Pitt junior forward John Hugley IV will miss the remainder of the season, as he is opting to take a step back from basketball “while coping with mental health challenges as well as recovery and reconditioning from a preseason injury.”
Team officials announced Hugley’s decision Saturday afternoon.
Hugley earned honorable mention All-ACC honors last season as he averaged 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds.
But he suffered an unspecified injury in the preseason, which, combined with mental health matters, limited him to six starts and eight appearances this winter. He had not suited up for Pitt since Dec. 10.
Please respect my decision!!???????? pic.twitter.com/eYJJ6C2m88
— John Hugley IV (@thejohnhugley) January 14, 2023
“I want nothing more than to be on the court with my teammates,” Hugley posted to Twitter on Saturday. “However, due to an injury and my mental health being a priority, after long discussions and talks with my coaches, family and mentors, I have decided the best course of action will be for me to sit out the remainder of the season to fully invest in healing mentally as well as physically.”
Per Pitt’s release, Hugley is expected to seek a redshirt year for this season.
In Hugley’s absence, the Panthers have leaned on sophomore Federiko Federiko to play a bigger role. Since Hugley’s last appearance, Federiko has played at least 25 minutes in five of seven games and is averaging 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds.
“We are here to support John as he continues to learn to manage challenges in his personal life,” coach Jeff Capel said in a statement. “John has worked hard to get to this point and should be applauded for seeking out the help to continue to grow as a young man. This next step will allow him the time and space to focus on his personal growth. We are here to provide love and support for him on this journey that will undoubtedly help him throughout his life.”
