Busting Brackets
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Horizon League Basketball: 2021-22 power rankings entering league play

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 9, 2021; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jamal Cain (1) is introduced prior to their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jamal Cain (1) is introduced prior to their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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UW-Milwaukee Panthers guard Vin Baker Jr. Horizon League Basketball Pantmen
UW-Milwaukee Panthers guard Vin Baker Jr. Horizon League Basketball Pantmen /

8. Milwaukee Panthers (1-5)

Things were off to a good start for the team, with five-star freshman Patrick Baldwin Jr. going for 21 points and 10 rebounds in a win over North Dakota. But since then, they’ve lost five straight, including to Yale and Alcorn State. Baldwin Jr. has been dealing with back problems and missed the last two games but reportedly should be good to go this week in league play.

Even without Baldwin, the Panthers’ supporting cast has been bad outside of leading scorer Deandre Gholston (15.0 ppg). None of the multiple incoming transfers have provided much of an impact and only sophomore point guard Donovan Newby (9.0 ppg and 3.0 apg) has provided much offensively. As good as Baldwin Jr. is, Milwaukee will need the others to step up or risk having an embarrassingly rough start in league play.

7. Illinois-Chicago Flames (2-4)

We’ve reached the point where teams have actually accomplished something of note, although the Flames also only have one D-I victory. But at least it came on the road at Valpo in overtime, led by 23 points and 11 rebounds from senior transfer Damaria Franklin. The 6’4 guard has been their best player to date, averaging 16.5 ppg and 7.8 rpg.

The team also has a pair of fellow seniors averaging in double figures in Kevin Johnson and Zion Griffin. UIC isn’t a big team and is currently last in the country in terms of getting to the line but they’re good enough at shooting the ball and plays solid defense. If Franklin continues playing at an All-Horizon level, the Flames should compete for a top-8 spot.