Column | All I need to know, I learned at Trees

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • April 20, 2022

Outgoing sports editor Stephen Thompson has spent four years playing on and learning from Pittsburgh’s pick-up basketball courts. This is what they taught him and why he’s sad to leave them behind after graduation.

Kathy Gallagher: Bridging the two Oaklands

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • April 7, 2022

Kathy Gallagher is a rare combination — both a Pitt and Penn State graduate. After completing her undergraduate degree in elementary education in State College, she returned home to Oakland and obtained a masters degree in library sciences at Pitt.

Lyke discusses future of men’s basketball program

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • March 22, 2022

Pitt athletic director Lyke fielded questions Tuesday from select local media, about the direction of the men’s basketball program, and the job that fourth-year head coach Jeff Capel has done.

‘We have to win’: Pitt men’s basketball season in review

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • March 16, 2022

As the men’s NCAA Tournament begins in earnest this week, Pitt will watch it from home. Its postseason drought has spanned six years and two head coaches. After completing his fourth losing season in a row, Jeff Capel has his back against the wall.

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

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • January 10, 2022

Pitt men’s basketball is showing signs of hope. After having to take moral victories from close losses at the beginning of conference play, Stephen Thompson argues the Panthers are playing their best ball with a wide-open conference schedule ahead.

Lofty expectations await Hugley upon return to men’s basketball

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • November 4, 2021

A past problem offset the progress he had made and adversely affected the team’s success. But with a full offseason under his belt and a clean slate upon which to work, Hugley is preparing to affirm the belief that teammates and coaches have always held during his sophomore campaign.

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

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • 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.

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

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • September 17, 2021

The Atlantic Coast Conference released its 2021-22 basketball league schedules this week.

Champagnie shows off a different skill set at NBA Summer League

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • September 2, 2021

Former Pitt forward Justin Champagnie did not hear his name called on the night of the NBA Draft like he expected. But his disappointment didn’t last long. Shortly after the end of the second and final round, he signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors and saw his first professional action last month at the Las Vegas Summer League, every rookie’s first stop after signing.

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

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • August 31, 2021

Because of the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pitt played most of its home schedule last year in front of sparsely populated or wholly empty stands. But that will change on Saturday afternoon, when the home of the Panthers opens itself fully to spectators for the first time since 2019.