Overall outlook for Pittsburgh Basketball in 2021-22
The late-season meltdown combined with the Reid and Champagnie losses put a damper on hopes for the Panthers this upcoming season. Pittsburgh was projected No. 14 out of 15 in the ACC preseason rankings, with some having them finishing dead last.
But I think it’s important to note that even if everyone from last season returned, they probably weren’t going to make the 2022 NCAA Tournament anyways. If the “culture” was as bad as some have discussed, then the talent wasn’t the issue but rather the locker room. Having a new core of guys and focusing on defense and leadership is about setting Pittsburgh up for the future, even if there are struggles for this year.
Hopefully, Odukale doesn’t struggle, as he has the chance to be the next great Panther guard. The balance of underclassmen potential combined with proven upperclassmen leadership gives them a chance to at bare minimum, be more competitive this upcoming season. With fans back as well should give them a boost at home as well.
The games against Minnesota and Vanderbilt will be important for the overall record, as both of them are projected bottom-tier teams in the Big Ten and SEC respectively. With them being in Pittsburgh, those are ones that Coach Capel needs to win to avoid fan uneasiness.
Speaking of Coach Capel, I’m of the belief that he won’t be on the hot seat unless things completely bottom out. He’s in year 4 of a 5-year deal and after taking over an 0-18 team in league play, should be two years of his fully own roster to see if there’s progress.
With a top-50 talent in Judah Mintz set to be onboard a year from now, there is hope that this team can move up the ladder. And will so many seniors and super seniors set to leave the ACC after next season, the Panthers could be one impact transfer away from being an NCAA Tournament caliber team in 2023.
The ultimate goal for Pittsburgh is to finish over .500 and win at least seven games in ACC play. If that happens and another roster exodus doesn’t occur, the Panthers will start to look up and get back into contention in both the ACC and overall nationally.