Pittsburgh Basketball: 3 biggest questions for upcoming games in Spain

Pittsburgh Basketball is set to begin its foreign tour in Spain, where they’ll play a pair of exhibition games. What should we look for once they play?

One of many teams this time of the offseason, Pittsburgh Basketball is going overseas to play some exhibition games. They’re set to play in both the Canary Islands and Barcelona, starting from August 5th to the 14th. Everyone will be available for the team to play with the exception of Jorge Diaz-Graham (foot injury), and center Federiko Federiko, who is playing for the Finnish National Team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Although these games don’t count, it’s going to be a good first look at many players on the new-look roster. Here are some questions I have about what to look for with the Panthers.

1. How well does Dior Johnson look in his debut?

The most-talked-about name for Pittsburgh Basketball in the past 13 months is a guy that hasn’t even played for them yet. Johnson, a top-40 freshman prospect, missed all of last season after dealing with off-the-court issues. He’s back and the only guard that has been with the Panthers before this offseason. Will he have a big game to get the hype going?

2. What is the impact of the transfers?

The Panthers have two players from the portal this offseason. Zach Austin is a 6’7 small forward from High Point who led his team in both 3s and blocks last season. And Ishmael Legget is a 6’4 shooting that led Rhode Island with 16.4 ppg. Both are likely starters but how big of roles they have could determine the NCAA Tournament chances for the program.

3. Which of the freshmen stands out?

There are four freshmen for Pittsburgh Basketball joining the roster, including two projected rotation guards, Jaland Lowe, and Carlton Carrington. Both should get plenty of minutes in the backcourt next season so it’ll be a nice look to see how they fit in the offense. Marlon Barnes is a three-star wing and will compete with both Austin and William Jeffress at the small forward spot.

The most recent addition was Papa Kante, a four-star center prospect. With Federiko out, look for him to get some minutes behind Guillermo Diaz-Graham at the center spot. This is his chance to make a case for minutes in the 2023-24 season, even once Federiko is back.