Stephen Thompson: Pitt's Path Back to Winning Basketball May Take More Than One Season
The last time Jeff Capel undertook a roster rebuild as extensive as the recent one was before the 2022-23 season. That offseason, transfer portal recruiting brought in Greg Elliott, Blake Hinson, and Nelly Cummings—players not initially considered elite. Alongside Jamarius Burton and Nike Sibande, who were acquired earlier, Capel formed a core of experienced veterans with an average age comparable to some NBA teams.
This group won 24 games, including two NCAA tournament victories, lifting the program from the lower ranks of the power conferences. At that point, Capel's future at Pittsburgh was uncertain. He needed rapid, significant success, and bringing in experienced players was seen as the most effective path.
This offseason, faced with a similar scenario—his contract nearing its end and dwindling patience due to postseason struggles—Capel’s roster strategy has shifted. Now, Pittsburgh aims to focus on developing a younger group for sustained future success.
"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 approach reflects a coach emphasizing building strong habits in a youthful roster, signaling a long-term vision rather than immediate results.
Summary
Jeff Capel shifted from relying on experienced transfers to rebuilding with young players, aiming to instill urgency and connection, suggesting Pittsburgh’s basketball revival may take multiple seasons.