Danilo Jovanovich will return to the UW-Milwaukee Panthers for his senior season after initially entering the transfer portal. His decision comes as the team undergoes significant changes with new transfers and recruits.
Key points
Danilo Jovanovich announced his return to UW-Milwaukee.
He initially entered the transfer portal earlier in April.
The UWM Panthers have added high-profile transfers and recruits.
Jovanovich is recovering from a season-ending shoulder surgery.
He values staying with a trusted coaching staff.
UW-Milwaukee PanthersDanilo Jovanovich
Sometimes the best move is the one you don't make.
That's what Danilo Jovanovich believes to be the case, as on Wednesday, April 29 he announced his intention to return to the UW-Milwaukee Panthers for his senior season after initially entering the transfer portal at the start of the month.
It's huge news for a UWM program that has added a number of high-profile transfers and high-school signees in recent weeks as well as for the 6-foot-8 Whitnall product, who was enjoying a breakout junior campaign before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder on Feb. 3.
"Staying with the coaching staff I already trust in, where I don't have to re-learn a system," Jovanovich said in explaining his decision to return. "They've been great to me for my two years prior to this one, and I'm not gonna lie – learning a new system in a year kind of sucks.
"So, being able to play to my strengths and being with a coaching staff that trusts me and that I trust is a big factor. And then coming off the shoulder injury, it gives me time to rehab at my pace and not have to rush anything and just get back in the best shape that I can be in."
Jovanovich had been something of a basketball nomad since finishing up as runner-up for Wisconsin's Mr. Basketball award in 2022, spending his first collegiate season at the University of Miami and his second at the University of Louisville before transferring to UWM and playing in 17 games in an injury plagued 2024-2025.
He was averaging 12.4 points on 59.5% shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists while playing just over 30 minutes a game but was forced to call it a season after the Panthers' Jan. 9 game against Northern Kentucky due to recurrent pain in his shoulder.
The national anthem is sung before a game between UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) argues for a foul during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Q&A
Why did Danilo Jovanovich decide to return to UW-Milwaukee?
Danilo Jovanovich chose to return to UW-Milwaukee to stay with a trusted coaching staff and avoid the challenges of learning a new system after his shoulder injury.
What impact will Jovanovich's return have on the UWM Panthers?
Jovanovich's return is significant for the UWM Panthers as it adds experience to a team that is integrating several new high-profile transfers and recruits.
What was Danilo Jovanovich's performance like before his injury?
Before his injury, Danilo Jovanovich was having a breakout junior season, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Panthers.
When did Danilo Jovanovich announce his decision to return?
Danilo Jovanovich announced his decision to return to the UW-Milwaukee Panthers on April 29.
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Milwaukee Panthers guard Stevie Elam (8) and guard Aaron Franklin (29) guard Detroit Mercy Titans guard TJ Nadeau (33) during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) and UW-Parkside Paxton Warden (22) battle for a loose ball in an exhibition game game Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee forward Danilo Jovanovich (3) collides with South Dakota State guard Jaden Jackson (14) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) attempts to score during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) dunks against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) and Northern Kentucky forward Addison Archer (12) get tangled up fighting for a rebound in the second half Jan. 9 at the UWM Panther Arena.
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) tries to wrest the ball from South Dakota State center Alec Squires (35) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Panthers head coach Bart Lundy is seen during the second half of the game against the Detroit Mercy Titans on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) goes up for a shot against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
UW-Milwaukee guard Esyah Pippa-White (24) is fouled from behind by Dominican guard/forward Dominic Crapia (14) as Dominican forward/center Marshaun Russell (20) also defends in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) and Detroit Mercy Titans guard Tyler Spratt (1) try to gain possession of the ball during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) dunks over Northern Kentucky guard/forward Ryan Tolliver (1) in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Detroit Mercy Titans forward London Maiden (20) attempts to steal the ball from Milwaukee Panthers forward Chandler Jackson (11) during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) drives to the basket during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) disrupts a shot by Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) scores on Wisconsin forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (32) during the first half of their game Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) goes to the basket against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) beats South Dakota State forward Caleb Delzell (5) to a rebound during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) keeps the ball away from South Dakota State guard Luke Haertle (2) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee forward Sekou Konneh (25) scores on Dominican guard Antony Fernandez (11) in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Austin Villarreal (23) keeps the ball inbounds against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) and Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) chase a ball on the floor in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) and Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) vie for a rebound during the first half on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Kohl Center.
UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky move down the court in transition in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
The national anthem is sung before a game between UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
The national anthem is sung before a game between UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) argues for a foul during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
3 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Milwaukee Panthers guard Stevie Elam (8) and guard Aaron Franklin (29) guard Detroit Mercy Titans guard TJ Nadeau (33) during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
4 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) and UW-Parkside Paxton Warden (22) battle for a loose ball in an exhibition game game Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
5 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Danilo Jovanovich (3) collides with South Dakota State guard Jaden Jackson (14) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) attempts to score during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) dunks against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) and Northern Kentucky forward Addison Archer (12) get tangled up fighting for a rebound in the second half Jan. 9 at the UWM Panther Arena.
9 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) tries to wrest the ball from South Dakota State center Alec Squires (35) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
10 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Milwaukee Panthers head coach Bart Lundy is seen during the second half of the game against the Detroit Mercy Titans on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
11 / 26
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UW-Milwaukee guard Stevie Elam (8) goes up for a shot against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
12 / 26
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UW-Milwaukee guard Esyah Pippa-White (24) is fouled from behind by Dominican guard/forward Dominic Crapia (14) as Dominican forward/center Marshaun Russell (20) also defends in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Milwaukee Panthers guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) and Detroit Mercy Titans guard Tyler Spratt (1) try to gain possession of the ball during the first half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
14 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) dunks over Northern Kentucky guard/forward Ryan Tolliver (1) in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
15 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
Detroit Mercy Titans forward London Maiden (20) attempts to steal the ball from Milwaukee Panthers forward Chandler Jackson (11) during the second half of the game on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) drives to the basket during the first half of their game against South Dakota State Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) disrupts a shot by Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
18 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Amar Augillard (1) scores on Wisconsin forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (32) during the first half of their game Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Faizon Fields (22) goes to the basket against Dominican in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Simeon Murchison (9) beats South Dakota State forward Caleb Delzell (5) to a rebound during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
21 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Isaiah Dorceus (5) keeps the ball away from South Dakota State guard Luke Haertle (2) during the first half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
22 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee forward Sekou Konneh (25) scores on Dominican guard Antony Fernandez (11) in a game Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
23 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Austin Villarreal (23) keeps the ball inbounds against Northern Kentucky in the second half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern Kentucky won, 85-67.
24 / 26
Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Josh Dixon (2) and Indiana State guard Bruno Alocen (4) chase a ball on the floor in a game Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee guard Aaron Franklin (29) and Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) vie for a rebound during the first half on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Kohl Center.
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Our favorite photos from UWM men's basketball in 2025-26
UW-Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky move down the court in transition in the first half of a game Friday, January 9, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Up to that point he'd become a player through whom coach Bart Lundy began running the offense in the post, due mostly to Jovanovich's passing ability and good decision making.
"The shoulder got to the point where I just couldn't do anything about it anymore. Just kind of had to shut it down," Jovanovich said. "It happened a while ago. I just tried to play through it as much as I could, and it just got to a point where it's just kind of done.
"Surgery on Feb. 3 and shut it down. I'm in a really good spot right now and I think I'm ahead of schedule a little bit, so very excited to get back to playing."
Jovanovich said he's targeting a return to playing sometime in the summer assuming no setbacks.
"It could be later," he said. "I've just got to get with the coaching staff and everybody to kind of see what the best plan is, to try to keep me healthy throughout the year."
Nov 12, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Panthers forward Danilo Jovanovich (3) shoots the ball over Indiana Hoosiers forward Tucker Devries (12) during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Panthers forward Danilo Jovanovich (3) shoots the ball over Indiana Hoosiers forward Tucker Devries (12) during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
After seeing his roster decimated by injuries in finishing 12-20 overall and 8-12 in the Horizon League after having been picked in the preseason to win the title, Lundy is understandably excited about bringing Jovanovich back.
"As a program, this elevates what we already believed to be the makings of a great team to one that can truly be special," Lundy said. "He is one of the best players in the nation. For me personally, he is one of my all-time favorite players to coach and I felt our time together was cut short by the injuries and that DLo was just beginning to thrive and show the world the player he could be.
"I'm happy for him that he doesn't have to make another change and be comfortable and perform for his final year. Sometimes, even in this crazy environment we find ourselves in today, things work out as they should. I believe this is what is best for our program and for DLo."
The Panthers have already signed fellow in-state products Amare Hereford of Beloit Memorial and Aaron Womack of Dominican (transferred from Syracuse) along with two ex-Marquette players, Tre Norman and Al Amadou, with still more moves to come to round out what will be an almost completely rebuilt roster.
"I'm just here to win," Jovanovich said. "We've got a lot of good players coming in, and if everybody does their job and handles business, I think we'll be a really, really good team.
"My only expectation is making the (NCAA) Tournament. That's the biggest thing. Winning this conference and making the tournament. I think last year we would have done it if all the tragic stuff didn't happen. When we were healthy in conference we were 4-0 and rolling, and then injuries happened.
"But I do expect this team to make a Tournament run. I see us winning some games in the Tournament, and I just think that overall, we're a very well-constructed roster. So I think this year's gonna be really fun for everybody to watch and be very fun for us to play."
