Technically, Ashton Gibbs has to tryout and make the squad to be part of Team USA for the World University Games. It was conceivable that the player that ended up being a key part of the U-19 gold-winning team of 2009, and one of the best players in the Big East might not make the team. The competition could be the factor.

I trained really hard for (the NBA Draft), but I think it was a good decision (to stay),” Gibbs said. “I get to play with Nasir (Robinson) and Travon (Woodall), two guys I came in with. I want to get my degree. And, I think we’re going to be a good team this year.”

And, he may play overseas after all. At the end of July, Gibbs will attend the camp for Team USA’s entry in the World University Games. His play last season (first-team all-Big East, 49 percent from 3-point range and 16.8 points per game) combined with his prior international experience (he and coach Jamie Dixon helped lead the Americans to gold in the under-19 World Championships in New Zealand) make Gibbs a favorite for the team.

In his mind, he’s a perfect fit.

“There are a lot of other good players there, but I don’t pay attention to the list,” Gibbs said. “I do the best I can and try to make a difference on the defensive end.”

Since Gibbs didn’t offer, some of the other 21 players are Xavier’s Tu Holloway, Notre Dame’s Tim Abromaitis, Missouri’s Kim English and Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor. The camp commences on July 29, with first cuts on July 31 and team announcement on Aug. 8, when the Americans leave for China.

Yeah. Well Tu Holloway has already backed off from being part of the team.

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Yes, I’m well aware that this is a big recruiting weekend for Pitt football. I hope/expect a few commits to be made by Monday or so.

That said, July recruiting is really about basketball. All the tournaments. The players making announcements. Kids not just for the upcoming class but beyond making noise and getting noticed.

It is presumed that Pitt is looking to bring in a guard to this 2012 class to replace senior Ashton Gibbs. That and the fact that Pitt already has a verbal from the New Zealand big man Steve Adams. There are exceptions to this. For example, Pitt has pursued Amile Jefferson who is a power forward. He is also a top-20 player in the 2012 class. (And before anyone jumps in to correct me, yes I know that he is likely to transition to small forward given his 6-7 or 6-8 size, but he is classified as a power forward in recruiting rankings.)

A rough look at the the roster for 2012 right now shows 4 front court players (Birch, Gilbert, Taylor and Zanna). The back court has 4 players (Epps, J. Johnson, Woodall and Wright). Then there are 3 wing players who are the guard/forward type (D. Johnson, Moore and Patterson). Obviously, this presumes no transfers or early pro declarations — so that can completely change needs or players that Pitt is willing to take.

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