“I’m just a freshman. Coach expects a lot out of me, and I was a leader at Simeon, it’s just something I’ve always been.”
- Tim Flowers of the UWM men’s basketball team about his leadership on the court

Before the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s basketball team faced off against the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, fans inside the U.S. Cellular Arena were excited for an early preseason game. Last season the Rangers came to Milwaukee and handed the Panthers a 77-71 loss. That would not be the case this year, as the Panthers were able to claim a stunning 86-83 victory.

As the game began Thursday night, the Panthers had a defiant swagger to them, but something was missing. Prior to the game, senior guard Avery Smith was suspended from the team indefinitely for “violating team rules.”

When pressed for more information about Smith’s suspension, head coach Rob Jeter said, “as a head coach, I strive to give my players every opportunity and chance to succeed. But, with the season starting tonight, I need to concern myself with the progress of the entire team and not just one individual."

Without their senior guard and leading scorer from last season, the Panthers were still able to get off to a great start, taking an early 6-0 lead. It was freshman Tim Flowers who was able to establish himself inside early on, adding 17 points for the night. All night, Flowers was a big presence on the floor, not just with his offense, but always yelling instructions to teammates and encouraging them to play hard.

“I’m just a freshman,” Flowers joked when asked about being a leader on the court. “Coach expects a lot out of me, and I was a leader at Simeon, it’s just something I’ve always been.”

Flowers picked up two early fouls and was forced to sit with 12:21 remaining in the first half. The Panthers would have to fight off a scrappy Rangers team in the first half. Junior guard Ricky Franklin was able to go 2-2 from behind the arc, adding seven total points in the first half, along with freshman Anthony Hill. The Panthers would head into the break tied at 31-31.

Anther big addition to the Panthers this season was senior transfer Torre Johnson. Johnson was able to establish himself inside; blocking four shots, grabbing six boards, and adding 13 points. Two of those 13 points came off an emphatic dunk early in the second half, followed by a huge block on the other end to spark a 20-7 Panther run. Again Franklin, dialing long distance, was able to give the Panthers their largest lead at that point of the game at 61-50.

On a Torre Johnson jumper in the paint, with 5:34 to play, the game looked pretty much over. The Rangers would not stop fighting though, and closed the gap on some strong play from LaVontay Fenderson, who put in a game-high 22 points.

The Panthers took control of the second half and, although the score doesn’t show it, were able to take care of the Rangers easily. The game came down to a free throw competition with sophomore Roman Gentry hitting four-straight free throws to ice the game for the Panthers.

It was not the blowout most Panther fans wanted in revenge for last season, but students got to see some of the young, amazing talent head coach Rob Jeter has brought in. Deonte Roberts (6 points, 6 rebounds, 23 minutes), Kevin Johnson (6 points, 5 rebounds, 16 minutes) and Hill (8 points, 3 rebounds, 16 minutes) all were able to step into key roles and contribute.

The Panthers will start the regular season, facing the Peacocks of Upper Iowa, this Friday at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

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