Pitt basketball is all set to take on Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night, marking their 11th game of the season. As we've witnessed the first ten matchups, let's delve into ten crucial stats that shed light on the team's remarkable 8-2 start.

Unveiling Pitt Basketball's Season Stats

Blocks Per Game - A Defensive Force

Pitt is truly making a mark on the defensive end, averaging an impressive 4.6 blocks per game. This places them 2nd in the ACC and 55th in the country. Zack Austin, Guillermo Diaz Graham, and Cam Corhen are leading the charge with 15, nine, and eight blocks respectively. Their rim protection has been solid, often giving them a height advantage over opponents. It's this defensive prowess that has contributed to their early-season success.The Panthers' ability to disrupt opponents' shots and control the paint is a key aspect of their game. With such a high block rate, they create turnovers and force opponents into difficult shooting situations. This not only helps them win games but also boosts their confidence on the defensive end.

Rebounding - An Area for Improvement

In Pitt's toughest loss of the season against Mississippi State, the taller players combined for a mere 5 rebounds. This highlights an area where the team wants to focus and improve. Rebounding is a crucial aspect of basketball, and the Panthers know they need to do better in this department.Having a strong rebounding game gives a team more possession opportunities and helps control the tempo of the game. Pitt will be working on strategies to improve their rebounding in the upcoming games to ensure they don't find themselves in similar situations.

Scoring Off Handoffs - Ishmael Leggett's Spectacular Show

Ishmael Leggett has been a revelation this season, especially when it comes to scoring off hand-offs. He currently ranks eighth in the country in this category, averaging an astonishing 1.318 points per possession on handoff situations. Just watch the film below to see his incredible skills in action.His ability to make quick cuts and finish at the rim after receiving a handoff has been a major asset for the team. Leggett's scoring off hand-offs adds a different dimension to Pitt's offense and keeps opponents on their toes.

Strength of Schedule - A Strategic Move

Pitt's strength of schedule rating of 8.9 ranks 19th in the country. Jeff Capel and his staff made a strategic decision to bulk up the non-conference slate over the summer, and it has clearly paid off. The computers are taking notice of Pitt's performance, and this bodes well for the team's future.A tough schedule helps prepare a team for the challenges of conference play and builds character. Pitt has shown that they can handle tough opponents and come out on top, which will give them confidence as they move forward.

Turnovers - Keeping It Low

Pitt is currently averaging just ten turnovers per game, ranking 31st in the nation for the lowest amount of turnovers per contest. This is a significant achievement and shows the team's discipline and ball-handling skills.Minimizing turnovers is crucial in basketball as it leads to more scoring opportunities and better team flow. Pitt's players have been doing a great job of taking care of the ball and avoiding costly mistakes.

Jaland Lowe's Production Jump

Pitt's number 15, Jaland Lowe, has taken a massive leap in production since his freshman season. He is leading the team with 17.1 points and 4.9 assists per game. Lowe has stepped up in big moments and played a major role in the team's 8-2 start.His scoring and playmaking abilities have been a driving force for Pitt, and he has become a key player in the team's success. Lowe's growth and development have been a pleasant surprise for the coaching staff and fans alike.

G. Diaz Graham's Three-Point Struggles

G. Diaz Graham is shooting just 21.4% from three-point range this year on 42 attempts (nine makes), which is the third-most on the team. Last year, he shot 41% from deep, and this 20% decrease in shooting percentage has hurt Pitt on the outside.The team needs Diaz Graham to regain his shooting touch and start making those crucial three-pointers. His shooting ability is an important weapon for Pitt, and when he's on, he can open up the offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Zack Austin's Hot Shooting

Zack Austin is currently shooting 40.5% from three-point range and has been red-hot lately. His outburst against Ohio State, where he hit five threes including the game winner at the buzzer, was a testament to his shooting prowess.Austin's improved shooting has been a major boost for the team, and he has become a reliable option from beyond the arc. His confidence is growing with each successful shot, and he is playing a crucial role in Pitt's offense.

Damian Dunn's Injury Impact

Damian Dunn was shooting a whopping 55.6% from three-point range at the time of his injury. Pitt has missed his shooting ability since he went down at The Greenbrier. With about one month left on his initial recovery timeline, the team is eagerly awaiting his return.Dunn's shooting was a key component of Pitt's offense, and his absence has been felt. Once he returns, he will add another dimension to the team and help them regain their scoring firepower.

Bench Production - A Focus Area

The Panthers rank No. 274 in the nation in bench points. Most of Pitt's production comes from its top-four scorers: Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett, Damian Dunn, and Cam Corhen. With Dunn out with an injury, Pitt's scoring average has dropped from 85.8 points per game to 80.2 for the season.The coaching staff will be looking to develop the bench and get more production from their reserves. Improving bench scoring will give Pitt more depth and make them a more formidable team.