Pitt_Fan_in_WV: Ray- I'm sure you've had this question asked a million times, but why does Pitt have IUP as a regular season game?

Ray Fittipaldo: The organizers for the Legends Classic had a hard time finding Pitt an opponent in the home game portion of that tournament. It's not an ideal situation, but Jamie Dixon actually prefers having a Division II team in that spot rather than a really bad Division I team that would drag down Pitt's RPI later in the season. By playing a Division II team, the NCAA just ignores the game as if it never happened and it does not count toward Pitt's RPI calculation.

Memory_of_Terrelle: Is Mike Cook going to play anywhere this year?

Ray Fittipaldo: I heard that he was drafted by a team in the NBA Developmental League last week, but I'm not sure which one. I was going to do a story on Mike and what he's up to, but he failed to show at the Pitt alumni game last week. Maybe in the future I'll have an update. I do know he still spends a lot of time around the team.

Pitt_Fan_in_WV: Who do you think is the toughest non-conference foe Pitt will face?

Ray Fittipaldo: I would say the team the Panthers face in that second game of the Legends Classic. It will be either Washington State or Mississippi State. That Siena game on Dec. 17 could be tough, too. Siena returns a lot of players from a team that was very good last season. And then there's the Dec. 21 game at Florida State, the only road test before Big East play.

kelso: Are there any big time recruits looking at Pitt for next year?

Ray Fittipaldo: Well, this is signing week and Pitt has some very promising players coming in next year. Dante Taylor is a top 10 recruit. He's a power forward. Lamar Patterson is another player that has a good ranking by the scouting services. It's a very good class that will have a sold ranking when it's all said and done.

Memory_of_Terrelle: Can you talk to Jamie about making a West Coast swing in the next year or so in the non-conference part of the schedule. Maybe UC Santa barbara or Pepperdine or USC, as he won't play against Ben, and then come down here to San Diego and play either SD State or Univ of San Diego?

Ray Fittipaldo: As much as I would love a West coast swing to get me out of the Pittsburgh winters for a few days it's not going to happen. Jamie is very content to play the majority of his game at the Pete with a one or two games on the road. The only way Pitt goes away from home for an extended period is if the Panthers are invited to one of the big tournaments. I'm still holding out hope that Pitt gets invited to the Maui Invitational one of these years.

Pitt_Fan_in_WV: Should we be worried about the injury to Levance Fields? it seems to be dragging ...

Ray Fittipaldo: I had been led to believe that Fields was being held back as a precaution and that he would not have any major problems getting back in time for games when Pitt needed him. But then Dixon said after the last exhibition game that his recovery was not going as well as anticipated. I don't think there's been a setback, but I do think the doctors and trainers are doing everything they can to ensure that the bone does not break again. Because if it does, Fields's season and college career likely will be over.

Mish: Ray, how do you feel Jermaine Dixon and Ashton Gibbs will perform in the early part of the season? Are they ready to contribute 8-10 points, a few assists, solid Defense, and very few turnovers?

Ray Fittipaldo: I have been very impressed with Gibbs and poise he has shown in the two exhibition games. As Gibbs himself pointed out yesterday there's a big difference between Seton Hill and Seton Hall, but nonetheless he had one turnover in Pitt's two exhibition games. Everyone has been impressed with his shot, but his ability to handle the ball and run the team have been a surprise to many. I think he'll do just fine against teams like Fairleigh Dickinson. Dixon will be fine, too. I don't think he's going to be a great player, but he'll be more than serviceable. Pitt will not be counting on those guys to win the game tomorrow night. Sam Young, DeJuan Blair and Tyrell Biggs have been through the Big East wars and need to carry the team while Fields recovers.

Dixon3: Any chance that Gilbert Brown could lose his spot at shooting guard if Jermaine Dixon impresses the coaches while Brown is absent?

Ray Fittipaldo: Brown was not playing shooting guard before he was injured. He was playing small forward behind Sam Young. Brown can play shooting guard if Dixon or Wanamaker struggles, but I anticipate Brown being used mostly at forward this season.

RichP: Ray, Texas Tech should be pretty solid as well right? Have you heard anything about other possible recruits?

Ray Fittipaldo: Yeah, I didn't mean to brush off Texas Tech. The Red Raiders play in the Big 12 and have a solid program. I don't think Pat Knight has a great team coming back, but they should be the first tough test for the Panthers. I know Pitt is waiting to hear from a few recruits who are still deciding. We should know within a week because the signing period ends next Wednesday.

Mish: What are our chances at landing Cheek and/or Durand Scott in the class of 2009?

Ray Fittipaldo: I know both have Pitt on their final list, but neither has made a decision. That's about all there is to report at this point.

Ray Fittipaldo: Thanks for all the great questions this week. We'll do it again next week.