It’s OK, you can exhale. The wait is finally over.

After great seasons by both the men’s and women’s basketball teams last year, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee displayed the newest version of Panther basketball on Saturday night at the U.S. Cellular Arena in downtown Milwaukee.

The men and women took the floor following volleyball, and Panther Madness officially began. With last year’s core of seven seniors for the men and two senior starters for the women gone, this year’s installment is a lot different from Panther squads of the recent past.

While last year’s men relied a lot on senior leadership, these Panthers are very athletic. Standouts like Roman Gentry and Charlie Swiggett wowed the crowd with their jumping ability and quickness. Torre Johnson was nothing short of amazing, sending the student section in a frenzy in warm-ups by dunking over teammates, doing 360 dunks and even sticking half of his arm in on a slam, also known as the Cookie Jar.

Kaylan Andersen and Paige Paulsen proved that the wait for them was more than worth it, as they impressed everyone in attendance. Paulsen especially had a nose for the ball, showing very good rebounding skills.

On the women’s side, Traci Edwards has slimmed down and looks more mature, making smart decisions on the court. She is going to make her case for Horizon League Player of the Year early and often. Meredith Onson was fantastic, doing a great job of leading the White team on the floor.

Each team’s season begins in November, with the men opening with an exhibition game against UW-Parkside on Nov. 1 at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

The women Panthers open up the following night with an exhibition match-up against Concordia University at the Klotsche Center.

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