Pittsburgh Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Panthers

Projected starting lineup for Pittsburgh Panthers

Point guard – JR Xavier Johnson

There’s no other way to put last season’s overall performance from Johnson than a regression compared to year 1. Chemistry issues can explain some of it but the 6’3 guard’s decision-making was bad at times. Still, he’s one of the best pure point guards in the ACC, and with better shooting and balanced play from inside, the junior will get back to how he looked as a freshman, and hopefully, even better.

Shooting guard – SO Ithiel Horton

Horton was an all-freshman in the CAA two years ago, averaging 13.2 ppg on 40% shooting from three-point range at Delaware. The 6’3 guard sat out last season but is the ideal backcourt pairing with Johnson, as Horton can play off the ball and doesn’t need it in his hands.

With a redshirt year to develop his game, Horton should be able to make the transition from the CAA to the ACC without much problem. His three-point shooting alone will make him an asset, whether as a starter or 6th man depending on what happens on this roster.

Small forward – JR Au’Diese Toney

Although it looked like only a modest improvement on paper from freshman to sophomore seasons, Toney looked much more comfortable on offense last year. He started having some big performances in ACC play, including a career-high 27 points against Duke. If the 6’6 guard can continue to develop a consistent three-point shot, Toney will be a double-digit contributor on a nightly basis.

Power forward – SO Justin Champagnie

The former three-star prospect came seemingly out of nowhere to provide a source of offense for the program. His rebounding and versatility was an even bigger benefit, capable of playing both forward positions. Champagnie had multiple 30-point efforts in ACC play, showing his high ceiling going forward. While Johnson is still the most notable player on the roster, it’s the 6’7 forward that’ll determine how good Pittsburgh will be.

Center – SR Terrell Brown (for now)

Although he lost his starting gig to Hamilton last season, Brown is a veteran leader with 45 career starts for the program. The 6’10 forward is a solid defender and will be good for 20 mpg and overall depth. Brown should get the edge as a starter to start out the season but I bet that the program is hoping someone steps up to take over sooner than later.

Potential starter – SR Guard Nike Sibande

Currently, the program has appealed a decision by the NCAA to deny a waiver for the Miami (OH) transfer guard. He may have to wait until the season starts to even get a ruling but the Panthers are hoping to add a 6’4 athletic guard that averaged 15.1 ppg in three seasons with the Redhawks. He’s an average shooter but can create offense for himself on and off the ball, something that currently only Johnson and Champagnie can do on this roster.

If given a waiver to play this season, Sibande would likely start, either in place of Horton at the shooting guard spot at as a “small forward”, allowing Coach Capel to utilize various small and large lineups he seems fit.