Pittsburgh Basketball: Ranking confirmed opponents for 2023-24 non-con schedule

Last season, Pittsburgh Basketball went 7-4 in the non-conference campaign, though it was a tale of two halves. The team started 1-3 in the first four games, including a pair of blowouts to West Virginia and Michigan. But the Panthers rebounded since, winning all of the “buy games” to avoid a bad loss, while also getting a blowout win over Northwestern that turned into a key victory for their NCAA Tournament resume.

Coming off making the Big Dance, Pittsburgh has more attention on itself heading into next season. Now, we know who the program will be playing a few months from now. The non-conference schedule for the Panthers has been released, all but knowing who their first opponent will be in the Preseason NIT Tournament. It could be either Florida, Baylor, or Oregon State.

But from what we do know, here’s a power ranking of the confirmed non-con opponents for Pittsburgh Basketball.

9. South Carolina State Bulldogs

2022-23 season record: 5-26 (2-12 MEAC)

The worst scoring defense in the country last season (83.8 ppg allowed), the Bulldogs will need a major overhaul of its style of play to have any hope outside of the MEAC. Newcomer Travion McCray averaged 11.3 ppg at Western Carolina and should be in line to run the offense next season.

8. North Carolina A&T Aggies

2022-23 season record: 13-19 (8-10 in CAA)

The top four scorers are gone for the Aggies, including Marcus Watson and Kam Woods, who combined for over 32 ppg last season. They’ve gone young this time with four true freshmen, including guards Marquavious Brown and Uchenna Kellman.

7. Canisius Golden Griffins

2022-23 season record: 10-20 (8-12 MAAC)

The return of guard Tahj Staveskie (12.4 ppg) gives the MAAC program a go-to option on offense. But they lost three other starters and need forwards Xzavier Long and TJ Gadsen to have big years in the frontcourt to keep Canisuis from avoiding the bottom of the league standings next season.