PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Surprised during the Pitt-Cal football game as Pitt head coach Jeff Capel announced the program would retire his number, Sam Clancy said he’s been riding that wave. Now Saturday as the Panthers host Clemson at noon, Clancy’s number 15 will be part of a distinct group that made a profound impact on the university.
“It’s been amazing,” Clancy said during the Jeff Capel Show. “I’m so grateful and humble to what the university has done for me and what I have tried to accomplish for the university. I tried to be the best person I could be.”
“I owe the university everything. It’s who I am. I feel fortunate because I’m from Pittsburgh.”
The numbers are amazing 1,671 points, 1,342 rebounds (program leader), 186 assists, 170 blocks, 161 steals. But it’s more than just the numbers with Clancy.
“The year before Sam got there, I think their record is 6-21,” said Sporting News writer and Pittsburgh native Mike DeCourcy on Capel’s show. “Sam got there and they didn’t lose. It’s not that they didn’t lose games, but they never had a losing season with Sam and continued to ascend. I think that really sets Pitt forward in the 80s.”
“If Sam goes somewhere else, I don’t know if Pitt has the success they had in the 80s. A lot of things that happened great for Pitt basketball in the 70s and 80s were the direct result of Sam Clancy.”
He made that impact as a Pittsburgh kid, growing up winning a state championship at Fifth Avenue High School and then graduated from Brashear HS after Fifth Avenue closed. That Fifth Avenue team was ranked second-best in the nation. He also led the Pennsylvania Team in the Roundball Classic that beat a team of United States all-stars.
Clancy then had a decision to make. He was recruited heavily by NC State and Ohio State, saying Buckeyes football coach Woody Hayes wanted him to play both, which ironically ruled them out because he wasn’t ready for what would end up being his professional career.
Football did play a part in his decision, as the 6’7” power forward was weighing a basketball career with the Wolfpack or Pitt, he went to a game at Pitt Stadium. He said he couldn’t remember if it was against Penn State or West Virginia, but it was Hopewell High School graduate, All-American Tony Dorsett that sealed him becoming a Panther.
“Right on the sideline he came over and said ‘Sam, I’m telling you, you got to stay home for the City of Pittsburgh,” Clancy recalled. “They will love you forever and they will never, ever forget you. Do it for your parents.”
That stuck with him as he said he knew his mom and dad wouldn’t be able to travel to see him play. And his mom was his biggest fan, and if you went to games, you likely heard her. She also was one to keep him in line. Clancy told Capel if he has a regret Saturday afternoon, it’s that his parents aren’t there to see it.
How proud they must be that their son’s legacy will be on display for every home basketball game. He’s only the fifth player to be so honored-Don Hennon and Billy Knight will be at the game. Charles Smith and Brandin Knight are unable, but called to congratulate Clancy.
“For somebody local to stay home and make that kind of impact, not only on the program, but college basketball on the local scene,” Voice of the Panthers Bill Hillgrove said on the Jeff Capel Show. “It was quite delicious.”
“You were a delight to watch and to cover. That smile it’s indelible. You put Pitt basketball on the map.”
“Very, very special, for a special guy,” Capel said. “We are just really excited to honor Sam and what he means to this university, to the city, to our program and to the University of Pittsburgh.”
But there is one other question, number 15 is being retired, but currently guard Jaland Lowe wears 15.
“Jaland and I were together one day and I said ‘hey, man, what are you going to do with that 15 now?’,” Clancy said as that smile came across his face. Clancy is no stranger to the team, Capel welcomes him being around the program and Clancy loves that the players call him ‘OG’, slang for an original, someone that is highly respected. It goes both ways.
“He represents what Pitt is about,” Clancy said about Lowe, who will continue to wear 15 for the rest of his career with Sam’s blessing. “He represents what winning is about. He represents what being a young man and being a leader is about.”
“I’m thrilled that 15 will be represented the way it should be. The way I tried to play is the way he’s playing-tried to work hard, play defense, be a leader.”
“I’m so honored that Jaland would be the last guy to wear that number.”