Gilbert Brown Out Two Weeks

It basically was a good news, bad news situation for the Pitt men's basketball team this week.

First, the good news. Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon noted that the MRI done on Levance Fields' left foot revealed that it is healing nicely, and the senior point guard has been cleared for full practices. However, the Panthers likely will continue to have Fields work out two days and take one off.

Now, the bad news. Redshirt sophomore forward Gilbert Brown likely will miss two weeks with a stress fracture in his left foot. That would mean it's probable that he will miss Pitt's season-opener with Fairleigh Dickinson Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center.

"I was having problems with my right ankle, but it's fine now,'' Brown said Sunday shortly after the first preseason game. "Then, a week before the Blue-Gold scrimmage (during FanFest Oct. 26), I sprained my left ankle.

"So, I was having some problems with both of them, but working with our trainers and rehabbing them they're doing much better. There's still pain in both ankles, but I think they're getting better.''

Brown played in all 37 games last season with 15 starts. He had tallied nine points, four rebounds, two steals and an assist in 20 minutes during Pitt's 50-point win against Division II Seton Hill Sunday afternoon at the Pete.

"I practiced only at small forward (the three spot) this season,'' Brown said. "It's up to the coaches, but we'll see what happens. Jermaine Dixon and Bradley Wanamaker seem pretty solid at the two. And with Ashton Gibbs and Travon Woodall playing the point, it seems like I'm locked in at the three.''

Senior forward Sam Young started at small forward against Seton Hill, while senior Tyrell Biggs started at the four (power forward) spot.

"Coach has a lot of options, but I don't think it's just an experiment with Sam at the three,'' Brown said. "I'll play wherever they want me to play. I replaced Tyrell at the four, and Sam played the three the whole game. We'll see what happens during the season, but it seems like that's the game plan right now.''

Brown averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game last season. The ankle problems have held him back from earning a starting job to this point.