Pittsburgh Basketball: Projected 2023-24 depth chart without Dior Johnson

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Blake Hinson #2 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs down court during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at The Fieldhouse at Greensboro Coliseum on March 19, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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Pittsburgh Panthers guard William Jeffress Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Small forward

Starter: Zach Austin (28 mpg)

Austin is the other transfer joining Pittsburgh, coming over from High Point. He’s a 6’7 forward and is viewed as one of the best athletes in all of college basketball, capable of dunking on anyone. He was arguably one of the top players in the SoCon, averaging 14.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg while also leading the team in both blocks and three-pointers. Austin went for 26 points in one game against Radford, along with 19 points, five rebounds. and six blocks versus Winthrop.

Last season, either the 6’3 Nike Sibande or 6’3 Greg Elliott played the small forward position for Pittsburgh. The size that Austin has allows the Panthers to play big and if he’s able to be successful at the ACC level, could be a future NBA Draft candidate to watch.

Reserves: Jeffress (8 mpg), Marlon Barnes (4 mpg)

This is the more natural position for Jeffress to play and it’s not a guarantee that Austin completely works out. Another freshman to watch is Barnes, a three-star wing who has dealt with injuries at the high school level. He’s a good defender as well and is viewed as a long-term prospect for the program but could sneak in some minutes on the wing as a freshman.

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