Gilbert Brown questionable for opener

By Chris Dokish

Sophomore Gilbert Brown will not start when the Panthers begin their season on Friday, Nov. 14th against Farleigh Dickinson.  The 6'6" wing, who started 15 games last season after Mike Cook's season ending knee injury, averaged 6.5 ppg and 3.1 rpg for the 2007-08 season.  He was expected to start again this season but an injured ankle has kept him sidelined.  There is a chance, however, that Brown could play in the opener and a source at Pitt puts those chances currently at "50/50".  In Brown's absence, look for junior college transfer Jermaine Dixon to get the start.  Senior point guard Levance Fields will also not start due to an injured foot and his place will likely be taken by true freshman Ashton Gibbs. With the injuries,  the Panthers will only have two starters- senior forward Sam Young and sophomore center DeJuan Blair- who were starters last season.