Men's Basketball Coach Bruce Parkhill finally received some good news about his injured players as he prepared his team for its Wednesday tilt against Pitt.

Center Dave Degitz returned to practice yesterday, as did forward Eric Carr. The two had not been able to scrimmage with the team over the past week due to injuries. Carr suffered a groin muscle injury Thursday and could only participate in shooting drills.

Degitz injured his back after the Feb. 24 Old Dominion game. He was a question mark heading into the March 2 game with American but played and ended up scoring 11 points.

When Degitz returned to his home in Clearwater, Fla., over spring break, his back injury intensified. He came back Wedneday but only yesterday was able to run the court.

"It's still tight," Degitz said. "It's something I'll have to take care of after the season's over."

Degitz looked tentative near the beginning of practice but as it wore on he was more physical and appeared more confident.

"He looked good," Parkhill said. "But the story will be how he is tomorrow because he might have repercussions from practice."

The inside game of Pitt concerns Parkhill, especially with his starting center not fully healthy. The Panthers have a front line that consists of 6-foot-10 Darren Moringstar (12.3 points-per-game), 6-foot-8 forward Chris McNeal (14.1) and 6-foot-11 forward Eric Mobley (7.1).

"Pitt plays power basketball," Parkhill said. "Having Dave out for a week has been a big concern for us."

Degitz feels confident about playing against the Panthers and the physical play associated with Big East teams. He said it will be important to box-out against the Pitt front line and that his injury should have no effect on his game.

"I'd rather play with a little discomfort than not play at all," Degitz said.

Notes: The last time Pitt and Penn State played in basketball was Jan. 16, 1982 at Rec Hall. The Lions won in double overtime, 52-46.

-- Parkhill will renew an old rivalry with Paul Evans from their days in the Colonial Athletic Association. Parkhill was 4-0 against Evans when Parkhill coached at William & Mary and Evans led Navy.

-- Penn State opponents who also made the National Invitation Tournament include Butler, which visits Purdue on Thursday, and James Madison, which travels to Rutgers on Friday.

-- The ESPN announcing duo that will cover Wednesday's game will be Tim Brando and Larry Conley.