Forward Zack Austin signs with Pitt, makes transfer official

Zack Austin became the second of two transfers to sign with Pitt this offseason, leaving coach Jeff Capel with two scholarships available for the 2023-24 season. Capel announced the signing Friday after Austin had revealed his decision to transfer to Pitt on April 11.

Austin, a 6-foot-7 wing forward with two seasons of eligibility remaining, recorded 897 points, 424 rebounds, 135 blocked shots and 129 3-point field goals in two seasons at High Point (N.C.).

“Zack is a versatile and productive forward with the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor,” Capel said in a statement. “He is an outstanding athlete with strong rebounding and defensive instincts along with a solid shooting stroke out beyond the 3-point line. We believe Zack with be a great fit in our system and we look forward to working with him as he continues to grow and develop.”

After averaging 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.1 steals in 31 games last season, Austin was named an All-Big South honorable mention selection. He started 26 of High Point’s 31 games. He made 62 3s as a redshirt sophomore, collecting three or more in nine games. He scored in double figures in the final 13 games and 26 times overall. He ranked 17th in the NCAA in blocks, getting three or more in a game 13 times.

He was Big South Freshman of the Year and a member of the All-Freshman Team in 2022 after averaging 14.4 points and 8.0 rebounds with 69 blocked shots and 63 3-point field goals at High Point. He was an eight-time Big South Freshman of the Week, setting the conference record for that award. He scored in double-figures 26 times, including eight games with 20 or more points and seven double-doubles.

He was the only player in the NCAA to register 60 or more 3-pointers and 60 or more blocks in each of the past two seasons.

Austin joins transfer guard Ishmael Leggett, formerly of Rhode Island, as the two new players on the 2023-24 roster.