Pitt lands 6-10 center, ex-Michigan 4-star recruit Papa Kante for its freshman class

Pitt coach Jeff Capel sent a message — in a big way — that he wasn’t finished recruiting the high school class of 2023 when he received a commitment Monday from 6-foot-10 four-star center Papa Kante of South Kent, Conn.

Kante, who signed with Michigan in November, requested and received his release from his letter of intent with the Wolverines last month and reopened his commitment. Pitt had been recruiting Kante, along with Michigan, Maryland, Memphis and Rutgers.

“We are looking forward to bringing Papa into the fold,” coach Juwan Howard told the Detroit News in November. “He is a strong rebounder and loves to block shots. As he continues to add strength and works on all the little details, his offensive game will grow. He has size (a reported 7-foot-4 wing span), broad shoulders and the ideal frame that could have an impact right away.”

Alhamdoulilah #committed pic.twitter.com/x8yCoMVqDQ

— Papa amadou Kante (@papaamadoukante) May 22, 2023

Kante is ranked the 87th overall propsect in the nation and No. 7 center, according to Rivals.com. He gives Pitt additional presence in the paint where 7-foot Guillermo Diaz Graham and 6-11 Federiko Federiko patroled last season. The Panthers also have 6-11 wing man Jorge Diaz Graham.

Capel has added several new players to his 2023-24 roster, and he will have one scholarship remaining after securing Kante.

Overall, the class of freshman newcomers might be Capel’s best since he was hired in 2018. Rivals ranks Pitt’s class No. 22 in the nation, third in the ACC. Pitt has signed four-star guards Jaland Lowe and Carlton Carrington, plus three-star forward Marlon Barnes. Capel also didn’t ignore the NCAA transfer portal, adding guard Ishmael Leggett (Rhode Island) and forward Zack Austin (High Point).

Along with the Diaz Graham twins and Federiko, starting forward Blake Hinson is expected to return after leading the team in scoring (15.3 points per game) and rebounding (6.0) last season. Pitt also returns guards William Jeffress, who missed last season with a foot injury, and guard Dior Johnson, a rising sophomore who was redshirted in 2022-23.

The Detroit News reported last month that Kante posted his release request from Michigan on social media.

“First and foremost I want to thank Allah for blessing me every day and making me believe that everything happens for a reason,” Kante said in the post, according to the Detroit News. “After a lot of thought and conversations with my family, I have decided to request a release from my NLI to University of Michigan. Thank you to the coaching staff and Michigan fans for their interest in me. Thank you to all my supporters, friends and family for continuing to show love.”