Pitt forward John Hugley making season debut, starting against Michigan

Pitt forward John Hugley will start against Michigan tonight, according to Jon Rothstein. It will be his season debut after missing the first pair of games.

Hugley was going to be a game time decision after going through shootaround and warmups. He averaged 14.8 points per game and 7.9 rebounds a contest for Pitt in 2021-22.

Hugley was an All-ACC honorable mention after last season, too — the only Pitt player to crack the All-conference teams.

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Hugley should be a boost for a Pitt front court tasked with hanging against the Wolverines and Hunter Dickinson. He’s also a double-digit per game scorer coming back into the lineup, a boost in any regard.

Leading the way in Hugley’s absence, Pitt has a trio of double-digit scorers through two games this year: Blake Hinson (16 ppg), Jamarious Burton (13 ppg) and Greg Elliott (11.5).

Michigan coach Juwan Howard wants to see growth, this game against Pitt included

After a season-opening win against IPFW, Howard was pleased with the outcome but already harping on his team to get better.

“Well you’re not where you want to be, you know,” Howard said. “It’s so early in the season. You know, this is only our first game and there is room for growth and we’re going to continue to keep getting better.

“There’s areas that we’re going to try to clean up, but I love where our mindset is. And, you know, our guys are really dialed in and in tune to being an elite level group. And I love how they were so connected. I just hope that continues throughout the year like the first game. And I’m sure we’re going to hit a rough patch. Pretty much the vast majority of college basketball teams do. But it’s how we’re going to react when we have those uncomfortable moments.”