but time on your hands and zero motivation for anything school-related, now is the time to unearth that ancient, dust-covered collection of sports video games buried somewhere in your basement. Left behind since you upgraded to that last new console or replaced them with slightly newer but also slightly worse versions, these are some of the best from both today and yesteryear.
What are the Odds: Scouring a barren gambling landscape
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
April 3, 2020
If you find yourself desperately looking to scratch the itch, here are a few options that might satisfy your gambling urges.
Boissonneault adds three new players to Pitt lacrosse
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
March 19, 2020
Despite the cancellation of all ACC spring sports, head lacrosse coach Emily Boissonneault has powered through, announcing the addition of three new players from the Pitt club team on Thursday.
Manfred’s proposal makes a mockery of the MLB
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
February 12, 2020
The beauty of baseball is in its simplistic complexities, its ability to amaze through the unthinkable happenings of each season — especially come playoff season each October. It doesn't need changed.
No. 3 Hoyas end Pitt’s Tournament run, 5-0
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
November 24, 2019
Pitt's second-round NCAA Tournament game against Georgetown was essentially decided after a trio of Hoya goals in the first 20 minutes.
What are the Odds: Giving thanks to the Gophers, Rainbow Warriors
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
November 22, 2019
Senior staff writer and resident TPN degenerate Ben Bobeck is thankful for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors over this pre-Thanksgiving weekend — and not just because of their unique mascots.
Pitt teaches Fairleigh Dickinson a lesson on School Day, 69-60
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
November 20, 2019
Pitt didn’t let the thousands of school children who filled the stands as part of the team’s annual School Day down, beating Fairleigh Dickinson behind 17 points from Aysia Bugg.
Narduzzi discusses lions, tigers and Hokies — oh my
By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer
November 19, 2019
Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi discussed his team’s win over UNC and its important upcoming game against Virginia Tech during Monday’s weekly press conference.