Pitt Men’s Basketball Season Preview
Staff writer Austin Lenhardt-Barley previews the upcoming season of the Pitt men’s basketball team, highlighting the many new faces in the lineup. The Panthers begin their eighth season under head coach Jeff Capel, who has steadily improved the program.
Coach Jeff Capel's Journey
Capel's tenure started with a 51-59 record in his first four seasons at Pitt. However, recent changes in NCAA transfer rules have helped him achieve three consecutive winning seasons, with an overall record of 63-38. Notably, he led Pitt to the NCAA Tournament three seasons ago, marking a significant turnaround for the team.
Impact of NCAA Transfer Rule Change
Before the 2022-2023 season, the NCAA allowed athletes to transfer once without sitting out a season. This rule change proved pivotal for Pitt, as it attracted key transfers who became standout players.
- Blake Hinson
- Nelly Cummings
- Greg Elliott
Each of these transfers averaged over 10 points per game during the 2022-2023 season, dramatically shifting Pitt's fortunes from an 11-21 record to earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
"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 Player: Senior Forward Corhen
Senior forward Corhen returns for his final season and second year at Pitt. He averaged 11 points and five rebounds last season, serving as a reliable scorer and one of the strongest defensive players on the team. Corhen is expected to take on a leadership role in the upcoming season.
"Corhen is one of the stronger defensive players for the Panthers and will be a leader during his last season."
Summary: Jeff Capel has transformed Pitt men’s basketball into a competitive team by effectively utilizing transfer rules and developing key players like Corhen.
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