The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson darts past a Clemson defender.

Johnson to transfer, will not finish season with men’s basketball

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 24, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball junior guard Xavier Johnson confirmed a report from Craig Meyer of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday morning that Johnson will immediately leave the Pitt program and enter the NCAA transfer portal. 
Nike Sibande (22) recorded season-highs in points (12), rebounds (7), shot attempts (13) and minutes (36) against the Florida State Seminoles last weekend.

Contentious offseason fades in memory as Sibande settles in at Pitt

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 24, 2021
After the COVID-19 pandemic and a contentious transfer process kept him out of action for 262 days, Nike Sibande spent his first nine games at Pitt shaking off the rust. But he showed flashes of dynamism in his breakout game on Saturday that indicate his game is growing along with the comfort of a still-new home in Pittsburgh.
Photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics

Sibande’s season-best can’t save Pitt in 79-72 loss to No. 16 FSU

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 20, 2021
With a vocal, five-person contingent of the Oakland Zoo jeering and cheering from just to the left of the media suite for the first time this season, Pitt (9-9 overall, 5-8 ACC) battled No. 16 Florida State (13-3 overall, 9-2 ACC) for most of Saturday’s contest at the Petersen Events Center. But the Seminoles’ size and depth proved to be too much for Pitt to handle in the end. FSU dominated the paint offensively, en route to a 79-72 win over the Panthers.
Pitt men’s basketball (9-7 overall, 5-5 ACC) lost 71-65 to Georgia Tech (10-8 overall, 6-6 ACC) on Sunday night in an away game in Atlanta.

Woeful offense dooms men’s basketball in 71-65 loss to Georgia Tech

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 15, 2021
A late rally from Pitt (9-7 overall, 5-5 ACC) was not enough to overcome its own sloppy play in a 71-65 loss to Georgia Tech (10-8 overall, 6-6 ACC) on Sunday night in Atlanta. Pitt’s 18 turnovers and lowly 53% shooting from the free throw line proved fatal in the second half as the Panthers dropped their second loss in a row since upsetting No. 16 Virginia Tech.
In his last season with the Panthers, junior guard Xavier Johnson (1) averaged 11.7 points, making 37.3% of his shots from the field.

Preseason grades: How Pitt stacks up ahead of 2020 men’s basketball campaign

By Carson Zaremski, For The Pitt News • November 19, 2020
As Pitt approaches its men’s basketball season opener against Saint Francis (PA) next Wednesday, it’s time to break down the Panthers’ depth chart. 

VIDEO: PITT vs. CLEMSON: Men’s ACC Basketball (w/ Broadcast Audio)

February 18, 2020

Watch the highlights of the Pitt Panthers men's basketball team as they host the Clemson Tigers at the Petersen Events Center (with an accompanying audio broadcast). Final score: 72-52 Clemson. Wednesday,...

Former Houston Texans quarterback Matt Leinart (11) hands the ball to tight end Dorin Dickerson (19) in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Sept. 1, 2011.

Hometown Heroes wanted: Pitt coming up short with local recruits

By Ben Bobeck, Staff Writer • May 21, 2019
Many of Pitt’s great players have come through the WPIAL pipeline. Now, is Pitt struggling to win local stars to its football and basketball teams?
Kenny Pickett (8) and Qadree Ollison (30) celebrate after a successful play during the team’s loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.

Take 5: Best of Pitt Athletics

By Staff • January 23, 2019
Pitt Athletics had some highs and lows this year, but in every situation there was a player or team that stood out above the rest. This week our writers talked about their “best of” moment in Pitt athletics.
Staff Picks: Much to be thankful for within Pitt Athletics

Staff Picks: Much to be thankful for within Pitt Athletics

By Staff • November 19, 2018
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, The Pitt News Sports Staff took some time to reflect on what they are thankful for when it comes to Pitt Athletics.
Head coach Jeff Capel spoke about his previous qualifications and excitement to begin working with the men’s basketball team in the 2018-19 season at a press conference in March.

Panthers to push the pace under new coach Capel

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer • November 5, 2018
Capel and his new coaching staff stressed strength and stamina. He wants his Pitt teams to play in the same mold of his teams at Oklahoma — force turnovers, get out in transition and play fast.
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