In the Oakland Zoo, Small is big.

Standing only 5 feet 7 inches tall, walk-on guard Charles… In the Oakland Zoo, Small is big.

Standing only 5 feet 7 inches tall, walk-on guard Charles Small may not be the biggest star on the Pitt men’s basketball team, but with the combination of a fitting last name and an infectious smile, his popularity has been rising like a Chris Taft dunk.

“He is like the Rudy of Pitt basketball,” Pitt student and season-ticket holder Mike Majewski said. “I just want to see him play.”

So far this season, Majewski and the rest of the Zoo haven’t been shy about their desire.

“We want Small! We want Small!” is what the student section chanted in the final minutes of each Panthers victory thus far in the 2004-05 season.

Although head coach Jamie Dixon is not always able to oblige, Small appreciates the support, while also understanding the situation his coach is in.

“Even though we are winning these games by a lot,” Small said, “they [still count as] game experience, and that means a lot to the team. Coach Dixon is a great coach. He is trying to intertwine new faces with old faces and get team chemistry.”

Small has appeared in four games this season, but it was the Panthers season opener against Howard that proved to be most memorable. With another Panther victory well in hand, Small entered the game and, with 10 seconds remaining, was fouled and sent to the free-throw line.

“It was so quiet it was nerve-racking,” Small said. “It’s not even that quiet in practice when you’re shooting free throws.”

Small missed his first attempt from the line, but with the crowd and his teammates standing, all eyes on him, he sank the second. The Zoo went nuts as Small scored his first point with the Panthers.

“It was a great experience,” Small said. “I really appreciate all the fans, the people cheering me on. It means a lot.”

Don’t be fooled by Small’s size — he does have game. In high school, he lettered every year; in his senior year he averaged 12 points and seven assists a game while leading his team to the Detroit City final.

“In high school, I was able to lead more with my actions on the court,” Small said. “On this team, it’s more actions off the court — like getting good grades — and in games, cheering on the other guys.”

Those actions off the court are what impress Dixon the most.

“First thing is that he is a great kid,” Dixon said. “He does well in class, his teammates like him, and he is fun to have around.”

His teammates agree: No one on the team knows Small better then fellow guard Marcus Bowman. Bowman and Small met through PittStart, joined the team together as walk-ons, and are now roommates.

“He is always encouraging everybody,” Bowman said. “Always trying to help out, help the younger guys. This is his third year doing it, so he is a bit of a veteran. He gives the younger guys like Ronald [Ramon] and Antonio [Graves] pointers, and they listen.”

Small has also made a habit of being a good student. In high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, and in college has maintained good grades. Majoring in social work, he hopes to work with other student athletes once his career with the Panthers is over.

Panther fans need not worry, though, because with two years of eligibility remaining, there is still plenty of time to cheer Small onto the court.