Interesting to note that recent Pitt commit, Ashton Gibbs has a younger brother who is already getting noticed.

Sterling Gibbs, 5-9 point guard, Seton Hall Prep (NJ), 2011: The younger brother of recent Pitt commit Ashton Gibbs played with the experience and basketball IQ of a much older player. A true point guard who looked to pass first, Gibbs often used his quickness to put pressure on the defense and finish strong or drop floaters over the tall trees in the paint.

That means Gibbs is heading into the 9th grade. This is where the eeewww factor in recruiting comes in, when you have to address and accept that we are talking about a 15-year old at the RBK Breakout Underclass Camp (obviously sponsored by Reebok).

Of course it also means wondering whether Pitt will be a leader to land the kid in a couple of years if he continues to develop his game.

Everyone likes Power Rankings, yet never before have we seen them completely dedicated to our Pittsburgh Panthers. Every week or so we’ll take a look at the biggest news makers related to Pitt sports — all in Power Ranking form.

5. ROC the Panther, Pitt mascot, Member of the Octonion
Some background: “Every June, a secret society of the eight wealthiest mascots in the Northeast convenes at a secret estate in Providence, RI, known as Mike Tranghese’s basement, where chips and mango-peach salsa are served. They control the Northeastern bank money supplies, Fort Dix, ESPN and the Weslyan College student newspaper. They are known as The Octonion.”

One such discussion about bowl games…

Cinci: Well we’ve got a new coach too but we’re hoping to improve on our finish last year and do even better than the International Bowl.

Pitt: The what bowl?

International.

Did you get together with you friends and play a game in your backyard and call it a bowl? Cause there’s no such thing.

Yes there is!

Oh yeah? Where is it played?

Toronto, Canada.

Sure it is. Who did you play?

Western Michigan.

Aha! No such school!

Fine. Who did you play in your bowl game last year?

………f@#& you.

Read it all here and here.

4. Torrie Cox, CB, Tampa Bay Bucs, former Pitt football player
He’s been suspended for 4 games by the NFL for a repeat violation of the substance abuse policy. In this year’s training camp he was expected to compete for a starting job.

3. “Greatest Show Ever” on 92.1 WPTS
Hosted by Pat Mitsch and Jeff Greer on 92.1 and www.wpts.org/live, they cover all kinds of topics from around the sporting world including your Pitt football and basketball teams. A good way to waste time from 10-noon on Tuesday mornings.

2. New Hats on the PittPanthers.com Shop
Ugly now comes in two colors: white and blue.

Wouldn’t mind this hat though.

1. Chicago Bulls, NBA team
If Aaron Gray makes the team, the Bulls have a chance to become my favorite NBA team. They will replace my current favorite: the Pittsburgh Pisces. I’ll always have a strong dislike for Joakim Noah though, and that’ll never change.

Happy Fourth of July!