Stephen Thompson: Pitt's Path Back to Winning Basketball
The last time Jeff Capel faced a roster rebuild as extensive as the recent one was before the 2022-23 season. That offseason, recruiting through the transfer portal brought in Greg Elliott, Blake Hinson, and Nelly Cummings—a group not initially seen as elite. However, paired with Jamarius Burton and Nike Sibande, veterans from previous years, Capel created a core whose experience rivaled some NBA teams.
This team won 24 games, including two NCAA tournament victories, lifting the program from the bottom of the power conferences. At that time, Capel’s future at Pittsburgh was uncertain. He needed quick, major success, and bringing in experienced players was the most straightforward way to achieve it.
This offseason, facing a similar challenge—with a contract nearing its end and growing impatience due to limited postseason results—Capel’s roster shows a new direction. Now, Pittsburgh seems focused on nurturing a young team with an eye toward future seasons.
"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 determined to build strong habits within a youthful roster, aiming for long-term growth rather than immediate results.
Summary
Jeff Capel’s recent roster rebuild at Pittsburgh signals a shift from quick fixes to developing a young team, emphasizing urgency and connection for future success.