Pitt's non-conference schedule includes interesting mix of opponents taken in Altoona, Pa. (Pitt)

Pitt Athletics

John Hugley

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Pitt released its men's basketball non-conference schedule Thursday afternoon, and the Panthers will play an eclectic mix of opponents looking to improve on last year's 11-21 overall record.

“We have put together a strong non-conference schedule that will prepare us for Atlantic Coast Conference play,” Pitt coach Jeff Capel said in a university release.

"The Backyard Brawl returns to Pittsburgh when we host West Virginia early in the season, the Legends Classic has an excellent field, and we will play road games at Northwestern and Vanderbilt. We are excited about our team and eager to get everyone on campus to build towards the 2022-23 season."

The Panthers will open the season Nov. 7 at home against Tennessee Martin.

Then, four days later, West Virginia visits the Petersen Events Center for the Backyard Brawl on Nov. 11.

Next, it's off to the Legends Classic in Brooklyn on Nov. 16 and 17. Teams slated for that tournament include Arizona State, Michigan and VCU. Pitt's opening opponent there has yet to be released, but it certainly will be a good one based on that group.

The other prime games in the non-con slate are at Northwestern and at Vanderbilt.

Here is Pitt's entire non-conference schedule, which also includes home games against some mid-majors.

* Nov. 7: vs. Tennessee Martin
* Nov. 11: vs. West Virginia
* Nov. 16: at Legends Classic in Brooklyn (opponent TBD)
* Nov. 17: at Legends Classic in Brooklyn (opponent TBD)
* Nov. 20: vs. Alabama State
* Nov. 22: vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
* Nov. 25: vs. William & Mary
* Nov. 28: at Northwestern, ACC/Big Ten Challenge
* Dec. 7: at Vanderbilt
* Dec. 10: vs. Sacred Heart
* Dec. 17: vs. North Florida

Here's a breakdown of the Pitt team, from the university release:

The Panthers return their top two leading scorers from last season in Honorable Mention All-ACC selection John Hugley (14.8 ppg., 7.9 rpg.) and Jamarius Burton (12.4 ppg.). Nike Sibande (1,570 points) returns from injury to combine with newcomer Nelly Cummings (1,112) and Burton (1,003) to give Pitt three 1,000-point scorers in the backcourt.

Capel and his staff also added experienced talent in Greg Elliott (94 career 3FG) and Blake Hinson (9.1 ppg.) along with JUCO teammates Fede Federiko and Cashius McNeilly.

Dior Johnson, a top-35 prospect, headlines a freshman group that include Spanish twins Guillermo Diaz Graham and Jorge Diaz Graham.

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