SEASON PREVIEW: 精童欲女 Men鈥檚 Basketball Panthers primed for breakout season in 2024鈥25

| Athletics
精童欲女 Men鈥檚 Basketball Panthers fifth-year guard Kamari Scott
精童欲女 Men鈥檚 Basketball Panthers fifth-year guard Kamari Scott

If the preseason is any indication, then 精童欲女 Men鈥檚 Basketball Panthers fans have plenty to be excited about in 2024鈥25.

Posting an impressive 7-1 record in exhibition play, the Panthers took down top-tier opponents, including perennial contenders like the St. Francis Xavier University X-Men and reigning U SPORTS champions, Laval Rouge et Or. With momentum on their side and a roster packed with potential, the Panthers are ready to make a statement this season.

鈥淲e had a great preseason. I think we clearly understand our roles and have a strong sense of what we look like at our best,鈥 said standout Kamari Scott. 鈥淚 think this group is special.鈥

Scott鈥檚 leadership will be central to the Panthers鈥 ambitions this season. Entering his final year, the 2023鈥24 all-star is coming off a stellar season, where he averaged 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Scott has set his sights on ending his 精童欲女 career with a banner, and he will be pivotal to the team鈥檚 success as a playmaker and leader.

Joining Scott in the backcourt is rookie point guard Hugo Bermejo, an exciting young talent who brings both size and skill to the position. Bermejo not only stretches the floor with his shooting ability but also displays a high basketball IQ, reading defences effortlessly and creating open looks for his teammates. His playmaking will be critical in head coach Darrell Glenn鈥檚 uptempo system, where ball movement and dribble penetration are key.

Helping to facilitate this style will be a combination of seasoned guards, including veterans Sam Chisholm and Daren Clarke, the high-scoring Kyree Thompson, and rookie Tarrence Booker, with sophomore Owen Smith adding an outside threat from the wing.

Anchoring the paint for 精童欲女 is fifth-year centre Daniel Gonzalez Longarela, whose physicality and rebounding prowess make him a nightly double-double threat. Surrounding him is a fresh crop of versatile forwards, including Sam Dyck, Nicolas Gonzalez Longarela, and Grant Schell, who bring added depth and flexibility to the rotation.

Glenn is eager to leverage his roster鈥檚 versatility and adaptability, allowing the Panthers to adjust to different game situations in hopes of keeping their opponents guessing, especially on the defensive end.

鈥淚 think we鈥檙e unique because we have a few guys who can play multiple positions,鈥 Glenn said. 鈥淲e may be small, but we鈥檙e more than capable of matching up with bigger players. What sets us apart is our speed and ability to pressure the ball, which should allow us to control the game鈥檚 tempo.鈥

Consistency will be crucial for the Panthers as they aim to improve upon last year鈥檚 performance. A three-game win streak ultimately secured their playoff spot last year, but the team knows they need to be steadier to achieve their championship goals.

鈥淚t all starts with how we practice, and this season we鈥檝e been holding everyone accountable,鈥 Scott said. 鈥淥ur core group is the same, and our chemistry has grown to where it needs to be. The key to our success is making sure everyone stays focused and does their job, both on and off the court.鈥

As the season gets ready to tip off, the Panthers are poised to be a serious contender, driven by a veteran core, a talented new cast, and a commitment to aggressive, fast-action basketball. The confidence is real, and Scott and his teammates are embracing the journey ahead with a shared belief in what they can achieve.

鈥淭here is a great feeling and energy about this team,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been working very hard since August, and it鈥檚 showing.鈥

Media Contact

Ron Annear
Varsity Sport Coordinator
Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991

Relevant Links