At ESPN.com, Andy Katz has put together his list of the top 50 teams in what can only be considered a pre-pre-preseason list. Part of me is annoyed because, shock of shocks, they list 4 ACC teams in the top ten. Instincts scream, typical ESPN bias to the ACC. Then the semi-rational part of me has to concede that the ACC placed 2 in the NCAA Final Four. Really, I question the placement of North Carolina at #2, but that is as much pro-Roy Williams bias by ESPN as anything else.

The important thing, Pitt. #18 in the list.

WHY: Point Carl Krauser and forward Chris Taft are two of the most talented players at their respective positions. Sure, the Panthers will miss Jaron Brown and Julius Page, but having Chevy Troutman for another season is a huge plus. He gives them the toughness needed for them to carry out Jamie Dixon’s style.

WHY NOT: The Panthers still need a reliable perimeter threat. If they can find one, then they could crack the top 10.

SUMMER BUZZ: It’s all about Taft. NBA personnel were already pumping him up to be a top 10 pick in 2005. He still has plenty to learn, but he’s on track for a banner sophomore season.

Last year Pitt was around #23 in these lists. This year, cracking the top-20. I really can’t argue with what Katz writes about the team. Pitt really needs someone to be able to hit an outside jumper. Someone who can at least shoot 40% from outside. Krauser will put up the shots from anywhere, but he is most effective as a shooter on the drive. Will it be one of the new guys? Will McCarroll show some consistency with his outside shot (and play defense)?

The Big East will be tough as hell this year. Syracuse, UConn and BC will definitely be good. Notre Dame might be better or about the same as last year. Villanova has all the talent, and their late run in the Big East Tournament suggests they might finally be putting it together. I don’t think Providence will be as good as last year (before their fade), but with Gomes back for another year they will still be tough.