Pitt Basketball: Ben Howland, Donatas Zavackas Praise Chemistry, Work Ethic of Current Panthers

PITTSBURGH -- Ben Howland and Donatas Zavackas helped kickstart the modern, golden era of Pitt Panthers basketball by storming through the 2003 Big East to win the regular season and tournament title - Howland as the head coach and Zavackas as a valuable, versatile forward.

When those two returned to the Petersen Events Center to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their team's grinding run through the best conference in America, they said they saw shades of themselves in this year's team. Howland and Zavackas hadn't been back to Pitt in 15 years but watching this team work reminded them both of how that 2003 team played.

Howland added that there is youth, particularly in the frontcourt, that has him excited about the future as well.

“I see them making the extra pass. I see them penetrating and kicking out. I really like their chemistry and they’re young," Howland said. "There’s a bright future with those guys there.”

Zavackas said his brief time around the team was headlined by the extra work these Panthers have put in. He said arriving early and staying late was a fixture of the teams from his age, so it is encouraging to see this team both put in the work on their individual games and find ways to play with and off of one another.

“What really amazes me and brings my memories back is the kids," Zavackas said. "They were staying after practice over here shooting. It seems like it's good chemistry and everybody gets along. I think to be successful in college basketball you have to have to get along, you have to have chemistry. When you have chemistry - coaches, players, everybody - the wins will come.”

Howland is eager to be back around the program and see what this team can accomplish this season. He was in the building when the Panthers knocked off then-No. 20 Miami behind an 11-0 run in the final 2:22. Between that and the Wake Forest win - in which Pitt assisted on all of it's program-record 18 made 3-pointers - Howland loves what he is seeing out of the modern Panthers.

“I’m really excited about this group," Howland said. "I think the current group is doing a really great job. I just really like the character of the kids. I was here in September to watch them practice before the season began. They have some really nice pieces, but I just love their togetherness, their unselfishness."

Howland also said he hopes the fans continue to stick with the team as they climb up the ACC standings and inch closer toward the program's first NCAA Tournament berth since 2016.

“I hope the fans will really get behind this team here because they have a chance to really do something special," Howland said.

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