Former Pitt guard Ishmael Leggett declares for NBA Draft

After entering the NCAA transfer portal April 23, Pitt guard Ishmael Leggett has followed in former Pitt and current Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington’s footsteps by declaring for the NBA Draft.

Leggett’s mother broke the news through a Sunday Instagram post detailing his decision.

“Thank you to everyone who’s played a role in my development as a player and person. This would not have been possible without your unwavering support and love throughout some of the hardest moments in my life,” Leggett said in the post. “Each encouraging word and positive gesture kept me pushing.”

The 6-foot-3 guard tallied 880 points during the 63 games he played over two seasons for the Panthers, earning All-ACC Tournament and ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors during the 2023-24 season. The 2024-25 season saw Leggett start each of Pitt’s 31 games and finish second on the Panthers with 15.7 points per game and 2.5 assists per matchup, while he led the team with 5.9 rebounds per game.

Before starring at Pitt, Leggett played at Rhode Island for three years. There he averaged 10.7 points, 2.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds. In his college career, he totaled 1,812 points, 285 assists, 703 rebounds and 184 steals.

Leggett entered the transfer portal hoping to earn an additional year of eligibility, but by declaring for the NBA Draft, he is preparing to begin playing professionally.

“(I am) very excited for this new journey and can’t wait to see where it takes me,” Leggett said in the post.