Pitt coach Jamie Dixon learned last night that he will be without one of his top returning players for at least 10 days.

Sophomore forward Gilbert Brown, who played in all 37 games last season with 15 starts, has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left foot and will be out 10-14 days. That means Brown likely will miss the season opener Nov. 14 against Fairleigh Dickinson.

Brown did not mention the injury after Sunday night's exhibition game against Seton Hill, but he had been experiencing some discomfort in the foot the past few weeks. Dixon said that the foot does not bother Brown when he plays, but he has pain the following day.

Brown, who averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game last season, was 4 for 8 from the field and had nine points against Seton Hill in 20 minutes. He had been in the mix to earn a starting position before the injury.

Dixon received better news on senior point guard Levance Fields. An MRI taken yesterday of Fields' injured foot revealed that the fractured bone is healing nicely. Fields will practice with the team today, but doctors are still being cautious with the injury. He will continue to practice two consecutive days with one day off.