Pitt men’s basketball season preview

Pitt Men’s Basketball Season Preview

Staff writer Austin Lenhardt-Barley previews the Pitt men’s basketball season, highlighting the new talent joining the team. The 2025 season marks the eighth under head coach Jeff Capel, whose tenure has brought notable transformation.

Capel’s Journey and Progress

When Jeff Capel began his career at Pitt, his first four seasons ended with a 51-59 record. However, the program’s trajectory changed significantly in recent years. Over the past three seasons, Capel’s Panthers have achieved a 63-38 record, maintaining a consistent winning form.

Impact of Transfer Portal Changes

The NCAA’s 2021-2022 rule change allowed athletes to transfer once without having to sit out a season. This new flexibility reshaped Capel’s recruiting strategy and directly influenced Pitt’s resurgence.

“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 additions like Blake Hinson, Nelly Cummings, and Greg Elliott made immediate impacts, each averaging over 10 points per game in the 2022-2023 season. Their performances helped establish Pitt as a competitive force once again.

Leadership and Veteran Presence

Senior forward Corhen returns for his final season after averaging 11 points and five rebounds. His defensive strength and experience are expected to anchor the team as he steps into a leadership role for the 2025 campaign.

Key Points

Jeff Capel enters his eighth year as head coach.
The Panthers have maintained a winning record for three consecutive seasons.
NCAA transfer rules have played a significant role in reshaping the team’s roster.
Returning players like Corhen bring stability and leadership to the lineup.

Author’s Summary: The Pitt men’s basketball team, strengthened by transfers and veteran leadership, looks to extend its success under Jeff Capel’s evolving program.

The Pitt News — 2025-11-05