Pittsburgh Basketball: Analyzing Panthers 2021 incoming recruiting class

2. Daniel Oladapo

The 6-7 Oakland transfer showed tremendous improvement in year two. Oladapo is an outstanding offensive rebounder who also has the ability to score in the post. He is excellent at creating and finishing through contact.  Expect Oladapo to either start at the 4 or be the first big off the bench.

The Bladensburg (MD) native averaged 12.9 points and 8.8 caroms while shooting 56.9% from the field last season.

1. Mouhamadou Gueye

The 6-9 grad transfer earned America East Defensive Player of the Year honors last year at Stony Brook as he averaged 9.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 3.1 blocks. He scored in double-figures 10 times and grabbed 10 or more rebounds on six occasions.  Gueye should start at center.

“Mo [Mouhamadou] is a terrific athlete with a defensive mindset and a strong all-around skill set,” said Capel. “We love his competitiveness and ability to play above the rim on both ends of the floor. He gives us another versatile, experienced forward who can help impact winning.”

Bottom Line: Initially, I really wasn’t thrilled with Capel’s recruiting job initially. However, after really evaluating the class, I believe he did a fantastic job. The Panthers got four guys that should make a huge impact, two or three of them could start, this year and Guye is the only one that won’t have eligibility after this season.

More importantly, Pitt improved their depth overall (particularly in the frontcourt), athleticism, and rebounding. However, Capel still has some scholarships available that he could have used to improve the team more. Grade: B- to B.