Pitt Basketball Season Preview
Panthers Aim to Use Toughness to Surpass Expectations
The Pitt men's basketball program, led by head coach Jeff Capel in his eighth season, is determined to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 season and for the second time under Capel’s leadership. The team retains only three contributors from last year, with a major roster overhaul due to numerous transfers and freshmen additions.
Although this roster is considered one of Capel’s least talented on paper, it features a new emphasis on size, toughness, and physicality, qualities expected to help compete against the level of talent found in the ACC.
“We can’t be a team that thinks we can just show up,” Capel said after the team’s second exhibition. “There is a certain way that we have to show up. We aren’t one of these teams that is just going to out-talent you. We have talent but we don’t have the type of talent that some of these teams do. But if we are tough, and we are together, and we play with an edge, then we can be a really good team.”
Key Returning Players
- Guard Brandin Cummings, who appeared in 31 games last season as a freshman and started four times.
- Forward Cam Cohren, an important contributor last season, expected to secure a starting role.
- Forward Papa Kante, poised to be a primary rotational player for the Panthers.
The Panthers are focusing on bringing grit and unity to the court this season to compensate for the relative lack of high-end talent.
Summary
This season, Pitt basketball’s renewed focus on toughness and team cohesion aims to overcome talent gaps and compete fiercely in the ACC under Coach Jeff Capel’s guidance.