This team definitely doesn't have an "I" in it.

Coming into the season, one of the questions that echoed throughout the Horizon League circles was whether or not UWM would be a balanced team. Many believed that Joah Tucker, the Preseason Player of the Year in the Horizon League, would carry a heavy load. Since the season began, however, Tucker's play has hit a slump. Thankfully, the losses have not mounted.

Each player has stepped it up when Tucker's impact has dropped. This was no more apparent than last Wednesday, when Detroit Mercy had a comfortable 10-point lead over UWM with only four minutes left to play. With Tucker fouled out and stranded on the bench, several Panthers picked up the slack. Allan Hanson, who struggled several times this season shooting the ball, began the comeback. Contributions from Big Derrick Ford and Boo Davis set UWM up for the upset, and Chris Hill, who is still earning the nickname Clutch, iced the Titans with 11.8 seconds left.

Boo Davis has finally found a niche in his game. Scoring points has become his strongest attribute, scoring at least 15 points on a regular basis. Davis, who led the Panthers and was eight in the Horizon League in three point shooting last season, is building on his long range capabilities. Every time he puts up a trey, the general consensus among Panther faithful is that it will go in. His 7 three pointers in Madison were a Kohl Center record, a building that hosts high major conference play.

Adrian Tigert has undergone a drastic change in style of play. Long considered a mid range threat, AT has moved to the inside this season under Rob Jeter, leading the Panthers in inside scoring, dropping in easy buckets against the glass consistently. He also possesses a vision of the court that none of the other post players have, leading the team in assists more than once this season.

Chris Hill definitely has established his role as the go-to-guy when UWM needs points. Over the course of the season, Hill has frequently given Milwaukee the lead, come up with a key steal, or passed down low for a big time assist. Against Detroit, his contributions in the clutch came into the limelight, where he sank the game winning shot.

The starters have been contributing on a consistent basis, but it seems that UWM always has a player who has a standout game. Avery Smith has had 5 steals in a game this season. Derrick Ford came up with 14 points and 7 rebounds against Detroit. Tyrone Young scored a career high 10 points in Missoula, Montana, and Kevin Massiah seems to become more and more adjusted to life in the Division I level.

When Joah Tucker comes out of his "slump" and becomes the true leader of the Panthers, watch out. It may be the end of the opposition. If Rob Jeter can get each of these players running on all cylinders, this team will go deep into the Horizon League tournament, and possibly (gasp) another Sweet Sixteen run.

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