This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/11/2012
Led by NCAA All American's Charles Smith & Jerome Lane, the Pitt Panthers started off the 1987-88 season with an impressive run of 9 straight wins, and were ranked as high as #2 in the Nation. Pittsburgh finished the season 23-6, ranked 7th in the Nation by the Associated Press, and were seeded #2 in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament. One of the favorites, Pitt knocked off Eastern Michigan 108-90 in the first round, but were upset in the round-of 32 by #7 Vanderbilt, 80-74, to finish the season at 24-7.
John Calipari is one of only 4 coaches in NCAA Division I history to direct 3 different colleges to a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament,and is also 1 of only 2 coaches to direct 3 different schools to a Final Four (UMass in 1996, Memphis in 2011, & Kentucky in 2012). Calipari has eighteen 20 win seasons, and eight 30 win seasons, adding up to a pretty amazing 505-151 coaching record, being named NCAA "National Coach of the Year" 3 times. This Near Mint/Mint condition ring is a size 9.75 to 10.25,has all the proper manufacturer markings (LGB - GTC) & serial numbers, and is from the identical Balfour mold that was used to produce John Calipari's Big East Championship ring.