Panthers’ starting point guard Markeith Browning II was dismissed from the team on Monday, head coach Bart Lundy announced. The junior guard was the Panthers’ longest-tenured player prior to his dismissal.
“It was an internal decision done with the best interests of the program in mind,” said Lundy following the announcement. “We certainly wish Markeith the best moving forward. The entire program hopes for nothing but success in his future and will do what we can to help him on that path.”
Prior to the dismissal, Browning led the 4-7 Panthers in minutes played and assists while filling in for the injured Pierce Spencer at point guard. His 8.5 points per game ranked third on the team.
Browning’s dismissal marks the end to the final link to the Pat Baldwin era. Brought on by the former coach prior to the 2021-22 season, the Ypsilanti, Michigan-native appeared in 14 games under the tutelage of Baldwin, 54 throughout his UWM tenure. He joined the Panthers after helping lead Coffeyville Community College to an NJCAA national title.
Freshman Makuei Riek will drop his redshirt and begin competing immediately in the wake of Browning’s dismissal, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported.
The Panthers return to action this Friday, hosting Chattanooga at 1 p.m. at the UWM Panther Arena.