The Pittsburgh Panthers, under the leadership of head coach Jeff Capel, are poised to make a statement in the ACC for the upcoming 2024-25 season. With key players Carlton Carrington and Blake Hinson now in the NBA, the team will need to rely on new scoring options to make a splash in the conference.
After missing out on the NCAA tournament last season due to a weak out-of-conference schedule, the Panthers are hungry for success. Can Coach Capel guide his squad past the round of 32 for the first time in his coaching career? That remains to be seen, but with the talent and potential on the roster, the possibilities are endless.
Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles, it’s been 15 years since Pittsburgh last made a deep tournament run. While the program isn’t necessarily on a downward trend, there is a desire to go further in the tournament than they have in over a decade. Despite finishing ahead of Clemson in the ACC standings last season, losses to the Tigers and Missouri ultimately cost the Panthers a spot in the Big Dance.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Pittsburgh has added two transfers in Cameron Corhen and Damian Dunn. Corhen brings valuable experience from his time at Florida State, where he showcased his scoring abilities and efficiency on the court. Dunn, a veteran presence from Temple and Houston, adds leadership and a strong free-throw shooting prowess to the team.
In addition to the transfers, the Panthers welcome a talented freshman class consisting of Brandin Cummings, Amdy Ndiaye, Amsal Delalic, and Liam Mignoga. These newcomers bring a mix of skills and backgrounds to the team, adding depth and versatility to the roster.
As the Panthers gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Coach Capel and his squad as they aim to make a statement in the ACC. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, Pittsburgh is ready to pounce on the competition and make their mark in the conference.