They take less and less meaning as the start of the season gets closer, but here are some more preseason rankings, power polls and other rating-esque things.

First up, the NY Times backed Pre-Snap Read ranks Pitt at #29.

Why No. 29 and not, say, around No. 15, where Pittsburgh ended last season? I understand your puzzlement. Bear with me as I attempt to explain this point: Pittsburgh can still win the Big East. Getting West Virginia at home is key, with that game again going far towards determining the conference champion. In fact, it hard not to view the Panthers as the Big East favorite, what with this team’s high level of returning talent on both sides of the ball. … Still, the lack of a proven quarterback is a concern. So is the interior of the offensive line; the interior of the defensive line will also break in new starters, but that’s far less of a worry. The Panthers must find two new starters at cornerback: it will be enormous for this defense if Imoru can step up immediately. All told, while I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to see the Panthers take the Big East, the handful of new starters and a difficult non-conference schedule will make it difficult for this team to match last season’s win total.

The question marks and the non-con are the issue. That is also why Phil Steele has Pitt at #27 even as he picked Pitt to win the Big East.

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Another practice, another day with Romeus sidelined. But don’t worry, he is getting closer to returning.

Greg Romeus is much improved. He was active today, he worked out hard inside and I expect him to be out there tomorrow practicing.

And the day before that?

He’s fine. He’s just stiff. Hopefully tomorrow he’ll start doing something.

And before that?

Greg Romeus is just sore, I’m not worried. He worked out inside, he’s out here and he’s doing fine. If he feels better, we expect him back out here tomorrow.

Coach Wannstedt is going to be a lot of fun when it comes time to issue weekly injury reports.

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The big man from New Zealand won’t be at Pitt until the 2012, yet his legend seems to be growing every day. By the time he gets here, he’s going to be expected to single-handedly lead Pitt to the Final Four in his freshman year.

Every time that 2012 Pitt commit Steve Adams goes up against better competition, you cannot help but be more impressed with his skill level as his performances do not drop off in the slightest.  This time, in his first test against true elite competition, it was at the Adidas Nations event in Chicago.

Yes, Steve Adams was continuing to play in the US, and getting noticed. This from Rivals.com’s view of his potential based on the Adidas Nations:

Can’t say enough about the job done by Jamie Dixon and his staff at Pitt to identify and lock up New Zealand big man Steven Adams. A physical, athletic and strong 6-foot-10 center, Adams plays rugged basketball on both ends of the floor and doesn’t stray from the paint. From start to finish he was the event’s best rebounder and maybe the most physical player.

The closest thing to a negative evaluation came from NBADraft.net.

Pitt bound New Zealand center Steven Adams doesn’t have the greatest hands, seemed to miss a few easy rebounds. He’s still raw but shows a lot of potential.

So there is that.