Transfer reunites Bilinsky brothers at Pitt-Johnstown

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, January 13, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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It wasn’t exactly a brotherly shove, but Adam Bilinsky admits having a chance to play basketball with his older sibling again played a key role in his decision on where to transfer.

Bilinsky, who decided to exit Mercyhurst after playing in just nine games as a freshman, will join his brother Ty at Pitt-Johnstown.

The Norwin alums could be teammates if Adam Bilinsky is cleared to play right away. He will work out with the Mountain Cats for now.

Adam Bilinsky, a 6-foot-3 guard who was the TribLive Westmoreland Boys Basketball Player of the Year last season, averaged 7.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 21.3 minutes off the bench for Mercyhurst.

He wanted to be closer to home following the death of his grandmother.

Ty Bilinsky is a redshirt sophomore guard at Pitt-Johnstown. He has played in four games off the bench this season.

Ty Bilinsky overcame health concerns to play Division II basketball.

“Ty definitely had an influence,” Adam Bilinsky said. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to play with their brother?”

UPJ was the first college to offer Adam Bilinsky when he was heading into his junior year in high school, but he opted to play for Mercyhurst, another Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference program.

“They also were the first ones to offer me in the transfer portal,” Bilinsky said. “I plan on practicing this semester.”

His older brother also is looking forward to the move.

“I’m excited,” Ty Bilinsky said. “I think it’ll be great for both of us and the rest of a family.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin