Former Pitt C John Hugley Transfers to Duquesne

John Hugley is returning to the city of Pittsburgh.

On3’s Joe Tipton is reporting that Hugley is transferring to Duquesne.

NEWS: Xavier transfer big man John Hugley has committed to Duquesne, he told @On3sports.

The 6-10 senior scored a season-high 13 points on Creighton earlier this season. The former 4⭐️ recruit spent three years at Pitt and last season at Oklahoma. https://t.co/nGgWiqjBvQ pic.twitter.com/gzB0oGLU5u

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 11, 2025

Back in 2020, Hugley signed with Jeff Capel and the Pitt Panthers as a four-star center out of Cleveland, Ohio.

Things started out well for Hugley as he averaged 14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 points during his redshirt freshman season.

Hugley has not been able to duplicate those numbers as some off the court issues ended his time at Pitt. Since then, he’s played at both Oklahoma and Xavier but those didn’t end up being good fits for him.

During the 2023-24 season, Hugley did average 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds, while averaging just 17 minutes per game with the Sooners.

Things just didn’t work out last season at Xavier with Sean Miller as Hugley played just 10 minutes per game, averaging 2.9 points and 2.0 rebounds.

Hugley is hoping the return to Pittsburgh and playing for Dru Joyce III revitalizes his once promising career.

Taking a look at Duquesne’s current front court situation, David Dixon and Eli Wilborn were both productive there in spurts.

Forward Alex Williams is projected back after missing last season with injury and Jakub Necas has played pretty much every position on the floor for the Dukes. Chabi Barre has also started at center in the past as well.

The difference between Hugley and all these players is the physicality that he brings at 6’10” and 270-pounds.

Hugley becomes the first transfer portal addition for Duquesne this offseason.