PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The Prairie View A&M men's basketball team wrapped up the 2024–25 season with a 5-27 overall record and a 4-14 mark in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play. While the results may not have reflected their effort, the season was filled with moments of individual growth, emerging leadership, and valuable lessons as the Panthers continued to build under head coach Byron Smith.

The Panthers opened the season with an explosive 111-90 win over College of Biblical Studies, setting a high-scoring tone. However, a tough non-conference schedule quickly tested the young squad, which faced road match-ups against major programs like SMU, UCLA, Oklahoma, and Northern Colorado. Though those games resulted in losses, they provided valuable experience and highlighted areas for improvement.

Once the Panthers entered SWAC play, they began to show flashes of cohesion and competitive spirit. Notable victories included a convincing 73-55 win over Grambling State and season sweeps over Mississippi Valley State. The team's resilience was also evident in several close contests, including a narrow 84-81 loss at Incarnate Word and a hard-fought game against Southern.

Guard Tanahj Pettway emerged as the team's offensive catalyst, averaging 17.0 points per game while showcasing his ability to create plays and lead the back court. Forward Marcel Bryant anchored the defense and led the team in rebounding with 5.1 boards per game, while Braelon Bush and Orlando Horton Jr. provided steady contributions in the guard rotation, combining for over 4 assists and nearly 3 steals per contest.

Despite their effort, Prairie View finished 10th in the conference standings and entered the SWAC Tournament as the final seed. In the first round, the Panthers jumped out to a strong start and led by nine at halftime against Florida A&M. However, a second-half surge by the Rattlers ultimately ended the Panthers' season with a 75-66 loss.

As the Panthers turn their attention to offseason training and recruiting, the foundation has been laid for a rebound in 2025–26. With key returners gaining valuable experience and a renewed focus on defensive improvement and depth, the program remains committed to rising back into SWAC contention.