Pittsburgh Basketball: 2 new transfer guard options emerge for Panthers
Pittsburgh Basketball is reportedly looking for a guard to round out the roster. Which players have suddenly emerged as possible options?
A few weeks ago, Pittsburgh Basketball got a surprise commitment from Papa Kante, a four-star center prospect and former Michigan commit. He rounded out the frontcourt depth chart and was the 12th player on the roster. However, the Panthers still have one more spot available.
All expectations are that the last spot will go to a guard, either as a ball-handler or shooter off-the-ball. The program does have depth but it’s also unproven at the ACC level. Dior Johnson is a redshirt freshman that didn’t play last season, while both Carlton Carrington and Jaland Lowe are going to be true freshmen. They do have Rhode Island transfer Ishmael Leggett but even he isn’t a guarantee.
In the past few days, however, Pittsburgh may have benefitted from some transfer portal luck. A pair of power conference transfers emerged and the program reportedly reached out. Do they have a chance with either? Here’s the latest on both options.
Joe Toussaint – West Virginia Mountaineers
Pittsburgh fans should know all about Toussaint, who dropped 18 points off the bench to beat them in the Backyard Brawl this past season. He averaged under 10 ppg as a senior and is a capable combo guard. He entered the portal during the WVU coaching search saga this past season but there’s a chance he returns after they hired assistant coach, Josh Eilert.
Pitt reached out but right now, two other Big 12 schools may be in the lead. Both Kansas State and Texas Tech have reportedly secured visits and they could offer starting roles. So for the time being, the Panthers should look closer towards option No. 2.
Jeremiah Williams – Iowa State Cyclones
The 6’5 guard from Chicago missed this past season at Iowa State due to a leg injury. Before that, Williams averaged 9.4 ppg and 4.2 apg in two years at Temple. He’s not much of a shooter but is a quality passer and defender. And his size would allow the Panthers to play some large lineups compared to last season. He was originally committed to Illinois but recently parted ways, with the Panthers reaching out to him.
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Williams is much more landable compared to Toussaint since some teams will stay away due to his injury. The other issue is that he’s technically a two-time transfer so will have to receive a waiver to play next season. So there will be multiple hurdles for Pittsburgh to deal with if they were to land him but worst-case scenario, he’s another ball-handler with experience to help with the younger guards and would be fully ready for the year after; especially if Johnson becomes a one and done to the pro ranks.