College Basketball Preview: 9. Pittsburgh Panthers

We know Gibbs is good but his supporting cast must be better if the Panthers are to win a national title.

9. Pittsburgh Panthers Key Returnees: G Ashton Gibbs, F Nasir Robinson, F/C Talib Zanna
G Travon Woodall- Junior
G Ashton Gibbs- Senior
F Nasir Robinson- Senior
F Khem Birch- Freshman
F/C Talib Zanna- Sophomore
Sixth- J.J Moore- Sophomore
Top Recruit- Khem Birch
Thanks to the return of Ashton Gibbs coach Jamie Dixon once more has a championship caliber team over in Pittsburgh. Gibbs may end up being the Big East Player of the Year and if he can distribute the ball better he could be a National Player of the Year canidate. He might be able to play point guard but it would be hard to imagine 5-11 Travon Woodall at shooting guard. Isaiah Epps was redshirted last year but will now play a large role. Freshman Cameron Wright and John Johnson will add more depth in the backcourt. Nasir Robinson is the other returning starter along with Gibbs. Robinson isn't big but he is tough and plays hard. Forward Khem Birch might be the top recruit in the Big East this year. He may not be a double-digit scorer but he can rebound and will block shot after shot. Talib Zanna may start at the center postition now that effective Gary McGhee is gone. He may just be six feet, 9 inches but he is pyschical and will work underneath. Sophomore J.J Moore is going to be valuable off the bench and freshman Malcolm Gilbert adds height.
Bottom Line: Dixon has one of the most talented players in the nation with Gibbs and one of the better teams also.