University of Pittsburgh basketball coach Jeff Capel enters his ninth season with a clear mission: reverse the Panthers’ recent slide. After a 13-20 overall record and a 5-13 mark in ACC play last year, Capel has reshaped his staff and roster, most notably by parting ways with his brother Jason from the coaching staff.
Freshman impact expected
Two high‑profile freshmen, forward Chase Foster and guard Jermal Jones, are expected to provide the athleticism and scoring punch the Panthers have missed. Foster, a 6‑foot‑9 Baltimore native, chose Pitt over offers from Villanova and Arkansas, citing the opportunity for immediate playing time. Jones, a dynamic guard, brings speed and perimeter shooting that should help stretch opposing defenses.
Supporting pieces of the puzzle
Veteran swingman Jonathan Powell, a junior transfer from North Carolina, is also looking for a larger role after limited minutes as a reserve. The only returning scholarship player, forward Macari Moore, averaged just 1.4 points off the bench last season, underscoring the need for new contributors.
Schedule offers early tests
The Panthers open at home against Rider on Nov. 2, followed by a non‑conference slate that includes Villanova, Penn State, West Virginia, Oklahoma and Missouri. ACC play begins with a matchup against 14th‑ranked Miami on Jan. 2, then visits to No. 2 Duke and No. 11 Louisville. The season will close with home and away games against North Carolina and SMU.
Why the stakes are high
Over the past two seasons, Pitt has gone 13‑25 in conference play, while posting a combined 26‑14 record in 2023‑24. The program’s recent struggles have placed Capel’s job under scrutiny; athletic director Allen Greene has indicated that continued underperformance could lead to a coaching change. The infusion of talent from Foster and Jones offers a tangible path to reversing that trend.
Looking ahead
If the freshmen can translate their recruiting hype into on‑court production, Pitt could see a marked improvement in rebounding—a weakness highlighted in an exhibition loss to Providence where the Panthers were outrebounded 42‑26. Strong rebounding and interior presence from Foster could be the catalyst the team needs to compete more effectively in the ACC.
Fans and alumni will be watching closely as the season unfolds, hoping that the new faces and a refreshed coaching approach will bring the Panthers back to relevance in Pittsburgh’s proud basketball tradition.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
