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Milwaukee Panthers: Takeaways from annual scrimmage

Bart Lundy has swiftly transformed the Milwaukee Panthers into a competitive force in the Horizon League since taking over as the head coach in 2022. As the program enters Year 3 of the Lundy era, expectations are higher than ever as the program aims to build on the strong momentum from the past two seasons.

On Monday night, Panther fans got a preview of this year’s team during the annual Black & Gold scrimmage. The event offers a great opportunity for fans to check out the newcomers, catch up with returning players and get a glimpse of the Panthers’ potential ahead of the season.

Heading into this season, the Panthers are a favorite to win the Horizon League title after losing in the conference tournament championship game in 2023-24. Lundy’s roster boasts a strong mix of returning talent and impactful newcomers, providing the team 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.

Below are three takeaways from Monday’s scrimmage.

Depth, Talent and Playing Style

Lundy favors an up-tempo style of play with a strong defensive focus. The Panthers lacked the pieces to execute his system fully during his first two years. This season, however, that’s no longer the case, and Lundy is ready to capitalize on it.

He spoke about his goal to “tilt the floor,” emphasizing the Panthers’ desire to push the pace offensively while applying a relentless full-court press on defense. Achieving this requires a team in peak physical condition. Lundy noted the Panthers are currently in elite shape thanks to the boot camp-style practices they’ve undergone.

This year’s team is the most talented the program has seen in over a decade. The roster is led by experienced guards who can shoot, attack the rim and defend at a high level. In the frontcourt, the Panthers boast athletic, lengthy and versatile players, combining size and skill to both ends of the floor.

3-Point Shooting

Lundy has expressed his vision for an offense capable of attempting close to 30 three-pointers per game while maintaining a high shooting percentage. His goal is to create a dynamic perimeter attack that stretches defenses and maximizes scoring opportunities from beyond the arc.

The Panthers shot 34.5% from beyond the arc on 22.8 attempts per game in 2022-23. Last year, they recorded a slightly lower shooting percentage of 32.2%, while increasing their attempts to 24.6 per game.

Senior guard Kentrell Pullian, entering his third year in the program, dedicated significant time in the offseason to refining his 3-point shot. He displayed confidence from beyond the arc, making multiple 3s on Monday.

The standout of the night was 6-foot-7 redshirt sophomore guard Learic Davis, a Milwaukee native. After shooting 28% from 3-point range (7 for 25) in 33 games last season, Davis showcased a much-improved jumper, sinking five 3s in the scrimmage. His athleticism was also on display. He attacked the basket, especially in transition. With his size, high motor and defensive versatility, Davis is a player to watch this season, especially if he shoots well from 3. His ability to guard multiple positions and impact both ends of the court makes him a key asset for the Panthers.

Newcomer to Watch: Jamichael Stillwell

The Panthers made several key additions in the offseason, including 6-foot-8, 225-pound junior forward Jamichael Stillwell. He averaged 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in 27 contests last season at Butler County Community College (Kan.).

Stillwell’s size and athleticism make him a key defensive player. He also showed a smooth jumper, knocking down three 3s. Seeing him earn a starting spot for the Panthers wouldn’t be surprising. 

While it might take Stillwell some time to fully adjust to the Division I level and Lundy’s system, his potential is exciting. As the season progresses, Stillwell has the tools to become a key contributor for the Panthers.

Dan Zielinski III
Dan Zielinski IIIhttp://midmajorbasketball.com
Dan Zielinski III is the founder of Mid-Major Basketball and has covered college basketball since 2013. He grew up around mid-major college basketball and has developed a strong passion for writing stories as an award-winning journalist. He has extensive experience covering the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Panthers and Nebraska Cornhuskers as a credentialed media member. His website, BaseballProspectJournal.com, is a leading source for MLB draft content. Follow him on X (Twitter) @DanZielinski3.

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