Head coach Bart Lundy of the Panthers basketball team announced their new strategy of fast-paced, downhill play during the Black & Gold scrimmage on October 14, 2024, with the encouragement to “Tilt The Floor.” The season began with a significant victory against Lakeland, where the team scored 43 fastbreak points, signaling a shift towards an aggressive, up-tempo style.
Themus Fulks, the team’s point guard, said, “I was extremely excited because I knew we would have the chance to play fast, get up and down, shoot a lot of three’s, and get my teammates involved.” Fulks’ performance was notable, as he led the Horizon League in assists and became a top scorer for the team, averaging 14.6 points per game.
Fulks emphasized his role in facilitating scoring opportunities, saying, “I always want to get my teammates involved as much as possible – get them shots, get them confidence, get them going early in the game, during the game.” Fulks’ improvement from his time at Louisiana Lafayette was marked, showcasing a more dynamic presence on the court.
The Panthers finished their season at the top for fastbreak points nationally, achieving an average of 18.38 points per game, surpassing notable programs like Florida and Michigan State. The accomplishment is a testament to their implementation of Lundy’s strategy and the team’s execution.
Fulks reflected on the season, stating, “I feel like we played a very fun brand of basketball. People liked to watch us play… Coach gave us the freedom to take advantage of opportunities. It was a great time.”
