Q: My question is simple but important: What does Jamie Dixon learn from this? Does he change anything in what he does to make future teams more tournament capable? I mean, if this team can't make it, then what does it take? Recruiting more athletic guards? A change in how he coaches in some way?

David Dutwin, Merion Station, Pa.

FITTIPALDO: Well, certainly the pervading feeling among the Pitt fans I was around Sunday was that it might be a while before Pitt gets back to this point. It was a great run with a very good team that fell short. Jamie Dixon says you learn from every loss, and I'm sure he will learn many things from this very difficult loss.

Pitt's lack of quickness on the perimter was noticeable in that game, so recruiting some speedy guards could be something Dixon pursues in the future. And the lack of another inside presence to complement DeJuan Blair on the blocks became more and more of a problem as the season progressed. Tyrell Biggs provided little in terms of points or rebounds down the stretch. And it was obvious that Dixon had little confidence in Blair's backup at center, Gary McGhee. So I think Dixon and his staff need to recruit a little better in terms of the complimentary players surrounding the stars. A team that has risen to the caliber of Pitt doesn't need to be taking chances on players that might pan out, such as McGhee, Cassin Diggs and Austin Wallace. Dixon and his staff should be in position to land better players at all positions in recruiting. It's like the NFL draft. If you don't have good drafts it comes back to bite you a few years later. If Blair leaves, there is a big hole at center and no one in place to seize the moment.

Under Dixon's leadership, Pitt will remain a top program, but with the loss of Sam Young and Levance Fields to graduation and perhaps Blair early to the NBA, it could be a while before the Panthers are in position to get to a Final Four.