The upcoming basketball season is set to bring significant changes for the Pitt Panthers within the ACC, as the conference has decided to modify its men's basketball schedule. The ACC recently announced that teams will play 18 games instead of the customary 20, a shift from the format established in the 2019-20 season. This alteration affects not only the Panthers but also the entire conference landscape, with implications for both regular-season matchups and potential NCAA Tournament prospects.
This change reflects an evolving approach to scheduling, designed to enhance competitiveness and flexibility. Each team will now face one primary opponent twice annually, home and away, along with another secondary opponent in the same manner. For Pitt, Syracuse remains their primary rival, marking the twelfth consecutive season where these two teams meet twice during the regular season. Their historical record against each other in the ACC stands at an even 12-12, showcasing the intensity of this rivalry.
In the past, the ACC played an 18-game schedule from 2012-13 to 2018-19 seasons before expanding to 20 games. With new additions like Cal, Stanford, and SMU joining ahead of the 2024-25 season, the decision to revert to fewer games was influenced by collaboration among coaches, athletic directors, television partners, and external consultants. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized the league's commitment to ensuring men's basketball remains competitive and strategically positioned for future success.
The move comes after a disappointing 2024-25 season where only four ACC teams made it to the NCAA Tournament, the lowest since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Coaches and athletic directors have long advocated for reducing the number of games, believing that certain matchups hinder their chances of securing a spot in the "Big Dance." Poor performances in non-conference games last season further fueled this decision, as the ACC ranked lowest among Power Five conferences in terms of wins against top-tier opponents.
By adopting an 18-game schedule, aligning with other major conferences like the Big 12, Big East, and SEC (while the Big Ten continues with 20 games), the ACC aims to strike a balance between conference and non-conference games. This strategic adjustment provides schools greater autonomy in crafting their schedules, potentially boosting their profiles in the eyes of the Selection Committee.
With these modifications in place, the Pitt Panthers and the entire ACC look forward to a more balanced and competitive season. The hope is that this revised approach will not only revitalize the conference's reputation but also enhance its standing in the college basketball landscape, paving the way for stronger tournament performances in the years to come.