Greg Doyel at Sportsline.com previews the Big East. He puts Pitt at #7 but in the NIT. He only sees 6 BE teams making it to the dance. Kind of a surprise.

NIT or bust: The Panthers are going to struggle to reach the NCAA Tournament for a myriad of reasons: (1) C Chris Taft and PF Chevon Troutman are gone. (2) The early season schedule is too easy, which will drag down Pittsburgh’s RPI to the point that (3) a break-even record in the Big East might not be enough to impress the NCAA selection committee. That said, Pittsburgh has some nice pieces in place beginning with Krauser, who wisely put off his career overseas, and Gray, who could match Taft’s sophomore production if he can stay out of foul trouble. That’s a big if, though, because of Gray’s lack of mobility. The Panthers will get a boost from a strong freshman class led by SF Sam Young, PF Tyrell Biggs and future starting PG Levance Fields.

I realize, the bar for Pitt’s non-con is kind of low, but it is far better than it has been. I think by mid-season, the RPI on it will be better than expected. Of course, Pitt has to do very well in the Non-Con — beating either South Carolina or Wisconsin — and winning the rest.