Pitt Graduate William Jeffress Expresses Gratitude in Goodbye Letter to Pitt

Earlier this week, Pitt forward Will Jeffress entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer after spending the last four years in the Pitt program.

Jeffress was initially a member of the class of 2020 after re-classifying to join the Panthers after just three years of high school. As one of the youngest players in college basketball, he started four games and appeared in 16 games for Pitt in that 2020-21 season. The next year, Jeffress appeared in 31 games and started 16. However, heading into his junior year, the Erie, PA native injured his foot, and during the recovery process, opted to have surgery. He was out for the entire season.

This year, he played in 31 games, starting two. Jeffress grabbed 60 rebounds and 17 steals this year as a redshirt junior. More than a week after Pitt’s season concluded, Jeffress entered the transfer portal, more-than-likely marking the end of his Panther career. On Sunday night, he posted a note to social media, expressing his gratitude for the Pitt fan base and coaching staff, seemingly marking the official end of his tenure at Pitt.

“I want to start by saying I am grateful for everyone’s support over the past four years,” Jeffress said in a statement released to his Twitter profile. “When I got to campus, I had two important goals: help the Pitt Men’s Basketball program grow and graduate with my degrees in hand.”

Jeffress continued, expressing he and his teammates’ perseverance through tough times in the program and talking about his personal acheivements. He finished his statement thanking Jeff Capel, his staff, the Oakland Zoo, his family, and the medical, media, and support staff members around the Pitt program.

Read Jeffress’ full statement here.