Pitt Basketball Season Preview: Panthers Look to Use Toughness to Exceed Expectations

Pitt Basketball Season Preview

Panthers Aim to Exceed Expectations with Toughness

The Pitt men's basketball program, led by head coach Jeff Capel in his eighth season, is focused on returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign and only the second time under Capel's leadership. The roster features a mix of returning players, transfers, and freshmen, bringing both challenges and opportunities.

Team Composition and Strategy

Although this Pitt team appears less talented on paper compared to previous years, it emphasizes size, toughness, and physicality. These traits are expected to compensate for the talent disparities they may face nightly in the competitive ACC.

“We can’t be a team that thinks we can just show up. 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.” – Jeff Capel

Key Players Returning

Guard Brandin Cummings, who appeared in 31 games as a freshman last season and started in four.
Forward Cam Cohren, another important contributor expected to secure a starting role.
Forward Papa Kante, anticipated to be a significant rotation player for the Panthers.

Outlook for the 2025-26 Season

The Panthers' combination of experience and renewed physicality sets the stage for a competitive season as they seek to surpass expectations in the ACC and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Author's summary: Pitt’s 2025-26 basketball team blends returning players and new talent with toughness and physicality, aiming to overcome talent gaps and make an NCAA Tournament return.

On3 — 2025-11-03