DAYTON, Ohio -- The core which has led Pitt to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years came together in an unorthodox fashion.
A blend of transfers from the portal, freshmen from afar, and veterans which believed in Jeff Capel's vision despite a rough rebuilding period has gotten Pitt to this point. Once seen as the 14th-best team across its own league, the Panthers had to endure trouble from all angles -- including those from self-inflicted decisions -- and rise above being pigeon-holed into irrelevance.
They did that. And then some.
Capel won the ACC's Coach of the Year award.