Jeff Capel is already putting to use all the wisdom and knowledge he gained in nearly seven years working as an assistant under Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski at his alma mater Duke University.
Capel landed his first commitment since being named Pitt's head coach late last month. Tuesday, four-star guard Trey McGowens made a verbal pledge to the Panthers, a move that will also come with a reclassification back into the Class of 2018. That means he'll enroll in the fall and be available to help rebuild a Pitt program that didn't win a single game in the ACC In 2017-18, its final season under former coach Kevin Stallings.
DeCOURCY: What Jeff Capel must know to succeed at Pitt — and in Pittsburgh
The 6-3, 175-pound Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) product can play either guard spot. He's ranked as the nation's No. 80 and No. 89 overall player, by Rivals and 247 Sports respectively. He chose Pitt over offers from Minnesota, Clemson, Baylor, Ole Miss, St. John's, South Florida and Wake Forest among others.
— Trey McGowens 3rd (@Trey5mac_) April 24, 2018
McGowens will have plenty of opportunity to earn playing time. In the aftermath of Stallings' firing, more than half the Panthers roster requested to transfer.