PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A four-star recruit, one of the top centers in the country and an immediate role on the team. It seemed nothing would stop John Hugley from making an impact at Pitt his freshman year. Except John himself.
The 6'9" center from Cleveland played only seven games, suspended for his role in an alleged stolen vehicle on campus.
During that time Hugley remain enrolled at Pitt and split time between campus and home. He wasn't able to be around the team, but did have communication.
Offered scholarships out of high school by West Virginia, Iowa, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, Dayton, NC State, Penn State and others, Hugley didn't take the quick road. Even though transferring did enter his mind.
"Honestly, I had a thought," Hugley said. "But I was like 'why would I give up on them and they didn't give up on me'. It was all love so I'm going to come back here and work with my brothers."
He stayed closest with his classmates Noah Collier and Femi Odukale. Texting or calling most nights. Hugley thanked Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke for allowing him to return and head coach Jeff Capel for staying with him.
"I learned that, honestly, Coach Capel kept his word," Hugley said. "Kept his promise with me. He made sure he was there for me. He never turned his back on me."
"Last year, that made me stronger. More accountable for my actions, that's the big thing, more accountable for my actions."
Hugley started one of the seven games he played in averaging five points and four rebounds in 15 minutes of action to begin the 2020-21 season. Then he watched every game, following his buddies, wishing he was there.
"It was tough watching and knowing I should be out there helping them," Hugley said. "It is going to play out how it was supposed to play out."
He's leaned on his mother and really on his head coach at Brush High School, former NBA player Chet Mason, to get him through this. Hugley said he hit the books (finishing with a 3.0 GPA in the second semester) and the weights over the last year. He's making smarter decisions and watching the company he keeps.
Hugley also found a new friend, teammate and apparent mentor in Pitt senior transfer Jamarius Burton. He said Burton has been a vocal leader who is teaching on and off the court. Hugley said he's learned to come in early in the morning for extra work, he wouldn't have done it without Burton's push.
He's embracing a big role on this team as the lone center not only with ACC height, but ACC weight. Capel said he expects Hugley to give them a post presence they haven't had since Capel has been here.
"We play hard man," Hugley said. "Just play hard that whole 40 minutes. I feel if we play hard. We play together. No one is going to be able to mess with us."
Hugley returns to the Petersen Events Center for an exhibition game on Monday against Gannon. Looking forward to his second chance.
"Of course it was frustrating, but it's all about the bounce back," Hugley said.
