Pitt Panthers women's basketball hosted two junior college recruits, guard Destiney McPhaul and center Célia Rivière, from Northwest Florida State College. Both players excelled individually and as a team in the past seasons, winning the NJCAA Division I National Championship in 2023. McPhaul and Rivière have impressive stats and achievements from their time at Northwest Florida State. McPhaul led in scoring and steals, while Rivière showcased scoring and rebounding prowess, earning both players All-American honors.

By the Numbers
  • McPhaul averaged 15.0 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game in the National Tournament.
  • Rivière scored 12.5 points and led with 6.8 rebounds per game at Northwest Florida State.
  • Both players received All-American honors, with McPhaul on the First Team and Rivière on the Second Team.
Yes, But

Competition for McPhaul and Rivière's services is high, with other schools like Mississippi State, Illinois, and West Virginia expressing interest in recruiting them.

What's Next

The recruitment process for McPhaul and Rivière will likely intensify as they consider multiple offers from different schools, weighing factors beyond their playing opportunities.

Bottom Line

Pitt Panthers women's basketball is strategically targeting talent like McPhaul and Rivière from the junior college circuit to strengthen their team and compete at higher levels in the upcoming seasons, showcasing their commitment to rebuilding and achieving success under Coach Verdi.