A few weeks ago I noted what seemed to be just instinctive dislike of Gray at Slam magazine. Probably because Slam is a lot more concerned with the flash and style for an NBA thing. At least someone there may be dimly aware of the situation.

I’m sorry Aaron Gray. You’re not pedestrian, as we’ve previously stated. You’re slightly better than pedestrian. Extra-pedestrian, if you will. You’re rebounding at an unhealthy clip (10.2 rpg) and Pitt enjoys all the space you take up. And six-for-seven from the field the other night to seal off Villanova? Impressive.

So I don’t know why I (we) bash you so. We actually kind of like what you do. So here’s a nice stamped grievance for you.

Plus, isn’t this the mark of a good tourney team? A couple of good scorers, Graves and Cook, a scoring point guard, Levance Fields (and Undeclared’s unofficial mancrush on his crossover) and a low-post guy who can hold fort. Hell, Kaman at Western Michigan and Olowokandi at Pacific did it by themselves.

History shows this whole concept will work, so we’ll stop bashing you. At least momentarily.

Gee, thanks. Something worth noting — and actually reflecting the lack of big men for several years in the college game — both Olowkandi and Kaman were top-5 picks. Gray will likely be somewhere in the teens to the mid-20s.

Here’s something to consider. Half way through the Big East schedule, who is the best Center — in conference only. It’s a pretty good argument that Aaron Gray is second to Herbert Hill of Providence. This may strike some as heresay, but I’m essentially in agreement — insofar as Hill is more of the Foward/Center player. Hill was actually my pick as mid-season Big East player of the year.
Seth Davis had this observation this week.

Pitt’s Ronald Ramon still has too many quiet games for my taste, but the Panthers are so good in so many other areas that when Ramon is aggressive and making shots, they’re nearly impossible to beat.

Davis just wants the guards from Pitt to be more aggressive, it would seem. A couple weeks ago he was pumping for Levance Fields to be more aggressive (Krauser-like) to help Pitt’s chances.