The wait is almost over as the 2025-26 basketball season is just a few days away. The Panther Arena is ready for the Milwaukee Panthers men’s basketball team to hit the floor for the first time with old comers, transfers and fresh new young talents showcasing their ability to tilt the floor. The Panthers are welcoming Hampton University to open up their season.
Panthers Exhibition
The men’s basketball team held an exhibition match last weekend to showcase their talents, dynamic and to allow fans to get a feel of what’s to come this upcoming season. The Panthers welcomed the Parkside Rangers at the Klotche Center on Saturday.
Returning player John Lovelace set the tone for the panthers and put the first points on the board. Parkside had some key players with great ball control and strong shooters to keep Milwaukee on their toes. Amar Augillard, one of the newcomers, is quick on his feet and fitting right in with the team. Defensively, the Panthers worked extremely well together and were intimidating. Stevie Elam gave the fans a taste of what he’s capable of, putting up 14 points and having five rebounds.
The Panthers got in groove and found the chemistry and began making plays with back to back three point shots, dunks and overall good momentum.
The Panthers secured the win and came out victorious over the rangers with the game finishing with a final score of 97-65.
Horizon League preseason poll
The Milwaukee Panthers were voted to win it all this season in the upcoming Horizon League regular season. As the boys were voted to finish first, there were also three members of the panther crew who earned a spot as a preseason all-league honor. Amar Augillard one of the new faces on the panthers was picked for a spot in the all-league first team. Returner Faizon Fields was picked for all-league second team as well as newcomer Seth Hubbard.
Hear the hype from Media Day
Milwaukee Athletics held a media day event with both the men and women’s head coaches and a few players to give an insight of what’s to come and what’s expected for this upcoming season. Although there have been some key players who departed and went their separate ways. There is a lot to come and expect from this new group of boys.
“This is going to be the most exciting group that we’ve had,” said Head coach Bart Lundy. “We’ve got a bunch of guys that are willing to sacrifice, a bunch of guys that are here for the right reasons.”
The Panthers are set for a challenging yet incredibly exciting schedule that promises to test the square early on and often. The schedule highlights major games including a difficult road trip to pace Indiana as well as a visit to take on Texas Tech. A much anticipated game return to Madison where the panthers will be welcomed by the Wisconsin Badgers for the first time in a few years.
“Our goal is not to win 20 games. I think we’ve established that we’re a good team,” said Head coach Bart Lundy. “We’re a good program, it’s time for this university to head to the NCAA tournament, so that’s our north star.”
With a blend of challenging road tests and many home court advantages, this is promised to be a memorable year for the Panthers. The excitement begins Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.