Although Jeff Capel and staff are currently attempting to rebuild the Panther’s current roster with talent, they continue to have their eye on the future.
One of the players that has landed on their radar is 2022-point guard Chas Kelley (6-foot-5 inches, 180 pounds) from The Phelps School in Malvern, PA. Kelley originally played for Cy-Creek High School in Cypress, TX. He was invited to attend the Phelps School and moved to the Philadelphia area in late August 2020. He completed his first practice with the team last weekend. Kelley plays for the Team Durant AAU program.
“I’ve been talking with Pitt assistant Milan Brown since September 2020. We’ve been developing a relationship,” said Kelley. “He has told me how Pitt is building champions and that’s something I want to be a part of. That’ something I would like to contribute to. I feel like what they are building there, at Pitt, is for the long term. I really do believe that Pitt could be at the top of the ACC in a few years and I would like to be part of that.”
Kelley is an athletic and competitive 6-foot-5-inch point guard that averaged 15.5 points per game, 5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 4 steals while playing for Cy-Creek High School.
“I’ve been playing point guard since the fourth grade. I have natural born leadership skills in me. My parents would tell me I’ve been a leader since I was a child,” he said. “I like to instruct and help others and love to help people. If I can help somebody get to somewhere or help them in anyway, even crossing the street, I’ll do it. If I can make someone better, then I’ve done my part in life and that’s everything.”
Kelley was once considered a 2021 prospect but decided to reclassify to 2022 due to the disruptions that occurred due to the COVID. “Players can have an extra year due to COVID and the transfer portal guys can play right away, I spoke with my family and we thought it would be best to reclassify to 2022,” he said. “I’m looking to stay in the Class of 2022.”
When asked about his strengths at the point guard position, he stated, “I would say by greatest strength is my versatility and how talkative I am on the court. I’m talking about everything: what plays they are running, what plays we’re running, getting through screens, etc.”
“I want to make it difficult for any coach I play for to take me off the floor. I want to make it like ‘Man, we have to keep Chas on the court.’ I have a high basketball IQ; I can score and distribute the rock really well.”
Kelley has received early interest from Pitt, Virginia Tech, Central Florida, Missouri State (offer), Louisiana Tech (offer), Central Florida, Georgia State, VCU, Texas Tech, Rice and Rutgers.
“I look forward to learning more about Pitt. I have a high interest in the program.”
