Pitt Basketball to Open 2026-27 Season on November 2

The Panthers tip off the new campaign against Rider following an offseason roster overhaul under head coach Jeff Capel.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing a basketball player in navy and gold colors leaping to shoot, conveying dynamic motion on an indoor court. — The Pitt men's basketball team begins its 2026-27 season against Rider on November 2, following a significant roster overhaul by coach Jeff Capel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Pitt men's basketball team prepares to launch its 2026-27 season on November 2, 2026, against Rider. The squad enters the year with a heavily altered roster as head coach Jeff Capel looks to revitalize the program.

Why it matters

The team is attempting to recover from a dismal finish in the previous season. The outcome of the upcoming campaign is critical as athletic director Allen Greene is expected to replace Jeff Capel if the team has a third straight unsuccessful season.

Baye Ndongo joins the team after averaging 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds at Georgia Tech last year, while Naithan George arrives with an 11.1 points-per-game average from Syracuse. A'lahn Sumler also joins the roster after shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range last season.

The players

Jeff Capel

He is the head coach of the Pitt men's basketball team and has served in the role since 2018 with a career record of 127-127 at the university.

Allen Greene

He is the athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh and oversees the program's coaching staff decisions.

Baye Ndongo

He is a transfer player joining the Panthers who previously averaged 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds at Georgia Tech.

Naithan George

He is an incoming player for the team who averaged 11.1 points per game during his three seasons at Syracuse.

Macari Moore

He is the only returning scholarship player on the current Pitt roster for the 2026-27 season.

The details

Coach Jeff Capel has overhauled the team by adding freshman recruits Chase Foster and Jermal Jones while removing his brother Jason from the coaching staff. The changes follow a disappointing exhibition loss to Providence on October 17, where the Panthers were outrebounded 42-26.

Jeff Capel began his tenure as Pitt head coach in 2018.
Pitt recorded a combined record of 26-14 during the 2023-2024 seasons.
The Panthers suffered a 42-26 rebounding deficit in an exhibition loss to Providence on October 17, 2026.
The season opener against Rider is scheduled for November 2, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This season serves as a critical test for the coaching staff after the program struggled with a 13-25 conference record over the last two years. A strong start is necessary to improve the team's standing within the Atlantic Coast Conference and avoid further administrative review.

The rebounding struggles evidenced by the 42-26 deficit against Providence indicate a significant need for improved frontcourt performance from newcomers like Baye Ndongo. Fantasy participants should monitor the limited minutes available to the returning scholarship player Macari Moore as the new rotation stabilizes.

The takeaway

The team faces a pivotal year as it attempts to integrate multiple transfers and freshmen under increased internal pressure. Consistency on the glass will be a primary indicator of whether the team can successfully move past its recent conference struggles.