Pitt Basketball Season Preview: Panthers Look to Use Toughness to Exceed Expectations

Pitt Basketball Season Preview: Panthers Aim to Exceed Expectations Through Toughness

The Pitt men’s basketball program, under eighth-year head coach Jeff Capel, is aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 season and only the second time during Capel’s tenure. This season’s roster has been largely revamped with numerous transfers and freshmen, despite retaining three key players from last year’s squad.

Although the team may appear less talented on paper compared to previous years, it boasts increased size, physicality, and toughness. These qualities are expected to help counterbalance the high level of competition they will face nightly in the ACC.

“We can’t be a team that thinks we can just show up,” Capel said after the 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.”

Returning players guard Brandin Cummings and forward Cam Cohren played significant roles last season and expect to secure starting positions this year. Forward Papa Kante will also be a key part of the rotation. Cummings, a freshman last season, participated in 31 games and started four times for the Panthers.

Key Returnees and Team Dynamics

The Panthers aim to leverage their toughness and cohesion to compete effectively within the ACC despite a perceived talent gap.

Author’s summary: The Panthers, led by Jeff Capel, hope to surpass expectations by emphasizing toughness and teamwork amid a revamped roster for the 2025-26 season.

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On3 On3 — 2025-11-03

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