WATCH: Pitt Basketball Forwards Will Jeffress and Zack Austin Speak on Upcoming Season

PITTSBURGH — Pitt basketball is into their second week of practice and the team is growing closer and improving each day.

Redshirt junior forwards Will Jeffress and Zack Austin are ready to play in the upcoming season, which starts on Nov. 6 as they host North Carolina A&T at home, and spoke to members of the media Tuesday.

Jeffress did not play at all in the 2022-23 season, as he suffered a foot injury in a practice that forced him out. Pitt basketball finally returned to winning ways last season, as they finished with a winning record and made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015-16.

He received clearance to come back and play full time in June spoke on his return from injury, how he’s worked back from it and what he has had to work on mentally to come back fully ready to play this season. He also spoke on what he’s done to help freshman forward Papa Amadou Kante, who is out for this upcoming season, in relation to staying positive and learning while not being able to play.

Austin transferred from High Point this offseason and has learned to adjust from a mid-major to now playing for an ACC program. He talked about how he’s learned from his teammates, what he’s done off the court, his love for Pitt volleyball and what he brings to the team.

He also spoke on his athleticism, what he’s improved upon his game and how excited he is to play for the Oakland Zoo this upcoming season at the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt basketball is in its second official week of practice. Head coach Jeff Capel and senior forward Blake Hinson spoke last week after the first official practice about what they expect, plus their hopes for the upcoming season.