The Milwaukee Panthers are having a strong season, thanks to major contributions from one of their big men, Jamichael Stillwell. Despite entering the season without much national attention, Stillwell wasted no time making a name for himself with his impactful performances.
“I definitely feel like it gave me a goal. It gave me a motive to go get it,” said Stillwell. “I felt like I was underlooked, so it gave me a motive like they gotta see me. It gave me a little more push, a little more edge to my system.”
The 6-foot-8-inch junior forward is currently averaging 13.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in 21 games this season. Stillwell currently ranks fifth in the country in rebounds per game and double-doubles (12). He has used his skills, size and drive to set himself apart from other big men this season.
“I feel like I’m more physical, and I want it more,” said Stillwell. “I feel like I put myself in the right position to get rebounds. I’m not really athletic for real. I just put myself in the right position and the effort.”
Stillwell’s drive is partly fueled by the limited recruiting interest he received at the junior college level. Over the past two seasons at Butler County Community College in Kansas, he established himself as one of the top rebounders in JUCO basketball. In his final season, he averaged 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while recording 12 double-doubles.
When Milwaukee set out to recruit for the 2024-25 season, they prioritized finding a versatile forward who could rebound and defend multiple positions. Stillwell fit the mold, and as the process unfolded, the Panthers built a strong relationship with him, sharing their vision and showing him how he could thrive in their system.
“Me and coach Lundy went out to Kansas to see him and had breakfast with Jamichael,” Milwaukee associate head coach Jake Williams recently said on The Bart Lundy Basketball Show. “He had just come off of having mono and (his weight went from) 225 and dropped down to 195. (He) lost a lot of weight. He had a high ankle sprain after that. He was leading junior college in rebounding, and then he had mono and a high ankle sprain. His last 10 games, if you look, really dipped.
“He had plenty of mid-major recruitment but people kind of dipped off after that and like backed out and looked at other options. He still had some other options. We just stayed in on him and believed in him the entire time. … He is everything we thought and more.”
With the last stretch of the regular season approaching, Stillwell aims to continue to refine his offensive game.
“Handling the ball more and being more consistent on the 3s (is where I want to see improvement),” said Stillwell.
Stillwell has become a fan favorite within the Panthers program. He is also known by a unique nickname, “Mr. Stand On Business.”
“It comes from JUCO, you know and knocking out top teams,” said Stillwell. “My freshman year, I was on a team who was at the bottom of the barrel and was known for losing. Then we took them to the playoffs when they haven’t been there in eight years, so that’s how I earned my name, ‘Mr. Stand On Business.'”
Stillwell has become a relentless force for the Panthers, determined to lead his team to a Horizon League title and a deep postseason run. With Milwaukee sitting second in the Horizon League, the final month of the regular season will be a thrilling chase for the conference crown and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid, with Stillwell playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
