Pitt Basketball Season Preview: Panthers Aim to Exceed Expectations with Toughness
The Pitt men’s basketball team, under the leadership of head coach Jeff Capel in his eighth season, is focused on returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 season, marking their second appearance under Capel’s tenure.
The roster features three returning key players from last season but has undergone significant changes as numerous transfers and freshmen join the squad. Although this team is considered one of Capel’s least talented on paper, it brings a new emphasis on size, toughness, and physicality, which could help offset talent gaps in the competitive ACC.
“We can’t be a team that thinks we can just show up,” Capel said after their second exhibition game. “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 played in 31 games as a freshman last season and started four times, is expected to secure a starting position.
- Forward Cam Cohren is also projected to be a starter after contributing significantly last year.
- Forward Papa Kante will serve as a key rotational player for the Panthers.
The Panthers hope their toughness and collective effort will drive them beyond preseason expectations and into postseason success.
Jeff Capel’s experience and emphasis on grit create optimism despite the roster's relative inexperience and talent level.
Author's summary: Pitt’s basketball team leans on toughness and unity, aiming to overcome talent limitations and return to the NCAA Tournament under Coach Capel's leadership.
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