Pittsburgh Basketball: 5 takeaways from 2023-24 non-conference results

3. Opposite impact of the two transfers

Pittsburgh brought in two newcomers to the roster in Ishmael Leggett and Zach Austin, two high-level scorers from their previous stops. The question was going to be what these two were going to do in the starting lineup. Now we know, with one of them not starting anymore.

Austin is a 6’7 wing transfer from High Point, with plenty of athletic ability on both ends. We’ve seen some big dunks and help-side blocks but what hasn’t been seen is any shot-making ability. Two straight double-digit scoring games have raised the junior’s numbers to 7.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg on just 23% shooting from deep, including two straight games with 0 points before being benched in favor of William Jeffress.

Leggett has been a lot better, second on the team with 13.9 ppg and 6.3 rpg. He’s had 9+ points in every game, including 19 pts and 9 rebs against Florida. He’s been arguably the best rebounder on the team regardless of size, while also being the only real threat to get to the basket. His shooting splits aren’t great but next to Hinson has been a real go-to option when the team needs a bucket.

Getting a combined 21 ppg and 11 rpg from these two is probably something Pit fans could accept. Ideally, Austin can be more of a threat as a scorer in the rotation to not have to rely on Hinson and Carrington. But with so many other transfers playing like “busts” on other teams in NCAA Basketball, these two have been solid pickups for the program.