Jeff Capel, Pitt Excited to Return to Greensboro, Battle Iowa State in First Round

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Panthers are again in Greensboro. Pitt returns to North Carolina one week after the ACC Event contained in the Greensboro Coliseum and superior to the Quarterfinals earlier than shedding to Duke. This time Iowa State and the NCAA Event await, contemporary off of a one-point, First 4 victory in opposition to Mississippi State (60-59) to clinch a spot within the Spherical of 64.

“Excited to be again in Greensboro,” head coach Jeff Capel stated. “Excited to be a part of the Massive Dance. It’s been a heck of every week for us already after a very emotional and hard-fought sport in Dayton in opposition to Mississippi State crew, and we’re excited to play in opposition to an excellent Iowa State crew.”

Capel addressed Federiko Federiko’s standing as day-to-day with a knee damage after lacking the Mississippi State win. Federiko didn’t costume for follow Thursday however took gentle pictures.

The Cyclones haven’t performed since March 10, falling to Kansas by 13 factors within the Massive 12 Event. Pitt, however, seems to be to construct momentum after securing one of many program’s greatest wins in latest historical past. The expertise might additionally create a way of calmness for the Panthers in comparison with different groups not experiencing the atmosphere and ambiance of March Insanity. 

Hopefully it’ll,” Capel stated. “We have now a sport below our belt already, so hopefully the nerves shall be out. Clearly, for a few of our guys, it was their first time. Even for the blokes which were right here, excluding Nelly, this was their first-time form of possibly in a lead function within the NCAA match. Even if in case you have been right here, even if in case you have performed in it, if you get on the market for the primary time in one other season, it’s anxious. You’re anxious.

Courtesy Pitt Basketball

“We have now that below our belt. Hopefully, we will nonetheless have the identical pleasure. I do know we’ll have that, however we will settle in just a little bit faster.”

In preparation for Iowa State, Capel pointed to their efforts on the defensive finish. The Cyclones permit solely 62.8 factors per sport whereas the Panthers common over 75 factors every time on the ground. 

“They’re excellent defensively,” Capel stated. “They’re very bodily. They’re very disciplined. They play with nice power. They’re unbelievably related on that aspect of the basketball. You possibly can inform that’s their id and that’s what they hold their hat on.”

The assembly marks the second time Pitt and Iowa State face off – Pitt gained 81-65 in 1981 – whereas Capel is 6-1 all-time in his teaching profession in opposition to the Cyclones. 

“They rotate effectively. They defend the basketball effectively,” Capel stated. “Their ball display protection, their bigs are athletic. They’re energetic, simply the physicality during which they play with. That’s what makes them one of many higher defensive groups within the nation.”

Capel stated the Panthers are lucky to have an additional day of relaxation and never be taking part in on Thursday, the alternative of Texas A&M Corpus Christi who performed earlier than Pitt on Tuesday.

Courtesy Pitt Basketball

Blake Hinson will take the ground for the primary time in opposition to Iowa State since leaving this system previous to the 2021-22 season and never taking part in the 12 months earlier than on account of a medical situation. Capel has not addressed any specifics with Hinson relating to his former program.

“I actually haven’t. You understand, it’s attention-grabbing. I don’t assume younger individuals are as emotional about these items as we possibly adults are. They’re in a position to transfer on very, in a short time and switch the web page,” Capel stated. “So for us it’s Pitt in opposition to Iowa State. It’s not Blake in opposition to Iowa State or Iowa State in opposition to Blake.”

Courtesy Pitt Basketball

Enjoying within the Spherical of 64 for the primary time in seven years, the Panthers stay centered on the duty at hand quite than reflecting on what they achieved. Capel is aware of the time will come when the truth of Pitt’s achievements will stay in focus, sitting again to understand the expansion and improvement to place the Panthers again on the map of the nationwide match stage. 

“If you end up within the midst of it and you might be nonetheless going, you concentrate on the subsequent factor that’s in entrance of you,” Capel stated. “One of many issues I’ve talked about is correct now now we have to take away all of the rearview mirrors. We’re simply trying straight out the entrance and what’s forward of us. After we’re completed, and hopefully it’s some time earlier than we’re completed, then we’ll have time to look behind us and speak about what we’ve achieved.”