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Q: From reading your Q&As it seems you feel that Pitt will actually be competitive in the Big East. What evidence do you see that suggests this? From what I see this is the worst offensive team since the 1960s. When teams shut down Ashton Gibbs from the perimeter, who will score, Wannamaker? If he doesn't turn it over first. The big men can't finish in traffic, and the two players coming back are not solid offensive players. I guess we can always fall back on our staples: defense and rebounding. Wait, that is pitiful too. They will be lucky to win three games in Big East play.

Dan Kuhar, Hamburg, N.J.

FITTIPALDO: I was optimistic before the season started. And I was optimistic after the Texas game. But something happened after that game. Teams have figured out that Pitt is not great against the zone. Teams have figured out that it's not impossible to challenge Pitt in the paint. And teams are finding out that it's quite easy to penetrate against Pitt's guards. That's an awful lot to deal with for a coacihng staff. I said before the season that 9-9 wold be very good for this team. Now maybe I'm leaning toward 7-11. I know Jermaine Dixon will make a difference once he is completely healthy. And I know Gilbert Brown will make a difference, too, once he comes back from his academic suspension. But neither are great offensive players. They are better defensive players, and that's where this team is going to have to hang its hat. I just don't see how this team is going to score points to beat many of the top teams in the conference. That being said, I am still confident that this team can beat the DePauls and Rutgers and South Floridas of the world. And Jamie Dixon didn't go from genius to dumb overnight. He is an excellent Xs and Os coach and will win a game or two that the Panthers probably should lose.

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