Jaland Lowe Looking to Build Off Strong Freshman Season
p/c: Amber Searls
Following an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022-23, Pitt men’s basketball finished last season at 22-11 (12-8 ACC). Despite another good record, the Panthers weren’t selected for March Madness, with most considering them a tournament snub.
Head coach Jeff Capel had a pair of four-star freshmen guards, in Bub Carrington and Jaland Lowe. Carrington began season as the starting point guard, with Ishmael Leggett as the shooting guard. Capel decided to switch up the backcourt, as he swapped out Leggett for Lowe. The move allowed Carrington to become the shooting guard and Lowe at the point. It also resulted in Leggett providing outstanding, production off the Pitt bench - en route to being named ACC Sixth Man of the Year.
Now with the departure of Carrington, who was a first round selection of the Washington Wizards in this year’s NBA Draft, Lowe will look to take on a bigger role, as the face of the Panthers’ backcourt.
From January onward, Lowe averaged 12.9 points per game, along with 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. He was excellent beyond the arc, making three-pointers at a 39.7% clip.
At 6’3, Lowe has the height to play either guard position. The lefty shooting sophomore has a fluid shot from both the perimeter and from three. His mechanics makes him a solid, free throw shooter, as evidence by his 85.5% percentage last season. Lowe is also a good passer, and can create plays off the dribble. Some scouts suggest that Lowe needs to work on his game defensively, if he wants to succeed at the next level.
At times last season, especially in the second half, Lowe was performing better than Carrington. If he can continue to post strong, offensive numbers, while improving the defensive aspect of his game, then he’ll be an NBA draft prospect, who could hear his name called Day 1 next year.