PIPE DREAM
BASKETBALL ISSUE
2018-2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS Men’s Player Profiles — Pages B4-B8
AE Men’s Team Previews — Pages B9-B10
Women’s Player Profiles — Pages B11-B15
AE Women’s Team Previews — Pages B16-B17
Pipe Dream Picks — Page B17
Team Schedules — Page B18
2017-18 YEAR IN REVIEW MEN’S
WOMEN’S
2,147 640 235 44.3 34.4 33 13.8 9
total points scored
team free throw percentage
3-point FG made, ranked No. 214 in NCAA
field goal percentage, ranked No. 194 in NCAA
average rebounds per game
national rank of senior forward Thomas Bruce with 2.1 blocks per game
graduate student guard J.C. Show’s average points per game, the highest on the team
finish in conference standings
1,264 407 317 218 205 135 71.3 3
total rebounds
total fouls, ranked No. 4 in the NCAA
total steals, ranked No. 45 nationally
total 3-point field goals made
cumulative point differential
junior guard Kai Moon’s total free throw attempts, highest on the team
free throw percentage
finish in conference standings
UVA
#1
UMBC UMBC
#16
Retrievers shed underdog label Samuel Ditchek Sports Editor
Virginia. Sharpie. At 9:36 p.m. on March 16, 2018, Seth Davis of CBS Sports seemed to have penciled in top-seeded University of Virginia over 16th-seeded University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) just one minute into the game. While it appeared to be an obvious selection for nearly anyone who filled out their annual March Madness bracket, the Cinderella story Retrievers were ready to shock the sports world and talk some trash as they did so. Zach Seidel, who instantly became basketball’s favorite Twitter troll manning UMBC’s account, served as the voice of the Retrievers throughout their historic victory. With rhetorical questions asking “Y’all havin fun?,” constant jokes regarding UMBC’s skyrocketing enrollment and simply saying “sup” to ESPN for giving the team a 1.5 percent chance of winning, Seidel’s social media presence only augmented the significance of what was happening on the hardwood, which was nothing short of magical. Virginia, a teamed ranked No. 1 overall with an utterly dominant 31-2 regular season record, was a lock for 18.5 percent of ESPN Tournament Challenge brackets to not only beat the Retrievers, but also capture the title. Backed by only 3.35 percent of participants and rightfully so, No. 16 UMBC was the irrefutable underdog in
the matchup. Former guard Jairus Lyles ignored the numbers and went to work. Averaging 18.9 points and 6.6 boards, and shooting an efficient 44.2 percent from the field, Lyles was ready to put the America East (AE) on the map and the college basketball world on notice. Even though history was made on that fateful Friday night, a highly contested prior AE Championship game featuring the Retrievers against the Vermont Catamounts shed light on the true magnitude of UMBC’s story. Before the Retrievers became the nationally recognized Retrievers, they had been an average team in their conference
draft pick by the Utah Jazz. UMBC was set for its second Big Dance appearance since 2008, when it fell to Georgetown 64-47. With what turned out to be the more difficult game in the past, the Retrievers rode their momentum and confidence into its most important matchup in 10 years. Although the Cavaliers and Retrievers battled to a 21-21 first-half tie, a halftime break was all Lyles and his squad needed to turn up the jets and become the first No. 16 seed to defeat a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. UMBC took control of history when Lyles scored 23 points in the second half with two triples and shooting five for five at the charity stripe, when the team as whole shot nearly 70 percent from the field and 60 percent from long range and when UMBC posted 53 points in the final 20 minutes — one point shy of Virginia’s total. Lyles’ final stat line of 28 points, 9-11 from the field and three treys prompted him to point to the ceiling to celebrate. “These are the moments that you dream of,” Lyles said. “It’s always exciting to make history.” The Retrievers scored 74 points, the most UVA had allowed the entire year, even after playing top programs such as UNC and Duke, and became the first team ever to tack on a loss on No. 1 seeds’ now 135-1 record against No. 16 seeds in the tournament.
“These are the moments that you dream of,” Lyles said. “It’s always exciting to make history.” that was always a step or two behind a more dominant UVM program. The Catamounts had defeated UMBC 23 consecutive times over the past 10 seasons and twice last year by a combined 45 points. A deep buzzer-beater 3-pointer with less than a second left lifted UMBC over Vermont, 65-62, and put all of the history of losing to the Catamounts to bed. “I waved off the last play from the bench, tried to get some space and take the shot to end the game,” Lyles said. Ice in his veins and 27 points to his name, Lyles single-handedly secured a postseason bid for the Retrievers and boosted his resume for an eventual NBA
MEN’S PLAYER PROFILES
#33
Samuel Ditchek Sports Editor
Guard
J.C. Show When the 2017-18 campaign ended for the Binghamton men’s basketball team, it was unclear what direction the program would take. With former forwards Willie Rodriguez, ‘18, and Bobby Ahearn, ‘18, graduating and pursuing professional basketball careers abroad as well as former guard Fard Muhammad rather abruptly transferring, BU head coach Tommy Dempsey was left with a core of two — senior forward Thomas Bruce and graduate student guard J.C. Show. Show, a 6-foot-3-inch Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania native, has been instant offense since transferring to Binghamton two years ago. After averaging 13.3 points per game while only appearing in 12 contests in his inaugural season, Show followed up with 13.8 points per game while improving both his free throw percentage and 3-point percentage as the team’s starting point guard. Although he has typically taken over the team’s playmaking duties throughout his career, Show expects to see more time at the two due to the addition of freshman guard Sam Sessoms. “Talking with Coach Dempsey, I will be playing a little more off the ball,” Show said. “If I need to play off the ball … I’m just going to go out there and listen to the
coaching staff and do what they ask me to do, and do it to the best of my ability.” Sessoms, along with junior guard Richard Caldwell, Jr. and graduate student forward Chancellor Barnard, headline the new faces Show will be sharing the hardwood with. Considering the tumultuous season the team had last year, a new group of Bearcats in the locker room and on the court already ap-
in general.” With a lackluster 2-14 record in conference last year, there is certainly no shortage of areas of improvement for this team. In the absence of glass eaters such as Ahearn and Bruce, who is recovering from a concussion, Show is well aware that he will have to shoulder a heavier load in the rebounding department. Even though he only averaged 3.7 boards per
It’s great to be putting something together with these guys and take it one day at a time. With a lot of new guys, you get back to the basics and you focus on a day-by-day approach. There’s more excitement and energy. There’s a lot of people that are either new to the team or college basketball at the Division I level in general. pears to have had positive effects on the veteran guard. “It’s great to be putting something together with these guys and take it one day at a time,” Show said. “With a lot of new guys, you get back to the basics and you focus on a day-by-day approach. There’s more excitement and energy. There’s a lot of people that are either new to the team or college basketball at the Division I level
game last year, the shorthanded frontcourt will undoubtedly look to Show to corral long rebounds for the time being. “As far as areas we need to improve, I would say our rebounding,” Show said. “We’re going to be a little undersized until some of the bigger guys get back, so we have to make a concerted effort not just relying on the guys playing the post positions, but also as guards, we need to get
involved on the defensive glass especially.” Although struggle would be an understatement to describe how BU performed in America East play last year, the team did pick up quality victories in the nonconference portion of the schedule. Wins over Colgate and Army featured Show commanding the offense as he posted 19 points and 16 points, respectively. Even though those programs do not even come close to matching up to the national powerhouses such as Michigan and Notre Dame, whom the Bearcats are set to face off with later in the season, Show is focused on one game and one game only until then. “Anytime you get the chance to play on national television and play against a high major school like that, it’s an opportunity,” Show said. “But, I’m dead serious, we’re focused on getting ready for the first game because we want to be in a good position win-loss wise when we get to play those games. So, if we look straight to those, then we’re going to miss opportunities before that.” Despite drastic changes in the starting lineup, as well as the general makeup of the team, it will definitely be interesting to witness how the team responds. As the captain of this squad, Show seems unwilling to let anything come in the way of Binghamton’s success on the court. “At the end of the day, we are all here because we want to help Binghamton win basketball games,” Show said. “Nothing else comes before that. As long as we keep that mindset, we’ll be fine.”
November 5, 2018
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#3 Justin Zion Sports Intern
Guard
Sam Sessoms He was a standout performer at The Shipley School in Philadelphia. He earned the honor of team MVP three times over the course of his high school career. He was selected to an allstate team twice. With those accolades in his back pocket, top-recruit guard Sam Sessoms is set to enter his freshman season as a Binghamton Bearcat. Coming into the season, Sessoms is seen as a competitive player who will likely be placed among the starting five. Sessoms was heavily recruited, with several schools looking to add him to their rosters. His familiarity with some Bearcat players, among other reasons, ultimately persuaded him to choose Binghamton as his next home. “The recruiting process was heavy because you’re just waiting to get that one phone call,” Sessoms said. “Ultimately when it came down to choosing Binghamton … I love the coaching staff [and] I was familiar with a few players from the team. As far as from a basketball standpoint, I felt like I was able to come in and contribute to the style of play.” Sessoms enters his first season at Binghamton having achieved much success during his high school career. He owns the all-time
scoring record at his high school with 2,091 points, as well as his school’s single-game scoring record with 55. He averaged 28.8 points per game as a senior, which was enough to earn him a spot on the First Team All-State. He proved to be a versatile guard, able to snag 6.2 rebounds per game, as well as a nifty defender with 202 steals. The biggest challenge in Sessoms’ path, however, will be in translating that success to college ball. High school standouts can have a tough time transitioning to college basketball, and Sessoms is well aware of the difference in
basketball player.” Sessoms will definitely feel the physicality this season with top-tier opponents such as Michigan, Notre Dame and Northwestern on the Bearcats’ schedule. Luckily for him, Sessoms has experienced facing veterans at his position, graduate student guard J.C. Show chief among them, on his team to help prepare him for the upcoming season. Although hoping to achieve individual success in Binghamton as he did during his high school tenure, Sessoms is laser-focused on the improvement and success of the team as a whole. And his aim for the team is set no lower than a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament berth. “I have individual accolades that I would like to achieve, but none of that would matter to me if the team wasn’t successful,” Sessoms said. “I would like to do way better than we have been doing in the past here. I feel like we have a great group, and if there was any year we were able to have success, this is the year.” In order to achieve that lofty goal, Sessoms plans on taking each game in stride. He is prepared to play significant minutes and step up if and when he needs to, taking direction from his new coaches and players. “I’m preparing for Cornell on Nov. 6 the same way I’ll prepare for Michigan,” Sessoms said “Every practice, you gotta go out there and give it your all, compete, make your teammates better [and] make your team better. That’s my goal.”
The biggest transition is just the physicality. It stands out because I was a strong kid growing up, even when I got to high school as a ninth and tenth grader, I was as strong as the seniors … you gotta play smarter, but I always felt like I’ve been a smart basketball player. skill level, toughness and pace of play between high school and college. According to him, it’s not something that won’t be a challenge, but also isn’t anything he can’t overcome. “The biggest transition is just the physicality,” Sessoms said. “It stands out because I was a strong kid growing up, even when I got to high school as a ninth and tenth grader, I was as strong as the seniors … you gotta play smarter, but I always felt like I’ve been a smart
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#2 Yaakov Spivack Pipe Dream Sports
Forward
Chancellor Barnard This season, the Binghamton basketball team will see eight new players join its roster. Many of these newcomers are, unsurprisingly, freshmen. However, these young additions, are being joined by one college hoops veteran. Chancellor Barnard, a graduate transfer from Loyola (MD), is joining the Bearcats roster this year as a forward. At six-foot-four-inches, 200 pounds, Barnard is an imposing force on the hardwood. During his three seasons playing for the Greyhounds, Barnard played a total of 91 games. He shot 52 percent over the course of his career and averaged 4.7 points and 3.2 rebounds a game. He scored a career-high 17 points on two separate occasions, once against Boston University and the other against Fairfield. Although he competed in the Patriot League up until this point, Barnard is no stranger to America East rivals. “I played Stony Brook, UMass Lowell all throughout my career,” Barnard said. “Throughout the America East, I’m noticing a lot more athleticism in this league versus the Patriot League. The Patriot League is more shooting, less skill-based … now it’s more based off athleticism, players actually being able to make plays
for themselves, more of that aspect in this conference … I think that helps me, being able to play in the Patriot League and now in the America East, I kinda have the good of both sides.” He certainly does have the experience to back up this claim. As a junior during the 2016-17 season, Barnard played in all 33 games. He also started in 22 games as a sophomore, when he averaged 6.4 points and 3.5 boards over the season.
a slightly different role than he has done in the past. Previously, the veteran had rarely been tasked with guarding the team’s opposing center. In this coming season, Barnard will be spending more time guarding the five. The combination of playing in a more athletic conference and defending bigger positions will present a challenge for the undersized big, but his intelligence, agility and leaping ability provide a modern-day counter when matched up with more traditional big men. Barnard talked about this new role and other changes he is anticipating playing for Binghamton. “It’s cold,” Barnard said. “That’s definitely the first thing, the weather … learning your position, now focusing a lot more on the five position, usually I play the three, four, so now just focusing on the four, five type of position. A lot more rebounding, just guarding bigger people, working on my strength [and] how to use my quickness … instead of focusing just on my size.” With an almost entirely new roster composed of many young players, Barnard’s years of experience playing basketball at such a high level will enable him to emerge as an instant leader for the Binghamton team. The veteran forward will certainly be looked up to by his younger teammates as a role model to emulate, as they certainly seem eager to replicate his success on the court. Barnard and guard J.C. Show are the only graduate students on the 2018-19 roster. Looking ahead to the coming season, Barnard will certainly be a player to watch.
It’s cold, that’s definitely the first thing [that’s different]. The weather … learning your position, now focusing a lot more on the five position, usually I play the three, four, so now just focusing on the four, five type of position. A lot more rebounding, just guarding bigger people, working on my strength [and] how to use my quickness … instead of focusing just on my size. He even led the Greyhounds in blocks during the 2014-15 season as a freshman. Prior to his collegiate career, Barnard made waves as an honor-roll student-athlete at Glenelg Country Day School in Ellicott City, Maryland. As a senior during the 2013-14 season, Barnard averaged 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game. He also scored double-digits in all but one of his games that year, leading Howard County in points per game and total points scored with 562 points during that season. On the Bearcats, Barnard will be taking on
BASKETBALL ISSUE
November 5, 2018
#40 Edward Aaron Pipe Dream Sports
Forward
Albert Odero As the Bearcats retool their roster heading into the 2018-19 season, a second-year player is expected to take a big leap. Sophomore guard Albert Odero enters his first full season with the team, and he is in line to become a major contributor. “Whether it’s energy, making shots, getting rebounds, whatever it is, I kinda feel like I’m learning my role,” Odero said. “Especially during preseason, over the summer. I think I know what my role is.” Although it was a bleak showing in the second half of the season for BU, Odero’s emergence was a bright spot for the team. Ineligible to play during the first semester, he spent the time practicing with the team, preparing for his Division I career and hoping to contribute to the team when eligible. “I worked on everything — shooting, dribbling, all of that,” Odero said. “The biggest thing I took away from last year to this year is that I got a little bit of experience.” Prior to his arrival at BU, Odero was no stranger to the Southern Tier. A native of Oneonta, he began his high
school career at Oneonta High School. He played his senior year at St. John’s Catholic Prep in Maryland, where he helped his team win a state championship. In recognition of his success, he was named to the All-Maryland First Team. Odero made his Binghamton debut last season on Dec. 22 against LIU Brooklyn. Over the course of the season, he appeared in 11 games, coming off the bench in all of them. He logged a seasonhigh 14 points against eventual conference champion UMBC on Jan. 24, as well as double-digit performances against
significant boost in playing time this season. With the experience of last year under his belt, Odero is set for a much bigger role this season. One of the team’s most reliable wings, Odero feels much more confident heading into this season. “This year, the first scrimmage, I got in and I wasn’t scared,” Odero said. “The butterflies went away, I felt confident.” Confidence is key, and to have a relatively seasoned player who has not yet reached his peak is exciting for the team. But there are areas in which Odero has been working on during the offseason. He believes that in order to better support the team’s style of play, improving his shooting is pivotal to his success. “I gotta get my jump shot down,” Odero said. “We want to be up and down this year, get a lot of shots up, especially a lot of threes. That’s how the game is being played now, so I really worked on my shooting.” With a new-look roster filled with newcomers, Odero is poised to have a breakout season. After struggling mightily last season, particularly during conference play, the Bearcats are looking for players to step up and help the team win games. Odero has high aspirations for making an impression, both on the Bearcats and on the conference as a whole. “I just want to make sure that the America East knows I’m here,” Odero said.
Whether it’s energy, making shots, getting rebounds, whatever it is, I kinda feel like I’m learning my role. Elmira and UMass Lowell. With the rotation already set and other players established in their roles, joining a team at midseason is a challenge for anyone, but Odero made every effort to take advantage of the opportunity. “It was hard, I’m not gonna lie,” Odero said. “For any college athlete, that’s hard, having limited minutes but thinking you should play more, but I took it as a learning experience. I tried making the best out of it every single time I was on the court.” Averaging just 7.3 minutes per game in 2017-18, Odero is expected to see a
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BASKETBALL ISSUE
#0 Grace Palumbo Assistant Sports Editor
Forward
Richard Caldwell Jr. As the Bearcats look to revamp their squad and prep for success in the 201819 season, they welcome junior guard Richard Caldwell, Jr. to the team. Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Caldwell completed two seasons at Lamar Community College in Colorado — which competes against other Division I institutions in the National Junior College Athletic Association — before transferring to Binghamton this year. Caldwell’s fellow teammates and Binghamton students alike may be surprised to note that one of the most notable changes he faced in his transition from LCC to BU was the warmer temperatures in the Southern Tier. “It was colder in Colorado, way colder,” Caldwell noted. While he may be changing his tune when winter rolls around, Caldwell was also pleased by the new role he’ll be featured in upon joining the Bearcats. “I had to switch my position, too,” Caldwell said. “I used to play on and now I’m off the ball, and I feel way more comfortable because I feel like it’ll bring
my turnovers down.” With the Lopes, Caldwell served as a point guard, racking up 16 points per game in about 27 minutes of play across each match last season. While he will soon see the difference in the competition after leaving junior college, Caldwell did manage to record nearly four assists per game as well as shoot a respectable 42 percent from the field. He also helped lead the Lopes to a No.
“I’m looking forward to Michigan because I know we’re going to win … I feel like we got a good chance, because we got a lot of players with good heart, like all around, we play together good,” Caldwell said. Caldwell’s contributions to the team will prove especially valuable since former BU guard Fard Muhammad has since transferred to the Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles. Muhammad’s 8.3 points per game last season, good for fourth highest on the team, leaves an unquestionable void in offensive production that Caldwell will presumably be tasked with filling. Having already completed successful scrimmages against Lehigh and Bucknell, in which he ran with the starters and showcased his athleticism, and over a month’s worth of practices, Caldwell appeared satisfied with his new team and content with the strides it is making. “We’ve just been playing good together,” Caldwell said. “Like as soon as I got here … we just played together well.” As always, BU will be eyeing the America East Championship title, which would earn it a spot in the 2019 NCAA March Madness tournament this spring. However, Binghamton’s and Caldwell’s fate will be determined only when the team hits the hardwood.
I’m looking forward to Michigan because I know we’re going to win … I feel like we got a good chance, because we got a lot of players with good heart, like all around, we play together good. 11 ranking during the 2017-2018 year, starting 25 out of 28 games. At the men’s basketball media day in October, Caldwell seemed optimistic and beyond confident about the fate of the team this season, especially in its matchup against Michigan, which he asserted was the game he was most excited about in this year’s schedule. The Wolverines were one of the highestranked teams in college basketball last season, dominating the Big Dance as a No. 4 seed and eventually falling short in the national title game.
November 5, 2018
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AMERICA EAST MEN’S TEAM PREVIEWS After being upset by the historic 2017-18 UMBC
squad in last season’s America East (AE) Championship, Vermont returns as an AE powerhouse, projected to be atop the conference once again. Despite losing six seniors, two of whom averaged double-digits in points last year, the Catamounts put forward a promising young group helmed by
Becoming the first No. 16 seed
to
advance to the round of 32 in NCAA history with a win over first-seeded Virginia, UMBC hopes to carry that momentum into the 2018-19 season. After finishing 25-11 for the season last year and delivering a demoralizing loss to UVA, the Retrievers fell to Kansas State University, 50-43, in the round of 32. UMBC only averaged a scoring margin
saw them post a 19-14 record, the Hawks look to capitalize on returning their top four scorers of redshirt senior forward John Carroll and senior guards Jason Dunne, J.R. Lynch and Travis Weatherington. Ranked second in the preseason poll, this Hartford squad hopes to make a deep run in the conference tournament and possibly make its first
year’s Albany squad saw an early exit from the conference tournament in a 69-60 loss to Stony Brook, this year’s team places its hopes on its solid defense, which only allowed 65.4 points per game last year, good for second in the AE. Placed fourth in this year’s preseason rankings, the Great Danes are without the majority of their
point production with guard David Nichols, a 14.8 points per game contributor, to transfer as he heads south to Florida State for his senior year. They also lose guard Joe Cremo, who posted 17.6 points a game last year, to transferring to the reigning national champions Villanova. Forward Travis Charles, another key contributor, graduated last year, finishing his career with 14.6 points per game on 55.4 percent shooting. The team’s lack of
After falling to Vermont in the second round
of the AE Tournament, this year’s young Stony Brook squad is poised for AE conference competition. With only one senior and two juniors, the Seawolves are a young group led by
Head Coach Jeff Boals Season Record 13-19 Conference Record 7-9
redshirt junior guard Akwasi Yeboah, primarily a scorer who averaged 15.3 points per game last season on .452 percent shooting. The Seawolves play quick, averaging 14 turnovers a game a year ago but forcing an average of 15 turnovers a game from their opponents. Their offense leaned heavily on
74.2 PPG 37.2 RPG 12.7 APG
68.9 PPG 36.0 RPG 13.3 APG
DEFENSIVE
STONY BROOK
70.2 PPG 6.1 SPG 3.7 BPG
68.2 PPG 4.7 SPG 2.8 BPG
experience with only two seniors out of 15 players will force those veterans to step up, not only the offensive end, but also defensively where newer players often underperform. Those three players were credited with 65 percent of Albany’s points last year; if they cannot find players to step up this season, the Great Danes will need capture their wins on defense as their point production will be lacking.
OFFENSIVE
5
Head Coach Will Brown Season Record 22-10 Conference Record 10-6
DEFENSIVE
Coming off a quick end to the season, as last
70.5 PPG 33.4 RPG 13.1 APG
teams to play out on defense and potentially open up driving and passing lanes. Their overall field goal percentage, on the other hand, was good for third in the league at 46.3 percent. If Hartford can take advantage of its 2-point field goal percentage of 53.4 percent on 550 attempted field goals, kick outs to shooters will open up and allow for more threes. Vermont and UMBC should be concerned when Hartford comes up on the schedule this season.
OFFENSIVE
ALBANY
68.5 PPG 7.5 SPG 2.4 BPG
Sherburne, who averaged 10.9 points per game on 47 percent shooting, as well junior forward Arkel Lamar, who averaged 10.3 points in the 2017-18 season. Both Lamar and Sherburne shot well from behind the arc, each converting at a 43 percent clip. With a No. 3 ranking in the AE Preseason Poll, the Retrievers look to carry their underdog mentality throughout the upcoming season, as they should be poised to make another run for the Big Dance.
Head Coach John Gallagher Season Record 19-14 Conference Record 11-5
appearance in March Madness. The Hawks will sorely miss the loss of center Hassan Attia, who averaged 7.5 points per game on an efficient .694 shooting, as well nearly two blocks per game. Behind the backcourt trio of Weatherington, Dunne and Lynch, Hartford was near the top of the conference in 3-pointers made, despite being fourth in the conference for 3-point field goal percentage. If the Hawks can continue their output with fewer shots, they can force
73.1 PPG 34.6 RPG 15.2 APG
DEFENSIVE
HARTFORD
After a successful 2017-18 season that
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of +1.9 points per game last year, brought down by a 83-39 loss to Albany and 81-53 loss to Vermont. UMBC’s inability to stay consistent should be a worry for the team this year, as it struggled tremendously in its losses. With a returning roster of nine upperclassmen, the Retrievers hope to put that experience to good use despite losing top scorer Jairus Lyles, who averaged 20.2 points per game last season. The Retrievers do keep graduate student forward Joe
OFFENSIVE
3
Head Coach Ryan Odom Season Record 25-11 Conference Record 12-4
DEFENSIVE
UMBC
65.1 PPG 3.8 SPG 2.5 BPG
maintain an average point differential of 8.8 points per game. The Catamount defense finished in third in the conference for opponent field goal percentage, keeping conference opponents to a mere 40.5 percent. Vermont’s loss of top scorers, forward Payton Henson and guard Trae-Bell Haynes, leaves its offense as its largest worry, coming off an efficient year with the ball, shooting 50.6 percent on the year.
OFFENSIVE
2
junior forward Anthony Lamb. Lamb missed most of conference play last year due to a foot injury, but was able to average 14.3 points and five rebounds per game, while also tallying a career-high 32 points against Northeastern University. Vermont’s defense last year was the best in the conference, averaging 60.1 points allowed per game against AE opponents. The Catamounts’ stellar defense allowed them to
73.9 PPG 33.1 RPG 13.4 APG
DEFENSIVE
VERMONT
OFFENSIVE
1
Head Coach John Becker Season Record 27-8 Conference Record 15-1
70.3 PPG 8.2 SPG 2.9 BPG
the three ball, as 3-pointers were 41 percent of the shots they took, making 32.9 percent of them; if the Seawolves can either improve their shooting from behind the arc this season or focus on their 2-point shooting, where they shot 47.5 percent, their offense will be a force to be reckoned with.
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BASKETBALL ISSUE
The Binghamton men’s basketball team roster is full of new faces and a fresh energy that the squad looks to use against big-name opponents this winter. After a disappointing finish to an initially promising season last year, the Bearcats knew that they needed to institute some changes. Clare Mahoney Contributing Writer
“We haven’t played well in conference play so I decided to play a bigger schedule, just focus on putting the guys in some different environments against some bigger, stronger teams and trying to grow through that process,” said BU head coach Tommy Dempsey. Binghamton will face powerhouses such as Notre Dame, Northwestern and Michigan. The team hopes that the elevated level of competition will translate into the conference victories that were in short supply last year. The 2017-18 season ended poorly for the Bearcats, who fell to conference opponents in all but one of their final 12 games, despite having cultivated a seven-game winning streak against nonconference teams earlier in the season.
Following a dull 6-26 season for Maine
last year, the Black Bears hope to use their eight returning upperclassman to their advantage, despite the loss of their top scorer, guard Aaron Calixte, to graduation. Calixte put up 16.9 points a game in the 2017-18 season on 47 percent shooting. Redshirt junior guard
following a 2016-17 season where they finished third in the AE standings, the New Hampshire Wildcats posted an excellent defensive season with a defensive rating of 100.9, earning 122nd in Division 1. On the other side of the ball, however, New Hampshire struggled mightily, shooting
Following a first-round defeat
eventual conference champions UMBC, UMass Lowell returns a balanced roster of five upperclassmen and young talents such as guard Obadiah Noel, a returning sophomore who put up 6.5 points per game and
shot 37.5 percent from deep last season. Although it is without offensive powerhouse guard Jahad Thomas, who averaged 21.1 points a game on 51.5 percent shooting, and guard Matt Harris, who scored 12.3 points per game, the River Hawks return an efficient veteran in redshirt senior guard Josh Gantz. Despite posting the
67.3 PPG 3.6 SPG 1.8 BPG
sophomore guard Josh Hopkins and senior guard Jordan Reed. Hopkins and Reed averaged 7.5 and 7.3 points a game, respectively, although converted those points on inefficiently, both shooting around 33 percent. If the two guards can manage to retain their point production on better shooting, they can distribute the ball better and overall create a more lethal offense.
Head Coach Pat Duquette Season Record 12-18 Conference Record 6-10 to
67.8 PPG 38.4 RPG 11.9 APG
76.2 PPG 32.3 RPG 14.5 APG
DEFENSIVE
UML
40.2 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from behind the arc. The Wildcats took some hits in loss of personnel as they lost their top two scorers to graduation, forwards Tanner Leissner and Iba Camara. Leissner capped off last season with 18.7 points per game, and Camara contributed 9.6 points a game and 10.7 rebounds per game as well. New Hampshire returns a talented backcourt of
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of the ball, especially defensive rebounding since they consistently surrendered double-digit offensive boards to opponents. Last year, Maine was first in field goals attempted and third in field goals made; if it can manage to put higher quality shots at the same rate, and cut down on turnovers, its offense will be drastically more efficient.
Head Coach Bill Herrion Season Record 10-21 Conference Record 6-10
Despite a 6-10 conference record
75.2 PPG 6.4 SPG 2.9 BPG
DEFENSIVE
UNH
Isaiah White, who averaged 11.1 points per game and 1.2 steals a game last year, was the second-highest scorer behind Calixte. The Black Bears’ defense was lackluster, as they allowed opponents 77.4 points per game, good for second worst in the league. Tied for seventh in this year’s preseason rankings, the Black Bears are hoping to make improvements on both sides
66.9 PPG 35.3 RPG 11.8 APG
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Head Coach Richard Barron Season Record 6-26 Conference Record 3-13
DEFENSIVE
MAINE
70.4 PPG 5.5 SPG 4.2 BPG
tice. The team is unsure of when he will be able to return. Bruce is just one of several familiar faces that did not appear in the starting lineup for Binghamton in its scrimmage against Lehigh on Oct. 20. Three of the five starters were new to the squad, reflecting a shift in the team dynamic and style. “Other returning guys will have to settle into some roles that are different than what they’ve had in the past,” Dempsey said. “Everybody has seemed to be all team-oriented at this point.” The fluctuating responsibilities that accompany the integration of so many new players could have left the squad feeling disjointed. But the team seems to be gelling well atop the solid foundation provided by Show. The seasoned guard led the team in average minutes played and points per game with 32 minutes and 13.8 points last season. His anchoring leadership is a cornerstone of the team’s structure and vital to the successful transfusion of its new blood. With his experience and the fresh energy of unfamiliar faces, Dempsey believes that the team will come together and develop as a unit. “It could be a team that could take a little time to find it stride, but it looks like a talented group that will probably get better and better as the year goes on,” Dempsey said. The Bearcats will soon have an opportunity to test their chemistry when they take on the Cornell Big Red in their first game of the season on Nov. 6. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Events Center in Vestal, New York.
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However, this year’s squad has an entirely different look and was placed sixth of nine teams in the annual America East (AE) Preseason Poll, its highest projected ranking since 2016. Dempsey, in addition to upping the ante for matchups outside of the AE conference, has incorporated eight new players into the Bearcat roster. New additions to the roster include graduate student forward Chancellor Barnard, junior guard Richard Caldwell, Jr., freshman guard Sam Sessoms and classmate forward Calvin Poulina. “Those are the four guys that are new faces that are playing a lot of minutes,” Dempsey said. According to graduate student guard J.C Show, these additions will help the team as it strives to improve upon certain aspects of its game. His words echoed his coach’s assertion: This team is quicker and more agile than its predecessor. “We’re working a lot on pushing the ball in transition and to increase the amount of possessions in the game,” Show explained. “Coach Dempsey has always been preaching that to us. but I feel like we have a team this year that is maybe a little more suited to that.” Show also stressed the importance of rebounding, which may prove a difficult area to improve in without senior forward Thomas Bruce. Bruce led the team in both offensive and defensive rebounds last season, with 56 and 200, respectively, and averaged 11.1 points per game. He sustained a concussion in September and has not been cleared to prac-
69.3 PPG 34.4 RPG 12.1 APG
DEFENSIVE
BINGHAMTON
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6
Head Coach Tommy Dempsey Season Record 11-20 Conference Record 2-14
78.5 PPG 7.0 SPG 2.9 BPG
highest team point production in the AE at 75.1, UML allowed opponents to score 78.4 points a game. If UMass Lowell can manage to slow the pace, create opportunities for efficient offense and slow down the other teams, then the River Hawks will be able to convert in the half court through Gantz.
WOMEN’S PLAYER PROFILES
#3
Evan Cole Assistant Sports Editor
Guard
Kai Moon Junior guard Kai Moon has grown under the leadership of former teammates Imani Watkins, ‘18, and Alyssa James, ‘18, and she has seen the Binghamton women’s basketball team improve considerably as a result. In Moon’s freshman year, she averaged 8.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game on a team that went 13-17 overall. Last season, Moon emerged as the team’s second option offensively and improved across the board statistically. Moon averaged 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while improving her field goal percentage by 4.9 percent and her accuracy from 3-point range by 8.4 percent. Last season featured the Bearcats’ best regular season in its NCAA Division I history, posting a 20-12 overall record and earning the third seed in the America East (AE) Tournament. Now, with a new coaching staff and an overhauled roster, Moon is set to be the focal point of the Bearcats’ squad this season, both as the team’s point guard and its most proven scoring option. “As a point guard, facilitating is definitely going to be one of the biggest things for myself,” Moon said at the team’s media day. “I might be looking for my shot, looking to be aggres-
sive, but ultimately, getting my teammates involved is going to be one of my biggest responsibilities and priorities coming in.” Moon’s efficiency stood out in particular as the team’s second option. Among all Bearcats to have attempted at least 100 field goals last season, Moon’s true shooting percentage of 56 percent ranked first on the team. True shooting percentage accounts for the efficiency of 3-pointers and free throws, as op-
ing her. Losing three of last season’s top-six Bearcats in terms of minutes played, Binghamton will feature a few new faces in its rotation this season. Additionally, Moon will be playing under an entirely new coaching staff, anchored by head coach Bethann Shapiro Ord. Shapiro Ord has experience handling roster turnover, as her previous tenure at Weber State featured a strong turnaround of the program, compiling a 5741 record in her past three years. With
We’re all really excited … I think it’s going to be a really good year for us. I definitely have to step up and be more of a leader, but whatever the team needs from me in the system that coach wants me to play, that’s what I’m gonna do. posed to field goal percentage, which only factors total field goals attempted. Additionally, Moon posted a team-best assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.2, which quantified her strong decision-making as a passer. Moon rarely took contested shots or forced passes, but still racked up points and dimes prolifically, giving BU a reliable centerpiece offensively. Moon will enter the 2018-19 campaign with many new pieces surround-
several new additions to the roster and coaching staff, the Bearcats faced a steep learning curve this offseason. “With this season, I knew I had to come into a different role, but I’ve had a lot of help from my teammates, so that has made it an easy transition for me,” Moon said. “With a new coach as well, it’s kind of trying to figure out what is coach looking for and how to fit into the system. Overall, I think it’s been going
well so far, and I attribute that to how everyone on this team has stepped up and come together since this summer.” With so much change to the program, and to the coaching staff in particular, BU will be playing under new offensive and defensive systems. Adding new players as well as expanding roles of returning players — Moon included — will give the Bearcats’ competition new scouting material from previous seasons. “I think our style of play right now is very different than how we played last season,” Moon said. “We’ve got players that didn’t play last year, we’ve got freshmen coming in that I think could give us a really big boost. From that perspective, you’re not scouting the same team that you did last year, and I think we’ve got players that weren’t on this team last year that have stepped up incredibly. We’ve got kind of some secret weapons.” The team’s top remaining scorer and facilitator from last year, Moon is eager to embark on a new journey in her third season with the Bearcats. With ample opportunity to produce in a new offense, Moon will apply what she has learned as an underclassman under Watkins, James and others. “We’re all really excited … I think it’s going to be a really good year for us,” Moon said. “I definitely have to step up and be more of a leader, but whatever the team needs from me in the system that coach wants me to play, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
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#33 Michael Steinberg Pipe Dream Sports
Forward
Rebecca Carmody A new coach. A brand new system. Going into her senior year, forward Rebecca Carmody has every reason to be upset or pessimistic about the upcoming season. However, she is neither of those things, instead taking a positive, excited approach. Carmody has been one of the staples of this Bearcats team, from her freshman year, when she made the America East (AE) All-Rookie Team, to last year, when she dominated the AE in rebounds (No. 5 with 6.8 rpg) and blocks (tied for 10th with .6 bpg). One of only two seniors on the women’s basketball team this year, Carmody is embracing the team’s changes and her emerging leadership role. “I actually love it,” Carmody said, talking of the new system. “Having a fresh start for everyone is always a good thing. The coaching staff has been nothing but incredible to me and to my teammates.” Carmody thinks the new system will complement her game, focusing on faster transition, which she thinks will boost her fast layups and passing. “Change is hard,” Carmody said. “But it’s been a good hard. It’s been a good challenge. I love the offense [the coaches are] bringing, so I haven’t had a problem with it.”
The new system is not the only change Carmody is going to face this season. For the first time in her college career, she will be looked upon as a true veteran leader for the team. With Binghamton’s top scorer and AE Player of the Year Imani Watkins, ‘18, and AE Defender of Year Alyssa James, ‘18, both gone to graduation, the Bearcats are going to need some players to step up and fill the void in the locker room and on the court. Carmody is someone who can be expected to step up this season.
team’s role models. When asked to describe the team she’s leading, Carmody struggled to find words for it at first. When she returned to the question, she seemed to know exactly what she would say. “We’re a fun bunch,” Carmody said. “And I think that really creates a really positive environment, something that we’ve lacked, and it’s also brought up our team chemistry, which is really important [in order] to win.” The team’s chemistry is something that Carmody seems very passionate about. She appeared excited to see how the team’s chemistry translates to the court. She says she is trying to help add to that growing chemistry as an emerging leader. She hopes to focus beyond scoring and defending, spending more time teaching the rest of the team the little day-to-day things that she values above all else. “Off-the-court stuff are things that do affect how you play,” Carmody said. “It does affect the energy in the gym every day.” With all the change surrounding the team — new players, a new coach and a new system — Carmody and the Bearcats could be anxious for the new season. They could consider it a rebuilding year for the team. But, no. This team gives off a sense that it is invigorated, fun and pumped up. “We’re all very excited,” Carmody said. “I’m very excited. Especially, it’s my senior year and I want it to be the best year. Everyone’s been working extremely hard, getting better every day, so it’s gonna be a special year.”
Change is hard, but it’s been a good hard. It’s been a good challenge. I love the offense [the coaches are] bringing, so I haven’t had a problem with it. Carmody can do a little bit of everything on the court. She is the secondleading scorer (7.6 points per game) left on the team from last year, just under junior guard Kai Moon (11.5 ppg). Carmody tallied 13 double-digit scoring performances last season, including three double-doubles. She started in all but three games last season and has yet to have a season where she ranked lower than 11th in the conference in rebounds. Carmody is already beginning to embrace the responsibility of being one of the
BASKETBALL ISSUE
November 5, 2018
#4 Ryan Giglio Contributing Writer
Guard
Annie Ramil If hype could predict the future, freshman guard Annie Ramil will be the next star of the Binghamton University women’s basketball team. Ramil, a Binghamton native, joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), a nonprofit volunteer sports organization, in the seventh grade. As a guard for the nationally ranked iExcel AAU program, she earned a reputation as a spot-up shooter that thrived at scoring from beyond the arc. In Ramil’s illustrious basketball career at Binghamton High School, she scored over 1,000 points, almost 900 of them coming in just her junior and senior year alone. In her final two years as a Binghamton Patriot, Pressconnects named Ramil to its Elite 10 All-Star team. She was chosen to the Southern Tier Athletic Conference West/Metro all-conference and all-division teams and represented her school on the 2018 BCANY Section 4 all-section team. As a high school senior, Ramil averaged 21 points and 15 rebounds while scoring 437 total points. In March, she was named the Binghamton Girls Basketball Player of the Year. At the end of the season, she was ranked No. 125 in New York girls basketball. As evidenced by her rank as team captain on the high school squad, Ramil cited her lead-
ership skills and accountability as her biggest strengths. Ramil played all over the court, and her play stepped up when one of her teammates tore her ACL. As a result, she was double-teamed more often. Ramil said that this spotlight won’t have to follow her to BU. “I don’t think I’ll have to [play several positions] because our team is stacked with players that are very versatile this year,” Ramil said. Ramil was named an NYSPHSAA ScholarAthlete for the 2017-18 scholastic year and is a member of the National Honor Society. This bodes well for her ability to adapt to collegelevel academics. However, the freshman said her transition into collegiate basketball will be smoother once she improves her shooting and ball-handling skills. She also mentioned tal-
her how to be an older sister for her three brothers. Family is of the most importance to the entire Ramil clan. She credited her parents Mike and Brem for teaching her a strong work ethic and shaping her into a mentally tough athlete and person. The Ramil family has numerous tough athletes on the family tree. Ramil’s father and uncle both played football at the University of Alabama and her grandfather played at Auburn University. The whole family gets together every Sunday to watch a slate of football games. The Ramil family’s tight bond and its football fandom are on display during these weekly occurrences. “Without my family, honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am,” Ramil said. “We have 36 cousins and they are all supporters. They’ll be here in one huge section.” The high school star grew up also watching NBA games. She became a big fan of Kobe Bryant, but took notes on the way an older NBA legend played. According to Ramil, watching Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley positively impacted her development as a basketball player. She emulates his strength taking the ball off the rim and crashing the glass. Similar to Barkley’s ability to play as both a guard and a forward, Ramil’s long wingspan and height permit her to aggressively corral rebounds, as well as run the floor. While she may not engage in extracurricular activities after the whistle as did one of her favorite professional players, expect Ramil’s presence and tenacity to be felt in her first season.
Without my family, honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am. We have 36 cousins and they are all supporters. ented college athletes as a reason to refine her talent. Ramil will be playing Division I basketball alongside her older sister, sophomore forward Olivia Ramil. Playing with her sister will provide the younger Ramil a sense of comfort in her acclimation to college basketball. “Olivia is my rock basically,” she said. “I go to her for everything. She will let me know when I’m doing well, when I’m not, what I need to fix. But she also tries to make me a better person and player.” She says her two older sisters also taught
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#32 Grace Palumbo Assistant Sports Editor
Forward
Carly Boland Junior guard Carly Boland may not be fresh blood on the Binghamton women’s basketball team, but this season, she’s still looking to take on a more dominating role and enhance her presence on the court. Last season, Boland earned 12 starts and appeared in 31 games, but with the departure of BU superstars Imani Watkins, ‘18, and Alyssa James, ‘18, her versatility on both ends will be more important than ever before. “Individually, I hope to just make more of an impact on the court [this season],” Boland said. “The past couple of years, I feel like I’ve had more potential than how I’ve performed.” Boland’s basketball career began at just 5 years old, and she’s been playing ever since. Transitioning to collegiate play felt like a natural choice for her. “I guess I’d just been playing my whole life and I got super into it and really passionate about it, and I knew that I could go to a school to further my education and athletic career, so I feel like it was in my best interests,”
Boland said. She chose Binghamton based on the environment of the team and the close proximity to her home in Clifton Park, New York. Facing major shakeups in the team’s atmosphere this year due to the loss of players and former BU head coach Linda Cimino, Boland seemed optimistic about the upcoming season. “I think the coaching change has allowed us … to have more chemistry on the court and enjoy each other on the court more, and I feel like
in those categories, but I don’t think we’ll have too much of a problem doing it. I think we’ll leave off right where we ended last year.” In the 2017-18 season, Boland averaged 4.5 points per game, tied for sixth in the America East (AE) Conference for blocks and earned her first career double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. But her goal this season is to focus more on playing as a team. “[I want to] become a better passer, probably, and set my teammates up for more baskets,” Boland said. Boland also made clear that the women’s basketball team would be in hot pursuit of the AE Championship title this year. Last season, they qualified for the postseason conference tournament for the second time in program history, but were eliminated in the first round after a deflating loss to the University of Hartford. Strapped with more play time and a desire to shine both individually and as a team, Boland is certainly well-equipped to make a big impact this year, but it’s her love of basketball that truly draws her to the court. “I’m just excited for the season,” Boland said. “I’m excited to play with this team and these coaches, and I think this year, we can be very successful.”
Individually, I hope to just make more of an impact on the court [this season]. The past couple of years, I feel like I’ve had more potential than how I’ve performed. it’s a good change that we needed,” Boland said. She further asserted that though Watkins and James contributed to the team in a major way, filling their shoes would not be impossible. “They’re definitely very good players, both on offensive and defense,” Boland said. “I feel like other players, including myself, need to step up
BASKETBALL ISSUE
November 5, 2018
#24 Marianne Bohn Contributing Writer
Forward
Olivia Ramil Expectations are running high for sophomore forward Olivia Ramil, who is striving to make her mark on the Binghamton women’s basketball squad with her footwork and willingness to facilitate for other players. Ramil has shown her potential to the Bearcats through her many years dedicated to basketball and her accomplishments along the way. Playing basketball in nearby Johnson City, Ramil saw a change in her skills during her time on her local CYO team and later working with iExcel playing in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). She continued to work hard on a varsitylevel team from seventh grade all the way up until her senior year at Binghamton High School. It was there that she was distinguished as a New York State Scholar-Athlete all four years in high school, serving as team captain in her senior year. During her final year of high school, Ramil averaged a double-double. Playing basketball for Georgetown
University during her freshman year of college, she faced some fierce competition where she started for about half of the year, but still saw a great amount of playing time. “I finally learned a little bit about myself,” Ramil said. “I had the opportunity to play in the big city of [Washington, D.C.] against some great talent, and everything worked out in the end, but I’m happy at Binghamton.” Sitting out last year was tough for the 6-foot-2-inch forward due to NCAA rules regarding transfer eligibility, yet she worked on her play inside the paint by having the opportunity to play with
block herself. Previously, she was used less as a score-first person and more for defending other, bigger post players, and she hopes to bring these skills to help lead the Bearcats. Growing up inspired by NBA stars Marc and Pau Gasol, she hopes to have the same soft touch around the rim, stretch the floor and dish from the elbow. Additionally, Ramil grew up around a large football family, as her father, grandfather and uncles played on the big stage. Ramil appears to have soaked in their perseverance to enhance her own performance, something that she hopes to show off this season with the Bearcats. “Being around the football team with my father, we always had 6 a.m. workouts over the summer with boot camp,” she said. “I don’t think I’d be in the spot I am now without working a ton of hours. I’m always taking extra shots, willing to work with the guards and whoever wants to work with me. My parents and grandparents instilled a pretty hard work ethic in me. Football doesn’t necessarily relate to basketball, but sports in general, and family, have been a huge part in my success.” The long road to a conference championship is kicking off, and Ramil will very soon be able to display her full abilities on the hardwood.
I finally learned a little bit about myself. I had the opportunity to play in the big city of [Washington, D.C.] against some great talent, and everything worked out in the end, but I’m happy at Binghamton. the Bearcats, particularly with all-defensive forward Alyssa James, ‘18. “Last year I didn’t play, but I think it did help to get some cohesiveness with my teammates,” Ramil said. “We do have a lot of returning players among just two freshmen, and I’ve already played with one of them my whole life.” Her goal this season is to facilitate and get her guards open, while also seeing one-on-one opportunities from the
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BASKETBALL ISSUE
AMERICA EAST WOMEN’S TEAM PREVIEWS The overwhelming favorite to repeat as confer-
ence champions, the Black Bears collected eight of nine firstplace votes during the America East (AE) coaches’ preseason poll. The Maine women’s basketball team will seek to top its dominant 23-10 (13-3 AE) season, which ended in its eighth
The Seawolves finished last season tied
with Binghamton for third in the final standings. Their strong 10-6 conference record led to a fourth seed in the AE Tournament, where they were trounced by fifthseeded UNH, 71-54. However, the Long Island institution earned a tie for second in the preseason coaches’
AE finishes, third-year head coach Kim McNeill will look to lead the Hawks to their first conference title since 2011. Ending last year with consecutive upset victories over thirdseeded Binghamton and second-seeded Albany, Hartford
With the improvement of the Bearcats’ record came more accomplishments during the 2017-18 season. Last season marked the first time in Division I history that the women’s basketball team was the favorite in a playoff game, and the Bearcats are looking to do much of the same this season while improving their overall and conference records to become a top seed in the conference. With some
Head Coach Linda Cimino* Season Record 20-12 Conference Record 10-6
of the top players and former BU head coach Linda Cimino absent from the roster this season, Binghamton will have to cope with the changes ahead. After Cimino stepped down and took a head coaching position with St. Francis in Brooklyn, New York, Bethann Shapiro Ord assumed the role of BU head coach following several years coaching at Weber State. Before Shapiro Ord’s arrival at Weber State in 2011, the team had not won more than 10 games in the three years prior. After Shapiro Ord’s hiring, she was able to attain the highest win total in program history during the 2015-16 season with 23 wins, and advance her team to the Women’s Basketball Invitational twice. Her team was also No. 9 in the country in total steals, with 366 during the 2015-16 season. Before Weber State, Shapiro Ord spent 22 years as assistant coach for several Division I basketball teams and was a Division I player herself as a three-year starting point guard at UMBC. After graduating in 1989, Shapiro Ord began her coaching career as an assistant at Nazareth College. With a slew of the experience and accomplishments behind their new head coach, the Bearcats could be in great shape for the upcoming season. “I’m really excited for the start of the season,” Shapiro Ord said. “This group of young ladies has been working really hard for the 18-19 season. They’re always out there on
60.3 PPG 12.5 SPG 1.6 BPG
Stony Brook in the coaches’ preseason poll, due in part to its resilient defense and impressive turnover margin from last season. The Hawks were able to force 22.2 turnovers per game while only coughing the ball up an average of 15 times per game. Hartford will face stiff competition this year in its pursuit of a conference title.
63.8 PPG 39.5 RPG 11.8 APG
DEFENSIVE
In any sport, improvement is the name of the game, and the Binghamton women’s basketball team is no exception. In the 2015-16 basketball season, the Bearcats were 14-17 overall and 8-8 in America East (AE) conference play. The team followed the trend in the 2016-17 season with an overall record of 13-17 and a conference record of 8-8. However, in the 2017-18 season, improvement became the word that defined the season. The Bearcats turned their losing record around and held a 20-12 overall record and a 10-6 conference record. Samantha Marsh Pipe Dream Sports
64.6 PPG 32.6 RPG 13.8 APG
OFFENSIVE
BINGHAMTON
57.8 PPG 8.3 SPG 2.7 BPG
Jerell Matthews, who set a program record last season with a .380 3-point field goal percentage. The team managed to bring in three freshmen, while also losing only one player: guard Aaliyah Worley. Head coach Caroline McCombs will hope to turn that continuity into a championship as she begins her fifth season with the team.
Head Coach Kim McNeill Season Record 19-13 Conference Record 9-7
was defeated by Maine in the AE Conference Championship match. The Hawks are led by preseason All-Conference senior guard Lindsey Abed, who topped her team in points, 3-pointers and assists last season. Also returning are 2017 Rookie of the Year junior guard Sierra DaCosta and AllRookie sophomore guard Jade Young. Hartford tied with
62.6 PPG 37.6 RPG 13.4 APG
DEFENSIVE
HARTFORD
Coming off back-to-back sixth-place
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poll, a result of multiple returning players and several strong showings at the end of the season, including a five-game winning streak against tough competition. The Seawolves will count on preseason All-Conference senior guard Shania Johnson, who made First Team All-Conference last season after averaging 16.0 points and 5.6 assists per game. Also returning is senior guard
OFFENSIVE
3
Head Coach Caroline McCombs Season Record 18-12 Conference Record 10-6
DEFENSIVE
STONY BROOK
56.6 PPG 9.2 SPG 2.3 BPG
assists. AE Coach of the Year winner Amy Vachon will enter her second season with the team, as will last season’s Rookie of the Year winner, sophomore guard Dor Saar. In order to defend their conference title, the Black Bears will aim to maintain their stout defense as well as count on Millan, who is building her case as one of the best players in the AE.
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NCAA Tournament appearance, and its first since 2004. The Black Bears will field an experienced team, headlined by preseason All-Conference guards junior Blanca Millan and redshirt senior Tanesha Sutton. Millan finished second in scoring last season with 17.5 points per game. Sutton finished fourth in the conference in rebounds as well as eighth in
65.5 PPG 35.6 RPG 14.9 APG
DEFENSIVE
MAINE
OFFENSIVE
1
Head Coach Amy Vachon Season Record 23-10 Conference Record 13-3
57.4 PPG 9.9 SPG 5.9 BPG
the court giving everything they have, day in and day out, and the chemistry has been, so far, terrific.” Although Imani Watkins, ‘18, who holds the record for highest scorer in program history, and Alyssa James, ‘18, who holds the program and AE records for the most blocks, graduated from Binghamton, there are a number of returning and new players who pose a threat to AE competition. “It’s definitely different for [the freshmen],” Shapiro Ord said. “They’ve done a really good job of trying to figure things out. It’s still a process, but it’s like the rest of the team. All of them have been trying to learn a new system and learn our coaches and my style.” Out of the returning players, junior guard Kai Moon, senior forward Rebecca Carmody and junior guard Carly Boland are three of the players who have shown their skill and dexterity time and time again. With these returning players and some new up-and-comers, such as freshman guard Annie Ramil, sophomore forward Olivia Ramil and the experience of Shapiro Ord, the women’s basketball team is looking to improve on a game-by-game basis this season. “It’s not going to be overnight, and it’s been a process, but just as long as we keep improving — little improvement is good improvement — and that’s the biggest thing that I want,” Shapiro Ord said.
November 5, 2018
As one of the most historically dominant
teams in the AE, the Great Danes will look to get back to their winning ways after winning the conference championship for six straight years between 2012 and 2017. Albany has finished the regular season in second place or better in the conference for seven straight seasons, highlighted
The Catamounts will seek to build on a
disappointing 8-22 season behind interim head coach Alisa Kresge and preseason All-Conference junior forward Hanna Crymble. Hoping to bounce back from a defeat against Albany in last year’s AE Conference Tournament, the Catamounts are
As a team that has never won the AE Championship, the Wildcats put forth a strong effort last season, losing to the eventual champion, Maine, in the semifinals. However, ninth-year head coach Maureen Magarity has her work cut out for her, as the Wildcats lost six seniors to graduation this past offseason. With the goal of improving on
While the men’s program gained fame
as the first 16-seed to upset a one-seed last year in the NCAA tournament, the Retrievers’ women’s program has a lot of work to do if it wants to improve on its 5-26 overall record last season. Seventeenth year head coach Phil
The River Hawks have nowhere to go but up after a season where they posted a 1-15 conference record. First-year head coach Tom Garrick has a lot of ground to make up to turn this team into a threat in the conference. Garrick served as an assistant coach at Boston Col-
57.3 PPG 7.0 SPG 2.5 BPG
64.3 PPG 5.7 SPG 2.5 BPG
then blown out by No. 1 Maine 65-43. Graduating guard Laura Castaldo leaves the program without any players who managed a double-digit scoring average last season. Sophomore guard Melody Van Ness and junior guard Allison McGrath will look to pick up the load offensively as another difficult season seems imminent.
Head Coach Jenerrie Harris* Season Record 4-26 Conference Record 1-15 lege for its women’s team, and will attempt to improve on the River Hawks’ lackluster record. UMass Lowell is led by senior forward Angel Agoth and sees three new players added to its current roster. Absent from its roster is All-Rookie sophomore guard Paula Lopez, who was a bright spot on last year’s squad. Since moving to Divi-
52.2 PPG 33.8 RPG 12.2 APG
58.7 PPG 36.3 RPG 10.1 APG
DEFENSIVE
UML
Stern will field a more experienced team, with room to grow in the future with no seniors currently on the roster. UMBC ended last season with a dismal 36.0 field goal percentage, along with a 28.1 3-point percentage. While they did pick up a win against eight-seed UMass Lowell in last year’s AE Conference Tournament, the Retrievers were
OFFENSIVE
9
Head Coach Phil Stern Season Record 5-26 Conference Record 3-13
DEFENSIVE
UMBC
59.8 PPG 34.9 RPG 13.1 APG
ketball player Bobby Ahearn, ‘18. While the Wildcats experienced some turnover before diving into the season, perhaps next season can be theirs. Only one senior is currently on the roster, so the Wildcats are certainly a team to watch in the future. With limited historical success, New Hampshire will attempt to build a strong foundation for upcoming seasons, headlined by its seven new additions this year.
OFFENSIVE
8
62.4 PPG 6.4 SPG 3.2 BPG
place standing. With a .275 3-point field goal percentage, the Catamounts need to improve on their perimeter shooting to challenge the stronger programs in the conference. Time will tell if they can match the recent success of their men’s basketball program, which won the conference tournament in 2017 on its way to an NCAA tournament berth.
Head Coach Maureen Magarity Season Record 19-12 Conference Record 9-7 a respectable 9-7 conference record, New Hampshire enters the season with a daunting number of new players to integrate into its system. Among those lost to graduation are AllConference players Carlie Pogue, a center, and Olivia Healy, a guard. Aiming to step in critical roles are players such as senior guard Alli Gribbin and sophomore forward Maggie Ahearn, who is the sister of former Binghamton men’s bas-
56.8 PPG 36.6 RPG 11.7 APG
DEFENSIVE
UNH
looking to capture their first conference title since 2010. With no players other than Crymble making an All-Conference team last season, Vermont will seek to develop a new identity behind its star player. Team captain Crymble is joined by senior forward Candice Wright, Vermont’s all-time leading shot blocker, in guiding the team to a better finish than last year’s seventh-
OFFENSIVE
7
Head Coach Chris Day* Season Record 8-22 Conference Record 5-11
DEFENSIVE
VERMONT
60.2 PPG 10.9 SPG 3.2 BPG
Great Danes’ offense will be one to observe this coming season. Looking to fill Féquière’s shoes, senior forwards Heather Forster and Amanda Kantzy will try to keep Albany competitive in a tight conference. With the best overall record last year at 24-8 and a winning pedigree, the Great Danes will hope to stay relevant in the conference among improving teams.
OFFENSIVE
6
by a second-round NCAA tournament appearance in 2016. With former head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee’s departure to Boston College, first-year head coach Colleen Mullen will be expected to meet high expectations in her place. The Great Danes lost their leading scorer from last season in guard Jessica Féquière. With no returning players who averaged over 10 points per game last season, the
68.3 PPG 37.9 PPG 15.0 APG
DEFENSIVE
ALBANY
OFFENSIVE
5
Head Coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee* Season Record 24-8 Conference Record 12-4
70.4 PPG 6.4 SPG 1.4 BPG
sion I in 2013, the River Hawks have had a tough time gaining traction in the competitive AE. The signing of a new head coach may help turn things around. Luckily for the River Hawks, their status as underdogs may help them surprise some teams throughout what could be a tumultuous season. * Former head coach
B17
PIPE DREAM ALL-CONFERENCE PICKS
ANTHONY LAMB — VERMONT, JR.
F
AKWASI YEBOAH
— STONY BROOK, REDSHIRT JR.
JOHN CARROLL F
— HARTFORD, REDSHIRT SR.
ERNIE DUNCAN F
— VERMONT, REDSHIRT SR.
JASON DUNNE G
— HARTFORD, SR.
G
Despite missing most of the conference season last year due to a foot injury, Lamb headlines a stacked Vermont team that routinely finds itself atop of the America East (AE). In only 18 appearances, the swingman posted 14.3 points per game while shooting a lights-out 82 percent from the charity stripe. Additionally, Lamb was a force on the defensive end, averaging 3.6 defensive boards and nearly one steal and block as well. He certainly is one of the best in the conference, and has the accolades to prove it. Lamb earned AE Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Rookie of the Year and All-Conference Second Team as a freshman back in 2017.
The 6-foot-6-inch forward from Chigwell, England is the irrefutable centerpiece of the Stony Brook Seawolves. Yeboah nearly doubled his scoring average from his rookie year to sophomore year while also improving in 3-pointers made, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, assists and steals. He played in 32 games as a sophomore while earning nearly eight more minutes of playing time compared to his freshman year. Yeboah was sixth in the AE in scoring with 15.3 points per game, seventh in free-throw percentage and 12th in 3-pointers. Expect Yeboah to keep Stony Brook as a threat in the conference despite the studs on Vermont and Hartford.
One of the most improved players in the conference, Carroll increased his statistical production across the board in his junior season. Carroll improved his field goal percentage from his sophomore mark of 37.4 percent to 46.9 percent last season, as well as boosting his 3-pointer percentage from 10.5 percent in the 2016-17 season to 30.3 percent last year. The 6-foot-8-inch forward was the AE’s fourth-most prolific scorer and sixth-most prolific rebounder in his previous campaign, averaging 15.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Carroll played an integral role in Hartford’s turnaround season, as the team improved its conference record by eight wins over its previous season record.
With the departure of Trae Bell-Haynes, Duncan is expected to take over the reins of the Catamounts’ offense. A reliable source of production for his entire Vermont career, Duncan should have more opportunities to both score and create for others this season. Duncan’s best offensive skill is his shooting ability, as he has shot 41.3 percent from downtown in the past four seasons and ranked third in the AE in true shooting percentage last season. Making the Preseason All-Conference Team demonstrates just how lethal Duncan is as a shooter, and if he improves his playmaking and rebounding, he could become the most dominant guard in the conference.
Another prolific scorer from deep, Dunne led the AE in both 3-pointers attempted and 3-pointers made last season, connecting on 98 of his 274 attempts. Dunne’s offensive game relies on production behind the arc significantly more than any other volume-scorer in the conference, as he launched 48 more threes than Binghamton graduate student guard J.C. Show, who ranked second in the AE in 3-pointers attempted. 67.5 five percent of Dunne’s field goal attempts last season were threes, and he still connected on an efficient 35.8 percent of his attempts from deep. The tandem of Dunne and Carroll may vault Hartford into the top tier of AE offenses.
HANNA CRYMBLE
KAI MOON
LINDSEY ABED
BLANCA MILLAN
SHANIA JOHNSON
— VERMONT, JR.
F
As the fourth-leading scorer in the America East (AE) last year, Crymble dominated opposing bigs in the paint, both crashing the glass and feasting at the rim. The 6-foot-3inch forward had her way in the post with season averages of 17 points and 5.6 boards. Efficiency is her game, as she was nearly automatic from the free-throw line, making 89 percent of her attempts, good for ninth among all NCAA Division I players, as well as 54.5 percent of her field goals. Although her defensive numbers are not particularly inspiring, Crymble managed to be the only forward selected to the Preseason All-Conference Team largely due to her unparalleled offensive output in the frontcourt.
— BINGHAMTON, JR.
G
With the departures of former guard Imani Watkins, ‘18, and former forward Alyssa James, ‘18, Moon is expected to emerge as the focal point of BU’s offense. Moon will look to build upon a successful sophomore season, during which she was named to the All-Conference Third Team. Moon tallied 11.4 points per game last year, good for second among all Bearcats, and made over 81 percent of her free throws, ranking fourth in the AE in that regard. Her strongest performance came against Bucknell, when she scored a career-high 23 points. Moon started in all 31 games for Binghamton last season, a testament to her durability and leadership that will be on full display this season.
— HARTFORD, SR.
G
First in assist-to-turnover ratio, fourth in steals, first in free throw percentage, seventh in 3-pointers made and eighth in scoring was enough for Abed to lock up All-Conference Second Team in her junior campaign. Alongside senior forwards Janelle Harrison and Darby Lee, Abed headlined the trio that each averaged double-digits in scoring with 13 points per game. For the Hawks, Abed started all 32 games, led the team in minutes and was a critical component of their playoff run that featured an upset of Binghamton in the quarterfinals. Expect Abed and her running mates to make some more noise in conference play.
— MAINE, JR.
G
Though only entering her junior year, Millan has already acquired an impressive number of accolades during her college basketball career. Last season, Millan made First-Team All-Conference, AE AllTournament First Team and was named the AE Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, and all for good reason. Millan was second in the conference in scoring with 17.5 points a game, trailing only the nowdeparted Watkins. Millan had 13 games with 20 or more points, and scored doubledigits a whopping 31 times. Given her immense success so early in her career, there is little reason to doubt Millan will return to the First-Team All-Conference this season.
— STONY BROOK, SR.V
G
Having transferred from Monroe College last year, Johnson took the AE by storm in her first year in the conference. Johnson blazed her way to earn a spot among the conference’s top scorers, ranking fifth in the AE in points (15.9) and topping the conference in 3-pointers made with 95. Her 95 treys also set a single-season program record for the Seawolves. Johnson has shown ability to contribute in many facets of the game, earning 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists last season. It’s hardly a surprise that Johnson made the All-Conference Team last season, and it would hardly be a surprise for her to repeat.
SCHEDULES