2006 Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball Preview

2006 Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball Predictions

Is this the year for the Panthers? Will they win the Big East and make it to the tournament finals? The good news is the team returns all but one player from last season. They have talent, depth and experience. Now that guard Carl Krauser (15.0 PPG. 4.3 RPG, 4.8 APG) is gone one thing they do need is a leader.

In place of Krauser, the Panthers will feature the dependability and leadership of point guard Ronald Ramon (8.0 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 46.3 FG%, 83.1 FT%). Ramon, a junior, has a sweet shot from downtown and knows when to use it. On the other side, sophomore Levance Fields (6.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 49.0 FG%, 66.7 FT%) can drive inside and hit from the perimeter. Junior guard Keith Benjamin (4.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 43.0 FG%, 59.4 FT%) is a fine defensive player.

The frontcourt features future NBA player Aaron Gray (13.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 52.6 FG%, 63.4 FT%) at center. The senior, who averaged a double-double last season, has a great work ethic and drive and looks to improve his stamina and take the Panthers all the way. At forward, Levon Kendall (7.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 49.4 FG%, 71.8 FT%) can defend and score from inside and out. Sophomores Sam Young (7.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 52.1 FG%, 69.3 FT%) and Tyrell Biggs (1.8 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.1 APG, 39.0 FG%, 76.9 FT%) seem destine for big years.

In three years at Pittsburgh, Jamie Dixon is 76- 22. He’s offered the Panthers consistency in recruitment and development and believes they’re ready for the next step—the Final Four. It’s telling that Gray decided to forego early entry into the NBA draft because he believes this team can go all the way. Over five years, the program is among the nation’s top five clubs in winning percentage.

The Panthers should go father than they have in the recent past. Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight and Final Four are all possible. The Panthers are hungry for full victory and national respect.

If you want more info on the 2006 Pittsburgh Panthers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Georgetown Hoyas and Marquette Golden Eagles.