PITTSBURGH – Guard Carlton Carrington announced that he will enter the 2024 NBA Draft at a press conference at the Petersen Events Center Wednesday afternoon. The Baltimore, Md., native becomes the second Pitt player under Jeff Capel and the ninth Panther overall to bypass college eligibility to enter the NBA Draft
“Bub had a terrific year and has put himself in position to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft,” said head coach Jeff Capel. “We have been in constant communication with him and his family throughout and are in full support of the decision. Bub is a talented, young player with a bright future at the next level. Bub and his family will continue to be a part of our Pitt Basketball family and we look forward to supporting them and watching him compete in the NBA.”
Carrington was the only freshman in the NCAA to average at least 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this past season, while helping lead the Panthers to a 22-11 record overall and a fourth-place finish in the ACC. He finished his first year at Pitt averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while making 65 three-point field goals. Carrington scored in double figures 23 times, including five games with 20 or more points scored. He opened his career with a triple-double (18 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) against NC A&T and closed the season with a 24-point effort against No. 4 North Carolina in the ACC Tournament Semifinals.
“I can’t thank Coach Capel, the staff, my teammates, and everyone associated with Pitt Basketball and the University of Pittsburgh for the opportunity to be a part of this team, a great university, and the Pittsburgh community,” said Carrington. “After weighing my basketball options with my family and coaches, I have decided to pursue my childhood dream of playing in the NBA. The growth in my game over the past year and the opportunity to showcase my abilities at Pitt have helped make this a reality. I will miss my teammates and coaches as well as the terrific culture of Pitt Basketball and the support of the University of Pittsburgh community, but am eager continue my growth and development at the next level.”
Seven of the past eight freshmen to average at least 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game have been selected in the top 15 of their respective NBA Drafts. Each of the past nine freshmen to post those numbers went on to become NBA First Round Draft picks with seven of the nine being selected among the first six picks in the draft.
Carrington in the Pitt Freshmen Record Books
- 456 points (2nd) … 13.8 ppg. (4th)
- 1,986 minutes played (1st) … 33.2 minutes per game (4th)
- 5 20+ point games (T-5th)
- 23 double-figure scoring games (T-5th)
- 159 field goals (T-3rd)
- 386 field goal attempts (1st)
- 65 three-point field goals (2nd)
- 202 three-point attempts (1st)
- 136 assists (4th) … 4.1 apg. (4th)
- 7 three-point field goals at Boston College (T-1st) … 27 points at Boston College (8th)
2024 Honors & Awards
- CollegeInsider.com Freshmen All-America
- Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year Finalist (CollegeInsider.com)
- ACC All-Tournament Team (2nd)
- Honorable Mention All-ACC
- ACC All-Rookie Team
- 5x ACC Rookie of the Week selection (Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, March 11)
- 2x Dick Vitale Diaper Dandy of the Week (Dec. 11, March 11)
Key Dates
- Early entrants have until April 27 to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft.
- The NBA Draft Combine is scheduled to take place in Chicago May 12-19.
- The NCAA’s deadline to withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft while retaining NCAA eligibility is May 29.
- NBA Deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft is June 16.
- 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26-27.
Pitt has had 28 NBA Draft picks, including eight first round selections in program history. Capel has mentored 27 draft picks throughout his coaching career, including 18 first round selections and 10 lottery picks.
Pitt – NBA Early Entrants
- Justin Champagnie – 2021
- Steven Adams – 2013
- DeJuan Blair – 2009
- Chris Taft – 2005
- Mark Blount – 1997
- Jerome Lane – 1988
- Mel Bennett – 1975
- Billy Knight – 1974
Source: Matt Plizga/Pitt Athletics