Expectations for the Milwaukee Panthers are sky-high as they enter this season, fueled by the momentum of a 20-win campaign and a narrow defeat in last year’s Horizon League championship game. After last year’s heartbreaking loss to end their season, the Panthers infused additional talent to the roster that fits coach Bart Lundy’s scheme.
As the season approaches, the Panthers are the preseason favorite in the conference, signaling that this could be the year they break through and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.
“We have a new slogan for the season called, ‘Tilt the floor.’ We obviously play fast, guard 94 feet and want to make sure every team works for every board,” said Lundy at Milwaukee’s media day.
Lundy’s roster boasts a strong mix of returning talent and impactful newcomers, providing the team with depth and skill. This year’s team also stands out for its chemistry, which could be a key factor in pushing Milwaukee to new heights.
Senior forward Faizon Fields and senior guard Kentrell Pullian highlight the returners. One player who will serve as a starter and impact player for the Panthers is newly-added redshirt senior guard AJ McKee.
McKee transferred to the Panthers after a stellar five-year run at Queens University. Lundy originally recruited McKee to Queens and played for him for three seasons. McKee’s relationship with Lundy strongly influenced his decision to commit to Milwaukee after averaging 18.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game in 2023-24.
McKee gives the Panthers an experienced guard who can fill the void left by star guard BJ Freeman, who transferred to Arizona State in the offseason after averaging 21.1 points per game last season.
“I chose UWM because I believe in Lundy’s magic, to have 20-plus wins in two seasons is a big thing,” McKee said. “Having to build your program from the ground up and having to select your own recruiting class is a good thing as well.”
In addition to his scoring prowess, McKee will bring a tough, hard-nosed defensive presence to the Panthers.
“I want to bring that defensive mindset to the team,” McKee said. “I know I will be able score and get to the free throw line but in the past years, coach Lundy says that he hasn’t had that defensive spark, so I want to be able to bring that back to a program that wants to win and that always wanted to win in past years.”
The Panthers also welcomed redshirt senior Themus Fulks, a Louisiana transfer, to the roster during the offseason. Last season, the talented 6-foot-1 point guard averaged 10.6 points on 40.4% shooting in 29.5 minutes per game.
The Panthers originally recruited Fulks two years ago after Lundy’s hiring in 2022. Fulks played for current Milwaukee associate head coach Jake Williams at Dodge City (Kan.) Community College.
The relationship with Williams and the staff factored into Fulks’ decision to transfer to Milwaukee. He gives the Panthers a true point guard for the first time in the Lundy era. He also brings toughness, athleticism and willingness to get to the rim for the Panthers’ fast style of play.
In Lundy’s first two years, he has made his desire to add more local players to the program known. In the offseason, the Panthers added four players with Wisconsin ties, including Milwaukee native John Lovelace Jr.
Lovelace played at Brown Deer High School under current Milwaukee assistant and former player Jose Winston. He spent two collegiate seasons at Youngstown State.
As a sophomore last season, Lovelace averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in just over 18 minutes per game in 32 contests. One of his most notable appearances came against Milwaukee at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena last season when he scored 15 points in 18 minutes off the bench, playing a pivotal role in YSU’s overtime victory.
Lovelace gives the Panthers an impact player on both sides of the court. He can attack the basket and drain 3s offensively, while he can guard multiple positions due to his size and athleticism on the defensive side.
With all the newcomers on this year’s roster, the Panthers boast their most talented team in over a decade. The Panthers believe they have the pieces to capture the Horizon League title and earn the automatic berth for the NCAA Tournament. They begin the season against Lakeland (Wis.) University on Nov. 4 at the Klotsche Center.
