Pittsburgh Basketball: Analyzing transfer targets Joe Girard, Ish Leggett and Zach Austin

Pittsburgh Basketball transfer target – Joe Girard (Syracuse)

Panther fans should be very familiar with Girard, who has 123 starts in four years, averaging 13.2 ppg on 38% shooting from the field and 36% 3pt shooting on 6.5 attempts. He posted career-high numbers this past season with 16.4 ppg and had a 31-point performance in an overtime win over Richmond.

The guard has played Pittsburgh eight times in his career and has struggled overall, averaging 9.9 ppg. His 19-point game in the last meeting was the best offensive performance but the Panthers have found a way to shut him down consistently.

So why would Pittsburgh be interested in a fairly inefficient shooter? First off, the team has improved to the point where they can go after power conference starters but they also aren’t going to be in the mix for the likes of LJ Cryer, Max Abmas, and other top targets. Girard is a one-year rental, which is good because it doesn’t block the pathway of incoming freshman, Jaland Lowe.

Girard also has a past history with projected starter, Dior Johnson. The preexisting relationship they have should help with the backcourt play and the former Orange guard can create plays for himself, taking pressure off the redshirt freshman. And the pick-n-roll offense with Blake Hinson could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

With more playmakers around him, Girard could become a more efficient scorer for Pittsburgh and be an ideal combo guard. And if Johnson is as good a point guard as originally thought when coming out of high school, the team would have one of the top backcourts in the ACC.