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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.