Sept. 22, 2008

PITTSBURGH--The 2007-08 Big East Champion Pitt men's basketball team was awarded its title rings following the first quarter of the Pitt-Iowa football game Saturday at Heinz Field. Each student-athlete and coaching staff member was introduced and ran out onto the field before the announced crowd of 50,321.

The ring features the blue Pitt logo across the middle, stacked on top of diamonds with the words "Big East Champions" set upon a golden base.

Pitt captured its second all-time Big East Tournament title after becoming just the second team in league history to win the championship with four consecutive victories. The title is Pitt's fifth in the last seven years including the 2001-02 Big East West regular season title, 2002-03 Big East West regular season title, 2003 Big East Tournament title and 2003-04 Big East regular season championship.

Pitt's four-member senior class of Keith Benjamin, Mike Cook, Ronald Ramon and Maurice Polen was also present. The team paused briefly to pose for photos after the presentation.

PITT'S 2007-08 BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

PLAYERS

Keith Benjamin

Tyrell Biggs

DeJuan Blair

Gilbert Brown

Mike Cook

Cassin Diggs

Levance Fields

Tim Frye

Gary McGhee

Maurice Polen

Ronald Ramon

Austin Wallace

Brad Wanamaker

Sam Young

COACHING/SUPPORT STAFF

Jamie Dixon

Tom Herrion

Pat Sandle

Orlando Antigua

Brandin Knight

Brian Regan

Tim  Beltz

Mike Farabaugh

Tony Salesi

Brian Brigger