Pitt center John Hugley IV to enter transfer portal
On the day of Pitt’s first NCAA Tournament game since 2016, a player once thought to be key in the team’s potential reemergence opted to part ways with the program.
Junior center John Hugley IV announced Tuesday morning he is entering the transfer portal.
“ … It is with careful consideration given to my mental and physical health, and after multiple conversations with God, myself and my family, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal,” he posted on Instagram. “I believe God has set forth an amazing path for me and will continue to watch over me on my next journey.”
The 6-foot-9 forward was named honorable mention All-ACC last season, averaging 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds for a Pitt team that went 11-21.
NEWS: Pittsburgh’s John Hugley plans to enter the transfer portal, he tells @On3sports.
Hugley was the Panthers’ leading scorer and rebounder heading into this season (14.8 PTS, 7.9 REB per game) before making the decision to sit out the remainder of the https://t.co/HjjviHPkY8… https://t.co/rGdbSfuxcA pic.twitter.com/D7z7laZplK
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 14, 2023
A preseason knee injury limited his time on the court this season. In December, sophomore Federiko Federiko supplanted Hugley in the starting lineup before Hugley announced in mid-January that he was opting to sit out the remainder of the season in order to (cope) “with mental health challenges” in addition to continue healing from his offseason ailment.
Pitt coach Jeff Capel offered his support for Hugley in his decision.
“We are here to support John as he continues to learn to manage challenges in his personal life,” Capel said. “John has worked hard to get to this point and should be applauded for seeking out the help to continue to grow as a young man. This next step will allow him the time and space to focus on his personal growth. We are here to provide love and support for him on this journey that will undoubtedly help him throughout his life.”
Hugley’s last appearance for Pitt came Dec. 10 against Sacred Heart. In eight games (six starts) this season, he averaged 8.0 points and 3.6 rebounds.
A member of Pitt’s 2020 recruiting class, Hugley spent parts of three seasons with the team.
Hugley was suspended from the team for five months during his freshman season in January 2021 when he was facing charges of criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen property after police said he took a woman’s car from Central Oakland.
Prosecutors eventually withdrew the felony charges, and the case against him was be expunged from his record.
The Panthers (22-11) face Mississippi State at 9 p.m. Tuesday. The winner will claim the No. 11 seed with a Round of 64 matchup against sixth-seeded Iowa State on Friday, in Greensboro, N.C.
Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates and college sports. A Pittsburgh native, he is a Central Catholic and University of Colorado graduate. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.
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