Pitt's Jorge Diaz Graham has ankle surgery, will miss remainder of season

Pitt sophomore forward Jorge Diaz Graham, who hasn’t played since Jan. 16, is lost for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle Thursday afternoon. He is expected to return for the 2024-25 season.

Diaz Graham was a significant part of coach Jeff Capel’s rotation before injuring the ankle. Coming off the bench, he was averaging 3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 10.4 minutes per game. He appeared in 16 games this season and scored a season-high 14 points in the opener Nov. 6 against North Carolina A&T.

“Jorge is a big part of our program and plays with infectious energy and enthusiasm,” Capel said in a statement. “The ankle was really limiting his mobility and holding him back from playing to his capabilities. Our medical team has done a great job identifying and correcting the issue and will be integral in helping him through the recovery process.

“Having the surgery now helps provide Jorge with additional recovery time as he works his way back onto the court for the 2024-25 season.”

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Losing Diaz Graham and guard Michael Hueitt, who left the team last week, reduces the number of Capel’s available scholarship players to nine. He used only eight Wednesday night in the victory against N.C. State, including William Jeffress, who was on the court for two minutes.

Freshmen forwards Papa Amadou Kante and Marlon Barnes Jr. have not played this season. Kante had knee surgery before the season, and Capel has decided to redshirt Barnes.