Pitt basketball player leaving program

PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh announced today starting point guard Xavier Johnson is leaving the men’s basketball program.  The university says he’s entering the NCAA Transfer Portal immediately.

Johnson was among Coach Jeff Capel’s first recruits when Capel came to Pitt in 2018.

“The Pitt men’s basketball program and Xavier Johnson have mutually agreed it is in everyone’s best interest to part ways,” Capel said.  “He will enter the transfer portal and is no longer a member of our program.  We wish him the best of luck as he looks to continue his career elsewhere.”

Johnson and guard Trey McGowans came to the Pitt program together in 2018 and were close friends. McGowans transferred to Nebraska after the 2020 season.

Johnson was averaging 14 points, three rebounds and 5 assists a game this year.  He is ranked 30th on Pitt’s all-time scoring list with 1152 points.

The Pitt basketball team has lost the last four games and is 9-9 on the season.  The team has had 8 games postponed this year due to ACC COVID protocols.  Its next game is Sunday at NC State.

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Cox Media Group