Pitt finds themselves in the mix for a high profile transfer
USC transfer Byron Wesley has cut his list to Pitt, Gonzaga, and Oklahoma State, sources told @CBSSports. Visits still TBD.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 29, 2014
According to John Rothstein, Pitt is very much in the mix for USC transfer, Byron Wesley. Wesley lists Pitt along with Gonzaga and Oklahoma State as his potential landing spots for the 2014-15 season. Wesley would be an eligible right away for one season and would impact the Panthers in a big way. He averaged 17.8 points per game in 2014, along with 6.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. The former USC guard stands at 6"5 and would be capable of playing either the two or three in Pitt's offense.
Rothstein later went on to tweet that Pitt will be hosting Wesley on May 16, the last of his three visits. Pitt would be in good position to sway Wesley at the last minute before his decision. Gonzaga has been labeled as a favorite from the onset, but they return both of their starting guards. Oklahoma State would present playing time with Marcus Smart entering the draft early. Pitt obviously has a big role available with Lamar Patterson graduating. All three potential destinations are attractive in their own right, and all present Wesley a good chance of playing in the NCAA tournament, something that USC could not provide.
It appears Pitt really wants to add another player for next season. Wesley certainly seems like plan A, but another option appears to have emerged. Matt Steinbrink of Pantherlair tweeted that Pitt has offered Dupree McBrayer. McBrayer is a 6"4 guard that could be heading to Prep school for next season, but Steinbrink obviously thinks Pitt would take him this season. McBrayer has been lightly recruited, but his recruitment has picked up with offers from Pitt and Seton Hall.
Recently, Pitt picked up a commitment from Cameron Johnson. Johnson takes Pitt over the scholarship limit, but nothing concrete has been mentioned about what current player is leaving the program. Pitt appears to be going after Wesley pretty hard, with a contingency plan in place with McBrayer. That suggests Pitt believes two scholarships will be open before next season, and it will be interesting to see how that unfolds over the next few weeks.
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