If you're searching for a positive sign as it pertains to college athletics, Pitt basketball offered one.
Players from the university's basketball, soccer and women's volleyball team returned to campus June 28 and began a phased return the following day. From there, athletes endured a 14-day quarantine before being allowed to work out in small groups.
Well, preparations for a possible season ramped up Monday as the men's basketball team hit the court Petersen Events Center for a workout.
Felt so good being back on the court with my guys! Felt “normal” 2 get back to ball...even with the mask on! We want desperately 2 have a season. Therefore, we are doing EVERYTHING in our power to listen 2 and follow the advice of the DOCTORS and SCIENTISTS! So, MASKS ON!!! #H2P pic.twitter.com/jofJ2MKD8y
— Jeff Capel (@jeffcapel) July 20, 2020
The sight of head coach Jeff Capel keeping a watchful eye on a workout that included first glimpses of William Jeffress and Femi Odukale, members of Pitt's heralded freshman class, sure seems like an encouraging sign during a time when even the NCAA has reservations about the possibility of a fall sports season.
• Speaking of fall sports, Pitt safety Paris Ford continues to garner preseason accolades.
The latest came Monday, when it was announced Ford was named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to college football's premier defensive back.
Ford, Pitt's leading tackler last season despite missing the first half of two games because of targeting penalties, previously was added to the Bednarik Award watch list, which goes to the nation's most outstanding defensive player. Ford, a first-team All-ACC player last season, also drew preseason All-America status from Sporting News, Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
Check out my top 5 #ACC Safeties for 2020. Some absolute STUDS in this group. Ball hawks and Head hunters 🦅 ☠️@DiddyBop12_ @OCHOClSCO#HamsahNasirildeen@mcarter2nd@HamlinIsland
Who did I miss?? pic.twitter.com/YVgMnipbCk
— Eric Mac Lain (@EricMacLain) July 17, 2020
Other Pitt players who have received mention on preseason award watch lists are: senior defensive end Patrick Jones II (Bednarik, Lott Impact), senior tight end Lucas Krull (Mackey), senior center Jimmy Morrissey (Campbell) and junior defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman (Bednarik).
• Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke is among the witnesses for Wednesday's U.S. Senate Judiciary meeting, which is titled "Protecting the Integrity of College Athletics."
Lyke will be part of Panel II with Bill Miller, president and CEO of American Gaming Association. Panel I includes NCAA president Mark Emmert and Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich.
The hearing, which begins at 2:30 p.m., is expected to focus on intellectual property rights and name, image and likeness (NIL) legislation.
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