Pitt is still projected by some as a No. 1 seed and as good as that sounds, Pitt may actually be better off without one.
The Panthers could be shipped off as the No. 1 seed out West and while a top seed would be great, Pitt could be better off by taking the No. 2 seed in the East (New Jersey) region. More fans would obviously be able to travel to see the team if they get past the opening two rounds and Pitt could have somewhat of a home court advantage.
Plus, while there’s certainly some difference between a No. 1 and No. 2 seed, having what could be a home court advantage as a lower seed helps make up for it.
There's also, to a lesser degree, the respect factor. I'm not a big believer in certain things serving as motivation, but Pitt being passed up for a top seed should at least be in the backs of their minds.
Duke, perhaps the team that stands between Pitt and a No. 1 seed, may have clinched a top seed with their blowout win over North Carolina in the ACC Tournament final on Sunday. With that win, they could overtake the Panthers and be shipped out West.
That might be a good thing.