Jeff Capel Breaks Down Exhibition Win Over Providence
While it was only an exhibition game, the new-look Pitt Panthers’ ability to bounce back from a rough start offensively as they defeated Providence by the score of 81-74 should ease the worries of many supporters
The Panthers returned just three contributors from last season’s team which forced head coach Jeff Capel to bring in a mix of transfers and freshman to round out the roster.
When doing so, Capel wanted to change the identity of his team to a physical, defensive-minded group that could wear down an opponent over the course of a game. Through at least one (unofficial) game, the group proved to be able to do just that.
While the three returnees, Bradin Cummings (12 points), Cam Corhen (10 points) and Papa Kante (7 points) all reminded Panthers’ fans as to who they were, it was the newcomers that stole the show.
Transfer guard Damarco Minor paced the Panthers with 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Highly-touted freshman guard Omari Witherspoon showcased his potential All-Conference level play with 10 points including a stretch where he scored three straight baskets.
Fellow freshman Macari Moore made his case for a potential rotational role as he tallied 6 points, four rebounds and two assists off of the bench.
In total, Pitt played a total of nine players and five of them finished in double-figures.
While there was plenty of good to take away from the showing, there were was also a mix of ugly.
That is something that Capel expected and is not upset over as it was the first time that the group played against a real opponent. The ups-and-downs will give the Panthers plenty to look over and learn from as they inch closer to the start of the regular season on Nov. 3.
Capel, along with Minor and Corhen, broke down the exhibition against Providence following the game.
Watch and listen to the full post-game press conference here:
