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 team.
Coach Jeff Capel’s Tenure
The Panthers are entering their eighth season under head coach Jeff Capel. Capel initially struggled, compiling a 51-59 record in his first four seasons. However, recent changes in the transfer portal rules contributed to three consecutive winning seasons, with an overall record of 63-38.
Impact of Transfer Portal Changes
Before the 2022-2023 season, the NCAA allowed athletes to transfer once without sitting out a year. This change helped Pitt welcome significant transfers such as Blake Hinson, Nelly Cummings, and Greg Elliott.
- Each transfer averaged over 10 points per game in the 2022-2023 season.
- The team improved dramatically from an 11-21 record to reaching the NCAA Tournament.
Pitt’s rise to the NCAA Tournament is special and underappreciated, largely due to how well Capel utilizes the transfer portal.
Key Player: Senior Forward Corhen
Senior forward Corhen returns for his final and second season at Pitt. He averaged 11 points and five rebounds last season and proved to be a strong scorer and defensive presence for the Panthers.
Corhen is expected to be a key leader during his last season with the team.
Author’s summary: Coach Jeff Capel’s effective use of transfer rules and key players like Corhen have transformed Pitt men’s basketball into a competitive NCAA Tournament contender.