Stephen Thompson: Pitt's path back to winning basketball may take more than one season
The last time Jeff Capel undertook a major roster rebuild like his current one at Pitt was before the 2022–23 season. During that offseason, his work in the transfer portal brought in Greg Elliott, Blake Hinson, and Nelly Cummings—players not widely viewed as stars at the time.
Paired with earlier additions Jamarius Burton and Nike Sibande, Capel created a core of experienced veterans whose combined age was comparable to that of some NBA teams. That squad went on to win 24 games, including two in the NCAA tournament, lifting the program from the depths of the power conferences.
At that point, Capel’s long-term stay in Pittsburgh was uncertain. He needed rapid results, and bringing in veteran experience offered the most direct path to success. Now, confronted with similar pressure—his contract nearing expiration and expectations rising after several postseason disappointments—Capel’s latest roster suggests a different direction.
Pitt appears to be looking toward the near future as a guiding vision. The coach’s words show a focus on growth and development rather than short-term fixes for immediate wins.
“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.”
His emphasis on urgency and connection reveals a coach eager to build lasting habits among a younger group of players.
Author’s Summary
Capel’s new Pitt roster signals a shift from veteran-driven quick success toward nurturing youthful energy and unity for sustainable progress.