Pittsburgh Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMACC BasketballPittsburgh Panthers

Oct 30

Our Pittsburgh basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that from the 2001-02 to 2015-16 seasons the Panthers went to the NCAA Tournament all but two times. In the two years they missed the Big Dance, Pittsburgh attended the NIT or CBI. Since the 2016-17 season, they have not appeared in any tournament. In those five years, Pittsburgh’s ACC record is 19-71, and their best conference finish has been 12th. Last season, the Pittsburgh Panthers (10-12 Overall, 6-10 ACC) ended the season 12th in the ACC. In three seasons with Pittsburgh, head coach Jeff Capel (40-48 Pittsburgh/3 years, 215-158 Overall/12 years) has seen a lot of players head for the transfer portal or opt for early entry into the draft. After last season alone, five players transferred and one went to the pros. If Capel is to continue at Pitt, he has to make something positive happen.

Panthers Frontcourt

In the paint, sophomore forward John Hugely, who averaged 14.9 MPG, 5.1 PPG, and 4.3 RPG, must make up for the loss of Justin Champagnie (18.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG) who’s now in the NBA. Our Pittsburgh basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that it’s a lot to ask. Especially because last season Hugely was suspended for 15 games due to a legal matter. He does possess potential. Transfer Mouhamadou Gueye (Stony Brook), the America East Defensive Player of the Year, should be a big help. Last year, the 6’9”, 210-pound forward averaged 9.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 3.1 BPG. Also on hand is transfer and third-team All-Horizon League honoree Daniel Oladapo (Oakland). He was good for 12.9 PPG and 8.8 RPG. Despite the talent, there’s little behind these three.

Pittsburgh Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Last season, Femi Odukale (6.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.2 APG) and Miami (Ohio) transfer Nike Sibande (6.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG) had to step up when the two backcourt starters left the team prior to the end of the season. Odukale, a 46.1 percent field-goal shooter, and Sibande, who hits threes at a rate of 43.6 percent, return as the primary duo. Transfer Jamarius Burton (Wichita State and Texas Tech) brings fine scoring, rebounding, and assist chops. Wing man William Jeffress returns for his sophomore season. As a freshman, the four-star recruit was a disappointment, shooting 22.8 percent from the floor and 15.0 percent from downtown.