University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Sibande Shining in Sixth Man Role
12/23/2022 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – Nike Sibande has made a significant impact for the Panthers to start their 2022-23 campaign after missing last season due to an ACL injury suffered in an exhibition game Nov. 1, 2021, against Gannon. As the Panthers super sixth-man or "our sixth starter" as he has been called by head coach Jeff Capel and his teammates, the Indianapolis, Ind., native has starred in his role as an attacking guard off the bench.
Sibande has been the Panthers first sub 11 times, while making a spot start in Pitt's home win over Sacred Heart. He is averaging 6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in just over 20 minutes per game, while showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. He has taken on tough defensive assignments, provided scoring pop and perimeter shooting, attacked the glass with flourish, and showcased a strong floor game with improved court vision and passing.
The 6-4 guard who earned his degree from Pitt in December has been a key glue guy during the Panthers 9-4 (2-0 ACC) start to the season. Over an eight-game span from Nov. 20-Dec. 17, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game with four double-figure scoring efforts, a pair of games with nine rebounds, and five games with three or more assists.
2022-23 Top Performances
Vs. Alabama State (17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists)
Vs. William & Mary (15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals)
At Northwestern (11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 turnovers, 3 3FGs)
At NC State (10 points, 3 rebounds)
Vs. North Florida (6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 turnovers)
For his career, Sibande has amassed 1,634 points, 582 rebounds, 177 assists and 101 steals with 215 three-point field goals in 124 games (104 starts). While adversity with the injury as well as COVID and delayed NCAA eligibility have slowed Sibande in each of the past two seasons, his growth as a student of the game and overall player has him poised to be a major factor as the Panthers enter the new year with 19 ACC games on the schedule.
Sibande and the Panthers return to action following the holiday break with a home game against North Carolina Friday, Dec. 30 ( 12 p.m. – ACC Network).
Sibande has been the Panthers first sub 11 times, while making a spot start in Pitt's home win over Sacred Heart. He is averaging 6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in just over 20 minutes per game, while showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. He has taken on tough defensive assignments, provided scoring pop and perimeter shooting, attacked the glass with flourish, and showcased a strong floor game with improved court vision and passing.
The 6-4 guard who earned his degree from Pitt in December has been a key glue guy during the Panthers 9-4 (2-0 ACC) start to the season. Over an eight-game span from Nov. 20-Dec. 17, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game with four double-figure scoring efforts, a pair of games with nine rebounds, and five games with three or more assists.
2022-23 Top Performances
Vs. Alabama State (17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists)
Vs. William & Mary (15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals)
At Northwestern (11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 turnovers, 3 3FGs)
At NC State (10 points, 3 rebounds)
Vs. North Florida (6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 turnovers)
For his career, Sibande has amassed 1,634 points, 582 rebounds, 177 assists and 101 steals with 215 three-point field goals in 124 games (104 starts). While adversity with the injury as well as COVID and delayed NCAA eligibility have slowed Sibande in each of the past two seasons, his growth as a student of the game and overall player has him poised to be a major factor as the Panthers enter the new year with 19 ACC games on the schedule.
Sibande and the Panthers return to action following the holiday break with a home game against North Carolina Friday, Dec. 30 ( 12 p.m. – ACC Network).
Players Mentioned
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