Stephen Thompson: Pitt's Path Back to Winning Basketball May Take More Than One Season
The last time Jeff Capel faced a major roster overhaul like the one his Pittsburgh team just endured was before the 2022–23 season. That offseason, the coach relied heavily on transfer portal recruiting, adding Greg Elliott, Blake Hinson, and Nelly Cummings — players not initially seen as elite.
Alongside Jamarius Burton and Nike Sibande, who had joined in earlier seasons, Capel built a core of mature veterans whose combined experience rivaled that of some professional teams. The result was a 24-win campaign, including two NCAA tournament victories, lifting Pitt out of the bottom tier of major conferences.
Back then, Capel’s long-term future in Pittsburgh was uncertain. He needed results quickly, and adding seasoned players proved the fastest path to success. Now, however, facing a new offseason, a shorter contract window, and growing external pressure following limited postseason results, Capel appears to be taking a different approach.
A Shift Toward Development
This phase emphasizes preparing for the near future rather than chasing immediate wins. Capel’s current strategy reflects a focus on cultivating habits and chemistry within a younger roster, aiming for sustainable progress over quick 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 emphasis on urgency and communication hints at his intent to build a cohesive, energetic foundation that can restore Pittsburgh’s basketball success, even if that process extends beyond a single season.
Author’s Summary
Capel’s new roster strategy focuses on fostering growth and unity among younger players, signaling that Pitt’s basketball revival will likely unfold over multiple seasons rather than through immediate success.
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