I have to admit I’m having a hard time to get into writing about the football stuff. There still feels like there is unfinished business on the basketball side. I’ll get there.

Speaking of unfinished business, the next signing period for basketball starts next Wednesday. Things are looking good from unverified reports on Pitt landing Tyler Smith.

Tyler Smith (unsigned): It looks like the small forward will probably wind up at Pittsburgh when the late signing period begins on April 12, unless Panthers assistant Barry Rohrssen lands the Seton Hall job. That would put the Pirates in the mix. UAB could join the recruiting battle if Mike Davis lands with the Blazers. Cincinnati is another possible destination.

With the exception of Lenn Robbins at the NY Post, who refuses to eliminate anyone, most have Rohrssen not getting the Seton Hall gig.

Tubby Smith, from Kentucky and others are still trying though.

Smith went to Pulaski, Tenn., yesterday to speak with Tyler Smith, a 6-foot-7 wing player considered one of the best unsigned players available. Earlier in the day, Rondo announced his intention to hire an agent and enter the NBA Draft.

Tyler Smith committed to Tennessee in 2005, then decided to attend Hargrave Military Academy after UT fired Buzz Peterson as coach. Peterson reportedly is now being considered for an assistant-coaching position at Kentucky should one become open.

Iowa Coach Steve Alford was also expected to visit with Tyler Smith.

College coaches could begin visiting with prospects after midnight on Monday night.

Pittsburgh, the perceived leader for Tyler Smith, had exhausted its limit of visits with the player in previous recruiting periods.

Pitt can only wait.