ESPN.com Says Pitt is "It" in 2010-11

The University of Pittsburgh Men's Basketball team finished last season at 25-9, which was about ten wins more than most analysts predicted. However, big seasons from junior guard Brad Wanamaker and sophomore guard Ashton Gibbs helped propel the Panthers to a second place finish in the very tough Big East Conference. With the Panthers only losing one key player from last year (guard Jermaine Dixon), Pitt is looking to take the next step in 2010-11. So, with that in mind, what do the same experts say about Pitt this upcoming year?

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In a recent article posted on ESPN.com, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas picked the Panthers to win the Big East, stating that head coach Jamie Dixon has a, "not good, but great," program in Pittsburgh.

"Ashton Gibbs returns with the confidence of a star; Gilbert Brown should have his best year, and was very good on a tour of Ireland; Brad Wannamaker brings toughness and leadership; Gary McGhee brings strength and finishing ability; and Dante Taylor will be far better and more productive."

Also in the article, Dana O'Neil, another analyst at ESPN, picked Gibbs as one of the ten players to watch in the Big East, stating that while no one saw Gibbs coming last year, teams will try to shut him down in 2010-11. How he is able to adjust to the extra attention will be something to watch this upcoming year.

Finally, ESPN Recruiting expert Adam Finkelstein listed Pitt small forward J.J. Moore as one of the league's freshman he is itching to see. Finkelsten said that Moore has always been a good athlete, with a good shot, and is getting better off of the dribble.

Pitt is recently coming off of a tour of Ireland, and should be ready to go when the season tips-off in November. One thing to remember, though: while the experts say that Pitt will be a force this year, last year taught us that no one really knows anything.

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