Jeff Capel and staff have been scouring the nation looking to fill nearly half of the Panthers roster for next season. Their diligence paid off this week when top 100 guard Trey McGowens opted to commit to the Pitt and reclassify into the 2018 class.
Charlottesville (VA) wing Aundre Hyatt (6-foot-7 inches, 210 pounds) is the latest player to receive a scholarship offer from Capel. Hyatt is a high major prospect that has already accrued more than twenty scholarship offers. Despite so many quality opportunities at hand, Hyatt has yet to decide whether to head to college next year, a member of the 2018 class, or play a year in a prep school and join the 2019 for developmental purposes.
“Coach Capel called me and offered me a scholarship yesterday. He told me he really liked my game,” said Hyatt. “They watched me last weekend and he said he saw enough to offer me.”
Hyatt, a Boo Williams product, is a player that’s capable of playing either shooting guard or small forward / wing. Pitt, USC, South Carolina, Seton Hall, Florida State, Rutgers, Temple, Kansas and Oregon are the schools he’s hearing from the most.
When asked about his strengths on the basketball court, he stated, “I shoot the ball at a very high level. I’m a talkative team leader as well. I’m very vocal on the floor.”
Hyatt knows exactly what he wants from the school of his choice. “I’m looking at a school that will treat me like family. I want a great relationship with the coaching staff,” he said. “Somewhere I could build as a person on and off the court. I want to go to a school that will provide me a great education because I’m all about the books. I want a school where I could develop my game and skill level. I want a place where I’ll be happy.”
Coach Capel made a quick and positive impression on the talented wing. “Coach Capel is a great coach. His brother came to visit me last week at school. I like his vision for the Pitt program. He talked to me a little bit when he was a Duke last year. He’s a great coach.”
Capel has a lot of selling points to convey to a recruit. One of his top selling points is playing time in arguably the top basketball conference in the nation. When asked about his thoughts on early playing time, Hyatt quickly replied, “As soon as I go to college, I want to play. That’s definitely a huge selling point with me.”
“The ACC is one of the best conferences in the country. They produce professionals every year. I can see myself playing in the conference.”
Hyatt has completed all of his credits to graduate this year. He was asked if the he was strongly considering a 2018 classification. “I definitely would. With the right situation, I would definitely consider it.”
“I’ll be in New York for most of June and I think we’re trying to figure out a visit (to Pitt).” Hyatt’s ultimate decision between 2018 and 2019 classification will come down to personal development. “I’m just trying to weigh all of my options at the moment and ultimately do what’s best for me.”
Harry Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru
