Someone take some zinc, and maybe som echinacea or something over to Aaron Gray. At the very least some green tea to get him healthy for Saturday. He’s been battling some bug since the Duquesne game, and now with the Wisconsin game looming, his status is in doubt (that, or Jamie Dixon is going Bill Belicheck this year).

Looks like Paul Zeise will be filling in a bit on the Pitt basketball beat for the P-G. Ray Fittipaldo probably has to get back to the PSU beat for a couple weeks for their bowl game. So Zeise has the b-ball coverage including today’s online chat.

iambringingsexyback: Paul, after 10 games , what is the biggest weakness on this team? A legitimate scorer, someone who can take over a game? Lack of frontcourt depth?

Paul Zeise: That’s a great question. I think Mike Cook can be that go-to guy but he obviously has to become more assertive on offense and develop that scorers mentality. It is tough given the system the Panthers play for anyone to really step out like that but I think it really helps come tourney time when you have that one guy you can go to and get a basket when you need it. I think the outside shooting probably is still a question even though they’ve been shooting fairly well from the outside in most of their games. The only other question is this- – if a game is called tight, like most NCAA games are, especially in the NCAA, can this team adjust? They haven’t in the past, but this seems to be a little more skilled and athletic team than we’ve seen.

Everyone will have to step up on Saturday. Even with Gray Wisconsin matched up well with Pitt.