SEASON PREVIEW: Panthers primed for breakout season in 2024-25

Thomas Becker

If the preseason is any indication, then UPEI Panthers fans have plenty to be excited about in 2024-25.

Posting an impressive 7-1 record in exhibition play, the Panthers took down top-tier opponents, including perennial contenders like the St. FX 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.

"We had a great preseason. I think we clearly understand our roles and have a strong sense of what we look like at our best," said standout Kamari Scott. "We haven't had a start like this since I've been here. In my eyes, I think this group is special." 

Scott's leadership will be central to the Panthers' ambitions this season. Entering his final year, the 2023-24 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 UPEI career with a banner, and he'll be pivotal to the team's 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's up-tempo 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 UPEI 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's versatility and adaptability, allowing the Panthers to adjust to different game situations in hopes of keeping their opponents guessing, especially on the defensive end. 

"I think we're unique because we have a few guys who can play multiple positions," Glenn said. "We may be small, but we're 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's tempo." 

Consistency will be crucial for the Panthers as they aim to improve upon last year's performance, where they struggled to string wins together until the final two weeks of the season. A three-game win streak ultimately secured their playoff spot, but the team knows they need to be steadier to achieve their championship goals. 

"It all starts with how we practice, and this season we've been holding everyone accountable," Scott said. "Our 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."

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, up-tempo basketball. The confidence is real, and Scott and his teammates are embracing the journey ahead with a shared belief in what they can achieve.

"There is a great feeling and energy about this team," he said. "We've been working very hard since August, and it's showing. We know we're not at our peak yet, but we're close."

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