This week in the Pitt basketball scene included some huge injury news, a roster addition becoming official, and more.
INJURY NEWS
The week took an unfortunate turn for the program when freshman big Papa Kante went down on Wednesday night with a non-contact knee injury during a workout. Pitt announced the news on Thursday morning, stating that Kante is expected to miss the 2023-24 season.
“Papa is a terrific person with great spirit and a relentless work ethic,” Jeff Capel said. “We feel for him to have this happen so early in his collegiate career. We have an outstanding medical and athletic training staff, and we know that Papa will attack the rehab and recovery process. This will be a minor setback for a young man with a great future in our program.”
WELCOME MIKE HUEITT JR.
On Monday, Pitt officially announced the addition of Mike Hueitt Jr. to the roster. The 6-foot-3 graduate transfer guard caught Pitt’s eye late in the process, and the Panthers were able to get him into the school and on the team even after the school semester had begun.
Huiett will wear No. 8 for the program.
“Coach Capel and the entire staff were very welcoming and made sure that I knew it was a family environment the minute I got on campus,” Hueitt told PSN. “I have a long-standing relationship with Coach Brown and the minute we caught back up were great vibes. The team is amazing, and the players are like family already. I love the city of Pittsburgh and love everything Pitt has to offer. I can’t wait to be a part of an amazing tradition and help continue to add to the legacy.”
OTHER
In addition to this week’s news within the program, PSN also interviewed Pitt’s newest assistant coach Billy Hubly — the team’s Assistant AD of Scouting. Check out the interview below and see what Hubly brings to the table for the Panthers.
One-on-One with Pitt’s New Scouting Staffer Billy Hubly
Thank you for confirming Hueitt’s jersey number. Along with the path of inflation and interest rate trends, the jersey number of a glorified walk on who may score 20 points all season is info I was awaiting with bated breath.
Hueitt signing reeks of signing a ‘practice player’. Which is what the kid he replaced (Dion) did last year while performing his penance. No experience at the Guard spots, believe all 3 are true freshmen. Expect Pitt to see lot’s of defensive presses.