Best recruiting class ever?

Jamie Dixon has recruited the best recruiting class to enter the University of Pittsburgh since perhaps Bobby Martin, Brian Shorter, Jason Matthews, Darrell Porter, and Sean Miller stepped foot in Oakland.  Steven Adams, the 7-0 foot New Zealander is a coveted big man that has NBA written all over him. Trey Zeigler is a transfer from Central Michigan that was a former top 30 recruit that chose Pitt over UCLA and Duke.  James Robinson is a cool point guard from the storied program of DeMatha.  Those three should have Pitt ready to compete for an ACC Championship in 2013, assuming Adams sticks around for more than one season, and that is something you should not assume.  Oh yeah, the recruiting class might not be done. Pitt still seems to be pushing for top 60 Power Forward, Savon Goodman.  Pitt has also added fairly unknown Chris Jones out of New Jersey who seems to be a glue guy that could develop if given the chance. The new group of players seemingly will create a log jam at certain positions.  All in all, that is just a great problem to have. Pitt may now be athletic enough to go with anyone. The past decade has shown Pitt to be a hard nosed defensive minded team(I think the media exaggerates it to an extent) that has won with talented players, but not the best of the best. As any successful coach/program does, Dixon has doubters.  "He doesn't recruit well"  "He can't get past the Sweet 16"  "Why doesn't Pitt go after Sean Miller?"  "Fire Dixon" I have heard them all. I do not need to get into how ridiculous they all sound. It takes many coaches a while to get over the hump, and if that is the worst thing about Dixon.....Pitt fans should be happy.  He has maintained what Howland started, and has kept Pitt a perennially ranked team and a frequent on national television.  All you have to do is remember the 90's, and take a look now. Pitt's state of the program is in fine shape. So what does Pitt have to look forward in the near future, and beyond.

    The 2012-13 Panthers should be better than the year prior.  There are many variables that are still need to be settled.  Will Savon Goodman commit?  He is a 6-6 physical presence that could play the Power Forward position, and play it very well. The only problem is someone will need to go. Chris Jones could see he is one of five 6-5 wings and may choose to go elsewhere.  John Johnson, Cameron Wright, Durand Johnson are all possible transfer candidates. That is something that remains to be seen.  Also, will Trey Zeigler  play next year?  Depending on who you listen to, it does not seem to be a sure thing.  He may play, he may sit out. Regardless, Pitt should be ready to contend after a one year hiatus.  The sure things Pitt has, Tray Woodall will be healthy. This will be his fifth year in the program. Lamar Patterson and JJ Moore are two wings and both could start.  If the second half of this past season is and indication on how they will play, Pitt should be in fine shape. They both seemingly understand their roles now and can take their games to new heights.  Talib Zanna and Dante Taylor took turns playing well, but never put it together.  They should be better this time around as neither will be the feature big man. The new crop of players should help instantly. Steven Adams is talented enough to start on pretty much any program in the land.  He may not come in and dominate but his presence is something Pitt lacked in 2011-12.  James Robinson will certainly see minutes, he is a heady player that is a true point guard.  The Big East has plenty of uncertainties for next year, and Pitt can find themselves in the thick of the race.  The 2013 ACC transition seems more and more likely and Pitt will be ready to be a factor immediatley.  They are in the running for some high level prospects, most notably BeeJay Anya, and Pitt should establish themselves in the annual contenders with UNC,Duke, and Syracuse.  The prospects of a promising future should erase the one year hiccup that was 2011-12.