Pitt Alums Like What They See From New Panthers
PITTSBURGH -- The dog days of summer are the deep offseason for the Pitt Panthers but that doesn't mean the Petersen Events Center has sat dormant for all three months since their exit from the NCAA Tournament following a loss to Xavier in the Round of 32.
The Pete has been busy with Panthers - past and present - working out and that means generations of Pitt players have meshed. Some of those older Panthers have gotten a sneak peak at what next year has in store and are excited about a team that will look different, but has just as much potential as last year's group.
Nelly Cummings and Greg Elliot, two cornerstones of the 2023 NCAA Tournament team who will compete with fellow Pitt alumni in the TBT next week, have played some pick-up with the new crop of players, who have to account for some significant offseason losses and were impressed.
"They look real good," Cummings said. "Different unit. They’re a little younger than us, so they’re a little more athletic than we are. They’ve got some young legs and it’s a pretty good-looking unit."
Elliott agreed that this will likely be a more athletic team that plays differently from the offensive-minded, run-and-gun Panthers of 2022-23.
"They all look good, honestly," he said. "It’s going to be a totally different-looking team. They’re going to be more athletic. They got more length. I feel like they’re going to be better defensively and rebounding."
Cummings added that he and some of last year's veteran guards - primarily Elliott and Burton - have been able to spend some time around the younger backcourt that will feature three underclassmen and do some teaching. He thinks that should help ease the transition somewhat.
Former Pitt forward Justin Champagnie, who just wrapped up his second season in the NBA and is fresh off a strong showing at the Las Vegas Summer League with the Boston Celtics, had similarly strong reviews of what he's seen from this year's Panthers.
"There are some young guns, I tell you," he said. "Really young, but they compete and in basketball, if you have guys who can compete, you’ll go a long way. I think it’s going to be a good year for them."
Champagnie predicts some growing pains - as is to be expected for a young team - but thinks another run to the Big Dance is on the table.
They’ll probably go through some rough patches because they’re young and new for the most part, but I foresee them going back [to the NCAA Tournament]."
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