University of Pittsburgh NCAA News

The Big East has always been overshadowed by other conferences in the country. This year they have several teams that are ready to make the league take notice of the Big East.

NORTH SHORE, New Zealand Kansas sophomore guard Tyshawn Taylor scored seven points as the USA Men's U19 World Championship Team defeated France 71-55 in the second round of the FIBA U19 World Championship here Friday morning.

With three second-round picks, the Spurs grabbed a rebounder whose knees caused him to drop out of the first round, a sharpshooter some think is too small for the NBA and the requisite foreign guy who'll likely remain overseas for a spell.

The Bulls essentially have two tasks to accomplish in the hours leading up to Thursday's NBA draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with second-round draft choice LeSean McCoy, according to his agent.

He does that. He's 7-foot-3. But then DeJuan Blair retrieved the basketball . This was in February, when Pitt met UConn in a Big East showdown, and Blair quickly powered back to wow America.

The Pittsburgh Panthers had their most successful season of the Dave Wannstedt era in 2009, winning nine games and earning a bid to the Sun Bowl.

By the time the 37th pick came around, he didn't need to convince the San Antonio Spurs he was healthy.

University of Pittsburgh swingman Sam Young headlines a group of six NBA Draft prospects scheduled to work out for the Jazz this morning, and 7-foot-2 University of Utah center Luke Nevill is among those slated to visit with the team Sunday.

Dave Wannstedt may be 57, but he's still trying to catch 82-year-old Joe Paterno.

Having made their splash earlier in the day by trading for All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal, the Cleveland Cavaliers have selected center Christian Eyenga from the Republic of Congo with the final pick in the first round of the NBA draft.

In what will go down as the most shocking, stunning and saddest draft day in Pittsburgh sports history, knowledgeable basketball experts dumped bushels of disrespect on Pitt and two of its all-time great players.

The Memphis Grizzlies, with needs on defense and offense, addressed them in a draft they wrapped up by taking forward Sam Young of Pittsburgh with the 36th pick overall.

Growing up in Tanzania, Hasheem Thabeet never set foot on a basketball court. That changed when he was approached about getting an education through playing basketball in the USA.

That's not based on any inside information from the Hornets, of course. Team officials are about as likely to give a hint as to whom they really think is sitting at No.

DALLAS a ' During his pre-NBA draft media session, Pittsburgh big man DeJuan Blair couldn't contain his excitement, saying that "For me, June 25th is bigger than Christmas." At least it's fun for somebody.

Former Indiana and Bowling Green coach Dan Dakich remains as dialed in as any expert evaluating college talent.

As far as anybody knows, Blake Griffin won't bring a rabbit's foot with him to Thursday's NBA Draft.

Just more than a month ago, there was plenty of DeJuan Blair to share. Three hundred fifteen pounds' worth, to be precise.

DEERFIELD – Approaching his first NBA Draft as the Bulls' general manager, Gar Forman expects to choose from among five or six players with the 16th pick.