Hooley, Sanders and Williams Tabbed to Captain 2015-16 Men's Basketball Squad
2015-16 SCHEDULE | SEASON TICKETS
ALBANY, N.Y.- Coming off of its third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, University at Albany men's basketball will kick off 2015-16 under the leadership of seniors Peter Hooley, Ray Sanders and Reece Williams, head coach Will Brown announced on Monday.
“I am excited to name Peter Hooley, Ray Sanders, and Reece Williams captains for the 2015-16 season,” said Brown. “I am confident that they are ready to lead our basketball team on and off the court. We have high expectations for the 2015-16 season and these three young men will provide the necessary direction for us to enjoy a successful season.”
Hooley is a three-time team captain, and one of three members of a returning All-America East starting backcourt for the Danes. He is a two-time America East All-Conference and All-Academic selection. The senior hit the game winning shot in the league championship last year, earning his second straight Reggie Lewis Most Outstanding Player award.
“Peter has proven himself at the highest level as a student-athlete and has grown in to an effective leader who is respected by his teammates and coaching staff,” added Brown.
Hooley is a two-time NABC Honors Court and Capital One Academic All-District First Team selection. He has averaged over 14 points per game in the last two seasons under Will Brown, netting his 1,000th point in 2014-15. With one season remaining, Hooley ranks eighth in Division I program scoring with 1,108 points.
Sanders joined the Great Danes squad last season as a junior college transfer out of Pensacola State. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native was an America East All-Conference Third Team and All-Defensive selection one year ago, after starting all 33 games. An impact player on both sides of the ball, Sanders recorded double digits in scoring on 12 occasions and led the team in steals with 45. He shot 77.2% from the charity stripe and 43.5% from the field in 2014-15.
“Ray had an outstanding junior season and I was very impressed with the leadership qualities that he showed over the summer,” said Brown. “Ray has the rare ability to lead vocally and by example. I am looking forward to watching him establish himself as a leader.”
Williams was named a captain after three seasons as a walk-on for UAlbany. A 2014-15 NABC Honors Court awardee, Williams has made 16 appearances in his career. An active member of both the campus community and the Albany community at large, he is the first walk-on to be named a captain in the Division I era since current Sage College head coach Brian Barnes in 2002-03.
“Reece has been committed to our program and has represented our team in a positive manner on the court, in the classroom, and in the community,” added Brown. “He is very deserving of this honor.”
The five-time America East Champion men's basketball team starts official practice on Thursday, Oct. 8. The Great Danes open the 2015-16 season on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m., against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Season tickets for the upcoming 2015-16 UAlbany men's basketball campaign are available here.
