PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pitt got its best shooter back on the day it also learned its next game was postponed.
Guard Ithiel Horton reinstated to the basketball team Thursday afternoon by school officials after spending the last two months suspended away from the basketball program. Horton was accused of punching a city police officer, but all four charges were dropped on Thursday.
“We are grateful that Ithiel’s situation has been resolved,” said Pitt head coach Jeff Capel in a statement.
“It is unfortunate that he had to miss the past two months, but I know he has remained hungry to get back with his teammates and have the opportunity to represent the University of Pittsburgh again.”
“I am really proud of the way he handled his academic responsibilities, making the Dean’s List, while dealing with this situation. Ithiel has remained positive and confident throughout this process and we are eager to integrate him back into the team. His teammates were excited when they heard he has been cleared to rejoin the group. We look forward to his full return to the University of Pittsburgh and the opportunity to continue to mentor and lead a young man eager to make the most of his opportunity here."
Horton was Pitt’s best three-point shooter last season making a team-high 43. The junior started 18 of 22 games with 10 games in double-figures averaging 8.9 points and 2.3 rebounds a game.
"I’m grateful to have this situation resolved and have the opportunity to get back to my life as a member of the Pitt basketball team and to fully return to the University of Pittsburgh,” Horton said in a statement. "The past two months have been extremely difficult but the support and constant encouragement from my family, Coach Capel, the rest of the coaching staff and my teammates really helped me stay strong and keep working.”
“I am also thankful for the support and guidance from [Director of Athletics] Heather Lyke and the rest of the leadership group here at Pitt. I am just ready to put this behind me and get back out on the court with my teammates.”
Horton will return to the team immediately, the Panthers will play next on Wednesday, January 5 at Louisville.
The Panthers’ game on Saturday at Virginia Tech was postponed due to COVID-19 issues with the Hokies.