Takeaways from Pitt Basketball’s Frontcourt Dominance
The Panthers secured a 74-59 victory over Youngstown State on the opening night of the 2025 season. Though the game wasn’t visually impressive, Pitt’s size and grit led them to a solid win.
Frontcourt Strengths and Key Performances
Pitt capitalized on its size advantage, scoring 18 points from second-chance opportunities. Senior forward Cameron Corhen demonstrated his leadership by logging 35 minutes and leading the team with 23 points and 12 rebounds. His steady presence helped stabilize the Panthers during an uncertain offensive start.
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante also stood out, playing 35 minutes and grabbing 10 rebounds. Kante’s footwork allowed him to effectively guard versatile opponents, enhancing Pitt’s defensive versatility.
Contributions from Newcomers
First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa experienced a tentative debut but still contributed. Witherspoon made a challenging mid-range jumper, while Siulepa executed a notable block. Both players committed two turnovers each, reflecting the adjustment needed to handle significant minutes early in ACC play.
“Pitt used its size to gain 18 points off of second-chance opportunities and showed it is willing to embrace a gritty play style to get results.”
“Corhen’s consistent presence was a source of comfort for the Panthers as they looked disjointed on offense in the early going.”
“Kante moved his feet against shifty Youngstown State players and showed that he can guard any player on the court.”
The transition for freshmen to major playing roles, especially in a competitive conference like the ACC, presents challenges, but early contributions indicate potential growth.
Author’s Summary
Pitt basketball leveraged frontcourt depth and veteran leadership to overcome early offensive struggles and secure a resilient win in the season opener.