Pitt’s collapse in the 2024-25 season left many wondering whether Jeff Capel would be fired. The Panthers decided to keep Capel for what appears to be one final chance to prove himself. So far, that decision has proven to be a good one. Pitt has had a load of players enter the transfer portal, none bigger than star guard Jaland Lowe. However, the turnover gives Capel a chance to reset the squad and build a strong future program. On Monday, Oregon State guard Damarco Minor chose Pitt over other schools. What does Minor bring to the Panthers? Who will join him on the squad next season? Can Pitt make an NCAA Tournament run again next season? Let’s dive in.
NEWS: Oregon State transfer Damarco Minor has committed to Pitt, his agent Scott Nichols of Rize Management told ESPN. Averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season. 6-foot point guard from Chicago. pic.twitter.com/L3jVOKSq1G
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 14, 2025
Pitt Adds to Portal Class with Oregon State Transfer Damarco Minor
What Does Damarco Minor Bring to Pitt?
Minor is not Lowe, but he provides a similar level of all-around play. Minor averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game to go along with 1.5 steals for the Beavers in 2024-25. He was more productive at SIU Edwardsville, where he averaged 15.5 points as a sophomore. In terms of his efficiency, he is once again similar to Lowe. Minor shot only 39.7% from the floor and 28.2% from three. His size will always be a question, but his stat-stuffing nature made him attractive to other power conference programs. While his efficiency won’t grab Pitt fans’ attention, he has the heart and hustle that seemed lacking at times for the Panthers in 2024-25. Damarco Minor won’t be a game-changer, but he can be a solid contributor for Pitt next season.
Minor Adds to Sizeable Class
Pitt needed to replace most of their lineup, with only a couple of players returning from last season’s squad. Pitt added a couple of Iowa State transfers, including Dishon Jackson, a 6-foot-10 center who averaged 8.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He was more productive as a junior at Charlotte, so Pitt hopes to bring back that level of play alongside returning center Cameron Corhen. Minor fills in more at guard along with dynamic freshman Brandin Cummings, who scored 30 points against Eastern Kentucky and seems better playing shooting guard. Barry Dunning Jr. announced his commitment on Saturday to the Panthers, fitting in nicely as a wing after averaging 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
What Does Pitt Need to Compete?
Minor adds a playmaker to the Pitt squad that desperately needed one. However, they still have holes in the roster. They have two centers who fail to spread the floor but don’t have a power forward. Corhen and Jackson could share the floor for short periods, but it’s hard to imagine both of them seeing significant minutes together. They need a strong power forward who can shoot to replace the twins they lost in the portal.
The transfers Pitt has added also lack three-point shooting. Pitt struggled mightily from three this season, finishing 141st in percentage and 108th in made threes. The Panthers need size and shooting on the outside, both for offensive and defensive purposes. This is a make-or-break year for Pitt and Jeff Capel, so while Minor is a step in the right direction, this class needs more.
Photo credit: © James Snook-Imagn Images
