When people talk about the resurgence of West Virginia basketball in the mid-2000s, one name is impossible to ignore: Kevin Pittsnogle.
A native of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Pittsnogle became one of the most unique players in college basketball. At 6-foot-11, he possessed a skill set that was ahead of its time, stretching defenses with his three-point shooting while helping lead the Mountaineers to some of the program’s most memorable moments under Coach John Beilein.
For Mountaineer fans, Pittsnogle’s name is forever connected to the 2005 Elite Eight run and a golden era of WVU basketball that brought national attention back to Morgantown. His ability to knock down shots from well beyond the arc changed the way opponents defended West Virginia and made him one of the most difficult matchups in the country. But beyond the statistics and highlights, Pittsnogle’s story is one of loyalty, perseverance, and representing his home state on the biggest stage.
In this edition of Mountaineer Brotherhood, Kevin reflects on his journey from Martinsburg to Morgantown, the unforgettable NCAA Tournament runs, playing for Coach Beilein, and life after basketball.
Q: Growing up in Martinsburg, did you ever imagine your basketball journey would take you to WVU and make you a household name across the state?
A: Absolutely not. Growing up in Martinsburg, I was just a kid who loved playing basketball. Like so many kids, I dreamed of playing at the next level, but I never imagined my journey would become what it did. I certainly never thought I’d have the opportunity to play at West Virginia University, make a run to the Elite Eight, become an All-American, or still have people talking about those teams more than twenty years later. Looking back, it’s honestly hard to believe. I was just trying to work hard every day and take advantage of whatever opportunities came my way. I don’t think I ever viewed myself as someone who would become well known around the state. I just wanted to be a good teammate and compete. When I think about my journey now, I realize how many people had a hand in it. My parents sacrificed so much for me growing up. Coaches believed in me at different stages of my career, teammates pushed me to become better every single day, and so many people invested their time and energy into helping me succeed. None of what I accomplished happened because of me alone. That’s why it’s still so humbling when people stop me to talk about those WVU teams or tell me where they were when they watched us play. To know that our team created memories that people still cherish today is something I never expected and something I’ll always be grateful for. At the end of the day, I’m still just that kid from Martinsburg who was fortunate enough to live out a dream. Basketball has taken me places I never imagined, introduced me to incredible people, and opened doors that changed the course of my life. Looking back now, I feel incredibly blessed—not because of the recognition, but because of the relationships, the experiences, and the opportunity to represent West Virginia and the people of this state.
Q: What made West Virginia the right choice for you coming out of high school?
A: Honestly, coming out of high school, I didn’t know a whole lot about college athletics or even much about West Virginia basketball. I was just a kid from Martinsburg trying to figure out where I would have the best opportunity to play. I wasn’t someone who grew up studying recruiting rankings or dreaming about playing in a particular conference. I simply wanted a chance to compete. At that point in my career, I was only about 200 pounds. Most of the schools recruiting me looked at my size and felt I needed a year to develop physically before I was ready to play. Almost every coach I talked to wanted to redshirt me so I could spend a year in the weight room and put on weight before seeing the floor. Coach Gale Catlett saw things differently. He was the only coach who told me he didn’t want to redshirt me. He believed I could contribute right away, and that meant a lot to me. As an 18-year-old kid, all I wanted was an opportunity to compete, and Coach Catlett gave me confidence that I could earn minutes early in my career. Looking back now, I realize how important that belief was. Before I had ever played a game at West Virginia, Coach Catlett had already shown confidence in me. Sometimes all a young player needs is for someone to believe in them before they’ve proven anything. That opportunity ultimately led me to Morgantown, and it ended up changing my life. I met lifelong friends, played for incredible coaches, represented a state that embraced our team, and experienced things I never could have imagined. Looking back now, choosing West Virginia was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m forever grateful that Coach Catlett and Coach Beilein believed in me from the very beginning.
Q: What was your relationship like with Coach John Beilein, and how did he help develop your game?
A: Coach Beilein was incredible for my development as a player. Most coaches looked at me, saw a 6-foot-11 kid, and immediately wanted to put me under the basket simply because of my height, not because of my overall skill set. When Coach Beilein came to West Virginia, he recognized my abilities and saw what I was capable of doing beyond just playing in the post. He understood that I could shoot the basketball, handle the ball, and stretch the floor, and he gave me the freedom to use those skills. At the same time, he always made sure I was doing what was best for our team. He didn’t just let me play my game; he taught me how to use my strengths within the system and in ways that gave us the best chance to win. Now, if I’m being honest, my relationship with Coach Beilein wasn’t always the easiest. At that point in my life, I wasn’t always the easiest person to coach. Looking back now as a principal who works with young people every day, I often wonder how he dealt with me at times. I pushed limits, and not always in the best ways. Coach Beilein and the entire coaching staff showed an incredible amount of patience with me and with our team. They saw something in me beyond basketball and invested the time to help mold me into not only a better player but a better young man. As I’ve gotten older and taken on leadership roles myself, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for everything they did for me. Their trust, patience, and belief in me played a huge role in helping me become the player and the person I am today.
Q: At 6-foot-11, your ability to shoot from the perimeter was rare at the time. How much resistance did you get from coaches growing up who wanted you to play strictly inside?
A: Honestly, most of my coaches growing up didn’t really embrace what I was capable of doing. They saw my height and wanted me to play with my back to the basket, rebound, and stay around the rim. Fortunately, I had two outstanding AAU coaches, Buck Hoffmaster and Doug Lamp, who saw something different. They recognized that I could shoot the basketball, handle the ball, and play on the perimeter, and they encouraged me to develop those skills instead of limiting me to a traditional post player’s role. They also gave me the opportunity to showcase those abilities in the AAU setting, where college coaches could actually see that part of my game. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for their vision and belief in me because, honestly, without that opportunity, I highly doubt I would have been recruited out of high school. The skills that eventually defined my career simply weren’t being showcased during my high school season. Buck and Doug gave me the confidence and the platform to play to my strengths, and that changed the course of my basketball career.
Q: What do you remember most about the 2005 Elite Eight run?
A: Obviously, everyone remembers the games, the wins, and the excitement of the NCAA Tournament, and those memories will always be special. But honestly, some of my favorite memories are the ones that nobody else ever saw. It was the time we spent together in the locker room joking around, the road trips, hanging out after practices, and just enjoying being around one another. We built friendships and a level of camaraderie that went far beyond basketball. We weren’t just teammates, we were a group of guys who went to battle together every single day. We trusted each other, held each other accountable, and genuinely cared about one another. Those relationships are what made our team so special. Even today, we’ve all gone our separate ways. We have different careers, different families, and different lives, but whenever we get together or even just talk on the phone, it’s like no time has passed. That bond is still there, and I think that’s something really unique. I believe that team was special not only for WVU and the state of West Virginia, but because of how it was built. We spent years together building trust, chemistry, and relationships. We grew together as players and as people, and we were all invested in West Virginia University and in representing the state the right way. I think that’s one of the biggest differences between then and now. With the transfer portal and how quickly rosters change, it’s much harder to build the kind of chemistry and lifelong relationships that we had. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but our team was built from the ground up over several years with guys who were committed to each other, committed to WVU, and committed to bringing success to the people of West Virginia. That’s something I’ll always cherish, and I don’t know that we’ll see many teams like that again.
Q: Looking back, what was the atmosphere like in Morgantown during those NCAA Tournament years?
A: The atmosphere at WVU was just electric. Every home game felt like an event. We played in front of sold-out crowds night after night, and the student section stretched from the bottom of the Coliseum all the way to the top. Those students brought so much energy and passion, and they were a huge part of what made the Coliseum such a difficult place for opponents to play. In my opinion, the students are what make the atmosphere so special because their excitement is contagious. During our NCAA Tournament run, you could feel the support from every corner of West Virginia. It wasn’t just about our team anymore, it felt like we were carrying the entire state with us. Everywhere we went, people were cheering us on, and you could tell how much it meant to everyone back home. We embraced that responsibility. We understood that we weren’t just representing West Virginia University—we were representing the people of West Virginia on a national stage. We wanted to make them proud every time we stepped on the floor. Looking back, that’s one of the things I’m most proud of. The connection between our team and the people of this state was something truly special, and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.
Q: Is there one game, shot, or moment from your WVU career that stands out above all the others?
A: A lot of people expect me to say one of the big shots, but honestly, the shot I remember the most is the last one I ever took in a West Virginia uniform. At the time, you don’t realize it’s going to be your final shot. Looking back, it’s kind of symbolic because it marked the end of such an incredible chapter of my life. But if I’m being honest, the shots and the games aren’t really what stand out the most anymore. What stands out are all the memories we made together as teammates. It’s the things that happened when the cameras weren’t rolling. Running on the Oceanic Blue track and being miserable together during conditioning. Spending time together after practice. Going out to grab something to eat or, once we were old enough, meeting up at a local bar and just enjoying each other’s company. Those are the moments that really built our friendships. We experienced everything together—the highs of making the NCAA Tournament, the lows of tough losses, the hard workouts, the long road trips, and everything in between. Those shared experiences created a bond that has lasted for over twenty years. Basketball eventually ends for everyone, but those friendships don’t. Those are the memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and they’re far more valuable than any shot I ever made.
Q: Who were some of the toughest opponents you faced during your college career?
A: Without question, the Big East during my time at West Virginia from 2002 to 2006 was the best conference in college basketball. Looking back now, it was really a super conference. Night after night, you were playing against teams that were ranked in the top 25 and filled with future NBA players and All-Americans. There were no nights off. If you weren’t ready to play, you were going to get beat. You had Syracuse, led by Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara, winning a national championship during that era. Connecticut seemed like they were ranked No. 1 in the country every year with incredible talent and tremendous coaching. Then you had our backyard rival, Pitt, which was always one of the toughest, most physical teams in the country. Villanova was outstanding year after year, and there were so many other programs like Boston College, Notre Dame, Georgetown, and St. John’s that could beat anybody on any given night. The remarkable thing about that conference was its depth. It wasn’t just one or two elite teams, it felt like half the league was nationally ranked every season. Every game felt like an NCAA Tournament game because the level of competition was so high. You had to bring your best every single night. Looking back, I think competing in that environment prepared us for March. By the time we got to the NCAA Tournament, we had already been tested against some of the best teams in the country all season long. Nothing we saw in the tournament surprised us because we’d already experienced that level of competition throughout conference play. That’s one of the reasons I’m so proud of what our teams accomplished. We weren’t doing it in a weak league, we were competing in arguably the toughest conference in college basketball at the time. Every win had to be earned, and I think that made all of us better players and tougher competitors.
Q: What made that WVU team so successful and so connected?
A: I think it all comes back to the relationships we built with one another. We genuinely enjoyed being around each other. We spent so much time together outside of basketball that we became more than teammates—we became brothers. Whether it was joking around in the locker room, hanging out after practice, eating together, traveling on the road, or just spending time together away from basketball, we built friendships that created a level of trust you can’t fake. That chemistry off the court translated directly to our success on the court. We knew each other’s personalities, we knew each other’s strengths, and we trusted one another completely. There wasn’t any jealousy or concern about who was getting the headlines or individual awards. Nobody cared who scored the most points or who got their name in the newspaper the next day. The only thing that mattered was what we could accomplish together as a team. Everyone accepted their role because we all believed in the bigger picture. Some nights it might be me making shots. Other nights it might be Mike Gansey, Tyrone Sally, Johannes Herber, Frank Young, J.D. Collins, Patrick Beilein, D’or Fischer, or another teammate stepping up. It didn’t matter because we celebrated each other’s success just as much as our own. I also think that’s a credit to Coach Beilein and our coaching staff. They created a culture where the team always came first. There was accountability, but there was also trust. Everyone understood that if we sacrificed individually, we’d accomplish far more collectively. Looking back now, I think that’s one of the biggest reasons people still remember that team. We weren’t just a talented basketball team, we were a close-knit group of friends who loved competing together and representing West Virginia. The wins were the result of the culture we built every day. We played for each other, and I think people could see that every time we stepped on the floor.
Q: Looking at today’s game, how do you think your skill set would fit in the modern era of basketball?
A: I think my game would fit really well in today’s style of basketball. When I played, there weren’t many 6-foot-11 players who were expected to shoot three-pointers, handle the basketball, or play away from the basket. Most coaches still wanted their big men on the block. Today’s game has completely changed. Now every team is looking for bigs who can stretch the floor, shoot from the perimeter, make plays with the ball in their hands, and create mismatches. That’s the type of player I always wanted to be. I think I was fortunate to have coaches like Coach Beilein who saw that before it became common. He allowed me to develop those skills and use them in ways that helped our team win. Looking back, I probably played ten or fifteen years before that style became the norm. It would have been fun to see how my game translated into today’s style of basketball. What’s really exciting for me now is that I’ll get to see this experience through my son, Kwynsie Pittsnogle, who will be a redshirt freshman at Wheeling University. He’s about 6-foot-10 and has developed a very similar skill set as a player who can stretch the floor, shoot the basketball, and play both inside and out. It’ll be fun to watch his journey and see how today’s game embraces players with that style. I think he’ll have opportunities that didn’t exist for players my size when I was coming through high school and college. It’s pretty special as a father to watch the game evolve and now get to see your own son compete in a style of basketball that’s become so much more common. I’m excited to watch him grow as a player and see where his journey takes him.
Q: What has life been like for you since your playing days ended?
A: Life after basketball has been incredibly rewarding, but I’d also be lying if I said it was easy. I think that’s a part of the journey that not many former athletes talk about. When the ball stops bouncing, life changes. The crowds are gone, the attention fades, and sometimes the phone stops ringing. You start to realize that some of the people who used to reach out regularly aren’t around anymore because you can’t help them in the same way you once could. That’s an adjustment, and for me, it wasn’t something that happened overnight. There was definitely a period where I had to figure out who I was outside of basketball. For so long, your identity is wrapped up in being an athlete, and when that chapter closes, you have to rediscover yourself. That process wasn’t always easy, but looking back, I think it was one of the most important periods of growth in my life. Through all of that, I leaned heavily on my family, especially my parents. They were there for me long before basketball, and they were there after basketball. They helped remind me that my value wasn’t tied to how many points I scored or whether people recognized my name. They reminded me that who I was as a person mattered far more than what I had accomplished on the basketball court. I’ll always be grateful for their love and support during that transition. As I moved into education, I found a new purpose. Today, as the principal at John Kerr Elementary School in Winchester, Virginia, I get the opportunity to make a positive impact on young people every day. In a lot of ways, coaching, teaching, and leading aren’t that different from basketball. They’re all about relationships, building trust, helping people believe in themselves, and creating a culture where everyone can succeed. Looking back now, basketball opened doors that I’ll always be thankful for, but it also taught me lessons that I carry with me every day. Today, I find just as much fulfillment watching a student overcome a challenge, seeing a teacher grow professionally, or helping build a positive school community as I ever did making a three-point shot. Basketball gave me a platform, but education has given me a purpose that continues to challenge and inspire me every day.
Q: What advice would you give current WVU players about representing the Flying WV?
A: My biggest piece of advice would be to never take it for granted. There are thousands of young players who dream about putting on that uniform, and only a select few ever get that opportunity. Understand that when you wear the Flying WV, you’re representing much more than yourself. You’re representing your teammates, your coaches, the university, and an entire state that is incredibly passionate about Mountaineer basketball. Work hard every day. Appreciate the fans because they’ll support you through the good times and the bad. Build relationships with your teammates because those friendships will last much longer than any basketball season. Years from now, you probably won’t remember every point you scored or every game you won, but you’ll remember the people you shared those experiences with. Basketball eventually ends for all of us. The relationships and the way you represent the university will last forever.
Q: What does the phrase “Mountaineer Brotherhood” mean to you?
A: To me, the Mountaineer Brotherhood means family. It means being connected to something that’s bigger than basketball. The amazing thing is that it doesn’t matter if someone played in the 1960s, the 1980s, my era, or today. There’s an instant connection because we all wore the same uniform and represented the same university. It’s also about the people of West Virginia. They welcomed us into their lives, supported us, and celebrated with us. That creates a bond that lasts forever. Even now, whenever I run into former teammates, coaches, or Mountaineer fans, it’s like picking up right where we left off. That’s what makes WVU so special. Once you’re a Mountaineer, you’re always a Mountaineer.
Q: How special is it knowing WVU fans still talk about those teams and the impact you had on the program?
A: Honestly, it’s incredibly humbling. When we were playing, we weren’t thinking about whether people would still be talking about us twenty years later. We were simply trying to win basketball games, represent West Virginia the right way, and make the people of this state proud. To still be part of conversations more than twenty years later is honestly kind of crazy to me. I never imagined that a kid from Martinsburg who just wanted an opportunity to play college basketball would still have people coming up to him decades later to share stories about games they watched with their families or moments they still remember. That never gets old. What means even more to me is that people don’t just remember the shots or the wins—they remember our team. They remember the chemistry, the passion we played with, and how much we cared about representing West Virginia. To know that our team created memories that families still talk about together today is something I don’t think any of us could have ever imagined. West Virginia fans are unlike any other fan base in the country. Their loyalty is incredible, and they have a way of making you feel like you’re part of their family. To know that we’ve remained a small part of the history and tradition of Mountaineer basketball is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive. I’ll always be grateful for the way the people of West Virginia embraced us not only while we were playing, but throughout the last twenty years.
Q: When your basketball journey is all said and done, what do you hope WVU fans remember most about Kevin Pittsnogle?
A: I hope they remember someone who gave everything he had every time he put on a West Virginia uniform. I hope they remember someone who loved representing this university and this state and who appreciated the opportunity to wear the Flying WV. More than the three-pointers or the wins, I hope people remember that I was a good teammate. Basketball is a team game, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by some incredible teammates and coaches who helped shape my career and my life. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that people may remember the shots for a while, but they’ll always remember how you treated people and the kind of teammate and person you were. If WVU fans remember me as someone who competed hard, cared about his teammates, appreciated the fans, and represented West Virginia with pride, then I’ll consider my basketball career a success. Looking back now, basketball opened a lot of doors for me, but the relationships are what I’ll cherish forever. The friendships with my teammates, the lessons from my coaches, and the connection with the people of West Virginia have had a far greater impact on my life than any points I ever scored. Those are the things I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.