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Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor

All content by Stephen Thompson
Pitt senior guard Onye Ezeakudo (31) takes a shot during the Pitt vs. Colgate men’s basketball game on Dec. 9.

Ezeakudo rewarded for impact on Pitt basketball with scholarship

January 19, 2022
Coaches and staff look on as senior guard Jamarius Burton dribbles the ball at Saturday afternoons game vs. Louisville.

Pitt handily beats Louisville, 65-53, for second conference win

January 15, 2022
Pitt head coach Jeff Capel calls to his team as they play against Boston College during the second half of the game on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Pittsburgh.

Pitt flounders in second half, losses 77-61 at Syracuse

January 11, 2022
Pitt sophomore forward John Hugley (23), left, dunks the ball during Pitt’s game against Boston College at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday.

Column | Pitt has begun a slow but steady climb back from the bottom

January 9, 2022
Senior guard Jayla Everett (20) take a jump shot during the Pitt womens basketball game vs. NC State on Dec 10.

Panthers mauled by No. 3 Cardinals, 81-39, remain winless in ACC

January 6, 2022
Pittsburgh guard Jamarius Burton (11) drives to the basket for his game-winning shot against St. Johns during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in New York. Burton’s runner with 0.4 seconds left lifted Pittsburgh over St. John’s 59-57 in the showcase game of the Gotham Classic.

Burton buzzer-beater carries Pitt over St. John’s, 59-57, at the Garden

December 18, 2021
Pitt sophomore forward John Hugley (23) guards the ball during Thursday night’s game against Colgate at the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt reverses trend, escapes with 71-68 win over Colgate

December 9, 2021
Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple at a Pitt football game at Heinz Field.

Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple resigns from post with Pitt football

December 7, 2021
Defensive back Erick Hallett II (31) yells after being named the most valuable player of the ACC Championship game.

Pitt to play No. 10 Michigan State in Peach Bowl game on Dec. 30

December 5, 2021
Virginia players celebrate the winning basket during an NCAA college basketball game against Pittsburgh in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Virginia defeated Pittsburgh 57-56.

Pitt drops ACC opener to Virginia, 57-56, on last-second shot

December 3, 2021
A City police officer faces a line of people.

Oakland, South Side to see increased police presence Saturday night

December 3, 2021
Guard Jamarius Burton (11) dribbles the ball during the Pitt vs. Minnesota men’s basketball game at the Petersen Events Center Tuesday night.

Loewe’s put-back stuns Panthers in 54-53 loss to Minnesota

November 30, 2021
Pitt graduate student forward Mouhamadou Gueye (15) and Vanderbilts Terren Frank (15) compete for possession of the ball during Wednesday’s game against Vanderbilt University at the Petersen Events Center.

Column | Pitt’s short-term identity crisis threatens long-term health of program

November 29, 2021
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) scrambles out of the pocket during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.

Panthers overpower Orange, win 10th game for first time in 40 years

November 27, 2021
Pittsburghs Daniel Oladapo (4) passes the ball as Towsons Cameron Holden defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh.

Pitt reserves spark winning run in 63-59 win over Towson

November 19, 2021
John Hugley (23) scores during the men’s basketball exhibition vs. Gannon on Nov. 1 at the Petersen Events Center.

Burton returns as Pitt sneaks past UNCW, 59-51, to earn first win

November 17, 2021
West Virginia guard Malik Curry (10) works the ball as Pittsburgh guard Onyebuchi Ezeakudo (31) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Morgantown, W.Va., Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.

Panthers fall to WVU, 74-59, in 188th Backyard Brawl

November 13, 2021
Forward John Hugley (23) and another player attempt to catch a rebound.

The Citadel routs Pitt, 78-63, in season opener

November 10, 2021
Pitt guard Ithiel Horton (12) holds the ball at an exhibition contest against Gannon University last Monday at the Petersen Events Center.

Ithiel Horton suspended indefinitely after Saturday arrest

November 8, 2021
John Hugley (23) looks to pass the ball at the Pitt men’s basketball practice on Sept. 30.

Lofty expectations await Hugley upon return to men’s basketball

November 4, 2021
Nike Sibande during the Pitt men’s basketball game against NC State last season.

Sibande suffers ACL injury, will miss 2021-22 season

November 2, 2021
Femi Odukale (2) dribbles the ball forward in the Pitt men’s basketball exhibition against Gannon University.

Gueye shines as men’s basketball routs Gannon in exhibition, 89-64

November 1, 2021
De’Jovia Davis, a senior urban studies major, is a 2021 Homecoming Spirit of Pitt award recipient, Pathfinder, First Year Mentor, assistant drum major and the head student manager of the women’s basketball team.

De’Jovia Davis leads in all corners of campus life

October 19, 2021
Saturday’s football game vs. Clemson is one of the biggest home games in recent memory. Sports editor Stephen Thompson argues that it’s time for the team and its fans to meet the moment and embrace the expectations that come with success.

Column | Pressure is a privilege: Embrace expectations of Clemson week

October 19, 2021
John Hugley (23) attempts to pass the ball at the Pitt men’s basketball practice on Sept. 30.

Column | Frontcourt front and center in men’s basketball scrimmage

October 12, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball team played an intrasquad scrimmage at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday. Though it wasn’t an intense competition, the game provided early insight into Pitt’s new roster.

Gueye dominates in men’s basketball’s Blue-Gold scrimmage

October 11, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball roster looks “vastly different” than last year and includes many transfers and sophomores.

Unfamiliar Pitt roster hopes to build chemistry, continuity after volatile offseason

September 30, 2021
Dr. Freddie Fu, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon renowned locally and internationally for innovative Achilles tendon treatments and worked as the lead physician for Pitt athletics, died last Friday at the age of 70 at a UPMC hospice facility, surrounded by family.

Pitt athletics figures grieve, remember late Dr. Freddie Fu

September 29, 2021
The Pitt Panthers (2-1, 0-0 ACC) were defeated by the Western Michigan Broncos (2-1, 0-0 MAC) on Saturday afternoon in a 44-41 upset victory.

‘They are who we think they are’: WMU loss mars hopeful start for Pitt

September 19, 2021
The Atlantic Coast Conference released its 2021-22 basketball league schedules this week. Pitt men’s and women’s basketball will both host high-profile visitors at the Pete.

Pitt women’s, men’s basketball announce 2021-22 conference schedules

September 16, 2021
Former Pitt forward Justin Champagnie signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors and saw his first professional action last month at the Las Vegas Summer League.

Champagnie shows off a different skill set at NBA Summer League

September 2, 2021
Heinz Field will open fully to spectators for the first time since 2019 at this Saturday’s football game against UMass.

What to expect at Heinz Field for Pitt football’s 2021 opener

August 31, 2021
The on-campus homes of Panther sports will sell beer, hard seltzer and wine.

Pitt Athletics announces updated COVID-19, alcohol policies for on-campus events

August 29, 2021
Dalton Coppola (left) and Stephen Thompson (right) are the sports editors for the 2021-22 academic year.

Meet the editors: Sports

August 26, 2021
Now that Panther fans can return to the stands, there are a few dates that they should circle from multiple sports, such as men’s and women’s soccer.

Tracking marquee matchups of the fall semester for Pitt athletics

August 24, 2021
Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips announced an “alliance” with the Big Ten and PAC-12.

ACC, Big 10, Pac 12 commissioners announce inter-conference alliance

August 24, 2021
Pitt Volleyball and men’s soccer appear primed to repeat and perhaps improve on their already exceptional 2021 seasons. Baseball will need to reload before they can one-up their last record-setting spring.

Column | Volleyball, men’s soccer poised to expand on historic springs

August 17, 2021
Pitt football hosted fans at Heinz Field for the first time in almost a year during its Oct. 24, 2020 game against Notre Dame.

Pitt to host fall sports on campus without attendance restrictions

August 12, 2021
Myles Alston, a first-year wide receiver at left, faces off against Khalil Anderson, a first-year defensive back at right.

Optimism runs wild as Pitt football opens 2021 training camp

August 6, 2021
Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie (11) finished second in points per game and first in rebounds per game in the ACC. In comparison to last season, he increased his scoring average from 12.7 to 18.4 points per game, and his rebounding average from 7.0 to 11.1 per game.

Former Pitt forward Champagnie signs two-way deal with Toronto Raptors

August 2, 2021
Pitt super-senior quarterback Kenny Pickett became the first Panther to announce an endorsement deal on Thursday afternoon

Pickett, Oaklander announce first NIL partnership for a Pitt athlete

July 16, 2021
The NCAA and its member schools have fought fair compensation for the players for years. In the wake of evolved NIL rules, senior staff writer Stephen Thompson doesn’t want to forget who held the athletes back. Pictured is NCAA President Mark Emmert.

Column | Don’t forget who kept NIL off the table for college athletes

July 13, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Petersen Events Center on November 30, as part of the 2021 ACC-Big 10 Challenge.

Men’s basketball draws Minnesota in ACC-Big 10 Challenge

June 29, 2021
Legislation passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly allows for college athletes to profit off of endorsements.

Pa. General Assembly passes NIL changes in state budget package

June 29, 2021
Kamalani Akeo joined middling Pitt volleyball as a walk-on and left it as a two-time conference champion with three wins in the NCAA Tournament. In her post-playing days, she looks to push program limits even further.

In post-playing days, Akeo bridges two generations of Pitt volleyball excellence

June 24, 2021
The upgrades to the Petersen Sports Complex and Vartabedian Field have led the ACC to choose Pitt as the host of the 2022 ACC Softball Tournament.

Pitt’s Vartabedian Field to Host 2022 ACC Softball Championship

June 22, 2021
The bill would characterize athletes as employees if they receive compensation of any kind from their schools and grant them the right to collectively bargain.

Congressional Democrats introduce bill that would give college athletes the right to collectively bargain

June 8, 2021
The reinstatement of Hugley — announced just last week — is the latest in a string of roster additions that have tempered the anxiety produced by a tumultuous offseason.

After offseason from hell, Capel and men’s basketball begin reloading

May 18, 2021
The Pitt men’s basketball team wore masks in a team huddle during its game against Saint Francis University on Nov. 25. Head coach Jeff Capel was gut-wrenchingly honest over the course of the past few months about how difficult this season was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Column | Was this worth it: Reflections from a season covering COVID basketball

March 16, 2021
Nike Sibande (22) recorded season-highs in points (12), rebounds (7), shot attempts (13) and minutes (36) against the Florida State Seminoles last weekend.

Pitt falls 79-73 to Miami in ACC Tournament’s opening round

March 9, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball (10-11 overall, 6-10 ACC) fell short in a 77-62 loss at Clemson (16-6 overall, 10-6 ACC) on Saturday afternoon.

Pitt comeback falls short in 77-62 loss at Clemson

March 8, 2021
Junior gymnast Olivia Miller

Miller, Coca star in all-around for Pitt gymnastics despite loss to WVU

March 8, 2021
Senior forward Terrell Brown, the lone player honored on Senior Day at the Pete on Tuesday, opened the scoring with a dunk.

Sibande’s 23 points sink Demon Deacons on Senior Day

March 3, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball (9-10 overall, 5-9 ACC) has now lost eight of it’s last nine games after falling 62-65 at NC State (12-9 overall, 8-8 ACC) on Sunday afternoon. The team also lost two of its players, juniors Xavier Johnson and Au’Diese Toney, after they transferred.

Pitt begins life after Johnson, Toney with 65-62 loss to NC State

March 1, 2021
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson darts past a Clemson defender.

Johnson to transfer, will not finish season with men’s basketball

February 24, 2021
Nike Sibande (22) recorded season-highs in points (12), rebounds (7), shot attempts (13) and minutes (36) against the Florida State Seminoles last weekend.

Contentious offseason fades in memory as Sibande settles in at Pitt

February 24, 2021
Photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics

Sibande’s season-best can’t save Pitt in 79-72 loss to No. 16 FSU

February 20, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball (9-7 overall, 5-5 ACC) lost 71-65 to Georgia Tech (10-8 overall, 6-6 ACC) on Sunday night in an away game in Atlanta.

Woeful offense dooms men’s basketball in 71-65 loss to Georgia Tech

February 15, 2021
Xavier Johnson, pictured here against Virginia Tech on Feb. 3, contributed 10 of Pitt’s 66 points against Virginia on Saturday.

Panthers doomed by short Cavalier burst, lose to UVA 73-66

February 8, 2021
Shifted starting lineup provides spark in 83-72 upset of No. 16 Hokies

Shifted starting lineup provides spark in 83-72 upset of No. 16 Hokies

February 3, 2021
Pitt embarrassed at home by Notre Dame, 84-56

Pitt embarrassed at home by Notre Dame, 84-56

January 31, 2021
Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie scored 23 of Pitt’s 65 points against UNC Tuesday night. Pitt lost 75-65.

Pitt outmuscled by UNC, drops second straight game, 75-65

January 27, 2021
Katie Chamberlain and Katrina Coca are returning to Pitt gymnastics this season.

Chamberlain, Coca make emotional return to Pitt gymnastics

January 26, 2021
Last place Wake defeats distracted Pitt, 76-75

Last place Wake defeats distracted Pitt, 76-75

January 23, 2021
“Pitt is back”: Champagnie dominates as Pitt downs Duke, 79-73

“Pitt is back”: Champagnie dominates as Pitt downs Duke, 79-73

January 20, 2021
Nino Bonaccorsi competes against Virginias Michael Battista in February 2020.

Pitt wrestling riding smooth start to 2021 season

January 18, 2021
First-year forward Justin Champagnie competes for possession of the ball.

Champagnie, Capel make remarkable returns, Pitt pounds Syracuse, 96-76

January 16, 2021
Shorthanded Panthers can’t complete comeback vs. Louisville, lose 64-54

Shorthanded Panthers can’t complete comeback vs. Louisville, lose 64-54

December 22, 2020
‘‘Diese is gonna be ‘Diese’: Toney juggles pain, success and responsibility

‘‘Diese is gonna be ‘Diese’: Toney juggles pain, success and responsibility

December 21, 2020
Ithiel Horton scored 18 points in the Panthers 70-55 win over Miami

Horton corrects cold shooting, Panthers crush ‘Canes 70-55

December 16, 2020
Photo by Matt Hawley, Pitt Athletics

Champagnie makes history, Pitt walks over Bulldogs, 67-50

December 12, 2020
Pitt football to forgo 2020 postseason

Pitt football to forgo 2020 postseason

December 11, 2020
Johnson shines in wild second half, Pitt tops Wildcats 71-70

Johnson shines in wild second half, Pitt tops Wildcats 71-70

December 10, 2020
Coach Capel questions a foul.

Capel tries to keep program human amidst pandemic basketball

December 7, 2020
Carolyn Pallof | Senior Staff Photographer

Premier Panthers push Pitt to win over Drexel, 83-74

November 28, 2020
Carolyn Pallof | Senior Staff Photographer

Panthers fall to St. Francis in season opener, 80-70

November 25, 2020
Some gym classes have resumed in person with modifications.

Pitt students adapt with pandemic changes to physical education

November 11, 2020
The ACC released a full conference schedule Tuesday morning with 20 games for each basketball-playing member school.

ACC announces 2020-21 men’s basketball schedule

November 10, 2020
Paris Ford celebrates his interception during the third quarter against Syracuse.

Star safety Ford opts out of remaining 2020 football games

November 2, 2020
Coming off of its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 54 years, Pitt men’s soccer is flying high and eager to build off of its breakthrough 2020 season.

Men’s soccer pauses team activities for COVID-19 protocols

October 28, 2020
Heinz Field will welcome 1,000 fans for the coming Oct. 24 home game following four straight home games amid empty stands.

Pitt permits 1,000 students to return to Heinz Field

October 16, 2020
The Pitt men’s basketball team returned to the Petersen Events Center Wednesday for their first official practice of the 2020 season.

Men’s basketball returners eagerly prepare for a season in limbo

October 15, 2020
After parting ways with former women’s soccer coach Greg Miller, Athletic Director Heather Lyke hired former Notre Dame head coach and two-time national champion Randy Waldrum.

Pitt soccer coach accepts job with Nigerian national team

October 6, 2020
Pitt planning Heinz Field return as governor announces looser gathering restrictions

Pitt planning Heinz Field return as governor announces looser gathering restrictions

October 6, 2020
Football head coach Pat Narduzzi discussed Saturday’s game against Louisville and hinted at the potential to have some fans at Saturday’s NC State game in his weekly press conference on Monday.

Narduzzi, Pitt thriving in new normal, but ‘not out of the woods yet’

September 29, 2020
The Pitt football program has paused all team-related activities “due to COVID-related protocols,” the team announced Thursday evening. 

ACC navigates pandemic-induced schedule changes

September 20, 2020
Students and fans will not be allowed to attend football games, at least for the month of September.

Panther Pitt left in limbo during pandemic play

September 11, 2020
Panthers volleyball will start its season late with its first match on Sept. 25 in Syracuse, New York, against the Orange.

Pitt placed in geographic pods for remainder of fall sports

September 6, 2020
Kain Colter, a quarterback and receiver who completed his college football career in 2013, announced that several Northwestern football players wished to join a labor union during a press conference at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago on Jan. 28, 2014.

Column | College athletes should take ownership of the business they sustain

August 30, 2020
Alex Lehmbeck and Stephen Thompson are the sports editors at The Pitt News.

Meet the Editors: Sports

August 18, 2020
Even if a college football season survives until its scheduled start, it seems unlikely that fans will be welcome, especially in Pennsylvania.

Status of fall sports becomes progressively shaky

August 17, 2020
Head football coach Pat Narduzzi opened his sixth training camp as head coach last week.

Narduzzi opens 2020 training camp with mixed optimism, uncertainty

August 10, 2020
Pitt Chancellor Pat Gallagher and Athletic Director Heather Lyke stand on the field before the game. (Photo by Wenhao Wu / Assistant Visual Editor)

Lyke talks football scheduling, gambling and campus returns

July 24, 2020
Canadian striker Chantelle Parker joins the 2020 Pitt women’s soccer team.

First-year Panthers to get to know

July 23, 2020
Kimura begins work as associate athletic director

Kimura begins work as associate athletic director

July 22, 2020
Canadian striker Chantelle Parker joins the 2020 Pitt women’s soccer team.

First-year Panthers to get to know

July 21, 2020
Jaylen Twyman has received All-American honors and is a candidate for the Outland and Nagurski trophies.

Trio of Panthers pegged as Bednarik Award contenders

July 14, 2020
Roc, the Panthers mascot, walks toward Qadree Ollison during last year’s Pitt vs. Penn State game in State College. (Photo by Anna Bongardino | Visual Editor)

ACC announces delay for some fall sports

July 9, 2020
John Carlos spoke to about 30 Pitt students and faculty on Tuesday night about his life and experience at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

Legendary activist, track star John Carlos recalls ’68 Olympics

July 7, 2020
Cam Newton became the target of people who just dont like “showboating” and celebrations.

Language should bolster Black athletes in sports

July 7, 2020
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