SPORTING NEWS PICKS PITT TO WIN THE BIG EAST
In its recently released annual college football yearbook, Sporting News has picked Pitt to win the Big East Conference and go BCS bowling in 2009. “Dave Wannstedt has the personnel in place,” writes Sporting News, which predicts the Panthers will earn a visit to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. Four Pitt players were named to its All-Big East team, including junior offensive tackle Jason Pinkston, senior tight end Nate Byham, junior defensive end Greg Romeus and senior cornerback Aaron Berry. Additionally, tailback Dion Lewis was rated the Big East’s “Top Impact Freshman.” In breaking down Pitt’s 2009 schedule, Sporting News highlighted the annual November clash with West Virginia as the “Game to Watch.” “The conference title could be decided
PITT Loses Local D-line Prospect
A few years ago, Pitt was unsuccessful recruiting Hampton RB Steve Paskorz, who eventually signed with Notre Dame. Late this afternoon, Steve’s brother Jordan made a verbal commitment and it wasn’t to Pitt. Paskorz (6-3, 225), who is ranked the No. 28 weak side defensive end prospect in the country by Rivals.com, made a pledge to the Michigan Wolverines. Paskorz told Wolverine.com that with the new coaching staff at Michigan, he wanted to be apart of the rebirth of Michigan football. The 3-star prospect is one of the top defensive prospects this year in the WPIAL and someone Pitt would’ve liked to land. He also had written offers from Pitt, Virginia and Minnesota. ***Elsewhere, the recruitment of Fox Chapel OL
NBA Draft Combine Preview
By Paul Ladewski CHICAGO – Much like last season, the Big East figures to be the big winners in the NBA draft next month. The conference could have as many as seven first-round selections, more than any conference in the country. The list includes Pitt products DuJuan Blair and Sam Young, who will be among the 52 draft candidates at the NBA pre-draft camp that opens on Wednesday afternoon here. Inside Pittsburgh Sports will be at the combine Thursday morning in Chicago covering the event and will provide daily updates and the latest buzz surrounding DeJuan Blair and Sam Young. The three-day event will have an NFL-style look for the first time, as interviews, agility drills and medical tests will
NCAA FB: Lewis changes mind, not coming to PITT
In the recruiting circles, most people had Jerome Lewis (Rochester, NY) penciled in as a future Pitt Panther. Lewis threw alot of people a curveball today and gave a verbal commitment to Virginia Tech. Lewis (6-4, 225) reportedly was planning on selecting Dave Wannstedt and Pitt last week and then at the last minute decided he needed more time to make a decision. Then late this afternoon, despite never visiting the Virginia Tech campus, committed to the Hokies. Lewis, who plays both defensive end and tight end, is rated the No. 35 strong side defensive end in the country by Rivals.com. As a junior, he caught 10 passes for 348 yards and one touchdown, while on defense, made 56 tackles,
NCAA FB: Cal U passes on PITT’s Tommie Duhart
A source with the California University Football program tells me, head coach John Luckhardt and his staff recently met with former University of Pittsburgh defensive lineman Tommie Duhart. Duhart was dismissed by the PITT football program due to academic reasons and a few off the field incidents. After meeting with Duhart, John Luckhardt and the California University Football program have decided to pass on bringing Duhart into the program. Duhart, 6-4, 290 lbs, had three tackles and a blocked kick this past season. WR T.J. Porter was also dismissed by the PITT football program.
Draft Report: Sam Young climbing the draft charts
Young #8 on Chad Ford’s updated Rankings In the NCAA tournament Sam Young showed the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and because of that, Young’s draft stock is currently on the rise. Chad Ford’s updated chart of the top 10 NBA prospects, which was shown last night on NBA Fastbreak, Young was the #8 prospect on Ford’s big board. At mid-season Young was rated in the 30-35 range. Despite rising to the top 10 on some big boards, Young is not a lock to be a lottery pick because of his age. He just turned 24 in March. NBA scouts love young players. At 6-6, 215 lbs, Young
Jamie Dixon wins Naismith coach of the year award
University of Pittsburgh Mens’ basketball coach Jamie Dixon guided the Panthers to a 31-5 record this season and he is the winner of the Naismith national coach of the year award. The school will hold a 4:00 p.m. newsconference
NCAA: Former Cal U assistant coach Shaka Smart named head coach of VCU
Former California University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball assistant coach and 2001 graduate Shaka Smart has been named named head men’s basketball coach at Division I Virginia Commonwealth University. Smart inherits a VCU program that has made two NCAA Tournament appearances in the last three years and won three conference tournament tiles since 2004. The Rams finished the 2008-09 season with a 24-10 overall record after losing to UCLA in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Smart served on the Vulcan coaching staff under head coach Bill Brown from 1999-2001. During his time with Cal U, Brown and Smart guided the program to a 40-16 overall record and a tie of the PSAC West title in 2000. “Shaka had a
Pitt’s Derek Kinder visiting the Bears
University of Pittsburgh wide receiver Derek Kinder is visiting the Chicago Bears this afternoon. Kinder caught the eyes of NFL scouts at his pro day when he ran a 4.46 forty yard-dash.
USC expected to show interest in Jamie Dixon
Jamie Dixon seems to get mentioned for any head coaching vacancy that opens up on the west coast. Dixon didn’t have any interest in Arizona but Southern Cal is expected to show significant interest and it’s being speculated that Dixon will be interested as it would be put him in the L.A. area near his parents and sister, and his wife would be going back to her alma mater. College Basketball Insider Andy Katz reports the latest