PITTSBURGH — The Pitt men’s basketball team held its first practice of the 2018-19 season and the first with new head coach Jeff Capel
Capel had the Panthers focusing on tempo and man-to-man defense, with a specific emphasis on being more talkative on the floor. He’s really looking to increase the energy level of this team from a year ago.
As far as personnel, Pitt’s top unit was a four-guard outfit with Malik Ellison as a two-guard, Jared Wilson-Frame and Khameron Davis on the wings and freshmen Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowens rotating at the point. At forward, Terrell Brown finished the first five and Kene Chukwuka was the first man off the bench.
The second group also featured Shamiel Stevenson, New Mexico State transfer Sidy N’Dir, freshmen Au’Diese Toney and forward Peace Ilegomah.
Capel said that N’Dir is nursing an injury and will probably be shut down for a week or so during practice, but added that “we need him.”
