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

3. Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

2022-23 season record: 17-15 (7-11 ASUN)

Not only are the Eagles the only mid-major team not to have lost its whole rotation, they actually bring back the top five scorers. That includes leading contributors, Isaiah Thompson (14.9 ppg) and forward Zach Anderson (11.7 ppg and 6.7 rpg). There’s plenty of size and offensive firepower on this roster, and Princeton transfer Keeshawn Kellman adds even more frontcourt depth. Of all the “buy games” on the schedule, Florida Gulf Coast is the one most likely to upset Pittsburgh.

2. at West Virginia Mountaineers

2022-23 season record: 19-15 (7-11 Big 12)

The Panthers have been dominated in the “Backyard Brawl” rivalry the past few years but West Virginia has changed everything, including its head coach. Josh Eilert has taken over for Bob Huggins, while the entire roster has completely been rebuilt. Syracuse transfer Jesse Edwards is a familiar face, joined by former Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa. It’s completely unknown how good this roster is but between this being a rivalry game and the lone true road battle, expect this to be another compelling matchup.

1. Missouri Tigers

2022-23 season record: 25-10 (11-7 SEC)

The Tigers were a similar surprise team like Pitt last season, making the past NCAA Tournament. Their own roster has been revamped after losing the likes of Kobe Brown and D’Moi Hodge. In the frontcourt, 7’3 center Connor Vanover comes over from Oral Roberts as the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year. And three key guards arrive as well in John Tonje (Colorado State), Tamar Bates (Indiana), and Caleb Grill (Iowa State) to join Sean East and Nick Honor.

It’s the top non-conference home game next season for Pittsburgh Basketball and they need Missouri to be just as good as last year to beef up the overall resume. It’s not the most compelling of the ACC/SEC Challenge matchups but it should be a close game once it arrives.