Pittsburgh Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22 season
Small Forward
Starter – Nike Sibande (28 mpg)
The big transfer pickup last offseason for Pittsburgh was Sibande, a 6’4 guard from Miami (OH) that in three years, averaged around 15.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg. He was a strong scoring and capable three-point shooter and was supposed to add more firepower to the Panthers. However, the Redhawks program would not agree to a waiver for the NCAA for Sibande, denying him immediate eligibility for the season. The NCAA eventually gave a waiver to all players in limbo in December but by then, Sibande was out of the mix and wasn’t able to naturally fit into the rotation.
In the end, the transfer averaged 6.9 ppg in 14 games played, eight of them starts. His minutes were all over the place in the first nine games but when given big minutes as a starter in the final five games, Sibande’s production went through the roof. He averaged 15 ppg and 6.2 rpg in the last five games, including 23 points and nine rebounds against Wake Forest. It was a small sample but Sibande also shot 17/39 (44%) from three-point range, a great sign of being a 3 and D option on the wing.
While Odukale may have the highest ceiling, Sibande is most likely to lead the team in scoring this upcoming season. And with a real offseason to gel and no eligibility concerns, the 5th year senior will have the chance to shine for the Panthers.
Bench – William Jeffress (12 mpg), Nate Santos (TBD)
It’s not a well-known fact but Jeffress was actually the youngest player in all of college basketball last season. The 6’7 wing hasn’t even turned 18 yet but will enter his sophomore season still with plenty of two-way potential, which we saw towards the end of last season. His size and athleticism will make him a factor in the future and his effort will have him part of the rotation. But with seniors all over the roster at the key spots, I believe the 2022-23 campaign will be where Jeffress breaks out.
Santos is the lone true freshman on the roster and was the only class of 2021 commit to the program. He’s a 6’7 small forward that is known for shooting the ball at a high clip. He was once a four-star prospect but injuries saw his rankings fall. Now that he’s fully healthy Santos could be another diamond in the rough for the program. Just hard to see where he fits in an 8-9 man rotation.