Pittsburgh Basketball: Ranking the 10 confirmed non-conference opponents for 2024-25

6. Murray State Races - 2023-24 season record: 12-20 (9-11 MVC)

The transition process continues for the Racers in their third year in the MVC but despite losing two key starters, does return some core pieces. Point guard JaCobi Wood (12.5 ppg and 4.1 apg) and forward Nick Ellington (11.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg) are back while adding two quality backcourt transfers. Kylen Milton averaged 17.0 ppg and 6.6 rpg at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, while Terrence Harcum put up 12.0 ppg at Appalachian State. Murray State should have enough offense to put up a fight against Pitt.

5. Sam Houston State Bearkats - 2023-24 season record: 21-12 (13-3 CUSA)

The Bearkats won the regular-season title in the first year of the new-look CUSA. Even without leading scorer Davon Barnes, expect them to be the big favorites again, returning the rest of the main rotation. Lamar Wilkerson (13.8 ppg) is the lead guard, while Damon Nicholas, Marcus Boykin, and Cameron Heufner are back for their senior years as well. The big addition from the portal is Josiah Hammons, who put up 12.5 ppg at Incarnate Word. 

4. West Virginia Mountaineers - 2023-24 season record: 9-23 (4-14 Big 12)

The Panthers took advantage of one of the worst years for WVU last season, which has since undergone a complete program change. They brought in Coach Darian DeVries over from Drake, along with his son Tucker, who averaged over 21 ppg last season and is the 2-time MVC Player of the Year. Other notable newcomers include 20 ppg transfer Jayden Stone from Detroit, as well as OK State starting guard, Javon Small. They’ll need Illinois transfer Amani Hansberry to have a big impact up front, or else the lack of depth inside could be a real issue next season.