Pitt Basketball Season Preview: Panthers Look to Use Toughness to Exceed Expectations
The Pitt men’s basketball team, under head coach Jeff Capel entering his eighth season, is aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022–23 and the second time during Capel’s tenure. The roster has undergone major changes, featuring several transfers and freshmen alongside three returning players.
Although this may not be Capel’s most talented roster on paper, it boasts improved size, physicality, and toughness—qualities that could help the team compete against the strong ACC opposition.
“We can’t be a team that thinks we can just show up,” Capel said after the team’s second exhibition. “There is a certain way that we have to show up. We aren’t one of these teams that is just going to out-talent you. We have talent but we don’t have the type of talent that some of these teams do. But if we are tough, and we are together, and we play with an edge, then we can be a really good team.”
Key Returning Players
- Brandin Cummings – Appeared in 31 games as a freshman last season and earned four starts. He is expected to take on a leading role this year.
- Cam Cohren – A forward who contributed consistently last season and is likely to start again.
- Papa Kante – Another returning forward projected to be an important part of the rotation.
Team Outlook
The combination of fresh energy from newcomers and the steady presence of returning players provides balance. If the Panthers maintain their defensive intensity and team cohesion, they could outperform preseason projections in the competitive ACC landscape.
Author’s Summary: The Panthers enter the 2025–26 season relying on toughness, unity, and renewed physicality to surpass expectations and reclaim a place in the NCAA Tournament.