Pittsburgh Basketball: 2019-20 keys for home game against Florida State

LOUISVILLE, KY - JANUARY 26: Head coach Jeff Capel of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts in the second half of the game against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on January 26, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville won 66-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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LOUISVILLE, KY – JANUARY 26: Xavier Johnson #1 of the Pittsburgh Panthers dribbles the ball after a steal against Ryan McMahon #30 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first half of the game at KFC YUM! Center on January 26, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville won 66-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Key #1: Xavier Johnson needs to score

Xavier Johnson led the team in their exhibition against Slippery Rock with 17 points. Johnson was one of the premier players for the Panthers last season. He started every game he played in, averaged 15.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, and grabbed 3.9 rpg. Entering his sophomore campaign, Johnson looks to expand and really be a triple threat on the court. He also shot an impressive 75.1% from the free throw line, 41.5% from the field, and 35.2% from 3.

Johnson will be the go-to-guy for the Panthers this season and will need to take leadership and score buckets when needed. At 6’3, he can get to the rim and draw fouls. Shooting 75% from the line in college is impressive and Florida State is no joke when it comes to their defense. Johnson is a scorer and will need to put points on the board.

Leonard Hamilton is one of the best coaches out there so be prepared for Hamilton to have Johnson’s number circled when they do their scouting report. Johnson also averaged 4 turnovers per game last season. Being a scorer, he will have the ball in his hands a lot and he will need to be careful on Wednesday night and be smart and not play sloppy basketball. Johnson is a floor general and will be ready to take on the challenge of Florida State.

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