ACC Basketball: 2020-21 power rankings after non-conference play

The season started out rough for the Panthers, losing at home to Saint Francis (PA). It looked as if things were going to be more of the same for them, giving the frontcourt and shooting struggles. Yet the team bounced back ever since, winning five straight games for the first time in years.

One of them included Northwestern in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Pittsburgh was in rough shape, scoring just eight points in the first eight minutes and down double-digits for most of the game. But led by Justin Champagnie and a historic 20-point/20-rebound double-double, the Panthers came back to win. And that win looks pretty good right now since the Wildcats have beaten Michigan State, Indiana, and Ohio State to start Big Ten play at 3-0.

Champagnie had another 20-20 game against Gardner-Webb and was a rebound shy of another double-double in the win over a depleted Miami squad. The sophomore was averaging 17.8 ppg and 12.3 rpg on his way to a First-Team All-ACC selection until he injured his leg a week ago. Champagnie is set to be out at least four weeks, a devastating blow to the Panthers.

It’ll be up to guards Xavier Johnson, Ithiel Horton, Nike Sibande, and forward Au’Diese Toney to replace the massive production lost with Champagnie. In terms of rebounding, look for freshman big man John Hugely to have more minutes. With Duke and Florida State among the first few games in January, the Panthers are hoping to tread water until their star returns.