Pittsburgh Panthers Power Index: 35.8*

Pitt is the strongest team physically in the country, with the toughest overall corps of guards, and the Panthers methodically run their stuff as well as anyone in the nation. The Panthers hav most teams beat when they leave the weight room, and because of its outstanding and eclectic collection of guards. Brandin Knight, the smart and savvy point guard; Jaron Brown, the lefty combo guard who can rebound, score and lock down opposing scorers; and Julius Page, another left-handed athlete with spectacular hops, provide Ben Howland with the means to win it all. Add in the toughness and shooting of Donatas Zavackas, the length and footwork of Ontariio Lett, and the street toughness and penetrate-and-pitch ability of newcomer Carl Krauser, and Pittsburgh has a formula for success in the Big East, not to mention the Big Easy. Howland can really coach, and his team can really play. With a less than powerful non-conference schedule, Pitt will pile up the wins heading into Big East play. -- Jay Bilas

Toughness: 9.0
The Panthers were tough, extremely tough in the rugged Big East. Pittsburgh scratches, claws and make teams earn every point. Defense breeds toughness and Pittsburgh made up for any offensive deficiencies with its toughness on D. Call it toughness or foolishness, but Knight playing through the pain of a knee injury for a possession in the Big East tournament title game, and then again in the NCAA Tournament, inspired his teammates. The big guards who surround Knight (Julius Page and Jaron Brown) are just as tough to get around. Forwards like Chevon Troutman, Ontario Lett and Donatas Zavackas just look tough before the game even tips off. And once it does, each are physical forwards who love to bang.

Talent: 8.8
The Panthers don't have the recipe for a national title, at least if 2003's calls for at least one or two NBA players. Knight will have a shot to play at the next level, so too will Page. But the rest are still a long shot away from getting into the league. That doesn't mean the Panthers don't have the talent to win it all. But they definitely have to do it collectively. Pittsburgh isn't going to scare teams during warmup drills. They must manufacture points and this squad should be able to do that with Knight at the helm. Pitt's break is improving with Page on the wing and Zavackas can never be left open. But Pittsburgh will have to out-tough, out-smart and out-defend teams to win the title.

Tourney Tested: 7.5
Pittsburgh has tasted tournament success the past two years by reaching the Big East tourney title game. Last season, they lost to UConn in overtime. But Pittsburgh had a free ride in the NCAAs with essentially home games in Pittsburgh against Central Connecticut State and then Cal. When the Panthers had to go on the road for a neutral-site game against Kent State in the Sweet 16 in Lexington, Ky., they weren't able to hold on late. Pittsburgh is still a question when it comes to how tough they'll be in the dance. It helps that the entire team returns and they understand how to win in the NCAAs, but the Panthers have to do it outside of their own area code this season.

Schedule: 6.5
This is where the Panthers go a little soft. The non-conference schedule is weak. Ohio State is a decent home game, but the Buckeyes are a bubble NCAA team out of a balanced Big Ten this season. Playing at Georgia is by far the best game before the Big East begins. Going to Penn State and Rhode Island doesn't cut it when it comes to getting tough testing games. The Big East schedule isn't a cakewalk, with expected tough games in the West Division against Syracuse, Notre Dame and Georgetown and crossover games at Villanova and against Connecticut. But the other two games -- at Virginia Tech and home to Providence -- shouldn't be as tough as say had the Panthers drawn BC or St. John's.

Xs & Os: 5.0
Howland was an underrated coach at Northern Arizona. His teams played hard and he carried that philosophy with him to Pittsburgh. The Panthers were built on in-your-face, man-to-man defense. They look for the break with Knight and do a great job of finding the open shooters. They aren't afraid to pound the ball inside, either. Howland has adjusted his philosophy to this team's talent. He's done a masterful job getting this program to the top of the Big East and, for this season, in the national title discussion.

-- Andy Katz

ESPN.com's Power Index is based on a 10-point scale in each of these five categories: Toughness, Talent, Schedule Strength, Tournament Tested, Xs & Os. Teams are scored based on returning players, coaching staffs, a program's past performances in the regular season and postseason, as well as expectations heading into the 2002-03 season.