Pitt notebook: developments in football, basketball and the NFL
Several developments for the Pitt football (even at the NFL level) and basketball teams are emerging late in the offseason. Check out some news and notes from the last couple of days.
Another basketball addition coming up?
Pitt assistant coach Jason Capel turned heads when he posted an Instagram story Thursday night that featured himself and Damian Dunn with the caption, “To be continued…”
Now, that’s interesting.
Dunn – a 6-foot-5 guard from Kinston, N.C. – played in 16 games last season, dealing with multiple injuries. He missed time early in the season with a thumb injury and was ruled out for the season in February with a broken elbow. He would need a waiver to return next season, considering he was out of eligibility.
Pitt is working to earn an extra season of eligibility from the NCAA, and while he doesn’t seem like a player who meets the requirements for a medical redshirt season, the Panthers appear to be confident.
Dunn is exactly what Pitt is looking for right now from a guard perspective. He averaged 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season, shooting 42.5% from the field and 41.2% from 3-point range. He isn’t a standout defender, but he would be a candidate to play serious minutes as a starter or the first player off the bench.
The current backcourt will likely feature Damarco Minor, Brandin Cummings and Nojus Indrusaitis.
Pitt commit receiving high-profile interest
Recruiting – at the high school and college level – has never been more uncertain, and even when a commit signs, it’s more of a 1-year deal than anything.
Still, Pitt does some of its best evaluating high school talent and securing their services early.
Pitt picked up a commitment from Bryan Hamilton in June, following his official visit, but it appears that the Panthers are in for a fight to hold him until National Signing Day in December.
Rivals’ Jeff Garcia Jr. reported that Colorado and Kansas State have serious interest in Hamilton. Colorado offered this week, and the Buffaloes are pushing hard to flip him. There’s a high likelihood that he will visit Colorado at some point.
Hamilton had an official visit planned for Kansas State, but that was called off after he committed. But the Wildcats are continuing to push for his commitment.
Pitt has done a good job recruiting him so far, and while there is outside interest, he’s happy with the Panthers.
“It’s wonderful,” Hamilton said of the communication. “About every day coach Kade Bell, coach JJ Laster and coach Pat Narduzzi all hit me every day and ask how I’m doing.
Time will tell. Hamilton is set to return for the Panthers’ season opener against Duquesne.
Pitt in the Pros news and tidbits
*Kenny Pickett appears to be in the driver’s seat for the starting job in Cleveland early in camp. Browns quarterback coach Bill Musgrave heaped praise upon Pickett today, saying Pickett has been “stellar.”
Pickett was traded to the Browns this offseason, following a Super Bowl title with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he’s currently competing against Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
He’s become a polarizing figure in the NFL, but there’s a legitimate opportunity for him to claim a starting job and silence a lot of doubters.
*The San Francisco 49ers released Israel Abanikanda on Thursday, making room to sign a wide receiver. It’s a tough break for Abanikanda, who was claimed by the 49ers last December.
He’s been a strong performer in preseason, but he has just 22 carries in the NFL (all with the New York Jets in 2023). He will likely land with another team this summer and compete for a roster spot.
Aaron Donald still wreaking havoc upon NFL players
Aaron Donald is renowned for his workouts, and even after retiring, he’s still terrorizing the NFL.
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jared Verse wasn’t able to play with Donald in Los Angeles, but he’s worked out with Donald during the offseason. And he told the story to the media on Thursday.
