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Publication: The Pitt News, , University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus, Pittsburgh, PA
Homecoming presents an opportunity for most people to return to their high school or college and see old friends at a variety of formal and sporting events.
But for redshirt sophomore Curtis Aiken Jr., it means something different. Aiken graduated from North Allegheny High School in Wexford and continued a family tradition upon committing to Pitt’s men’s basketball team to play guard.
“Both my parents went here, and I started to fall in love with Pitt during the recruiting process,” Aiken said.
Aiken’s father, Curtis Aiken Sr., played for the Panthers from 1983-87 and ranks 27th on the team’s all-time scoring leaderboard. The elder Aiken has stayed close with his alma mater, and calls his son’s games for KDKA. That family tie gave Aiken Jr. a lifelong connection to the University.
“I grew up a Pitt fan,” Aiken Jr. said. “When I was little we had season tickets and I went to all the games. Pitt has always had a place in my heart.”
Despite that fandom, Aiken Jr. didn’t always plan on going to Pitt. He originally thought he might have a future in Knoxville.
“My first offer was from Tennessee my sophomore year,” Aiken Jr. said. “But I grew...
