Inside The Panthers

Zack Austin Setting Defensive Tone For Pitt

Zack Austin's made contributions to the Pitt Panthers that go beyond the box score.

Stephen Thompson

Zack Austin Setting Defensive Tone For Pitt
Zack Austin Setting Defensive Tone For Pitt /
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PITTSBURGH -- Any concerns that the Pitt Panthers might overlook Jacksonville - the final mid-major hurdle to surpass before kicking off a stretch of five in a row against high-major competition - were quickly dashed when they ran up a 40-10 advantage in the first half.

The Pathers got offensive contributions from up and down the lineup that helped stretch their lead to a fantastically wide margin, but again it was their defense that allowed them to overcome some shooting woes. Spearheading that defensive effort was none other than Zack Austin, who blocked 

Austin is a luxury for the Panthers to have and his position within the roster and gameplan is a luxury for Austin. he doesn't have to be the volume scorer he was for High Point last season. Instead of pressing for buckets, he can focus his efforts on the defensive end and the glass, where he has been outstanding for the Panthers and their improved defense.  

Entering this game, Austin - offensive struggles and all - was still a consistent part of Pitt's best lineups this year. Three of the Panthers' four most productive four-man lineups by net rating going into the contest with Jacksonville included Austin, according to CBB Analytics. Those lineups are also three of the 14 best in the ACC so far this season. 

And Austin only demonstrated his value further against Jacksonville, when he blocked three shots in the first five minutes of game action and four for the game. He is a fantastic athlete who's used his length and instincts to post the second-best defensive rating and defensive box plus-minus among Pitt starters so far this season. 

Between Bub Carrington, Ishmael Leggett and Blake Hinson, plus a wealth of Pitt's got scorers to carry the load offensively, especially with the Diaz Graham twins and Jaland Lowe capable of coming off the bench to deliver timely buckets. 

That means Austin only needs to worry about a narrow scope of responsibilities - defending the rim, chasing shooters around on the perimeter, rebounding and then hitting open shots. And while those shots haven't fallen so far this season (he's made just 36% of his field goal attempts so far this season), the Panthers aren't concerned. 

Not only is he pulling more than his own weight on the defensive end but his track record from previous seasons at High Point indicates that an offensive breakthrough is coming. Pitt is happy with Austin's contributions so far - as subtle as they may be. 

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

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