PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Pitt power forward Nasir Robinson is expected to return to practice sometime next week, according to ESPN’s Andy Katz.

Robinson, a senior, had surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee and has been out of action for a few weeks. It’s the second straight season he’s had knee surgery leading up to the regular season.

Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon noted at a season ticket holder dinner and again at Pitt’s Blue-Gold scrimmage on Saturday that Robinson is well ahead of where he was in rehab and recovery compared to last year.

Robinson, along with guard Ashton Gibbs, is one of two seniors on the team. He is the most experienced player in Pitt’s front court and his presence will be a big help to a very young group of forwards.

Outside of Robinson and junior Dante Taylor, Pitt has a largely inexperienced front court with sophomores Talib Zanna and Aron Nwankwo and freshmen Khem Birch, Durand Johnson and Malcolm Gilbert.