Panthers Picked Second in 2024-25 CIAA Preseason Predicted Order of Finish
BALTIMORE, MD - For the second year in a row, the Claflin Panthers will have a lot to live up to as the team was picked second in the 2024-25 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men's Basketball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish. The expectations will be high for the team once again after another terrific season.
The high ranking wasn't just handed to the Panthers. It was earned after a terrific 2023-24 season that saw the team build a 17-11 overall record and a 13-5 record in CIAA play. The team finished the 2023-24 regular season ranked tied for first place in the CIAA Southern Division with an 8-4 record in division play. The team went on to reach the semifinal round of the 2024 CIAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament after a 75-69 quarterfinal round win over Virginia State.
The Panthers will have a wealth of talent returning to lead the way for the team in the upcoming season. The front court duo of
John Whitehead, III, and
Zion Obanla will both be back for the Panthers and will look to lead the team up to and beyond their predicted order of finish. Both players were named to the 2024-25 CIAA Pre-Season All-Conference Team. Whitehead, III, led the way after leading the conference in three-pointers made last season with 65. He finished the season with 319 points and was the Panthers' leading scorer. Also on the interior was Obanla, the Panthers' leading rebounder and second leading shot blocker. He finished the 2023-24 regular season averaging 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Also joining the Panthers this season will be senior guard
Jailen Williams, who finished the season averaging 8.4 points per game and 60 total assists.
The Panthers will open the 2024-25 season when they head to Millersville, Pennsylvania to take on the Millersville Marauders at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Challenge on November 9
th at 5:30 p.m. The Panthers will follow that game with a game against Mansfield on November 10
th.
For more information on Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to
www.athletics.claflin.edu.
