Jeter picks up first commit for 2014

Milwaukee Panthers head coach Rob Jeter received his first commitment for the 2014-15 season on Wednesday from Derek Rongstad. He is an athletic six feet, five-inch guard from Middleton, Wisconsin, who is looking forward to his opportunity to join the Panthers next fall.

“I felt as if Milwaukee was a great fit for me as a student athlete. I have followed the basketball team for years and really liked the coaches. I loved my campus visit and all the academic options that a large school offers,” said Rongstad.

Once he gets on campus he will provide the Panthers with a solid baller hander and scorer who can guard multiple positions. In his junior season at Middleton, he was unstoppable. He scored more points than any other junior in Middleton boy’s basketball history, while setting records for three-pointers in a game (7) and a season (56). He also earned first team all-Big Eight Conference honors.

Rongstad was being recruited by multiple Division II and III schools, and did receive some interest from a few other Division I schools, but he ultimately choose to accept the preferred walk-on offer from Milwaukee. Even though he was only offered a preferred walk-on, he expects to be noticed right away.

“Hopefully my work ethic and my ability to get others involved in the game will get me noticed,” said Rongstad.

You never know how a player will adjust to the college game, but Derek Rongstad has the potential to be a contributor for the Panthers when he is given an opportunity.