It’s been a busy day for Jeff Capel and his coaching staff.
On Wednesday, the Panthers staff hosted Cal U transfer Philip Alston on an unofficial visit, finalized plans to speak with Citadel shooting guard Jason Roche and the latest item was making initial with the top point guard in the Transfer Portal, Illinois sophomore Andre Curbelo.
Pittsburgh Sports Now confirmed this contact between the two sides through Curbelo’s former AAU coach Jay David.
The dynamic guard entered the portal on Monday and per College Basketball Insider Jeff Goodman, Curbelo has also been contacted by Gonzaga, St. John’s, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, St. Mary’s, Clemson, UMass, Notre Dame and Texas A&M.
Following a solid freshman season, Curbelo’s sophomore season was a nightmare mostly due to a serious concussion suffered in the exhibition season. After missing two months, Curbelo played in 19 games and averaged 7.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
Capel and Pitt heavily pursed Curbelo as he was a 4-star recruit in the Class of 2020. 247 Sports ranked him as the No. 47 overall prospect.
It comes as no surprise that Pitt is pursuing Curbelo, as he’s the exact type of guard that they’ve lacked the last few years.
Capel no doubt is envisioning a 2022 backcourt of Curbelo and Colgate transfer guard Nelly Cummings. Today’s call to Curbelo was conducted by Jeff Capel and Tim O’Toole.
Gonzaga seems like the perfect spot for him.
If pitt gets him it changes my outlook for next year
Catbelo has gotten very selfish. Shot more per minute played than all other team members
Pitt ain’t getting him. It’s a pipe dream.
Carbelo
Dude is so overrated.
after his freshaman seaason I thought the Illini were going on to make the run in the NCAA tourney this year. But, that all fell apart after Curbelo had a serious concussion and covid. He came back but, wasn’t thesame player and I seriously think when Coach Underwood sat him gathering splinters he was really disappointed. But, his play warranted the seat on the bench. No doubt he will help some team but, I;m glad to see him move on..