Zack Austin Impacting the Game on Both Ends in Bigger Role

Zack Austin has been perhaps the leading highlight-creator at Pitt over the last two years, throwing down emphatic dunks and blocking shots with authority frequently.

Austin is currently averaging nearly ten more minutes per game (in conference play) than last season. He is playing, on average, 33.6 minutes per game for the Panthers so far in ACC games, compared to last year’s 24.7. His impact has been felt offensively throughout the year, but also, on the defensive end.

“Obviously, blocking shots,” said Jeff Capel when asked what makes Austin an effective defender on Monday. “He’s a versatile defender, I think he can defend multiple positions. His athleticism.”

Capel still believes that there is more room for improvement for Austin, however.

“The thing with Zack is for him to be engaged all the time,” Capel continued. “He has moments out there still — and it’s much better than last year — but moments still where he kind of floats, and the concentration and all of those things aren’t there. He’s gotten a lot better with that, but that still needs to go up to another level.”

According to Synergy, opponents guarded by Austin are only 10 for 44 (23%) from the field when shooting catch-and-shoot jump shots. That ranks Austin in the 90th percentile among all D1 players in that category. Check out some of his recent closeouts below.

Opponents guarded by Zack Austin are only 10 for 44 (23%) from the field when shooting catch-and-shoot jump shots, per Synergy.

That ranks Austin in the 90th percentile among all D1 players in that category. Check out some of his recent closeouts here. pic.twitter.com/d24F0ATrla

— George Michalowski (@MichalowskiCBB) January 27, 2025

He is currently just 0.1 blocks per game away from being the top shotblocker in the ACC. Austin, averaging 1.6 blocks per game, is tied for third in the league in that category behind Ben Middlebrooks (1.7 per game). In league play, he is averaging 1.5 blocks per game.

Austin and the Panthers will have a big test coming up on Tuesday night against the North Carolina Tar Heels. That game will tip off at 9 p.m. on ESPN.