Pitt basketball could soon be ranked

After a 9-1 start to the season, the Panthers could see their first ranking this year over the next week or two.

Last week, Pitt came close to becoming ranked. The Panthers finished just outside of the top 25, coming in at No. 26 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. With 89 points, they were only three short of Notre Dame's 92. Pitt was also close to getting into the AP Top 25 as well. They finished 28th in that poll with a total of 164 points.

The only problem is that heading into the weekend, no top 25 team had yet lost. To get in this week, Pitt may need to leapfrog a team. The good news, though, is that the team has an entire week off before facing Bethune Cookman next Saturday. Even if the Panthers don't climb into the Top 25 this week, they will have another good chance to do so next week.

Being ranked in the top 25 is nothing new for Pitt. But after struggling last season, it's been some time since they've been in the poll. It's not a huge deal and this early in the season, it really means little. But getting into the rankings, if nothing else, is good for national exposure and for recruiting.

When the official rankings come out over the next two weeks, don't be surprised if Pitt finds their way into one or both polls.

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