Pitt F Zack Austin Returns to Starting Lineup
PITTSBURGH -- Pitt Panthers head coach Jeff Capel has reversed one of the lineup changes he made earlier in the season with his team set to open ACC play in earnest this weekend against Syracuse.
Before the Panthers took the floor of the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, the team revealed that forward Zack Austin would return to the starting lineup, replacing William Jeffress, who had replaced Austin as a starter for the past two games.
Capel had been critical of Austin in recent weeks. He had struggled to make a consistent impact offensively and defensively but blossomed in a short stint as a reserve.
After he was benched and replaced by Jeffress following a win over Canisius, Austin averaged 12 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 57% from the field and 33% from 3-point range.
He's averaging 7.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while making 62% of his 2-point shots and 22.6% of his 3-pointers.
Guillermo Diaz Graham, who replaced the struggling Federiko Federiko at center at the same time Austin and Jeffress swapped roles, will remain in the starting lineup against the Orange.
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