LeMoyne-Owen College continues to celebrate a season filled with growth and momentum as two members of the Magicians basketball program have earned recognition from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Junior guard LaDricus Pittman was named to the SIAC All Conference Second Team while freshman guard Desmond Bratcher earned a spot on the SIAC All Freshman Team. The honors reflect the impact both players have had on a Magicians squad that exceeded expectations throughout the season.
Pittman has been one of the most consistent and dynamic players in the conference this year. The junior guard started in all 30 games for the Magicians and served as a cornerstone of the team's offense. His production throughout the season has been impressive, as he averaged 16.96 points, 2.96 rebounds, 3.56 assists, and 1.15 steals per game.
Beyond the numbers, Pittman's efficiency has been a major factor in his success. He shot 43.04 percent from the field while also proving to be a reliable threat from long range, knocking down 38.41 percent of his shots from beyond the three point line. At the free throw line, Pittman remained dependable throughout the season, shooting an outstanding 82.27 percent.
Pittman's impact on the court extends far beyond scoring. His leadership and composed presence helped guide a young Magicians team through the ups and downs of the season. Known for his crafty play style, Pittman consistently found ways to create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Whether attacking the basket, knocking down timely perimeter shots, or setting up teammates with precise passes, Pittman served as a steady leader for LeMoyne-Owen.
His experience and confidence also played a vital role in helping the Magicians turn their season around. In a year where the team featured many new faces and lacked senior leadership, Pittman stepped forward and embraced the responsibility of setting the tone for the team. His ability to perform under pressure and lead by example proved invaluable as the Magicians established themselves as a competitive force in the conference.
While Pittman provided leadership and offensive production, freshman guard Desmond Bratcher made an immediate impact during his first collegiate season. Bratcher appeared in 30 games and earned 28 starts, an impressive accomplishment for a freshman adjusting to the pace and physicality of college basketball.
Throughout the season, Bratcher averaged 4.89 points and 1.22 rebounds per game while maintaining strong ball security, committing less than one turnover per contest. His efficiency showed promise as well, as he shot 31.82 percent from the field and nearly 30 percent from three point range.
What has truly set Bratcher apart this season is his poise and relentless effort on the defensive end. Despite being one of the youngest players on the roster, he consistently embraced the challenge of guarding opposing back court players. His tenacity, hustle, and willingness to compete on every possession helped provide energy for the Magicians throughout the year.
Bratcher's composure in key moments also reflected a level of maturity that often takes years to develop. His steady presence and commitment to defense made him a valuable contributor to the team's success and earned him well deserved recognition among the conference's top freshmen.
Together, Pittman and Bratcher represent both the present and the future of LeMoyne-Owen basketball. Their individual accomplishments highlight the progress of the program and reflect the dedication and effort that has defined the Magicians throughout the season.
As the program continues to build momentum, the recognition of Pittman and Bratcher serves as a powerful reminder that the foundation being built at LeMoyne-Owen is one driven by leadership, resilience, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
