They seemed to be a bit late this week. Luke Winn at SI.com has Pitt at #8 behind Marquette, but seems almost prescient:
Smart scheduling by the Big East for putting the Panthers’ visit to Marquette on the regular season’s final Saturday, in the hopes that the league title will be on the line in a nationally televised game. But there are also decent odds that Pitt could finish first in the Big East, with Marquette second, even if the Eagles sweep the teams’ regular-season series. The Panthers only have one league loss (to Marquette at home on Jan. 21) and a much easier schedule leading up to March 3. Aside from a trip to Georgetown, every other game — home dates with Providence, Louisville and West Virginia, plus a trip to Seton Hall — is an expected W. The Eagles, on the other hand, have two Big East losses and visits to Georgetown, DePaul and Notre Dame remaining.
Of course, Pitt has to still get those Ws.
ESPN.com has Pitt up to #7 and a semi-mea culpa/backhander.
This space has been a bit rough on the Panthers, who are a quality outfit in a slightly lesser league this season. Any win in Morgantown is good, but in the Backyard Brawl, it’s even better.
For the record in this power 16, there are 3 Big East teams, 3 PAC-10s, 2 from the ACC, Big 11, SEC and Big 12. The individual votes all have Pitt between 6 and 9.
Finally this article on Senior prospects for the NBA says this about Gray (insider subs).
Gray shocked scouts last year with his emergence from the shadow of Chris Taft’s ruined sophomore season. And he was the anti-Taft in so many ways. While he didn’t have Taft’s physical gifts, he played hard, was consistent and produced for Pittsburgh when they needed him.
Gray declared for the 2006 draft but didn’t get a first-round guarantee, so he returned for his senior year at Pittsburgh.
Gray is a 7-footer with the girth to handle the middle full-time. He’s a good rebounder, especially on the offensive boards.
The knock on Gray is that he’s not athletic, and with the NBA moving toward an up-tempo style, Gray’s type of game is less valued than it’s been in the past.
Still, for a second straight season, Gray continues to prove he’s a legit NBA center prospect, despite scouts’ misgivings.
Right now, he’s moved from the first-round bubble into the first round.
[Emphasis added.]
I think that will hurt Gray in the draft more than anything else. The change in style of play. He’ll be a solid player, and should have a decent career. His offense, though, won’t be enough to put him among the better centers.
