Point Guard Noah Fernandes Impressed With Pitt and Jeff Capel

Jeff Capel’s team hosted recently two 2019 point guards on unofficial visits, including one over the weekend.

Noah Fernandes (6-0, 170) from Tabor Academy in Marion Massachusetts made the visit with his father, Mike. Both Rivals and 247 Sports rate Fernandes as a 3-star recruit and at this point, his only offer is from Rhode Island.

Pitt’s new coach has let it be known the value he places on the point guard position, so Fernandes must have qualities that Capel is impressed with. Pitt will be looking to add a point guard for the Class of 2019.

Pittsburgh Sports Now caught up with Fernandes to learn more about him and to get his reaction to his first visit to Pittsburgh.

“The first couple sessions of the last live period, Pitt coaches were at our games, but at that time, I’m pretty sure they were there to watch my teammate Tre Mitchell, who’s from Pittsburgh,” said Fernandes. “However, after that, Coach Capel started talking to my dad and then reached out to me on Twitter. After that, I’ve had contact with most of the Pitt staff.”

Fernandes didn’t want to pass on the opportunity to come see the Pitt campus and continue to grow his relationship with Capel.

Courtesy of Noah Fernandes

“Coach Capel is a very unique person and someone that doesn’t come around too often,” Fernandes said. “The biggest thing that I took from the visit is the special vision he has for Pitt basketball. The little things that he wants to change and the culture that he wants to instill. His vision and plan is just amazing and I’m excited to see what develops.”

Fernandes is well aware of the credentials Capel brings as a former point guard and believes there’s a quality he brings that impresses Capel.

“Coach says that he likes my toughness and energy,” said Fernandes. “I always play tough and I always play to win. At my height and size, there’s only so much you can control and for me those are being a tough player and someone that plays with energy.”

At this point, Pitt hasn’t offered Fernandes but will be watching this month during the July evaluation period. It goes without saying that an offer from the Panthers would be huge for this Massachusetts point guard.

“It would mean so much to me,” he said. “I would love the opportunity to be a part of the team that helped turn the program around. Plus, the chance to be coached by Coach Capel, considering his reputation and knowledge of the game which is out of this world. I believe he could help me take my game to the next level so a scholarship offer would be huge.”

Columbus, N.J. point guard Jalen Gaffney was the other player to recently visit Pitt. The Westtown school guard holds a Pitt offer.

2019 PG Noah Fernandes Jr Year Highlights! #fue11ed #whynotu https://t.co/nMfC1PvOwb pic.twitter.com/iLKfPjZsOa

— Mike Fernandes (@micnice10) March 14, 2018