The trip back from Florida was a good one for the reigning SIAC tournament champion Clark Atlanta Panthers as they are preparing to host their home fans on Wednesday night (7 p.m) at their home opener.
Clark Atlanta was in Winter Park for the two-day NCAA South Regional Tip-Off Classic where they defeated number-13 ranked Rollins College on Friday and Florida Tech 90-69 on Saturday. The two victories are a strong way to start defending their conference title.
“The team played pretty good, we still have work to do,” said Panthers second-year head coach Darrell Walker. “We have a long way to go but I like my team, we’re deeper this year.”
The Panthers are getting quick returns from senior transfer Akil Douglas who had averaged 24.5 points and six rebounds per game during the two games. The 6-foot-10-inch Santa Clara University transfer is only with the Panthers for one season and Walker is trying to get the most out of his time here.
“He’s a skillful player who has length and athletic ability,” Walker said about Douglas.
The Panthers and Walker will start conference play at Miles College on Nov. 25. For now, though, the home opener against non-conference opponent Young Harris College will be their first game of the season at L.S. Epps.
Walker said he expects for the atmosphere on Wednesday night to be electric.
“I would like the environment to be a little Cameron [Indoor Stadium] with an HBCU feel,” says Walker, who spent decades playing and coaching in the NBA after playing college basketball at the University of Arkansas. “This team deserves it and I’ll be out on campus today and tomorrow making sure to let the students know about the game. Our first home game should be a sellout.”
The Panthers will continue their homestand with games on Friday against Flagler College at 8 p.m. and at 5 p.m. on Saturday against Georgia College.
