Jamie Dixon landed his second graduate transfer in a week’s time on Sunday when it was reported that Brown power forward Rafael Maia would be transferring to Pitt.
Maia, like Coppin State guard Sterling Smith, who transferred to Pitt last week, will be eligible to play right away.
He stands 6-foot-9 and last season averaged 9.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, shooting 53.8 percent from the field.
He should be able to help the Panthers on the glass, which was a weak spot of the team last season. Maia led the Ivy League in rebounding the past three seasons.
He was initially ruled ineligible during his freshman season at Brown, but put up decent numbers his final three seasons. It will be interesting to see how much the jump from the Ivy League to the ACC impacts Maia’s production.
At the minimum, Maia adds depth to a frontcourt that features Michael Young, Jamel Artis, newcomer Rozelle Nix and others.
While I would have liked to see a scholarship go to a true center, anyone who can help crash the glass will be a welcome addition for Dixon as Pitt finished 10th in the ACC in defensive rebounding a year ago.
Maia will be the fourth newcomer to the Pitt team next season, joining Smith, Nix and guard Damon Wilson.
The Panthers are also reported hosting former Seton Hall guard Sterling Gibbs this week.
Photo Credit: Brown University
