Panthers men's basketball practice draws fans; Baldwin buzz builds

Baldwin buzz builds, Panthers men's basketball practice draws fans

UW-Milwaukee Panthers fans turned out for an open practice Friday, buzz building around coach Pat Baldwin and his son, Patrick Baldwin Jr.

MILWAUKEE - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee sports fans got their first look Friday night, Oct. 15 at this year's Panthers men's basketball team.

The team held an open practice, feeding off the fans' energy after a year of empty seats.

"They look good. A lot of good ball movement, so I’m happy about that," said Luke Rogness, a UWM season ticket holder.

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Rogness graduated from UWM last May and is excited to come back as an alumnus.

"You know, missing a senior season was really tough because you only get four years of college right? So not having that and being able to come back – happy to still be in the city, so I can go and cheer on my guys," Rogness said.

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UW-Milwaukee Panthers men's basketball practice

"It’s our first time in a long time being in front of anyone, so this is a great opportunity for our guys," said head coach Pat Baldwin.

It's not just the fans' return that is stirring a buzz around the team. Baldwin's son, five-star recruit Patrick Baldwin Jr., is now on the roster – choosing to play for dad over offers from top schools.

On Friday, the coach was all fans saw of the Baldwin duo; Baldwin Jr. was one of five players who stayed on the bench. A communications spokesperson said it was to prevent injury.

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Coach Baldwin said he hopes to have the team running smoothly by the time Horizon League play begins.

"There’s a lot of work that we have to do still. I think the greatest thing that comes out of this is we continuously try to build chemistry," Coach Baldwin said.

The Panthers' home opener is Nov. 13.

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