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University of Pittsburgh
By Chris Dokish

Jamie Dixon enters his third year at the helm and for the first time in his tenure the Panthers are not considered a shoe-in to make the NCAA tournament. While Dixon has experienced performers, led by point guard Carl Krauser, the underclassmen on the roster may be more talented, which should result in some interesting competition.

Newcomers Tyrell Biggs, Sam Young, and junior college transfer Doyle Hudson are talented enough in the frontcourt to challenge veterans Aaron Gray, Levon Kendall and John DeGroat for minutes. Freshman point guard Levance Fields is a veteran of tough New York City battles and could steal a lot of minutes from fellow PG Ronald Ramon, and shooting guard Keith Benjamin, who may be forced out of the way if Krauser spends some time at the two. Fields will be the best ball handler on the team, which isn't saying a great deal, but this skill will take a lot of pressure off Krauser.

Krauser is guaranteed to start and Graves and Gray are very likely. Kendall should get first crack at power forward since his size and shooting skills can cause match-up problems. The small forward job is up for grabs with DeGroat and Young being possibilities, along with Graves in a three guard set. If that happens, look for Benjamin to start at SG.

Can Pitt shoot, handle the ball, or play defense? These have been three of the cornerstones of Pitt's recent teams. But all of those skills vanished at various points throughout last season. The athletes are there to allow the Panthers to regain that form, but most are young. How quickly they develop will go a long way in determining whether Pitt will be dancing in March again.