PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – First game coming on Tuesday, Pitt basketball already out a starter for the season.
Senior guard Nike Sibande suffered an ACL tear in his right knee during the exhibition win over Gannon on Monday. The transfer from Miami, Ohio last year banged knees with a Golden Knights player and while trying to play through the pain, his knee gave out. MRI results revealed 'an isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament'.
"I am really disappointed for Nike," said head coach Jeff Capel in a statement released by Pitt. "He has been outstanding in his preparation for this season and has emerged as one of the most respected leaders in our program. He has done an amazing job dealing with adversity in the past and I am confident he will tackle his recovery in the same manner. He has attacked adversity by putting in the work, trusting his faith, and maintaining confidence in himself as a person and as a player. We will miss him on the court this season, but I know Nike will remain an important part of our program through his leadership and presence in the locker room."
In 14 games (eight starts) after finally having his transfer approved, Sibande was the team's leading shooter from three (43.6%) last season and averaged 6.9 points, 3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Sibande averaged 15 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists over the final five games of the season.
Sibande scored 1,570 points, 532 rebounds, 155 assists during his 111 career college games. He started the exhibition game Monday playing eight minutes before the injury.
The Indianapolis native said during Pitt's media day he was excited to play this year because the team was really ready to fight each night. He was excited about the program's culture and his role this year.
Panthers host The Citadel Tuesday, November 9 at 7p on 93.7 The Fan.
