Pitt's Federiko Federiko doesn't start, may play against Iowa State

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Federiko Federiko may play in Pitt’s first-round game Friday against Iowa State, but he was not announced as a starter before the game. Freshman Guillermo Diaz Graham started in his place.

The TruTV telecast reported that Federiko has a sprained MCL in his knee, but he entered the game at the 13 minute, 23-second mark. He was in the game for 1:11 and made a foul shot before he was replaced by Diaz Graham.

Pitt basketball’s official Twitter account reported Federiko is expected to be available. He took pregame warmups with his team while wearing game shorts.

Federiko, a 6-foot-11 sophomore, injured his knee March 8 in an ACC Tournament me against Georgia Tech. He said an opposing player drove into his knee.

Federiko Federiko is in uniform and will go through warmups. Expected to be available for the Panthers.#H2P pic.twitter.com/xymSZoiGK9

— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_MBB) March 17, 2023

Federiko subsequently played only 12 minutes the next day against Duke. He was with his teammates for the shoot-around just before the game Tuesday and did not play in Pitt’s 60-59 victory against Mississpi State.

Diaz Graham, a 7-footer, will make his second career start. Diaz Graham played 37 minutes Tuesday, contributing two blocks, including a potential game-saver with two seconds left. He scored three points — on a 3-point shot — and grabbed five rebounds. Pitt used seven players in the game, with Diaz Graham’s twin, Jorge, playing only five minutes.

Federiko was second on the team to Blake Hinson in rebounding (5.6 per game) during the season.