LUNDY GOES FULL-COURT PRESS

Bart Lundy didn’t exactly ease into his new job as UWM’s men’s basketball coach. Since being hired in March, he’s reshaped the roster and coaching staff, and introduced himself to countless students, faculty and staff. He’s also been out in the Milwaukee community speaking with media, making appearances and even throwing out a few first pitches at baseball games. Then, of course, there’s the actual start of basketball season in November. Here’s an update on how it’s all going, courtesy of an excerpted interview from the Milwaukee Athletics Roar Report.

How is UWM and the state of Wisconsin treating you?

Fantastic. This has been even more than I imagined it would be. The fans, the administration, the students, they have embraced me and my family and they are on board. Everyone is excited, which pumps me up.

How are those first pitches coming at baseball games?

Well, they have gotten progressively better. First one at the Panther game was a strike, but was a Little League strike (from in front of the pitcher’s mound). The second one at the Brewers game was from the mound, but a bit outside. The third one, at the (Milwaukee) Milkmen game, came from the mound, and was straight down the middle.

What does a team coached by you look like?

It will look exciting and fast and tough. It will look full-court, and we will score a lot of points. We are going to be good with the basketball but conservative at the same time. I think the fans will really enjoy the entertainment value of our brand.

Lundy at a Panthers practice

What were the biggest things that attracted you to the job?

The potential! Not only for the program and where it’s been and where it could go. But what really attracted me was the university and the city. The university fits my values, my family’s values. We could energize the city, and I think they are eager to get this going. There are 200,000 graduates of UWM, and 74% live in the state … they want to see this be a winner. – Chris Zills