Tory Verdi is beginning to revamp the Pitt women’s basketball roster after a difficult debut season.
MaKayla Elmore — a 6-foot-3 senior forward from Clemson — announced Thursday afternoon via X (formerly known as Twitter) that she had committed to play for Verdi and the Panthers. She will have two seasons of eligibility remaining in Pittsburgh.
“I am certainly excited to announce the commitment of MaKayla,” Verdi said in a Pitt release. “I think that she will be able to help us immediately and make an impact in our program. Her size, athleticism and versatility will definitely anchor our front court.”
Elmore, who is originally from Hopewell Loundon in Fostoria, Ohio, started 28 of 31 games at forward for Clemson last season. She averaged 4.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 37% from the field (32% from 3-point range).
Elmore was a talented recruit out of Hopewell Loundon High School, rated as the 18th-ranked forward by ESPN after scoring 2,000 points during his prep career, and she arrived at Clemson with high expectations.
With the losses in the front court for the Panthers, Elmore — who will enter as the tallest player on the roster — should immediately slot into the starting lineup.
Elmore is a welcomed addition at this point in the offseason. Pitt has lost forward Gabby Hutcherson, forward Rapuluchi Ayodele, All-ACC forward Liatu King and guard Jasmine Timmerson to the transfer portal.
Pitt is coming off an 8-24 (2-16 ACC) season, Verdi’s debut season with the Panthers, and there’s a lot of work to be done. Verdi will certainly be very active in the transfer portal as he looks to rebuild the program.
Women’s basketball is rapidly approaching the appeal equal to men’s basketball. They don’t receive the accolades, but the quality of entertainment and skill is there.