Pitt’s men’s basketball team gets its first real live look of the preseason Saturday afternoon, heading to Providence for an exhibition matchup at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Tipoff is set for 2 p.m., with live updates available on X through @Pitt_MBB.
The Panthers come into the exhibition with a staggering track record behind them: Pitt is 68-5 all-time in exhibition games and has won 43 straight dating to the start of the 1999-2000 season. That streak adds a little extra bite to what is otherwise a tune-up, especially with a roster that looks very different from last year’s group.
This is the first chance for Pitt fans to see the new-look lineup, and there are plenty of fresh faces. The Panthers brought in 13 newcomers, headlined by transfers Naithan George and Baye Ndongo.
George arrives from Syracuse after starting his college career at Georgia Tech. The senior guard posted 11.1 points, 5.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game, led the ACC in assists per game at 6.5, and earned All-ACC Honorable Mention recognition in 2024-25.
Ndongo also comes from Georgia Tech, where the senior forward was an All-ACC Third Team pick in 2024-25 and made the ACC All-Rookie Team in 2023-24. He averaged 12.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and shot 54.8 percent from the field.
Pitt’s transfer class doesn’t stop there. The Panthers also added Armani Mighty, who averaged 5.6 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 61.5 percent; A'lahn Sumler, who posted 12.1 points and 2.9 rebounds; Jonathan Powell, who averaged 6.5 points and 2.7 rebounds; Jalil Bethea, who averaged 5.6 points and 1.9 rebounds; and Akir Souare, who shot 61.0 percent and blocked 35 shots.
The incoming freshman class includes a pair of players from IMG Academy in Chase Foster and Jermal Jones. Foster was ranked No. 32 nationally by 247Sports and was listed as the sixth-best power forward in the class. Jones checked in at No. 109 nationally and was ranked the No. 15 shooting guard in the country.
Saturday’s game also renews a familiar matchup with Providence. The programs will meet in exhibition play for the second straight year, and Pitt won last season’s meeting, 81-74, at the Petersen Events Center. The Panthers lead the all-time series 31-17.
Pitt’s last trip to Providence came in a Big East game on Jan. 22, 2013, when Lamar Patterson scored 17 points in a 68-64 Panthers win.
The exhibition comes with the regular season right around the corner. Pitt opens the 2026-27 campaign at home against Rider on Nov. 2, 2026.
Season ticket renewals are now available for the upcoming year, with fans able to renew through their account by selecting “Season Ticket Renewals” and then “2026-27 Men's Basketball Season Ticket Application.” Renewals can also be completed by calling the ticket office at 412-648-7488.
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