By: StLouHoo
Heading right back into Part #2 of the ACC Preview. Starting with…
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| Player | 2023-24 Stat Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Departures | PG Skyy Clark (Transferred to UCLA) | 29 G, 31.8 mpg, 13.2 ppg, 3 apg, 35% 3P% |
| PG Ty-Laur Johnson (Transferred to Wake Forest) | 30 G, 23.1 mpg, 8.7 ppg, 3.6 apg, 19% 3P% | |
| G/F Curtis Williams (Transferred to Georgetown) | 32 G, 17.6 mpg, 5.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 29% 3P% | |
| SF Michael James (Transferred to NC State) | 32 G, 33.3 mpg, 12.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 34% 3P% | |
| SF Kaleb Glenn (Transferred to Florida Atlantic) | 32 G, 15 mpg, 3.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 11% 3P% | |
| F Tre White (Transferred to Illinois) | 29 G, 31.3 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 30% 3P% | |
| PF JJ Traynor (Transferred to DePaul) | 8 G, 25.5 mpg, 10.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 52% FG% | |
| PF Danilo Jovanovich (Transferred to Milwaukee) | 20 G, 8.3 mpg, 1.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 36% FG% | |
| F/C Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (Transferred to NC State) | 32 G, 30.8 mpg, 12.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 57% FG% | |
| F/C Emmanuel Okorafor (Transferred to Seton Hall) | 20 G, 7 mpg, 2.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 65% FG% | |
| Additions | PG Chucky Hepburn (SR Transfer, Wisconsin) | 35 G, 33.3 mpg, 9.2 ppg, 3.9 apg, 32% 3P% |
| G Koren Johnson (JR Transfer, Washington) | 31 G, 24.2 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 2.7 apg, 37% 3P% | |
| G Reyne Smith (SR Transfer, College of Charleston) | 35 G, 25.9 mpg, 12.8 ppg, 1.7 apg, 39% 3P% | |
| G/F Aboubacar Traore (SR Transfer, Long Beach State) | 36 G, 31 mpg, 12 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 9% 3P% | |
| SF Terrence Edwards (SR+ Transfer, James Madison) | 36 G, 30.3 mpg, 17.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 34% 3P% | |
| F J’Vonne Hadley (RS JR Transfer, Colorado) | 36 G, 34.2 mpg, 11.6 ppg, 6 rpg, 42% 3P% | |
| PF Khani Rooths (4-star FR) | ||
| PF Kasean Pryor (RS JR Transfer, South Florida) | 32 G, 26.3 mpg, 13 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 45% FG% | |
| F/C Noah Waterman (SR+ Transfer, College of Charleston) | 33 G, 24.1 mpg, 9.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 46% FG% | |
| F/C Frank Anselem (SR+ Transfer, Georgia) | 29 G, 9.1 mpg, 2.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 63% FG% | |
| F/C James Scott (SO Transfer, College of Charleston) | 35 G, 16 mpg, 5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 79% FG% | |
| Redshirting | G Kobe Rodgers (SR Transfer, College of Charleston) | 31 G, 21.7 mpg, 9.7 ppg, 2.2 apg, 45% 3P% |
| C Aly Khalifa (SR Transfer, BYU) | 29 G, 19.4 mpg, 5.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 39% FG% |
The Kenny Payne era has given way to the Pat Kelsey era in Louisville. Kelsey had great runs at Winthrop and the College of Charleston over the last 12 seasons, earning 5 NCAAT bids in the last eight seasons out of their respective one-bid leagues (that includes 2020 where they’d already won the Big South tournament before the postseason was cancelled).
Now we see how well he handles the transition to high-major competition. For Year 1, he’s doing so without a single returner from Kenny Payne’s roster. In many ways, Kelsey “won” the transfer Portal this year with a near-unprecedented combination of quantity and quality, landing 12 inbound transfers, 11 of whom ranked in the Top 250 of EvanMiya’s portal rankings. This includes four of his best players from College of Charleston who will bring both culture and system familiarity to the program. Of note, two of those transfers do intend to redshirt this upcoming season to rehab injuries (CofC guard Kobe Rodgers and BYU center Aly Khalifa), but there’s still 11 quality players for Kelsey to work with and potentially make an immediate dent in the ACC.
Two of the nation’s best transfer prospects arrive to take over the guard spots in Wisconsin’s Chucky Hepburn and Washington’s Koren Johson. Hepburn will be asked to distribute and defend, having won a spot on the B1G’s all-defensive team last year, while Johnson will be more of a scorer. Joining them in the rotation will be CofC transplant Reyne Smith who won CAA 2nd Team honors last year as an efficient shooter and scorer.
Sun Belt Player of the Year Terrance Edwards will likely seize the 3-spot with Long Beach State swingman Aboubacar Traore (All-Big West 1st Teamer and Tournament MVP) platooning, potentially going small with the two of the playing together as Traore was one of the most effective 2-way rebounders in the country last year for his position.
In the front court, Colorado combo forward J’Vonne Hadley may start at the 4 to give the Cardinals a more spread out look on offense, though USF transfer Kasean Pryor will platoon when they need a more traditional look at power forward. The 5-spot is the closest thing to a weak spot in the Cardinals’ offseason transfer haul, with a pair of College of Charleston big men, Noah Waterman and James Scott, following Kelsey and looking to adapt quickly to the higher level of competition. Four-star Khani Rooths may be an odd man out behind so many veteran bodies, as will former Syracuse and Georgia big man Frank Anselem around for depth.
On paper, it’s a highly promising roster that Kelsey has built over a short period of time. Questions will remain, however, (a) how quickly they come together and (b) how well Kelsey manages minutes and roles with eight or nine guys who’ve come to expect starter-level minutes from their previous stops. Kelsey has proven himself to be a quality coach at his previous stops, so it’s maybe dangerous to underestimate them purely because of their turnover. I do think they have a fairly high floor with this much proven talent across all five positions. But what’s their ceiling? As of today I put them on par with the likes of Clemson, Wake, and NC State as a top-half program that will have their inconsistent nights but on the whole should be hunting for a single-digit NCAAT seed.
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| Player | 2023-24 Stat Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Departures | G Bensley Joseph (Transferred to Providence) | 32 G, 31.5 mpg, 9.6 ppg, 3.4 apg, 36% 3P% |
| SG Jakai Robinson (Transferred to Bryant) | 17 G, 7.2 mpg, 1 ppg, 0.3 apg, 17% 3P% | |
| G/F Wooga Poplar (Transferred to Villanova) | 29 G, 31.1 mpg, 13.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 39% 3P% | |
| F Kyshawn George (Turned Pro) | 31 G, 23 mpg, 7.6 ppg, 3 rpg, 41% 3P% | |
| F Christian Watson (Transferred to Southern Miss) | 24 G, 12.7 mpg, 2.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 24% 3P% | |
| PF AJ Casey (Transferred to Saint Louis) | 24 G, 9.5 mpg, 1.9 ppg, 2 rpg, 39% FG% | |
| F/C Norchad Omier (Transferred to Baylor) | 31 G, 30.6 mpg, 17 ppg, 10 rpg, 55% FG% | |
| C Michael Nwoko (Transferred to Mississippi State) | 29 G, 8.9 mpg, 2.7 ppg, 2 rpg, 56% FG% | |
| Returners | PG Nijel Pack (SR+) | 25 G, 32.5 mpg, 13.3 ppg, 3.6 apg, 36% 3P% |
| F Matthew Cleveland (SR) | 29 G, 33.2 mpg, 13.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 36% 3P% | |
| F Paul Djobet (SO) | 16 G, 10.2 mpg, 2.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 41% 3P% | |
| Additions | G Jalen Blackmon (SR Transfer, Stetson) | 35 G, 34.8 mpg, 21.3 ppg, 1.9 apg, 38% 3P% |
| G Divine Ugochukwu (3-star FR) | ||
| SG Jalil Bethea (5-star FR) | ||
| SG Austin Swartz (4-star FR) | ||
| G/F A.J. Staton-McCray (RS SR Transfer, Samford) | 31 G, 21.2 mpg, 11.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 41% 3P% | |
| F Isaiah Johnson-Arigu (3-star FR) | ||
| PF Brandon Johnson (SR+ Transfer, East Carolina) | 31 G, 34.7 mpg, 14 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 42% FG% | |
| PF Kiree Huie (SR Transfer, Idaho State) | 34 G, 26.8 mpg, 11.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 54% FG% | |
| F/C Lynn Kidd (SR+ Transfer, Virginia Tech) | 33 G, 23.3 mpg, 13.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 67% FG% |
Two seasons ago, UNC followed up a Final Four run with missing the NCAAT entirely. Last season it was Miami’s turn. (Should NC State fans be worried? More on that in the next installment.) The wheels completely came off the Hurricanes as they finished with a ten-game losing streak, punctuated with a blowout loss to BC in the ACCT’s opening round. Multiple starters promptly left Coral Gables, four of whom found homes at rival power conference programs, but a couple of key star players did return to build around.
5th year Nigel Pack with captain the Miami offense for the third straight season, hoping for a bit of a bounce back year after his efficiency dropped last season, the career 41% 3-point shooter hitting on only 33% from deep in ACC play. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by Atlantic Sun 1st Teamer Jalen Blackmon, an efficient multi-level volume scorer. Top 10 rookie and projected 2025 NBA Lottery Pick Jalil Bethea will likely seize an immediate role as well, with Southern Conference 3rd teamer AJ Staton-McCray factoring in on the wing along with 4-star rookie Austin Swartz.
The front court returns wing-forward Matthew Cleveland at one starting spot, who had an up-and-down first season with Miami after transferring from Florida State. He’ll need to improve his consistency this year, especially in league play, to get back on any NBA radars. A trio of transfers arrive to build out the rest of the post depth chart, with more traditional big men at both big man spots in ECU’s volume scoring stretch forward Brandon Johnson, Idaho State’s rotational Kiree Huie, and Virginia Tech traditional center Lynn Kidd on his 3rd ACC team. There may still be some size concerns when Kidd sits, though all three transfers were high-level rebounders at their last stop.
Like last year, it’s not a bad-looking roster on paper, but Larranaga’s got some serious late-career question marks with his ability to get a roster to perform to its potential. The 2023 Final Four run, amazing as it was, somewhat obscures the fact that he’s had four losing records in the ACC in the last six seasons. It’s possible that all 8 of their primary rotation players this upcoming year are in their last year of college ball (7 seniors in their final season + projected one-and-done Bethea), so this is likely configured to be “one last run” for the soon-to-be-75 Larranaga. But my confidence that he gets this roster to execute consistently is low, and even if it’s somewhat better than last season, I ultimately foresee a disappointing sub-.500 ACC finish yet again come next spring.
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| Player | 2023-24 Stat Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Departures | PG DJ Horne (Graduated) | 40 G, 32.6 mpg, 16.9 ppg, 2.1 apg, 40% 3P% |
| G LJ Thomas (Transferred to Austin Peay) | 12 G, 7.5 mpg, 2.6 ppg, 0.8 apg, 57% 3P% | |
| G Kam Woods (Transferred to Robert Morris) | 13 G, 7.5 mpg, 1.2 ppg, 0.2 apg, 40% 3P% | |
| SG Casey Morsell (Graduated) | 41 G, 32.5 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 1.6 apg, 27% 3P% | |
| G/F MJ Rice (Dismissed) | 9 G, 8.8 mpg, 4.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 23% 3P% | |
| PF Mohamed Diarra (Turned Pro) | 40 G, 22.1 mpg, 6.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 48% FG% | |
| PF Ernest Ross (Dismissed) | 14 G, 3.4 mpg, 0.3 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 18% FG% | |
| C D.J. Burns (Graduated) | 41 G, 24.9 mpg, 12.9 ppg, 4 rpg, 53% FG% | |
| Returners | PG Breon Pass (SR) | 31 G, 5.3 mpg, 1.3 ppg, 0.3 apg, 33% 3P% |
| G Michael O’Connell (SR+) | 41 G, 25 mpg, 5.7 ppg, 3.2 apg, 38% 3P% | |
| SG Jayden Taylor (SR) | 41 G, 27.3 mpg, 11.2 ppg, 1.3 apg, 36% 3P% | |
| F Dennis Parker (SO) | 29 G, 15.4 mpg, 4.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 31% 3P% | |
| F/C Ben Middlebrooks (SR) | 41 G, 16.3 mpg, 5.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 49% FG% | |
| Additions | SG Marcus Hill (SR Transfer, Bowling Green) | 34 G, 36.3 mpg, 20.5 ppg, 2.6 apg, 29% 3P% |
| SG Trey Parker (3-star FR) | ||
| G/F Bryce Heard (4-star FR) | ||
| SF Michael James (RS JR Transfer, Louisville) | 32 G, 33.3 mpg, 12.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 34% 3P% | |
| SF Paul McNeil (4-star FR) | ||
| F Dontrez Styles (SR Transfer, Georgetown) | 32 G, 33.5 mpg, 12.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 37% 3P% | |
| PF Ismael Diouf (JR Transfer, Canada) | ||
| F/C Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (SR Transfer, Louisville) | 32 G, 30.8 mpg, 12.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 57% FG% |
The Wolfpack hope to buck the trend set by UNC and Miami in recent years where Final Four appearances were followed by missing the NCAA Tournament entirely. Four key stars from last season either graduated or turned pro, but four other contributors to the Final Four run do return, so Kevin Keatts has a solid foundation to work with as he looks to integrate eight new faces. Expectations will be high.
Super-senior Michael O’Connell, a part-time starter last season, is the closest thing to a true point guard on the Wolfpack this coming year, and coupled with his respectable 3-point shot should have a strong chance to seize a starting spot alongside returning scoring guard Jayden Taylor. Bowling Green transfer Marcus Hill put up big numbers but on middling efficiency in the MAC; EvanMiya had him very low in the transfer ratings as a result and he is little threat from deep. The prize transfer on the printer is Michael James from Louisville who should step immediately into a starting role as feature scorer. Returning Breon Pass will compete with three freshmen (Trey Parker, Bryce Heard, and Paul McNeil) for bench roles.
At wing-4, Keatts will have a good camp battle between promising sophomore Dennis Parker and Georgetown transfer Dontrez Styles. The combination should give the Pack excellent spacing and defensive versatility. Former 5-star Brandon Huntley-Hatfield joins James in transferring from Louisville to take over the center spot and will be supported by capable veteran backup Ben Middlebrooks.
Obviously, no one outside Raleigh is expecting the Pack to repeat their Final Four run. But there are enough pieces in place to be competitive in the ACC again. I’m not sure anyone on this roster will be as good as DJ Horne was, but this roster does boast eight players in at least their 4th year in college. No reason not to expect the Pack to push for another winning league record, but probably top out as a #6 or 8 NCAAT seed. Keatts’ history as a Bubble coach is what it is.
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| Player | 2023-24 Stat Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Departures | G/F Cormac Ryan (Graduated) | 36 G, 30.3 mpg, 11.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 35% 3P% |
| G/F Paxson Wojcik (Graduated) | 32 G, 8.3 mpg, 1.6 ppg, 1 rpg, 23% 3P% | |
| F Harrison Ingram (Turned Pro) | 37 G, 32.8 mpg, 12.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 39% 3P% | |
| C Armando Bacot (Graduated) | 37 G, 30.4 mpg, 14.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 54% FG% | |
| C James Okonkwo (Transferred to Akron) | 15 G, 2.9 mpg, 1 ppg, 1 rpg, 56% FG% | |
| F/C Zayden High (SO) (Left Program) | 23 G, 4.5 mpg, 0.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 32% FG% | |
| Returners | PG Elliot Cadeau (SO) | 37 G, 23.8 mpg, 7.3 ppg, 4.1 apg, 19% 3P% |
| G RJ Davis (SR+) | 37 G, 34.8 mpg, 21.2 ppg, 3.5 apg, 40% 3P% | |
| G Seth Trimble (JR) | 35 G, 17.1 mpg, 5.2 ppg, 0.9 apg, 42% 3P% | |
| PF Jae’lyn Withers (SR+) | 37 G, 12.4 mpg, 4.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 54% FG% | |
| F/C Jalen Washington (JR) | 37 G, 8.3 mpg, 3.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 70% FG% | |
| Additions | G/F Ian Jackson (5-star FR) | |
| SF Drake Powell (5-star FR) | ||
| F Cade Tyson (JR Transfer, Belmont) | 31 G, 31.6 mpg, 16.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 47% 3P% | |
| PF Ven-Allen Lubin (JR Transfer, Vanderbilt) | 26 G, 28.2 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 50% FG% | |
| F/C Tyzhaun Claude (SR+ Transfer, Georgia Tech) | 32 G, 17.4 mpg, 4.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 50% FG% | |
| F/C James Brown (3-star FR) |
Last season was a strong year all around in Chapel Hill, winning the ACC regular season outright and nabbing an NCAAT #1 seed, though many may have feelings of unfinished business after losing in the Sweet 16. UNC lost only three key players from that roster (Bacot, Ryan, and Ingram) meaning there’s a strong returning core for Hubert Davis to work with this season.
Any coach in D-1 would kill to return his starting backcourt from a winning team, and Davis is doing just that with both former top prospects RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau back. There was a degree of streakiness to their games last year, and Cadeau needs to take another step forward as floor general, but all in all it’s a strong start for UNC.
Rounding out the perimeter, UNC will lean hard on a pair of Top 15 prospects with consensus one-and-done potential. Drake Powell and Ian Jackson are both next-level athletes who thrive in the open court and attacking the rim, though of course Davis will need them to accelerate their defensive readiness.
UNC scored three high-level front court transfers: face-up forward Cade Tyson from Belmont, physical interior Vanderbilt power forward Ven-Allen Lubin, and veteran dirty-work big Tyzhaun Claude from ACC rival GT. The latter two will both play as undersized centers pending how depth shakes out behind them, as neither of Jae’lyn Withers or Jalen Washington showed much consistency last year, and former 4-star Zayden High was a last minute scratch from this season’s roster.
The thing no one really talks about with Davis’ young tenure is that he’s struggled to get his high school recruits to excel. He’s done well with legacy Roy Williams players as well as proven high major transfers. But this is a year where he needs his younger former 4- and 5-stars like Cadeau, Washington, Jackson, and/or Powell to live up to their lofty billings.
UNC is probably a safe bet for a Top 4 finish, but I’ve got just enough in the way of questions with post depth and the readiness of young blue chips to fall short of predicting they challenge Duke for the league’s #1 spot.
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| Player | 2023-24 Stat Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Departures | F/C Carey Booth (Transferred to Illinois) | 33 G, 19.9 mpg, 6.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 39% FG% |
| PF Tony Sanders (Graduated) | 7 G, 2.1 mpg, 0.9 ppg, 0.1 rpg, 33% FG% | |
| C Matt Zona (Transferred to Fordham) | 33 G, 11.2 mpg, 2.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 43% FG% | |
| Returners | PG Markus Burton (SO) | 33 G, 33.8 mpg, 17.5 ppg, 4.3 apg, 30% 3P% |
| SG Braeden Shrewsberry (SO) | 33 G, 28.3 mpg, 10.2 ppg, 0.9 apg, 37% 3P% | |
| SG Julian Roper (SR) | 31 G, 22.8 mpg, 5.4 ppg, 0.6 apg, 34% 3P% | |
| G/F Logan Imes (SO) | 31 G, 17.6 mpg, 2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 22% 3P% | |
| SF J.R. Konieczny (RS JR) | 32 G, 22.7 mpg, 7.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 33% 3P% | |
| PF Tae Davis (JR) | 32 G, 26 mpg, 9.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 48% FG% | |
| C Kebba Njie (JR) | 29 G, 24.2 mpg, 4.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 37% FG% | |
| Additions | SG Matt Allocco (RS SR Transfer, Princeton) | 29 G, 33.6 mpg, 12.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 43% 3P% |
| SG Cole Certa (4-star FR) | ||
| F Sir Mohammed (4-star FR) | ||
| F/C Nikita Konstantynovskyi (SR+ Transfer, Monmouth) | 33 G, 23.4 mpg, 9.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 53% FG% | |
| F/C Burke Chebuhar (SR+ Transfer, Leigh) | 32 G, 22.8 mpg, 7.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 46% FG% | |
| F/C Garrett Sundra (3-star FR) |
Micah Shrewsberry inherited a dismal-looking roster last offseason in the wake of Mike Brey’s retirement and went into his first year with the lowest of expectations after failing to make much of an initial splash in the transfer Portal. But in winning seven ACC regular season games behind multiple surprising underclassman breakouts, the majority of whom are returning this season, excitement is quickly building as the Irish enter Year 2 of the Shrewsberry era.
All-ACC Freshman 1st Teamer Markus Burton is back at the point after posting the league’s 2nd best assist rate last year on top of capable volume scoring and a disruptive 1.9 steals a game; this year he’ll look to get his turnovers down this year and his 3P% up. Coach’s son Braeden Shrewsberry proved capable at the 2-spot, a dangerous 3-point sniper who hit over 41% from deep in ACC play on almost 7 3PA/game. They’re reinforced by a quietly solid transfer in Princeton’s Matt Allocco, giving the Irish 3 guards to rotate with little drop-off.
A number of young players will have opportunities to step up on the wing. Returners Julian Roper, Logan Imes, and JR Konieczy all showed varying degrees of promise in supporting roles last year, and they’ll get pushed by 4-star rookie Cole Certa. If even two of these four rise to the occasion, they will form a promising perimeter rotation with the three high-level guards that will try and present a more consistent, efficient, and deep offense than a season ago.
One thing to watch will be whether the Irish play with a more traditionally sized lineup this year with improved guard/wing depth and experience. Last year they played the back half of the season starting 3 big men together in Tae Davis, Carey Booth, and Kebba Njie. That size and length helped them on defense but did gum up their offense. Davis and Nije are back for their respective junior seasons, and will be backed up by a pair of 5th year mid-major transfers in Lehigh’s Burke Chebuhar and Monmouth’s Nikita Konstantynovskyi. The Irish will also hope Top 50 forward Sir Mohammed and Top 150 big man Garrett Sundra show early promise.
This is a team that could quietly make some noise this year. It lacks immediate NBA prospects, but has a lot of chemistry with six returners who started double-digit games last year, and their additions provide a solid mix of veteran transfer depth and Top 150 recruit talent to mold. Notre Dame had one of the ACC’s tougher defenses last year, reflecting a commitment to toughness that Shrewsberry instilled, and will hope to turn the corner offensively this year to match. The Irish will absolutely enter the season with an NCAAT berth in mind, and should be in the Bubble mix at the end of the season.
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| Player | 2023-24 Stat Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Departures | G Carlton Carrington (Turned Pro) | 33 G, 33.2 mpg, 13.8 ppg, 4.1 apg, 32% 3P% |
| PF Blake Hinson (Graduated) | 33 G, 33.6 mpg, 18.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 45% FG% | |
| PF William Jeffress (Transferred to Louisiana Tech) | 31 G, 10.8 mpg, 1.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 35% FG% | |
| F/C Federiko Federiko (Transferred to Texas Tech) | 33 G, 21.3 mpg, 4.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 64% FG% | |
| Returners | G Ishmael Leggett (SR+) | 32 G, 28.7 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 1.9 apg, 34% 3P% |
| G Jaland Lowe (SO) | 33 G, 26.6 mpg, 9.6 ppg, 3.3 apg, 35% 3P% | |
| G/F Zack Austin (SR) | 33 G, 22.6 mpg, 6.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 30% 3P% | |
| F/C Guillermo Diaz Graham (JR) | 33 G, 17.9 mpg, 6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 49% FG% | |
| F/C Jorge Diaz Graham (JR) | 16 G, 10.5 mpg, 3.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 36% FG% | |
| Additions | G Brandin Cummings (3-star FR) | |
| SF Damian Dunn (SR+ Transfer, Houston) | 37 G, 17.6 mpg, 6.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 32% 3P% | |
| SF Marlon Barnes, Jr. (3-star RS FR) | ||
| F Amsal Delalic (3-star FR) | ||
| F/C Cameron Corhen (JR Transfer, Florida State) | 28 G, 21.3 mpg, 9.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 63% FG% | |
| F/C Amdy Ndiaye (3-star FR) | ||
| F/C Papa Kante (4-star RS FR) |
In an offseason dominated by heavy transfer portal turnover at seemingly most every school, Pittsburgh had a relatively quiet offseason with just two transfers in and two out, on top of a promising five man crop of promising true and redshirt freshmen. The Panthers are hoping that this level of program stability will help them maintain the positive momentum built over the quietly successful last two seasons. Pitt made the Round of 32 in the 2023 NCAAT and finished 12-8 in the ACC last year before missing the Bubble cutoff.
The guard rotation loses freshman sensation Carlton “Bub” Carrington to the NBA but otherwise returns intact. Rising 2nd year Jaland Lowe, who finished 2nd on the team in assists last year, will take over as the primary PG in Carrington’s absence. Former Rhode Island star Ishmael Leggett will build off a solid debut in the ACC in his final collegiate season, as will former High Point transfer Zach Austin who started much of last year at small forward. Houston transfer Damian Dunn will provide even more veteran experience and defensive toughness, perhaps pushing for a starting spot at the 2 or 3. Top 150 rookie Brandin Cummings is hoping to be the latest 3-star surprise for Capel, as is wing Marlon Barnes coming off a developmental redshirt year.
If there’s an area for concern with the Panthers, its in the front court where they have to replace all-ACC power forward Blake Hinson, role-player center Federiko Federiko, and rotational depth forward William Jeffress. The Diaz-Graham twins return at the 5, but to date they’ve looked more promising than consistent, and will be heavily expected (Guillermo especially) to prove ready for a starter’s load. The jewel of the transfer class is FSU’s Cam Corhen, a next-level athlete who can arguably play 3-5 and will have every opportunity to take over Hinson’s role as the focal point of the front court. A trio of rookies will compete for depth roles; Kante will be one to watch, as he was a heralded Top 75 recruit a year ago who missed last year with a knee injury.
I do feel Pitt has somewhat plateaued as a program right now under Capel; they’re not going to challenge for the league’s top tier, but neither are they going to roll over and collapse back into the bottom tier. This is going to be a league-.500-or-better kind of club, good enough to beat anyone when things are clicking, but also having enough in the way of off nights that eventually may cost them come Selection Sunday (keep in mind 2023’s run came out of a First Four selection). The post situation is especially concerning, as it’s all question marks aside from Corhen, and Carrington brought an X-factor to the front court that may be hard to replace. Still, in many ways Pitt can be confident that the program is on the most solid ground it’s been on since Jamie Dixon left 8 years ago.
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That’s it for Part #2. Stay tuned early next week for Part #3!
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