Pitt Men’s Basketball Season Preview
Staff writer Austin Lenhardt-Barley previews the upcoming Pitt men’s basketball season, highlighting the influx of new talent and the team’s recent progress under head coach Jeff Capel.
Coach Jeff Capel’s Eighth Season
Jeff Capel is entering his eighth season as head coach of the Panthers. Early in his tenure, Capel had a 51-59 record over his first four seasons. However, the recent changes to the NCAA transfer rules have helped him turn the program around, with a 63-38 record over the last three seasons.
Impact of NCAA Transfer Rule Change
Before the 2022-23 season, the NCAA introduced a rule allowing athletes to transfer once without sitting out a season. This change enabled Pitt to acquire notable transfers such as Blake Hinson, Nelly Cummings, and Greg Elliott. Each averaged more than 10 points per game in the 2022-23 season, significantly improving the team's performance.
"Pitt going from an 11-21 record to the NCAA Tournament is special and not talked about enough — it happened because of how well Capel works with the transfer portal."
Key Returning Player
Senior forward Corhen returns for his final season, bringing experience from his second year at Pitt. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 11 points and five rebounds. Corhen is recognized as a strong defensive presence and is expected to lead the team this season.
Author’s summary: Through strategic use of transfer rules and steady coaching, Pitt men’s basketball has transformed into a competitive team with key new faces and experienced leaders.