Women's Basketball Program Update

Even though women's basketball may not be the hottest topic out there, I'd been waiting for a story on what's transpired over the past several months. The program seemingly has been in disarray with two assistant coaches leaving and the transfer of three players, which made up the entire sophomore class.

The Post-Gazette came out with a pretty thorough piece about everything that's transpired.

We know that Jeff Williams left to become a head coach, so that's understandable. Yolett McPhee McCuin the other assistant left to become an assistant. When it was first announced, it appeared to be a lateral move at a lesser school. However, the article points out that she left for more money and a promotion from 3rd assistant to 2nd assistant. Not a huge jumpg, but at least understandable.

Regarding the three transfers:

- Pepper Wilson transferred for personal reasons
- Kate Popovec transferred for more playing time
- Sarah Ogoke transferred to be closer to home and for more playing time

At least those reasons are somewhat reasonable and don't necessarily point to a major clash with the coach.

When you look at the fact that the team hasn't lost any of its starters from last year, they have four incoming freshmen, and were able to attract a former WNBA coach, things don't seem to be as bad as perhaps they first appeared.

Pitt Women's Team Adds Coach

Small note on Pitt women's basketball - they've added a former WNBA coach, Patty Coyle, to replace the departed Yolett McPhee-McCuin.

Still haven't seen any comment about all the departures from head coach Agnus Berenato.

Turning Into A Trend

I know women's basketball isn't real high on anyone's list of priorities right now, but this offseason is turning into a mildly interesting one. After losing an assistant and three players, Pitt's women's team has lost another assistant - Yolett McPhee McCuin. Now, I'm not familiar with the work of one Yolette, but this marks the fifth departure for the program this year. A program that only a year ago was up and coming.

This appears to be a lateral move and there don't appear to be any ties for her. Further, Clemson was not considered even a mediocre team this year and haven't been over .500 since the 2003-04 season. So, really, this appears like a step down.

It really makes you wonder what is going on at Pitt's program.