SEASON PREVIEW: Men's Basketball Panthers look to go from playoff team to championship contender in 2022–23
The UPEI Men’s Basketball Panthers accomplished many firsts in 2021–22 under Darrell Glenn’s leadership. The team finished with their best record in five years, fielded an all-star, and earned a playoff spot, then went on to play in the AUS conference finals.
Ultimately, they did not come away with a championship, but this year they are looking to close the deal and bring a title back to Charlottetown for the first time in 20 years.
“We can’t get caught up on the fact that we had a good tournament because that’s all it was: a good tournament. For three games, we played very well,” Glenn said.
While pleased with the team’s progress, Glenn expects more than the 7-7 record they finished with last season and acknowledges there is plenty of work ahead of them. The message during training camp has been about consistency and building winning habits each time they’re on the court.
“For me, it’s really about trying to improve every day. Can we have a consistent season where we’re playing at a high level on both ends of the floor every night? That’s the next jump for us.”
That same mentality needs to come from team leaders, including all-Canadian point guard Elijah Miller. Where he goes, the team will follow.
“He’s our anchor, and if we’re going to be successful this year, it’s because he will lead us on both ends of the floor,” Glenn said. “I’m trying to encourage Elijah to grow as a leader. One of the hardest things to do as a player is to be the best you can be every day, and the greats all do that.”
The message seems to be getting across to Miller, who believes this team has what it takes to come away with a championship. He said he learned a lot from their surprising playoff run last season and wants to keep that level of play going, especially now that they won’t sneak up on the other teams.
“My expectation for the team is to get better day in and day out,” Miller said. “Now that we got out first AUS playoff experience under our belt, we know what we need to do to get back there.”
Of course, Miller can’t do it all—he’ll need a solid supporting cast to help him. The third-year floor general will headline a backcourt that Glenn deems “the best he’s ever had.” Glenn adds that Kamari Scott and veteran Dakelle Brooks are two players who will need to be more reliable on a game-to-game basis. Scott is a prime candidate to have a breakout season as he’s been able to slow the game down, allowing him to make better decisions with the ball, while Brooks looks to put up career numbers in his final season. They will be joined by Sam Chisholm, who has been putting up solid numbers in the pre-season, pesky defender Isaiah Ankra, and rookie Daren Clarke.
The front court sustained the most turnover, but Glenn is still excited about what he has seen so far. Abilash Surendran looks to establish himself as the team’s starting centre after enduring an injury-plagued rookie campaign. Surendran provides a matchup nightmare with his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor in his six-foot-seven frame. Meanwhile, rookie Nestor Herrera from Spain brings a low post presence the team has been lacking. With his big frame and soft touch around the rim, Herrera fits the bill to give easy points in the paint when the offence stalls. Together, Herrera and Surendran could form a fearsome duo up front. As for rookie wing Cameron Brown, the sky’s the limit, as he may be the most athletic player Glenn has coached at UPEI.
Kamari Scott, who, like Miller, has been an important piece in the program’s transformation as a contender, wants to see the rise to the top continue.
“After coming up short of an AUS title, we know what it takes and what type of standard has to be set for us to win a championship,” Scott said. “I believe all the hard work that has been put in over the summer until now will show. Lookout for a big season from your Panthers.”
The UPEI Men's Basketball Panthers host the Cape Breton Capers this Friday, October 28 at 8:00 pm for their home opener.
