UW-Milwaukee Basketball to Tip Off Season November 2
The Panthers look to improve on last year's record with a new, transfer-heavy roster and local talent.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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The UW-Milwaukee men's basketball team prepares to open its 2026-27 season on November 2, 2026, against Southern California. Following a 12-20 record last season, the team features a retooled roster incorporating several transfers and local players.
Why it matters
The program is aiming for a rebound after enduring significant injuries and performance struggles in the 2025-26 season. Coaches hope that recruiting local talent and veteran transfers will stabilize the team and help build a stronger, more consistent program.
The team finished the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 12-20. Returning player Danilo Jovanovich averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game during that campaign.
The players
Bart Lundy
He serves as the head coach for the UW-Milwaukee men's basketball team.
Danilo Jovanovich
He is a returning player who averaged 12.4 points per game last season.
John Lovelace Jr.
He is a player recovering from a compound leg fracture sustained during practice last year.
The details
The coaching staff prioritized building a deeper roster by bringing in transfers from universities such as Marquette, Oklahoma, Saint Joseph, and Syracuse. The team faces a challenging schedule early on, playing 11 of their first 15 games away from home before hosting six games at the arena in January.
Timeline
The 2025-26 season saw the team finish with a 12-20 record.
Coach and players discussed the new season with media on October 20, 2026.
The regular-season opener against Southern California takes place on November 2, 2026.
A road game against Florida is scheduled for November 24, 2026.
The team hosts six home games throughout January 2027.
Season Trajectory
The aggressive recruitment of transfers and local Wisconsin talent represents a strategic effort to reverse the losing trends observed in the 2025-26 season. Success will be determined by how quickly these new players mesh before the heavy home schedule begins in January.
Fans should monitor the health status of John Lovelace Jr., who is expected to reach full fitness by January. The heavy early-season travel schedule means the team will not return for a sustained home stint until the start of the new year.
The takeaway
The team's reliance on a mix of veterans and local players is a calculated move to build long-term retention and stability. Supporters can look for early indicators of team chemistry during the grueling 11-game road stretch before the January home games.
What happens next
The team will play its regular-season opener on November 2, 2026. A road game against Florida is set for November 24, 2026. The team is scheduled to host six home games in January 2027.
Further reading
Get more updates on the Milwaukee Basketball page.
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