:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46720612/usa-today-8259628.0.jpg)
A few weeks ago, the Post-Gazette's Paul Zeise broke the news that Brown transfer Rafael Maia may not join the Panthers' basketball program. It appears, though, that the big man is still Pittsburgh-bound. Per the Pitt News' Jeremy Tepper:
Any concerns about Brown transfer Rafael Maia not being able to enroll are no more, as Maia arrived at Pitt a week ago and is eligible.
— Jeremy Tepper (@jtepp01) July 7, 2015
The Post-Gazette's Brian Batko also said previously that he was listed in Pitt's online student directory, so all indications point to him joining.
Landing Maia is a pretty big deal for Pitt. He isn't going to be a superstar, but as I wrote at the time of the announcement he was coming, the frontcourt is just deeper for the Panthers with him here. With the additions of Maia and Rozelle Nix, Mike Young may not need to play center as much as he did last season and that only will benefit him as he can match up against smaller players on defense.
Maia also held his own against the better competition he faced and while he may not dominate, there's no reason to think he'll be entirely overmatched in the ACC.
His addition will give the team a better chance to compete in the upcoming season as they try to bounce back from a disappointing year.
Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and founder/editor @AnsonWhaley.