Pitt's Papa Kante Progressing in Knee Injury Recovery

Pitt Panthers head coach Jeff Capel provided an update on injured freshman center Papa Kante.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers won't get him back in time for the home stretch of the regular season, but "Papa" Amadou Kante is still making encouraging progress in his recovery from a preseason knee injury. 

Kante came out prior to tip off of the Panthers' last home game against to do some light shooting while the rest of the team warmed up, the first time he'd done so on a gameday all season. After Pitt returned home from a road trip to Clemson, head coach Jeff Capel had an update on Kantes' recovery. 

 “He’s doing really, really well," Capel said. "He’s able to do more stuff now — nothing as far as on the court practice or anything — but he’s able to do some court work, some shooting, anything that doesn’t involve cutting right now." 

Kante, a former Michigan commit, was a four-star recruit in Pitt's 2023 class and injured his knee during the preseason. It was a non-contact injury suffered in early September. 

MORE: Pitt HC Jeff Capel Frustrated by Criteria for NCAA Tournament Forecasts

His absence has forced the Panthers to mix and match with Guillermo Diaz Graham and Federiko Federiko at center. Even Will Jeffress has had to fill in at times when the two typical centers had struggled. 

Capel hasn't seen Kante play in live game action, but said during the preseason that he likely would have been the Panthers' most physical post player this season. They've missed him during the 2023-24 season and still believe he has a bright future ahead of him in Pittsburgh. 

"He’s had an unbelievable attitude of how he’s approached his rehab," Capel said. "And has done an outstanding job.”

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

Pitt's Jeff Capel Upset With Clemson's 'Cheap Shot'

Pitt Keeping Legendary Radio Voice Bill Hillgrove

ESPN: Pitt Clinging to NCAA Tournament Bubble Spot

Pitt-Steelers Facility Partnership Faces Criticism

Pitt Partners With Mark Cuban-Backed NIL Store

NET Rankings Kind to Pitt After Clemson Loss

• Follow Inside the Panthers on Twitter: @InsidePitt