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 had to rebuild the Pitt roster as extensively as this year was before the 2022–23 season. That summer’s recruiting through the transfer portal brought in Greg Elliott, Blake Hinson, and Nelly Cummings — a trio not initially seen as elite. Yet, together with Jamarius Burton and Nike Sibande, recruited earlier, Capel built a team of experienced players whose average age nearly matched some NBA squads.

This group went on to win 24 games, including two in the NCAA tournament, pulling Pitt out of the lower ranks of major college programs. Back then, Capel’s long-term stay in Pittsburgh was uncertain. He needed immediate success, and veteran transfers were the fastest route to that goal.

Now, in a similar situation with his contract nearing its end and fan patience wearing thin after limited postseason results, Capel seems to be taking a different approach. His current roster suggests a focus on long-term growth rather than instant fixes.

“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’s words show a shift toward developing strong habits among younger players — a strategy aimed at building sustainability rather than quick wins.

Author’s summary:

Jeff Capel is steering Pitt basketball toward a long-term rebuild, emphasizing youthful energy, urgency, and teamwork instead of short-term veteran fixes.

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LancasterOnline LancasterOnline — 2025-11-03

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