Panthers try to live up to hype

The only madness ensuing from last March was the Pitt men’s basketball team’s second-round loss… The only madness ensuing from last March was the Pitt men’s basketball team’s second-round loss to the Spartans hailing from Michigan State. And while the vivid memories still linger in the minds of thousands of Pitt loyalists, the 14 athletes comprising the nationally ranked Panthers prepare for another shot at a National Championship, as the offseason officially met its rival, the preseason. Despite the early second-round exit, high expectations nonetheless cloud a determined, yet youthful Panthers squad. Coach Jamie Dixon, who signed a three-year extension last month, has mixed reactions to the flattering praises. ‘ ‘It’s interesting that we would be picked as high as we have, considering we’re bringing in five new players,’ said Dixon. ‘I think it’s more a statement about our program as a whole than just this group.’ Experience, or a lack thereof, is the obvious immediate cause for concern when it comes to new, young players, but Dixon has been pleased with their early development. ‘I’ve been very excited about our younger guys and how they’ve picked things up,’ said Dixon. ‘I’ve been really impressed with where they are right now.’ While freshmen aren’t typically expected to adjust to the bigger stage so quickly, Pitt forwards Dwight Miller and Nasir Robinson, along with guards Travon Woodall and Ashton Gibbs, are rare commodities. ‘You’re talking about four freshmen that all won state championships at high levels,’ said Dixon, praising their experiences at New Jersey, Texas and Philadelphia. ‘They obviously know how to win.’ But Dixon believes much of the early success ought to be attributed to the leadership qualities the team’s veterans have bestowed upon their younger court colleagues. Returning starting point guard Levance Fields, who has been nursing a nagging foot injury, has led the way despite limited play. Dixon said he’s impressed with Fields’ off-court leadership, with his proactive approach to encourage and mentor younger players. As for Fields’ prognosis, Dixon plans to take a conservative strategy and evaluate his play on the floor, but added that Fields’ conditioning is fine. Another returning starter is senior forward and All-American candidate Sam Young, who won the Big East Most Improved Player award last season. While winning the award was gratifying, Young plans to aim higher this season. Working primarily on his ball-handling this offseason, Young hopes to improve his defensive game as well. ‘My main focus is assist-turnover ratio,’ said Young. ‘I want to be a pest on defense at all times.’ The last of the ‘Big Three’ features sophomore center DeJuan Blair. Blair’s offseason focus has been to get stronger and leaner. He also threw out a warning to all those who are interested. ‘I think I developed a shot, but we’ll see,’ said Blair with a grin.. With three top scorers returning and seven of its top 10, the team, which captured last year’s Big East Championship, will compete against the wrath of high rankings as well as top-tiered opponents. For years, Pitt has been among the nation’s elite, and the expectations have not wavered for the 2008-09 season. The list of reputable publications offering praise for Pitt’s men’s basketball program is endless. ESPN’s Andy Katz and Slot Magazine have Pitt ranked No. 2. Aside from The Hoops Report, which ranked Pitt 19th, the general consensus is that the Panthers are a top-10 program. Despite being well aware of the buzz around the team, the players remain focused on the big picture and unfazed by high expectations. ‘Of course it’s exciting to be ranked [as high as] No. 2 in the country,’ said Blair. ‘But I’m telling everybody ‘don’t get your head big.’ ‘As long as we keep up to our goals, the sky is the limit.’ Shrugging off hype should not be confused with lacking confidence, however. The Panthers believe they have the depth, skill and blend of experience and youth to justify their high ranking. ‘[North Carolina] is No. 1, but we’ll see about that,’ said Blair. But Young may have captured the preseason buzz in a nutshell best. ‘This time last year we were talking about the Sweet 16,’ said Young. ‘This year, we’re talking about the National Championship.’