Cummings Signs Aid Agreement to Play Final Season at Pitt
4/15/2022 11:59:00 AM | Men's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – Graduate transfer Nelly Cummings has made his return to Pittsburgh official with the signing of a financial aid agreement. The Midland, Pa., native joins the Pitt Basketball program after leading Colgate to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of the past two seasons.
"Nelly is an excellent lead guard who can make an immediate impact in our program," said head coach Jeff Capel. "He has a mature approach to the game and brings excellent leadership qualities. Nelly's scoring ability, perimeter shooting and ability to handle the ball make him a strong fit in our backcourt. We look forward to working with him and helping him continue to grow his game."
Cummings, a First Team All-Patriot League and NABC All-District selection, averaged 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 36 percent (62-of-172) from three-point range and 81.8 percent (99-of-121) from the foul line last season. He guided the Raiders to a 23-12 record, a Patriot League title and a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021-22. He was also named to the Patriot League All-Tournament team after leading the Raiders to wins over Bucknell, Lehigh and Navy.
"I grew up training in the back gym at Pitt and working out with some of the past greats in the program," said Cummings. "To come full circle and have the opportunity to finish my college career at Pitt is really exciting. I believe I will come in and make an immediate impact by bringing my competitiveness, leadership and winning mentality. I am ready to get to work with Coach Capel, the rest of the staff and my new teammates."
The 6-0, 180-pound guard averaged double figures in scoring in all three seasons at Colgate after joining the program following one season at Bowling Green. He guided the Raiders to a 62-23 record, two Patriot League titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances over the past three seasons. A 2021 Second Team All-Patriot League selection, Cummings scored in double figures 49 times, including seven games with 20 or more points scored, during his time at Colgate.
Cummings has one season of eligibility remaining and enters it with 1,112 points, 242 rebounds, 215 assists, and 100 steals in his career. His is 149-of-417 (.357) from three-point range and 217-of-274 (.792) from the foul line over 109 career games (78 starts).
Cummings joins a Pitt backcourt featuring a pair of additional 1,000-point scorers in Jamarius Burton (1,003) and Nike Sibande (1,560). The trio has combined for 3,675 points and 422 three-point field goals in their careers.
Pitt also returns 2022 Honorable Mention All-ACC selection John Hugley as well as wings William Jeffress and Nate Santos. Hugley was among the top post players in the ACC last season, averaging 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. The sophomore forward finished the year with 22 double-figure scoring games, including eight games with 20+ points, and nine double-doubles.
"Nelly is an excellent lead guard who can make an immediate impact in our program," said head coach Jeff Capel. "He has a mature approach to the game and brings excellent leadership qualities. Nelly's scoring ability, perimeter shooting and ability to handle the ball make him a strong fit in our backcourt. We look forward to working with him and helping him continue to grow his game."
Cummings, a First Team All-Patriot League and NABC All-District selection, averaged 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 36 percent (62-of-172) from three-point range and 81.8 percent (99-of-121) from the foul line last season. He guided the Raiders to a 23-12 record, a Patriot League title and a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021-22. He was also named to the Patriot League All-Tournament team after leading the Raiders to wins over Bucknell, Lehigh and Navy.
"I grew up training in the back gym at Pitt and working out with some of the past greats in the program," said Cummings. "To come full circle and have the opportunity to finish my college career at Pitt is really exciting. I believe I will come in and make an immediate impact by bringing my competitiveness, leadership and winning mentality. I am ready to get to work with Coach Capel, the rest of the staff and my new teammates."
The 6-0, 180-pound guard averaged double figures in scoring in all three seasons at Colgate after joining the program following one season at Bowling Green. He guided the Raiders to a 62-23 record, two Patriot League titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances over the past three seasons. A 2021 Second Team All-Patriot League selection, Cummings scored in double figures 49 times, including seven games with 20 or more points scored, during his time at Colgate.
Cummings has one season of eligibility remaining and enters it with 1,112 points, 242 rebounds, 215 assists, and 100 steals in his career. His is 149-of-417 (.357) from three-point range and 217-of-274 (.792) from the foul line over 109 career games (78 starts).
Cummings joins a Pitt backcourt featuring a pair of additional 1,000-point scorers in Jamarius Burton (1,003) and Nike Sibande (1,560). The trio has combined for 3,675 points and 422 three-point field goals in their careers.
Pitt also returns 2022 Honorable Mention All-ACC selection John Hugley as well as wings William Jeffress and Nate Santos. Hugley was among the top post players in the ACC last season, averaging 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. The sophomore forward finished the year with 22 double-figure scoring games, including eight games with 20+ points, and nine double-doubles.
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