Stephen Thompson: Pitt's path back to winning basketball may take more than 1 season

Stephen Thompson: Pitt's Path Back to Winning Basketball May Take More Than One Season

The last time Jeff Capel faced a roster rebuild as extensive as the current one was before the 2022-23 season. That offseason, transfer portal recruiting brought in Greg Elliott, Blake Hinson, and Nelly Cummings—players who were not initially seen as elite. Paired with previous additions Jamarius Burton and Nike Sibande, Capel created a core of experienced veterans whose combined age rivaled some NBA teams.

This veteran group won 24 games, including two in the NCAA tournament, lifting the program from the bottom of the power conferences. At that time, Capel's continued tenure at Pittsburgh wasn’t certain. He needed quick, significant success, and bringing in experienced players was a proven strategy.

This offseason, with his contract nearing its end and outside patience limited due to postseason struggles, Capel's new roster shows a shift in approach. The team is younger, signaling a focus on building for the near future rather than immediate results.

Capel’s Vision for the Upcoming Season

"We need to play with the sense of urgency every second that we're out there on both sides of the floor. There has to be urgent talk, urgent movement. We have to be unbelievably connected."

Capel’s words reflect a coach intent on teaching discipline and urgency to a young team, emphasizing connection and persistent energy on the court.

Summary

Jeff Capel’s rebuilding journey at Pitt emphasizes patience and growth, indicating that return to consistent winning seasons might demand more than a single year of development.

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LancasterOnline LancasterOnline — 2025-11-03

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