Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball team is preparing to begin their 2024-25 season looking to continue their climb up the AMCC standings in the new campaign.
Last season the Panthers finished with their first winning record in nearly a decade, going 14-12 with a 10-8 mark in AMCC play. The Panthers finished the regular season in the 5th seed and fell to Pitt-Greensburg in the AMCC Tournament.
Pitt-Bradford was led by 1st team All-AMCC selection Jamarion Butler who averaged 17.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. He was 3rd in the AMCC in scoring, 2nd in steals per game, and made the top 25 in rebounds and assists per game. Three other Panthers averaged double figures in scoring for the season. Jesse Laster scored 12.1 points per game and also grabbed 6.0 rebounds per contest. Coby Farley scored 10.4 points per game, and was the Panthers' long-ball threat, posting the 2nd best 3-point percentage in the league at 43.4%. Finally, Gus Napoleon saved his best season for last, as the now-graduate scored 10.9 points per game.
Looking forward, the Panthers return the majority of their playing rotation from last season. Four of five starters return in Butler, Laster, Xavion Boone, and Samuel Brown, while Farley and Keshon Kittrell are back after providing important minutes off the bench last season. Additionally, the Panthers have added an exciting group of new players that mix some experienced transfers, as well as exciting first-year student-athletes.
"We are very excited to start the year," said 5th-year head coach Jesse DeLoof. "We have a great mix of extremely competitive players, who are ready to work hard and improve every day so we can reach our goals individually, and as a program."
The Panthers begin their season on Saturday, November 9th with a trip to Hiram. Their first game in KOA Arena will be on November 16th when they host Penn State-DuBois. The Panthers have an exciting opportunity this year as they will travel north to take on Division I Buffalo in an exhibition matchup before conference play begins.
In the AMCC's Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Panthers were projected to finish 4th in the conference.
