Pitt guard Nike Sibande has been named the ACC Sixth Man of the Year for his performance off the bench for the Panthers this year.
Sibande came off the bench in all but two games, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds on the year. The Indianapolis native has scored in double digits 15 times this season, including recent performances of 19 and 16 points against Notre Dame and No. 16 Miami, respectively.
Sibande started on Senior Night last week, and Blake Hinson praised the veteran for his ability to come off the bench.
“What Nike does and has been doing for this program is one of the most unselfish things I have ever experienced first hand,” said Hinson. “Truth of the matter is, he would start on most teams in the country in my opinion. He’s willing to accept the role of not doing that for our team for the betterment of this team, and that just embodies what this team is about and what he’s about. He totally deserves it man, that’s just what it is. He would start everywhere else. Coach just did a good job of assembling talent, and that’s what his role is for us, so that’s what he deserves, that’s what he gets.”
Sibande began his career at Miami (OH), where he spent three seasons and averaged at least 13 points per game in each season. He scored over 1,400 points in his Redhawk career, and transferred to Pitt before the 2020-21 season. That year, he missed several games due to his transfer waiver not being approved until mid-way through the season. After he returned, he posted averages of 6.9 points and three rebounds per game. Sibande missed last season entirely due to a torn ACL suffered in a preseason exhibition.
Sibande is Bad As$!