How Hand Surgery Sidelines a Pitt Freshman

The Pittsburgh Panthers men’s basketball team is facing a significant depth crisis. Head coach Jeff Capel confirmed multiple injuries to key forwards this week. The team will be short-handed for its upcoming exhibition game.

This news comes just weeks before the Panthers tip off their 2025-26 campaign. The injuries impact both new recruits and returning players, testing the team’s roster early.

Triple Blow to Forward Roster Depth

Coach Capel announced freshman Henry Lau is out with a hand injury. Lau underwent surgery and has missed all official practices. The Australian import was a highly-touted addition to the squad.

Sophomore forward Amby Ndiaye is also currently sidelined. The team hopes he can return for the October 19th exhibition. His absence further depletes the frontcourt.

They join Iowa State transfer Dishon Jackson on the injured list. Jackson was previously ruled out indefinitely due to a medical situation. He was expected to be the team’s starting center this season.

These three injuries leave Pitt with only ten healthy scholarship players. Practices have been adjusted to account for the missing personnel. According to Capel, the situation has been challenging but the team is adapting well.

Capel Scrambles to Fill the Gaps

The coaching staff is now relying on remaining forwards to step up. Senior Cam Corhen and redshirt sophomore Papa Kante will see increased roles. Newcomers Barry Dunning Jr. and Roman Siulepa must also contribute immediately.

Capel praised the team’s defensive improvement in recent practices. He noted the offense still requires more work before the season starts. The players’ attitudes and effort have remained positive throughout the adversity.

The Panthers’ depth will be tested in their exhibition against Providence. This game serves as a critical tune-up before the real action begins. Fans are hopeful some players can recover in time for the November 3rd opener against Youngstown State.

The accumulating Pitt basketball injuries present a major early-season hurdle. Coach Capel must find a way to manage his depleted roster effectively. The team’s resilience will be tested from the very first whistle.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who are the three injured Pitt basketball players?

Freshman Henry Lau, sophomore Amby Ndiaye, and transfer Dishon Jackson are all currently injured. Lau had hand surgery, while Jackson is out indefinitely. Ndiaye’s return is targeted for the exhibition game.

When is Pitt’s first basketball game?

The Panthers open their regular season on November 3rd against Youngstown State. Before that, they have an exhibition game against Providence on October 19th. The team hopes to have some players back by then.

How many healthy players does Pitt have?

With the three injuries, Pitt is down to ten healthy scholarship players. This has forced adjustments to their practice schedule and rotations. Coach Capel stated it has been tougher to run full sessions.

What was Henry Lau’s injury?

Henry Lau suffered a hand injury that required surgery. He has been out since official practices began on September 22nd. There is no public timeline for his return to the court.

Who will replace the injured players?

Players like Cam Corhen, Papa Kante, and Barry Dunning Jr. will see more minutes. Freshmen Roman Siulepa and Kieran Mullen may also have accelerated roles. The team’s depth at forward is being tested early.