UW-Whitewater Men’s Basketball has had a blistering hot start to the 2023-24 season. The Warhawks won their first five games of the season before dropping a close one on the road against Carthage College 77-73.
Among Whitewater’s talented roster, Jameer Barker has stood out as the facilitator of the high-powered offense. Barker is averaging a career-high 12.2 points per game and 3.6 assists per game. The junior guard recorded a season-high 21 points in the contest versus Carthage and plays an important role as a leader on the talented team.
Q: What are the most notable things that you have noticed on the court this season?
A: I see everyone coming together where we left off last year. Even with all of the new guys, we are just meshing together really well. Especially on defense, everyone is coming together, you can see it now. Our defense is a lot better than it was and we are still getting better.
Q: What obstacles have you recognized that the team has faced?
A: It can seem like everyone is against us. We have had a little trouble with the refs this year, sometimes they don’t give you the foul that you want. The odds are against us, but we encourage each other and we keep our heads up like it’s all good and keep going.
Q: What do you do to be a leader on the team?
A: As the point guard when everything is going left, I try to make it right. We have bad stretches, but I talk to everyone and motivate everyone so we can get it back on track. We have bad spurts sometimes, but I try to pick everyone up no matter who it is.
Q: What is this team capable of this year?
A: Going all the way, because we all have the right mindset to get it done. We all know the goal and we work hard in practice everyday. We don’t let a bad day get to us. If we have a bad day one day we have to go hard the next day.
Q: What makes the Warhawk Basketball program so special?
A: The culture. We all are different, we are from different places and backgrounds but we all get along so well. We work together, we do a lot together and when you have that relationship with the guys you go into battle with it makes you super successful.
Q: What makes Whitewater the right place for you?
A: I would say the coaching staff. Coach Wicks [Jarod Wichser] makes it really clear that he cares about us and our families. I have been going through some things with my mom and they reach out all the time and make sure she is okay. That is a big factor for me.
Q: How important are Warhawk Basketball fans?
A: That is probably the most important thing to us. They get us going every game with the way they support us and create such a powerful atmosphere to compete in. When we see that we have packed stands we know we have to show out and put on a show for our supporters. It just gets us super fired up and is a huge deal.
Whitewater will be on the road against Hope (Michigan), Wednesday, Dec. 6, before returning home to Kachel Gymnasium where they will take on Lawrence, Wednesday, Dec. 13. Coach Wichser, Barker and the rest of the team will look to bounce back after their first loss on the season and get back on track as WIAC-conference play draws nearer.
