The name Zack Austin might ring a bell for many college basketball fans across the country. Earlier in the season, the Senior Pittsburgh Panther forward capped off a gutsy win against Ohio State with a shocking top-of-the-key buzzer beater to give Pittsburgh a 91-90 overtime victory. What most college basketball watchers might not know is that Austin shares a career stat line that only two other players in NCAA history have achieved.
Zack Austin- One of Three
While only a small percentage of the country’s basketball fanbase will know about Zack Austin, there are only 2 other players who have achieved what he has done over the course of his collegiate career. The Pitt Panthers’ official social media recognized him before their game at Duke for becoming the third player in NCAA history to record at least 1200 points, 600 rebounds, 175 three pointers made, and 200 blocks.
Rare air for ZA🥷 pic.twitter.com/MmdhIGog9P
— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_MBB) January 6, 2025
The impressive accolade and corresponding stat line demonstrate Austin’s flexibility over his collegiate career. Playing as an undersized forward most of the time, he has had to defend guards on the wing, battle 7 footers in the paint, and spread the floor with his shooting ability. Before his time at Pitt, the 6’7” forward played two years with the High Point Panthers in the Big South Conference where he averaged over 14 points per game. Jeff Capel will look for Austin to produce a bit more offensively through the rest of the regular season stretch.
Jeff Capel Pleased with Austin’s Role, May Seek More Offensive Output
Overall, Austin has been having a better season this year than with the 2023-2024 Panthers. Averaging close to 10 points and 4 rebounds per game, he has shown up when needed, especially with his aforementioned buzzer beater at Ohio State. Head coach Jeff Capel has publicly praised Austin’s role, especially his veteran presence, multiple times this season:
““Zack just naturally has a gift of being able to use his athleticism and go over and make these unbelievable blocks off the ball. He has a knack of reading what someone is going to do and we want him to use those instincts and trust those.”
Demonstrated in the recent Duke matchup, the Panthers need to diversify their scoring ability, and Jeff Capel will almost certainly ask for more out of Austin as ACC play continues. The Pittsburgh Head Coach mentioned the need for Austin’s game to adapt early in the season.
“I thought he was good last year. The thing we talked to him and we want to challenge him is to be consistently good. He had moments last year that he was terrific. We want to make those moments greater. We want to make those consistent.”
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