ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings
11. Pittsburgh
The Panthers won the Big East last season and had a veteran team that was primed for its first Final Four trip since 1941. But then they were stunned by their own ineptitude in the final possession against Butler in the NCAA tournament. Pitt will be a work in progress this season, but there's no reason to doubt this program's ability to be a contender. This team will defend well -- we know that much. Ashton Gibbs will be as productive a lead guard as any other in the country. That's a given. And once healthy, Nasir Robinson can be a finisher inside. The freshman class is, perhaps, Jamie Dixon's best with Isaiah Epps, Khem Birch and Malcolm Gilbert all capable of major contributions. At this point, Pitt simply doesn't have down seasons. Expect that trend to continue. -- Andy Katz
Advertisement
ESPN Video
- 00:43
High schooler with Down syndrome sinks 3-pointer
Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
- 02:04
Hurts surprises family with donation toward a new home
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.
