Producer:

You may submit questions now. Questions will not be visible until and unless Ray answers them during the live chat, which begins at 12:30 p.m.

Ray Fittipaldo :

Welcome to the Pitt basketball chat. Fire away with questions.

stewart :

It's hard to believe Dante Taylor was a top 20 high school player. He looks lost out there. Do you think it is primarily because he's being asked to play center, whereas his normal position is power forward?

Ray Fittipaldo:

It's a couple of things, Stewart. I think his playing center is part of the equation. I asked Dante last week if he would like to play power forward and his quote was "I would love to." But Dixon has not asked him to make the move. The other thing is that it's hard for any freshman, whether they are a McDonald's All-American or not, to make the transition from high school to college. John Wall is the exception at Kentucky. Take a look around at other highly touted freshmen and they're learning on the run as well.

theWellHungarian :

Hi Ray - I read Smizik's article from the other week about Pitt not having the talent other teams have. I was thinking about it and not many teams do ... Florida won back-to-back National Championships and it has taken them a few years to get back into the Top 25. Save for UNC & Kansas, every team experiences a few years rebuilding to get to the top after losing 4 of their 5 starters. Thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo:

Wow. lots of problems with my typing today. You're right about teams rebuilding. I always bring up Connecticut going 6-10 in the Big East a few years ago. The Huskies rebuilt and were in the NCAA tournament the next year. The same thing happened to Syracuse a year or two before that. It happens to the best programs. And remember, Jamie Dixon has a nice recruiting class coming in next season that should help immediately.

Nasir the Junkyard Dog :

Ray, do you have any indication how the staff plans to ration the minutes once the full complement returns? With Dixon back in the mix, we've already seen Lamar Patterson's minutes dwindle. When Gilbert returns, whose minutes will he be chewing into?

Ray Fittipaldo:

With Jermaine Dixon back that will open up things up for everyone on the court because of his ability to drive. He can drive and dish to a guard for an open outside shot or he can dish to a forward or center positioned under the hoop. That should help get some players who aren't getting great shots now. I don't think Dixon will run a lot of sets for Brown. He has not been a consistent offensive player in his first two seasons and running sets for someone who missed the first six weeks of the season does not make a whole lot of sense right away. Maybe down the line but certainly not in the next few weeks.

Send it in, Jerome! :

I saw on ESPN coupla weeks ago that that Jamie Dixon won CBA coach of the year. I didn't see this impressive and noteworthy achievement mentioned in the P-G (perhaps I missed it?). If not, you should mention it.

Ray Fittipaldo:

I believe you are referring to his USA Basketball coach of the year award. Yes, it was mentioned in the Post-Gazette. Dixon won a gold medal with the 19-and-under team.

Nasir the Junkyard Dog :

Ray, when the full roster returns and gets settled, do you expect the shot distribution to change? Right now Gibbs and Wanamaker are taking by far the most shots for obvious reasons, but do you expect Pitt to run specific sets for Brown when he returns and a few more post-up sets for the McGhee/Taylor combo?

Ray Fittipaldo:

I have a blog entry on PG Plus that discusses this very subject today. I think Brown will play 25 minutes a game, splitting his minutes between power forward and small forward. That will cut into Nasir Robinson's time at power forward and Brad Wanamaker's time at small forward, which is a good thing. Both could use a break and play fewer minutes. With Jermaine Dixon, eventually I would expect him to play 25 minutes a game with Travon Woodall and Chase Adams seeing fewer minutes.

Send it in, Jerome! :

How might Pitt's (arguable) mishandling of Dante Taylor's early career affect chances to land future elite recruits? He arrived when we're desperate at his natural PF position. However, he was instead moved up one slot to understudy (i.e., ride the bench') behind a junior at C. Which means, unless something changes, DT won't start until he's a junior, in two years.

Ray Fittipaldo:

It's hard to say at this point. The reason Dante is playing center is because of team needs. Jamie Dixon likes the combination of Taylor and McGhee at center. And he has not played them together at the same time because of their defensive deficiencies. Eventually, I think Taylor will play power forward, but I don't expect it to happen this season. I never say never, but Jamie Dixon would have to have a change of heart, let's put it that way.

Send it in, Jerome! :

The party-line explanations of why Dante Taylor is learning to play at "5" make sense under three conditions: if (a) Pitt was well-stocked at "4" (but we aren't); Gary McGee was a senior, thus DT is learning to fill there next year (but GM is only a junior, plus no candidate to jump early to the NBA); and (c) DT had never played 4 before (but he played 4 at an elite level, and was recruited as a 4). Can you help make sense of this? Especially since Pitt will presumably somehow make room for Maurice Walker to back-up at 5 next year.

Ray Fittipaldo:

As I stated above, he is playing center because of team needs. If DeJuan Blair had come back things would be different. He left early so Dixon had to make some decisions about where players fit in. Right now, he wants Taylor to learn center and center only. He said learning the power forward in Pitt's system is the hardest position to learn.

theWellHungarian :

Are you surprised with how well Gary McGhee's game has improved? He looks like a completely different player. He hustles, gets boards, makes the shots he's supposed to make, and he can make free throws. I know the competition thus far hasn't been that great, but I thought he played very well against the better teams Pitt has played.

Ray Fittipaldo:

He has done well. I'm not sure he is the next Aaron Gray, but his play has been consistent for the most part. Anyone who watched him the past two years has to be somewhat surprised with the level of his play. He just flat-out wasn't that good last season.

Guest :

Why is everyone being so hard on Nasir? He is playing out of position to help an undermanned team. He has never been a good outside shooter (though initially the PG said he was) and he hustles like crazy on defense. People who have the wrong expectations on the kid simply did not know the kind of player he is. A hustling, scrappy, player that works hard ... not a perimeter guy.

Ray Fittipaldo:

I'm not sure people are being all that hard on Nasir. I have stated that he is probably someone who is better off coming off the bench as a reserve. That can't happen right now because he is needed as a starter. He is undersized at power forward and will ahve a hard time getting his shot off vs. Big East competition. He will also have a hard time getting rebounds once conference play begins. That would be OK if he made up for it with a consistent offensive game, but he has not shown he can do that, either. I love his game, but he can't average 29 minutes a game for Pitt and be effective. He needs to play about 20 minutes a game.

Send it in, Jerome! :

Based on what we've seen via early season performance, do you foresee any chance Pitt avoids a first-day game at the Big East Tourney? This could be important: they may need to win it to make March Madness.

Ray Fittipaldo:

If they're playing on the first day of the tournament that means they'd be one of the bottom tier teams in the league and I'm not sure they could make a run from one of those positions. If they're the 13th place team in the Big East and end up winning the conference tournament by winning five games in five days it would be the story of the year in college basketball.

born2run :

There has been some recent noise about the Big Ten expanding, and Pitt as a potential new member. Seems to me this would really hurt basketball recruiting, since Pitt recruits in the East, and there is not much presence for Big 10 bball in NY, Philly, DC, Baltimore. Penn State is a good example - they have been very poor in basketball during their Big 10 membership, despite the football success.

Ray Fittipaldo:

I don't think Pitt would make the move to the Big Ten. It would kill basketball and football would fall to being a middle of the pack team there. As it is now they've got it going pretty well in both sports in the Big East.

Send it in, Jerome! :

Jamie Dixon's decision to force Dante Taylor to play at C (or not at all) is mystifying and frustrating, especially since PF is such a serious weakness. Not to mention, possibly sabotaging chances of early success (looks like we'll need every win to make March Madness. What gives?

Ray Fittipaldo:

If you think the defense is inconsistent now think of how bad it would be with Taylor and McGhee on the floor at the same time. Pitt would not be able to guard anyone.

Send it in, Jerome! :

Progress on making room for Maurice Walker? If Jamie needs advice, have him call me. I've seen several guys who appear disposable, based on admittedly-early games.

Ray Fittipaldo:

Yeah, it's pretty easy to see which players are candidates to go. Walker wants to come to Pitt. I think it will be a matter of whether Dixon see fits to let some players go.

Send it in, Jerome! :

What are the chances, in your opinion, that Pitt makes the Big Dance this year? If slim to none (as I fear, based on early season games), how 'bout at least the NIT or CBI?

Ray Fittipaldo:

I have changed my preseason prediction of 9-9 in conference play to 7-11 based on what I have seen, so I would say NIT is a possibility. Jamie DIxon would be coach of the year is this team made it to the NCAA tournament.

Menofpaws :

What are you hearing on Maurice Walker? If we land him, then Dixon takes two players off the current roster? Who?

Ray Fittipaldo:

I hate to speculate about that sort of thing because it's so early in the season. I don't get to see practice so you'd be asking me to make determinations on players such as Dwight Miller and Talib Zanna. Also, what kind of role does Travon Woodall have in the program if recruit Isiah Epps is as good as people say he is. If Epps comes in and starts at point guard next season, does Woodall want to stick around and play second-fiddle to a freshman? There are so many variables. Let's let the season play out.

vonteego :

What would be your starting lineup if you were coach?

Ray Fittipaldo:

When everyone gets healthy, I would start Ashton Gibbs at the point, with Jermaine Dixon at shooting guard, Brad Wanamaker at small forward, Gilbert Brown at power forward and Gary McGhee at center. I'm a big fan of getting your five best players on the floor. Of course, if Dante Taylor progresses offensively, he moves ahead of McGhee.

Send it in, Jerome! :

This team's sloppy play has been hard to watch, we've become accustomed to better teamwork. How much improvement will be had by Gilbert Brown's return, more minutes by Jermaine Dixon?

Ray Fittipaldo:

The team will be better, but when those guys are back in playing shape the Panthers will be playing the meat of the Big East schedule. Even with those guys playing at full force I'm not sure if Pitt is a team that can match up with the Syracuses and Connecticuts and Georgetowns of the world.

Send it in, Jerome! :

If Pitt falls into the NIT and bottom-tier of the BEast, does Jamie Dixon feel any heat this season? I should think he's safe, at least for 1-2 years.

Ray Fittipaldo:

He will not and should not feel any heat. He has the best record of any coach in the Big East over the past six seasons. Everyone has a down year. The trick is making sure it's only one year and not multiple before a return to the NCAA tournament.

Evan :

With all the turnover problems the team has had, what do you think about Chase Adams playing more than Woodall? For the most part Adams, has done a good job of moving the ball without the carelessness of Woodall ...

Ray Fittipaldo:

I'm not sold on Adams. He does not penetrate the defense well. His outside shot might be a little bit better, but Woodall has more potential. Adams is gone after this season. Jamie Dixon has to see what Woodall can do because he has Epps coming in next season.

Tyrone :

When are we going to stop playing old man ball and start running the break?

Ray Fittipaldo:

Don't expect to see this team running up and down the floor. This team is going to have to win with defense. If they start running and turn the ball over that will mean more transition opportunities for the opponent. Pitt needs to play better defense and make the most of its opportunities at the offensive end, grinding the clock and making their opponents play low possession games. That's how Jamie Dixon won with some questionable talent at the beginning of his career.

Send it in, Jerome! :

Do you attend practices? How much are they different this year from last 2-3 years? I would think there's much more "teaching (read: yelling ...) this year.

Ray Fittipaldo:

Pitt's practices are closed to the media. And to everyone for that matter. Jamie has let reporters watch practice on an occasion over the years, but it probably averages out to once a year. It certainly is not like football where you can watch every preseason practice and see for yourself who deserves to play, who is struggling, etc.

Anthony :

What is the over/under on J.J. Moore's qualifying to play next season?

Ray Fittipaldo:

This is a guess but I'd say 50-50. From what his prep school coach told me it's not about test scores. It's about his classwork and passing some courses. I'm not sure if that's a positive or a negative. From what I understand he is a guy who could help right way, so Pitt is hoping he can be on campus this summer.

Menofpaws :

It was written by Chris Peak earlier in the year that if Dante is playing the 5 and Ashton is playing the point then this team is in alot of trouble. Should we panic now?

Ray Fittipaldo:

If that's your five best players then no, it's not time to panic. It would mean that Taylor has finally mastered the position and has found ways to contribute offensively. And as we have seen in the past, Pitt's point guards can get open looks at 3-pointers. Gibbs would have to make a slight adjustment, but he could still flourish as the team's point guard in my opinion.

Evan :

Any word on if Gilbert is in shape right now? The last thing this team needs is getting a player back only to find out he can't help them for another couple weeks.

Ray Fittipaldo:

I would not expect him to be a big contributor right away. It's going to take a few weeks to get his game legs. He has not been allowed to participate in any team activities. He is working out on his own, but there is no substitute for practicing or playing live with your teammates.

Send it in, Jerome! :

Why are teams like Syracuse, UConn and Georgetown better able to avoid such a serious drop-off (i.e., coulda/shoulda made Final Four last year, will be lucky to make the NIT this year)? Sure, DeJuan Blair leaving hurt. But did Pitt badly overestimate some of their remaining and incoming talent?

Ray Fittipaldo:

Georgetown went through a down year last season. The Hoyas missed the NCAA tournament. As I wrote above, Connecticut was 6-10 in conference play a few years back and missed the tournament. Same with Syracuse. It happens. The loss of Blair left a huge void. It has meant players such as Gibbs and Wanamaker playing in primary roles instead of secondary roles. And there is a domino effect throughout the lineup.

Send it in, Jerome! :

Does Jamie Dixon read your Pitt Hoops Chat, or Q&A? If not, perhaps we can mail him a copy of this one, so he understands fan frustrations (not that he can do much about it now). The bright side: unless something improves quickly, it will be easier to get home game tickets!

Ray Fittipaldo:

That is very true. I noticed a lot of empty seats on Saturday. Especially in the Oakland Zoo.

S :	Assume Pitt wants to open a spot for M Walker. Can they simply revoke a current player's scholarship? What is the process Pitt would have to go through to make that happen?

Ray Fittipaldo:

Not much of a process at all. Dixon calls the player into his office, says he is no longer part of the team's future and he helps said player find a new team. Players are on scholarship from year to year. Nothing is guaranteed beyond one season. That being said, Dixon does not make a habit of letting players go. He has only done it once or twice in his seven seasons as head coach.

Menofpaws :

Herb Pope is playing very well, do you think Jamie is regretting not taking him as a transfer?

Ray Fittipaldo:

I have a blog entry on Pope in my blog on PG Plus today. It should be up later. Yes, he is playing very well. He is leading the Big East in rebounds. He is scoring, too, averaging around 14 points a game. But Pope does have a past. He has been in trouble with the law. Jamie Dixon has a track record of not taking players with questionable pasts. His philosophy of recruiting people with good character and good work ethic in addition to talent has worked quite well. It's easy to point to Pope's production in a down year for Pitt, but Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez was in a position where he needed to take a risk. Dixon had no such concerns.

Send it in, Jerome! :

Has Pitt been good enough long enough to be an elite program? I'm thinking of comparisons to U of Arizona, who have been great for years, down for the past coupla. But they can still recruit well, thus get back on top very quickly. Or are we more like one-hit wonders Southern Cal, who might not be good again for decades?

Ray Fittipaldo:

Somewhere in the middle. I believe to be an elite program you have to get to a Final Four. At the same time, Pitt is far above the likes of Southern Cal. Pitt is as close to an elite program as you can get without being elite.

Tyrone :

Hey, nothing wrong with a little thuggishness on the team, we can only hope to achieve the legendary successes of the Tark.

Ray Fittipaldo:

That might be the first time I've seen someone wishing Pitt could be like UNLV. Believe me, Mark Nordenberg and Steve Pederson are just fine with Jamie Dixon's recruiting philosophy.

Ray Fittipaldo:

Thanks for all the great questions and strong turnout this week. We'll do it again next Tuesday before the Ohio game.