Q: Who has become the team leader this year for Pitt? Has anyone truly stepped up?

Jim Henretty, Chesapeake Beach, Md.

FITTIPALDO: That's an interesting question, Jim. I remember how disappointed Jamie Dixon was in Gilbert Brown when the news came down that he would miss half the season on academic suspension. Dixon takes a lot of pride in having his players ready to step up and assume a leadership position when the time comes. The time had come for Brown and he let them team down.

Then you factor in the only senior on the team, Jermaine Dixon, gets hurt for much of the preseason and there is really a leadership void. With those guys out, Jamie has looked to junior Brad Wanamaker and senior transfer Chase Adams for leadership. Brad has talked about his role this season and how it's different from the past, how he has to assume some of the leadership responsibilities. And Chase was a starting point guard at Centenary for three years before coming to Pitt, so he came to the program with leadership skills. They are holding down the fort until Brown and Dixon return.

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