Newest Pitt Hoopers Issue Message to Fans, Oakland Zoo: ‘Hail to Pitt’

Pitt’s newest players took to social media lately to express their excitement for next basketball season, which will be their first with the Panthers.

Dishon Jackson and Barry Dunning Jr., two transfer portal prospects who have committed to and signed with Pitt this offseason, spoke with the fans in videos posted to Pitt men’s basketball’s social media accounts.

“I just wanted to tell y’all how excited I am to get on campus, meet all my new teammates, meet all of the staff members, get in the facilities, and just get ready to work” Jackson said. “I think it’s going to be an exciting year…”

Jackson is a 6-11, 275-pound senior center, who this past season averaged 8.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in 18.7 minutes of action. The year prior, he averaged 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. His best two performances last year were a 17-point, 4 rebound game against Kansas and a 14-point, 5-rebound effort against TCU.

Jackson also noted that he is originally from Oakland, California, and that he is now excited to represent another Oakland neighborhood.

“I’m a kid myself from Oakland California. It’s kind of ironic that I ended up in Oakland, Pennsylvania. So, I’m just ready to work, man. I’m ready to show out in front of the Oakland Zoo. I appreciate you guys for welcoming me with open arms…”

Watch Jackson’s full message to the fans here.

Dunning confirmed that he has now arrived on Pitt’s campus in his video.

“What’s up Pitt fans, Barry Dunning here,” Dunning said. “Just arrived on campus. I am so happy, and I am so excited to get going this summer and go into next season.”

Dunning is a 6-foot-6 wing who has played for Arkansas, UAB, and South Alabama. This past season for South Alabama, he averaged 15.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Dunning shot 46% from the field and 31% from three-point range this past season.

Pitt has also landed commitments from Nojus Indrusaitis and Damarco Minor out of the portal so far. In addition, Papa Amadou Kante exited the portal and will return to the Panthers.

“I’ve been in the city, I love you guys,” Dunning said. “The hospitality here is great, the food is great, the culture here is great, and I cannot wait. Hail to Pitt!”