By JACOB POLACHECK
In a surprising move Wednesday, Pittsburgh head coach Jeff Capel announced the departure of junior guard Xavier Johnson.
Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound point guard from Woodbridge, VA, has entered the transfer portal after averaging 14.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 18 games this season.
“The Pitt men’s basketball program and Xavier Johnson have mutually agreed that it is in everyone’s best interest to part ways,” Capel said in a press release. “He will enter then transfer portal and is no longer a member of our program. We wish him the best of luck as he looks to continue his career elsewhere.”
Just one day later, Pittsburgh saw another key backcourt piece depart, as Capel announced the transfer of junior guard Au’Diese Toney.
Toney, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound shooting guard from Huntsville, AL, will enter the transfer portal immediately.
After missing the Panthers’ last game due to injury, Toney finishes the 2020-21 season with averages of 14.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He made 16 starts this season, appearing in 18 games for the Panthers.
“We have come to the mutual agreement that Au’Diese will be leaving the Pitt Men’s Basketball program effective immediately,” Capel said. “We appreciate his efforts the past three seasons in our program and wish him well as he looks to continue to grow on and off the court.”
Pitt is currently 9-9 on the season with a 5-8 mark in conference play. The Panthers have three ACC games remaining and will face N.C. State on Sunday.
Photo: Pittsburgh Athletics
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