The roster overhaul continues for the Pittsburgh Panthers men’s basketball program, and head coach Jeff Capel has assembled one of the more intriguing transfer classes in the ACC heading into the 2026-27 season. After heavy roster turnover this offseason, Pitt has added a mix of experienced ACC talent, former blue-chip recruits, and developmental pieces that could quickly reshape the program.
Leading the way is former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets men’s basketball forward Baye Ndongo, who gives Pitt an experienced and productive frontcourt presence. The 6-foot-9 Senegal native averaged 11.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season at Georgia Tech while developing into one of the ACC’s better rebounders. Ndongo’s physicality, athleticism, and ability to finish around the rim should immediately address Pitt’s need for size and interior toughness.
In the backcourt, Pitt landed veteran point guard Naithan George from Syracuse Orange men’s basketball. George brings extensive ACC experience after previously playing at Georgia Tech and Syracuse. Known for his playmaking ability and steady ball-handling, he has consistently been one of the conference’s more reliable floor generals. His ability to control tempo and create for teammates should help stabilize a largely rebuilt roster.
Pitt also added former five-star recruit Jalil Bethea, a Philadelphia native who starred at Archbishop Wood High School before stops at Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball and Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball. Bethea was one of the top prospects in his recruiting class and earned McDonald’s All-American honors in high school. While his college career has featured some inconsistency so far, Pitt is betting on his scoring instincts and high-level athleticism to flourish in a new environment closer to home.
Another important addition is wing Jonathan Powell, who transferred in after spending time at West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball. Powell brings length, defensive versatility, and outside shooting to the Panthers’ wing rotation. His ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions should make him a key two-way piece in Capel’s system.
In the frontcourt, Pitt brought in Armani Mighty from Mercer Bears men’s basketball. The 6-foot-10 big man adds depth in the paint with rebounding strength and interior finishing ability. He projects as a physical presence who can help anchor second units and provide fouls, rebounds, and energy minutes.
The Panthers also added freshman guard Kraig Gilbert, a young perimeter player known for his scoring ability and creativity off the dribble. Gilbert’s speed and shot-making give Pitt another developmental guard with long-term upside as he adjusts to the college level.
Forward Akir Souare rounds out the incoming group, bringing athleticism and defensive versatility to the roster. Souare has a reputation as a high-motor forward who can guard multiple positions and contribute as a rebounder and slasher. While still developing offensively, his energy and physical tools give Pitt another intriguing frontcourt option who could grow into a larger role over time.
With a near-complete roster reset, Pitt enters the upcoming season with uncertainty but also real potential. If this mix of veterans and young talent gels quickly, the Panthers have the pieces to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the ACC.