Pittsburgh senior guard Nike Sibande out for season with torn ACL

The Pittsburgh Panthers won't have the services of senior guard Nike Sibande for the 2021-22 college basketball season. 

Pitt confirmed Tuesday that Sibande tore his right ACL in Monday's preseason exhibition victory over the Gannon Golden Knights. An MRI confirmed the exact nature of the injury he suffered in the first half of that win. 

"I am really disappointed for Nike," Pitt head coach Jeff Capel said from a prepared statement. "He has been outstanding in his preparation for this season and has emerged as one of the most respected leaders in our program. He has done an amazing job dealing with adversity in the past, and I am confident he will tackle his recovery in the same manner. He has attacked adversity by putting in the work, trusting his faith and maintaining confidence in himself as a person and as a player. We will miss him on the court this season, but I know Nike will remain an important part of our program through his leadership and presence in the locker room." 

Sibande previously played for the Miami [Ohio] Redhawks but transferred to Pitt before last season. He missed the first seven games last fall after he was initially denied immediate eligibility and averaged 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per contest over 14 total appearances. 

According to Craig Meyer of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sibande could apply for a medical redshirt and attempt to return for the 2022-23 college campaign. 

Pitt begins the upcoming regular season against The Citadel Bulldogs next Tuesday.