Malcolm Gilbert to transfer from Pitt

Dec 20, 2011; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers center Malcolm Gilbert (33) pulls in the ball against the St. Francis Red Flash during the first half at Petersen Events Center. Pittsburgh won 71-47. Mandatory Credit: Dave Miller-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Panthers men’s basketball team has lost their third player in a season and a half as redshirt sophomore Malcolm Gilbert decided to transfer.

Gilbert, from Smyrna, Delaware decided to transfer due to family reasons.

“Malcolm has asked for his release and has informed me that he wants to play with his brother,” Dixon said in a press release. “He’s a great kid, hard worker and good player. We thank Malcolm for his contribution to our program over the last year and a half and wish him much success in the future.”

Gilbert was redshirting this season as Dixon found that he would not get sufficient minutes playing behind Steven Adams, Talib Zanna and Dante Taylor.

Last season Gilbert saw time when Khem Birch became the first to transfer from Pitt. He played in 19 games and saw 93 minutes of game action. He averaged 0.8 points per game and 0.8 rebounds per game.

Gilbert’s loss could hurt next year when Taylor, a senior leaves. Now there are just two natural ‘big men’ in Adams and a senior in Zanna. J.J. Moore as a senior will need to provide the depth.

Gilbert’s brother is at Fairfield and he very well could transfer there or the two could both go elsewhere.