So what have the ESPN talking heads and b-ball writers had to say in their weekly chat sessions (all Insider subs.)? There were a few Pitt questions during the course of the week. Several questions regarding Coach of the Year.

Pat Forde:

Frank (Knoxville, TN): Who do you think Bruce Pearl will be in competition with at the end of the season for National Coach of the Year honors?

Pat Forde: Frank: I’d say the top competition will be Bruce Weber, Jamie Dixon, John Beilein, John Calipari, Billy Donovan, Herb Sendek, Bo Ryan, Karl Hobbs, Thad Matta and John Thompson III. I know that’s a pretty wide net to throw, but we still have five weeks left before postseason.

Rick Majerus:

Josh Ann Arbor, Mi: Who would you say the coach of the year is at this point in the season?

Rick Majerus: Let me think. The difficulty in saying it now is that like Florida has hit some tough times. I think that it would be hard for me to just point out a guy right now. I’m not so sure that I can it. Pearl at Tennessee is doing a good job right now. I haven’t seen George Washington in person, but then they haven’t played a great non-conference schedule. The Colorado coach could be a good candidate. Florida. Pittsburgh. I actually, if I had to vote today, I’d vote for Dixon at Pittsburgh.

Fran Fraschilla:

George (Greeneville, TN): Fran, how ’bout some love for “Pearl Jam” in Knoxville? Is Bruce Coach of the Year or what? He’s doing it with mirrors.

Fran Fraschilla: Smoke mirrors and an outstanding backcourt. The style of play that he’s brought, uptempo, pressing and running and spreading you out on the offensive end, is perfect for Lofton, Watson, Bradshaw and company. Certainly Donovan’s done a great job at Florida, but at this point, Bruce gets a slight edge from me. Nationally, He’ll get some votes as well, as will Jamie Dixon, Calipari, Weber and Mark Few. Bruce’s energy, as you know, has created new found excitement in Knoxville. Wayne Chism, a 6-9 high school senior, will arrive next year, along with a solid recruiting class. So the beat should go on.

Lots of love, acknowledgent of the job done by Coach Dixon. This is part of the reason we will hear his name being tossed around for coaching vacancies. Whether it’s idle speculation/rumor-mongoring or actual interest, expect a good deal of it. Back to the chats.

Andy Katz (the day after the Pitt-UConn game):

Eric (PA): What do you think the chances are for Pitt to make it to the final four this year?

Andy Katz: I’ll tell you I was so impressed with Pitt last night. The Panthers don’t quit. They are as tough a squad as there is in the country. They didn’t shoot 3s well, rebound and couldn’t avoid foul shooting yet they were still there to win at UConn on the final possession. Pitt is one of the eight to 12 teams that could get to Indy.

Rece Davis:

Keith (Pittsburgh): What’s your take on Pitt Rece? They dropped one to UCONN, but I thought they showed something in that loss. They appear to be a tough team, but with the ability to change it up and run some as well.

Rece Davis: I like this team better than last year’s team. Ramon and Fields have really helped free up Krauser. Gray is not even the same player. Very, very good team. I expect them to be in sweet 16.

Kieren Darcy:

Keith (Pittsburgh): Pitt & WVU are heated rivals having great season. How do you see their upcoming home-and-home matchups panning out? Which team do you think will have more tournament success?

Kieran Darcy: I’m really looking forward to these games, the first of which is this coming Thursday. I could see the team’s splitting home-and-home…but I think West Virginia will go farther in the Tournament this year. They’re just more dangerous offensively. That said, I underestimated Pitt this year — and I usually overestimate them. They’ll be a factor in the Big East tournament, and should win at least a game in the Big Dance.
…
Pete (DC): Kansas-Oklahoma is a bigger game than Pitt-Georgetown? Are you sure? BOTH Georgetown and Pitt are ranked ahead of Oklahoma and Kansas (who isn’t ranked yet). It’s about time the Hoyas earned some respect.

Kieran Darcy: Forgive me Pete…you’re right, Pitt-Georgetown belongs right up there with Oklahoma-Kansas. To clarify, I’m the most curious about the Oklahoma-Kansas game, and whether Kansas can make a big-time statement. Believe me, I’ll have my eye on Pitt-GTown too.

Joe Lunardi:

Pete (DC): How big a bump does Georgetown get if they can beat Pitt this weekend?

Joe Lunardi: Two seed lines, probably.
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Chip (Harrisburg, PA): Joe, in honor of the Super Bowl, who would win a neutral site matchup between the University of Washington and Pitt and why?

Joe Lunardi: The team playing better defense, which is Pittsburgh in both cases.

For the record, Georgetown is presently listed as a #7 seed in his bracket.