2022-23 Pittsburgh men's basketball season preview

Overview: Pittsburgh faced another rough season in 2021-22, finishing 13th in the ACC. The team was last in scoring in the conference, averaging only 61.5 points per game. The Panthers did a great job last season getting to the line, however, and placed in the top-five of the conference in both free throw attempts and free throws made. While attacking the basket with interior scoring should continue to be a main priority, Pittsburgh should also aim to increase its 3-point percentage. The Panthers managed to hit only 31.4% of their 3-point shots as a team, good for 13th in the ACC.

Pittsburgh is returning a few of its key players from last year, including John Hugley IV and Jamarius Burton, who led the team in scoring with 14.8 and 12.4 points per game, respectively. These players will continue to contribute to the Panthers’ offense while expanding their games. In addition, Pittsburgh had a particularly good offseason on the recruiting front. Dior Johnson is a top high school player and is head coach Jeff Capel’s highest-rated recruit during his tenure. Joining Johnson are multiple transfers, including graduate students Nelly Cummings and Greg Elliott and junior Blake Hinson.

The fresh talent could improve Pittsburgh’s record this season. This is all on paper, however, and it will take teamwork and a bit of time to execute the team’s goals.

Team ceiling: It will take a stunning turnaround for Pittsburgh to become one of the top ACC teams, but it could find itself in the middle of the rankings this year. This would make for former Duke player and current head coach Capel’s best year with the Panthers.