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

Stephen Thompson: Pitt's Path Back to Winning Basketball

The last time Jeff Capel had to undertake a roster rebuild as extensive as his current one was before the 2022-23 season. That offseason, transfer portal additions like Greg Elliott, Blake Hinson, and Nelly Cummings joined the team—a group not initially seen as elite. However, combined with Jamarius Burton and Nike Sibande, acquired in prior years, Capel formed a core of experienced players whose average age rivaled some NBA teams.

This veteran group led Pitt to 24 wins, including two NCAA tournament victories, lifting the program from the lower ranks of power conferences. At that time, Capel’s future at Pittsburgh was uncertain; rapid success was crucial, and bringing in seasoned players was the straightforward approach.

Facing a comparable situation this offseason—with contract years running low and diminishing external patience after limited postseason success—Capel’s current roster reflects a shift in strategy. Now, Pitt appears focused on building toward the near future, prioritizing player development and team habits.

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

Capel sounds like a coach intent on instilling strong habits in a young roster, signaling that Pitt’s return to competitive basketball may require more than one season.

Author's summary: Jeff Capel’s Pitt basketball team is shifting from quick veteran-driven wins to developing a young roster with urgency and connection, suggesting rebuilding will extend beyond one season.

LancasterOnline — 2025-11-03

Stephen Thompson: Pitt's Path Back to Winning Basketball

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