Pittsburgh Basketball: Ranking 2022-23 non-conference opponents

6. Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks

2021-22 record: 8-22 (4-14 in OVC)

The Skyhawks are the opening opponent for Pittsburgh and they have a former Panther on the roster in Parker Stewart, who averaged 19.7 ppg with them in the 2019-20 season. The guard transferred to Indiana after the tragic passing of his father and head coach Anthony Stewart. He’s back and is set to have a big campaign in the OVC, joined by leading returning scorer KJ Simon, a transfer from Troy who broke out to produce 16.9 ppg last season.

UT-Martin also has forward KK Curry back, as well as a couple of solid transfers in Jordan Sears and Desmond Williams. There’s a lot of scoring depth and potential on this roster and the pairing of Stewart and Simon could vault them towards the middle of the conference. They’ll be a tough out for the Panthers on opening night.

5. North Florida Ospreys

2021-22 record: 11-20 (7-9 in Atlantic Sun)

Unlike the other mid-majors on the schedule, North Florida is returning its top five scorers from last season, including the trio of Jose Placer, Jarius Hicklen, and Carter Hendricksen, all of whom produced 12+ ppg. They also add freshman transfer, Oscar Berry, to add even more depth to the backcourt.

The Ospreys have a history of being a thorn in the team’s sides and can play up to the competition. And forwards Jaydn Parker and Jonathan Aybar have the size to deal with John Hugley and the others inside. This is the mid-major who on paper, is most likely to give Pittsburgh a loss if they’re not careful.