Having 28 assists in a game is a noteworthy accomplishment, regardless of the opponent. Last year, the team was quite impressive in sharing the ball coming in at 21st nationally with 16.4/game (yes, even with Krauser running the point), but the team is even better this year to date. Of course what helps is making the shots, and Pitt shot 62.5% in the game.

The Panthers are shooting 53.0 percent from the floor, which would break the team record (50.9 in 1986-87). They are shooting 47.0 percent from 3-point range, which would obliterate the Panthers’ standard. Pitt hasn’t shot better than 38 percent from 3-point range in any of the past 15 seasons.

“You can’t double-team one of us, because that’s going to leave somebody open,” said Antonio Graves, who scored a team-high 17 points against Florida State. “We all can play. We’re all good. That’s the thing about this team.”

Admittedly, Pitt has played its easiest part of the schedule. Open shots and accompanying assists may not be as plentiful when Big East play starts Jan. 4 at Syracuse. But while the percentages might decrease, the mind-set of passing the ball is one every coach desires in his players.

“I am,” Jamie Dixon said, “very fortunate to coach these kids.”

Mike Cook, who has quickly become a favorite with the way he has completely meshed with this team — that year sitting out was not wasted. He was big on the assists.

Small forward Mike Cook led the way with nine assists. Cook and the rest of the Panthers took advantage of Florida State’s tendency to overplay passing lanes. Dixon put in a few new plays to expose that, and the Panthers made an effort to make the extra pass.

“That’s what we preached all week,” Cook said. “We watched film on them and saw how they played the passing lanes. We tried to come out and make extra pass and play off Aaron. When they double- and triple-teamed him, we wanted to make the play.”

Dixon said no one should be surprised with Cook’s ability to pass. Cook played some point guard at East Carolina, and Dixon always admired his passing skills going back to his days as a high school player in Philadelphia.

“I realized how good a passer he was then,” Dixon said. “I think we’re seeing it now.”

Studying film of opponents? Making adjustments to take advantage of the opponent’s tactics? No — must stay focused on basketball for this post.

To think there were questions about whether Cook could make the adjustments from being the big fish in the small pond/go-to-guy at East Carolina to playing as part of a team where he may not be the focal point of the offense every night.

Mike DeCourcy at the Sporting News really liked what he saw from Pitt’s shooters, and how it bodes for the season.

Good luck trying to use a zone defense against Pitt. Opponents often were tempted to try it against the Panthers in recent years because they were erratic from behind the 3-point line, but the team’s unselfishness and zone offense execution generally were effective counters. This team has those qualities and is making 47.1 percent of its 3s–with G Ronald Ramon, G Antonio Graves, G/F Mike Cook and F Sam Young all hitting at least half their attempts. Florida State tried to control 7-0 C Aaron Gray with a 2-3; he wound up with nine points, but the Pitt regulars had FSU down by as much as 36.

Must maintain perspective. Must remember it is not even December. It’s hard. Really hard. I am so excited about the possibilities with this team.