Pitt Men’s Basketball Season Preview
Staff writer Austin Lenhardt-Barley previews the Pitt men’s basketball season, highlighting the many new faces on the roster. The Panthers enter their eighth season under head coach Jeff Capel, who has steadily improved the program.
Coach Jeff Capel’s Progress
Capel began his Pitt coaching career with a 51-59 record over his first four seasons. However, changes in the NCAA transfer rules have helped him elevate the team’s success. Over the last three seasons, Pitt has posted winning records totaling 63-38.
Impact of NCAA Transfer Rule
Before the 2022-2023 season, the NCAA allowed athletes one transfer without the penalty of sitting out a full season. This change enabled Pitt to add key players like Blake Hinson, Nelly Cummings, and Greg Elliott, all of whom averaged over 10 points per game and transformed the team's outlook.
"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."
Team Leadership and Key Players
Senior forward Corhen returns for his final season and second year at Pitt, having averaged 11 points and five rebounds last year. Known for his strong defense, Corhen is expected to be a pivotal leader for the Panthers in 2025-26.
Pitt’s recent success reflects Capel’s ability to build competitive teams through strategic use of the transfer portal.
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