One of Australia's top young basketball players headed to Pitt

One of Australia’s finest young basketball players is headed to Pitt.

Roman Siulepa, a 6-foot-7 forward who just turned 19, has committed to the Panthers, according to a report by ESPN and a statement from his pro team in Australia, confirming a piece of long-rumored news.

Siulepa, a physical forward with a rugby background, had a breakthrough performance at the U19 Basketball World Cup in Switzerland early this month, averaging 18.9 points and 8.1 rebounds for an Aussie team that lost to Germany in the quarterfinals. He had 19 points and 12 rebounds in a group stage loss to the U.S.

Pitt coach Jeff Capel was a member of the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Committee that picked the American team for the tournament.

“Roman has the strength, athleticism, and skill set to be an impact player,” Capel said in a statement Friday. “He is an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor, attacks the rim with force off the dribble, and has a nice shooting stroke from beyond the 3-point arc. Roman plays the game with an energy and aggression that fits in well with the team we are building here at Pitt.”