“Kaboom! The Bohanimal!”

Gary Rima, the voice of the UNI Panthers, belted this signature call after each Matt Bohannon three-pointer. And it’s safe to say Panther fans have heard this often over the last four years, as Bohannon has set the record for most career three-pointers in UNI history.

Bohannon is a fifth-year senior here at UNI and has been a very special piece to the program. Bohannon said he was drawn to the coaching staff when he was recruited.

“I love being around a coaching staff that cares about you and wants you to be successful,” said Bohannon.

It seems to have worked out quite well for both sides. Let’s recap his career here: a three-year starter, part of that historic 31-4 season–including a conference tournament championship, an NCAA tournament berth and two huge wins this season against No. 1 North Carolina and No. 5 Iowa State.

Oh yeah, and he has drained well over 200 threes in a Panther uniform. The old record was 203, but as of press time Bohannon passed that mark with an impressive 236. He has since continued to build up that record each game, and I have feeling Bohannon has a lot more left in him for the remainder of the year.

His game isn’t all about shooting threes. He is a great defender and has no problem attacking the basket. He continuously develops and improves his game, which obviously has paid off tremendously.

Bohannon said this past summer that he lifted three to four days a week, ran three to four times a week, do extra agility drills, ball handling exercises and would try to get up anywhere from 500-700 shots a day. His hard work has made him one of the best shooters in the country.

Bohannon’s current averages per game include 34 minutes, 12.4 points and 41 percent shooting from behind the arc.

The stats and numbers say a lot about the guy, but what says most about him is the character and leadership qualities he demonstrates to younger UNI athletes, both on and off the field.

When a teammate of his gets knocked down, you can bet Bohannon will be the first one over there to help him up.

When the going gets tough, Bohannon always stays calm, cool and collected. Off the floor, he illustrates what getting up shots and putting in the extra time can do for you. He can be admired for both his talents and great character.

It seems that his drive and competitive edge has stemmed from his family growing up. Matt’s dad and two older brothers all played division one athletics, while his younger brother, Jordan, will carry on the tradition next year. The Bohannons are a family of winners.

“Having two older brothers going through the process taught me the hard work that I need to put in to be successful,” Bohannon said.

The UNI Panthers’ season is hitting its final stride as we are approaching the last month of conference play before the conference tournament in St. Louis. Bohannon’s senior season has been filled with ups and downs consisting of huge wins and heartbreaking losses.

It’ll be tough to repeat as Arch Madness champions this year in a tough MVC Conference, but anything is possible with the talented group of seniors UNI has consisting of Wes Washpun, Paul Jesperson and, of course, the “Bohanimal” leading the charge.