LAGRANGE, Ga. - As the LaGrange Panthers Men's Basketball Team (6-18, 1-10 Collegiate Conference of the South) takes the court for the final time in the regular season on Saturday (Feb. 22), this year's trio of seniors in Parker Lovett, Jay Muvumba and Tayshawn Pendleton will have much more than the game itself on their minds as they reflect on their respective LC careers.

"Senior Day has been something that for so long felt so far away." commented Parker Lovett, guard out of Florence, Al. "It is unreal that my basketball career at LC is nearing an end but there is nothing but joy associated with [it]. Playing for Coach Wallace and this program has been one of life's greatest blessings and I am so grateful for my time as a Panther."

"Sad I won't be able to lace 'em up with the guys after this, but I'm also grateful for the journey and excited for what's next," said Tayshawn Pendleton, guard out of Tampa, Fl. "This program has meant a lot to me, and I'll definitely miss competing with my brothers every day." Pendleton made a solid impact in the team's win over Welch College earlier in the season, scoring eight points and dishing out an assist with one steal in the process. 

Assistant coach Jay Muvumba also shared his thoughts on what the moment means to him: "It is almost bittersweet because I love these group of guys and we have grown together in these past few years," he said. "Seeing it come to an end is tough but makes me appreciate them even more." When asked on what his takeaways from his time in the Red and Black would be, he noted that "resilience and navigating through adversity" were among the top of his list. "Nothing becomes easier over time, you just learn to handle hard better."

Speaking of takeaways, these Panthers had the opportunity to recount on their experience as student athletes, which offers more than just the chance to play the sport they love. Lovett, who split duties as assistant coach and player for LC's reserve squad, relished a bit on his experience at LaGrange: "I have learned so much from not only being a student-athlete at LaGrange but just being a member of this incredible campus," he said. "I will never forget all of the relationships I have built with people who I never would have met if it wasn't for the Panther family. There are so many incredible memories, friendships and life lessons that will be with me forever."

Pendleton also spoke high praise of the impact of the program in his life during these four short years, commenting that "one of the biggest things I've learned is the value of consistency. Whether it's on the court, in the classroom or just in life, showing up every day with the right mindset makes all the difference." He would further elaborate on the toughness required to succeed in life: "I've also learned how important it is to embrace the grind—nothing is given, everything is earned," he said. "And finally, the relationships I've built here will last a lifetime."

This year's theme for LC Men's Basketball was #DayOne, which the team would echo in unison at the end of each huddle. The seniors were asked what #DayOne means to them and how they would carry the sentiment throughout the rest of their lives: "#DayOne represents having that same passion and excitement you have for something on the first day you start throughout the entire process." said Muvumba. "I cannot put into words how much I have grown since coming to LaGrange, I came in a boy, and I am leaving a confident and inspired young man. LaGrange has taught me how to be where my feet are, love the process more than the result and finally how to impact the lives of others. I will take this mindset into wherever God leads me to next and hopefully change some lives along the way."

"Man, looking back at my first day here, I was just a young guy trying to figure things out," said Pendleton regarding the motto. "I've grown a lot—physically, mentally and just in how I approach the game. That #DayOne mindset has pushed me to stay hungry, stay focused and always be ready to work. Moving forward, I'll take that same approach into whatever comes next—whether it's basketball, my career or just life in general. Every day you wake up is #DayOne—an opportunity to do better, work harder, achieve goals and make the world a better place."

Lovett also took a moment to consider the value of #DayOne in relation to his literal Day One back in the fall of 2022: "Since the first day on campus as a freshman, I have seen growth that can hardly be fathomed in myself. As a student, as an athlete, as an aspiring young coach and as a young adult," he said. "Being around people every day such as Coach Wallace, Coach Jonus, Dr. Bolton and others truly is something that I will never take for granted because of what all they taught me and how they prepared me for life."

The Panthers are set to take on the Covenant College Scots (8-15, 3-8) on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tipoff, with a Senior Day ceremony due to take place prior to the contest. For links to stream the game and live stats, click here.