UWM Panthers Celebrate Opener Amid Heartbreak for Injured Star John Lovelace Jr. – A Team’s Resilience in the Face of Tragedy Mirrors Society’s Struggle to Overcome Adversity and Loss, Reflecting the Human Condition in Sports and Life’s Challenges.
There was plenty to feel good about for the UW-Milwaukee Panthers coming out of their 90-86 season-opening victory over Hampton on Monday night, Nov. 3 at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. However, the excitement of the win was overshadowed by the heartbreaking news that John Lovelace Jr., a promising senior forward, was lost for the year due to a severe injury suffered just days prior. Lovelace, a 6-foot-8 player from Brown Deer, was expected to be a key contributor in his second season with the Panthers after transferring from Youngstown State.
Coach Bart Lundy described the injury as “pretty traumatic,” acknowledging that while it wouldn’t jeopardize Lovelace’s life, it would certainly impact his playing career for the season. The emotional toll on the team was palpable, as Lovelace had been playing at a high level and had made significant strides since joining the program. His absence will be felt not only on the court but also in the locker room, where he was regarded as a leader and a source of inspiration for his teammates.
Stevie Elam, a freshman guard who made his debut in the opener, encapsulated the team’s sentiments when he described Lovelace as “like my older brother.” Elam’s emotional response to Lovelace’s injury highlighted the close-knit nature of the team and the challenges they faced as they sought to compartmentalize their grief while competing. Elam managed to score 16 points, grab six rebounds, and block three shots, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset for the Panthers, even as he grappled with the emotional weight of Lovelace’s situation.
Elam’s performance was a bright spot in a game that was marked by both triumph and tribulation. His fiery temperament and physicality on the court drew praise from Coach Lundy, who noted that Elam, along with fellow freshman Josh Dixon, exhibited a fearless approach to the game. This fearless mentality is crucial for a team that will need to rally together in the face of adversity, especially following the loss of a key player.
The Panthers’ victory over Hampton was not without its challenges. The team started slowly but managed to take control with a significant scoring run in the first half. However, their inability to maintain a consistent offensive rhythm, particularly in free-throw shooting, left the door open for Hampton to make a comeback. UWM finished the game shooting just 54.8 percent from the free-throw line, a statistic that Coach Lundy highlighted as an area needing improvement. The Panthers’ struggles at the charity stripe are a familiar theme that has persisted from previous seasons, raising concerns about their ability to close out games effectively.
Despite these challenges, the Panthers demonstrated resilience and determination. The game served as a learning experience, one that Coach Lundy acknowledged could have had a different outcome if not for their defensive lapses and missed opportunities at the free-throw line. The emotional weight of Lovelace’s injury loomed large over the game, serving as a reminder of the fragility of athletic careers and the importance of supporting one another in times of need.
In addition to Elam, other newcomers made significant contributions to the Panthers’ success. Toledo transfer Seth Hubbard led the team with 23 points, showcasing his scoring ability and proficiency from beyond the arc. Faizon Fields and Isaiah Dorceus also added to the scoring effort, demonstrating the depth of the roster and the potential for growth as the season progresses. Senior Danilo Jovanovich provided a well-rounded performance, contributing in multiple facets of the game.
As the Panthers move forward, they will need to navigate the emotional landscape of their season with Lovelace’s absence in mind. His injury serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of sports and the challenges athletes face, both physically and mentally. The team’s ability to rally together, support one another, and channel their collective energy into their performance will be crucial as they seek to build on their opening victory and honor Lovelace’s spirit throughout the season.
The camaraderie and resilience displayed by the Panthers in the wake of Lovelace’s injury reflects broader themes of adversity and support that resonate beyond the realm of sports. In a world where individuals often face unexpected challenges, the importance of community and solidarity becomes paramount. The Panthers’ journey this season will not only be about wins and losses but also about how they respond to adversity and uplift one another in the face of hardship. As they continue to compete, the memory of John Lovelace Jr. will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for the entire team.
There was plenty to feel good about for the UW-Milwaukee Panthers coming out of their 90-86 season-opening victory over Hampton on Monday night, Nov. 3 at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
But the good vibes were tempered in the midst of the news that Brown Deer alumnus John Lovelace Jr. was lost for the year after suffering a freak non-contact injury in practice four days earlier.
A 6-foot-8 senior forward, Lovelace was primed for big things in his second season at UWM after transferring in from Youngstown State.
"It was a pretty traumatic injury," coach Bart Lundy said. "It’s nothing that will jeopardize his life. But for sure, he will be out for the year. He’s still waiting to have surgery on it. And so it was a pretty emotional last few days. We want to wish Johnny the best, and he’ll be with us in spirit.
"He was playing at such a high level, and had really come so far since he’s been here. It’s just one of those things."
Stevie Elam was able to compartmentalize enough to put up 16 points, six rebounds and three blocks in his debut for the Panthers but left no doubt that Lovelace was on his mind and the minds of his teammates throughout.
"He’s like my older brother," Elam said. "And when I saw that, it just broke my heart. I instantly just started crying. Just broke down. I don’t ever want to see that. It just hurt.
"It’s been hard the last couple of days, I’m going to be honest."
Elam, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound wrecking ball from Adrian, Michigan, played 21 minutes off the bench and hit 5 of 11 shots overall, including 4 of 7 3-pointers, in finishing as one of four double-figure scorers for UWM.
But it was Elam’s intangibles that were also on display and just as impressive – a fiery temperament, a nose for the ball and physical strength that puts him on par with any upperclassman Lundy has had in his four years at the helm of the Panthers.
"He’s fearless," Lundy said. "I think both he and Josh (Dixon, another freshman guard) are fearless. We could play the conference championship tomorrow, and I don’t think that Stevie or Josh would blink an eye.
"You see it every day."
Elam, who finished with 2,112 points in a four-year career at Adrian High School, scored nine of his points in the first half and then grabbed all of his six boards and recorded all three of his blocked shots in the second half to help hold off a pesky Hampton team that just kept battling.
It was the best debut by a Panthers freshman since Patrick Baldwin Jr. put up 21 points and 10 rebounds at North Dakota to open the 2021-2022 season.
"Just being ready," Elam said of his mindset. "Every day, getting better in practice. Practices are really tough, and it’s good to go at each other every day. Older guys teaching me, coaches. They help me every day to stay ready.
"I had some jitters. But I talked to my teammates, and they helped me out a lot. I had a lot of confidence."
Another newcomer, Toledo transfer Seth Hubbard, led the Panthers with 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting in 33 minutes. He, too, hit 4 of 7 from beyond the arc, while Faizon Fields added 16 points and nine rebounds and Daytona State transfer Isaiah Dorceus 11 points and six assists.
Senior Danilo Jovanovich also turned in a well-rounded game with five points, 10 rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes.
UWM started slowly before taking control with a 16-3 run midway through the first half. The bulge grew to 14 points just prior to halftime and was still 11 on an Elam layup with 7 minutes 1 second remaining in the game before Hampton began to seriously chip away.
By the 3:21 mark the Pirates were within two, and it was a "grown-man" rebound in traffic by Elam off a missed Dorceus free throw with the possession arrow pointing the Panthers’ way that helped provide some more breathing room.
UWM didn’t hit a shot over the final 2:44 and poor free-throw shooting left the door ajar.
A Hampton 3-pointer with 21 seconds left made it 89-86, but Dixon hit the first of two free throws on the other end and the Pirates missed three 3s the rest of the way as UWM hung on.
"It was a game where we learned a lot," Lundy said. "It wasn’t very pretty at times. We’ve got some things to clean up and we didn’t keep the ball in front of us. But to get this and put it under our belt is really good.
"It could have been a different outcome."
UWM finished 23 of 42 from the free-throw line (54.8%), a familiar theme that has carried over from last season.
"If we make free throws, it’s a while different conversation," Lundy said.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: UWM tops Hampton in opener; thoughts with injured John Lovelace Jr.