2022-23 Men’s Basketball Season Preview

11/3/2022 12:00:00 PM

ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany men’s basketball team begins its 2022-23 season in less than a week. The Great Danes enter year two under Head Coach Dwayne Killings, who kicked off his head coaching career by bringing a new MENTALITY to UAlbany. A new coaching staff behind Killings, a new crop of players hungry to capture the America East crown, and a season schedule unlike any other will make for an exciting year for the Great Danes.

Recapping Year One

Coach Killings enters his second season as the Head Coach of the Great Danes. Last year, he guided the team to an overall record of 13-18, going an even 9-9 in America East play.

Under Killings’ guidance and leadership, multiple Great Danes were recognized by the conference for their efforts on the court. Jamel Horton was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, and freshman Justin Neely collected America East Rookie of the Year honors after winning the weekly rookie award an astonishing six times. Horton was named to the conference’s All-Defensive Team and All-Conference Second Team. Neely was also named to the All-Rookie Team alongside teammate Aaron Reddish. Graduate student Matt Cerruti was named to the America East All-Conference Third Team.

One of the brightest moments of the 2021-22 season came in early December when the team defeated ACC foe Boston College on the road, 61-57. The victory was the first over any ACC team in program history. With 36 seconds left in the game and up two points, Horton made a huge three-pointer as the shot clock sounded to increase the lead to two scores. The game was sealed when Cerruti went to the foul line, five seconds remaining, with the Great Danes up four. He collected his own rebound to run out the rest of the clock, not giving the Eagles another opportunity.

Mission ACComplished ??#BeGreat #MENTALITY pic.twitter.com/N6jc1NCWeE
— UAlbany Basketball (@UAlbanyMBB) December 14, 2021

New Coaching Staff

One of the biggest differences between last season and now is the support staff behind Coach Killings. This offseason saw the departure of Assistant Coaches Matt Griffin, Hamlet Tibbs, and Dannton Jackson, as well as Director of Recruiting and Video KJ Baptiste.

Coach Dan Madhavapallil, who served as the team’s Director of Basketball Operations last season, was promoted to Assistant Coach for 2022-23 – the first such role of his career. Joining Madhavapallil on the sidelines this year is Coach Bobby Jordan, who was named an Assistant Coach at Saint Peter's this June before coming to UAlbany. Prior, he spent the last three seasons as an assistant under Bashir Mason at Wagner College. Rounding out the Assistant Coaches is rising star Ryan Daly, who enjoyed a prolific playing career before coming to UAlbany.

Another move on the staff includes Matt Cioce, who was a Graduate Assistant last season, now moving into the role of Video Coordinator and Director of Recruiting. New additions include Rudy Wise (Director of Program Development and Analytics), Luis Guzman (Director of Basketball Operations), and Conner McBride (Graduate Assistant).

“I love the diversity and differentiated experience for this year’s staff,” said Killings. “We have high character men that are ready to serve our student-athletes and impact our program and community. This group possesses experience at both the high-major level and within successful Division I programs, has professional playing knowledge, and has held leadership positions that are second to none.”

Roster Changes

In total, only seven Great Danes return from last year’s roster. Those still with the program are Ny’Mire Little, Gerald Drumgoole Jr., Trey Hutcheson, Aaron Reddish, Tairi Ketner, Justin Neely, and Will Amica.

Six new faces join this year’s team. Joining the program are transfers Da’Kquan Davis (Arcadia), Malik Edmead (Merrimack), Sarju “Juice” Patel (Cornell), and Japannah Kellogg (Green Bay). Freshman joining the team include local standouts Jonathan Beagle (St. Thomas More) and Marcus Jackson (Cushing Academy).

Combined, the 13 men above make up the 2022-23 UAlbany men’s basketball roster.

A New Home

Earlier this summer, the UAlbany Athletic Department announced transformational renovations of both SEFCU Arena and the Physical Education Building that will improve the fan experience and provide state-of-the-art facilities for the University’s athletic programs and Capital Region community events.

Due to the construction, the team will play all of it’s 2022-23 home games at the McDonough Sports Complex on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College.

Preseason Coaches’ Poll

The UAlbany men's basketball team was picked to finish sixth in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, as voted on by the league’s head coaches. The Great Danes earned 25 points to land in the sixth spot Vermont topped the list with 63 points and seven first place votes.

The Catamounts were trailed closely by new America East foe Bryant, which came in with 58 points and the remaining two first place votes. UMass Lowell (47) placed third, followed by Binghamton (42) and UMBC (40). Following UAlbany is New Hampshire (23), NJIT (14), and Maine (12).

2022-23 America East Men's Basketball Preseason Poll

No. School - Points (1st Place Votes)

1. Vermont - 63 (7)

2. Bryant - 58 (2)

3. UMass Lowell - 47

4. Binghamton - 42

5. UMBC - 40

6. UAlbany - 25

7. New Hampshire - 23

8. NJIT - 14

9. Maine - 12

Season Schedule

UAlbany's 2022-23 schedule consists of 15 non-conference games (three home, 12 away) and 16 America East matchups.

The Great Danes start their non-conference journey on the road with matchups against Towson, Immaculata (DIII), and a neutral site matchup with Siena for the return of the highly anticipated Albany Cup. The team's first home game comes on Nov. 14 against local foe Union (DIII) before once again hitting the road for a matchup against St. Joe's and two games in the Dayton, Fla., Sunshine Slam.

The team hosts Florida Atlantic on Nov. 26 then travels to play American, UMass, and Providence before hosting LIU Brooklyn on Dec. 14. The team's non-conference schedule wraps up with games at Loyola Chicago, Northern Illinois, and ACC powerhouse Virginia.

America East action kicks off on New Year's Eve with a home game against UNH. Home conference games to note include a Feb. 4 matchup with Vermont, a Feb. 8 matchup with new America East member Bryant, and a Feb. 15 matchup with UMBC.

The America East Playoffs are scheduled to kick off on March 3 (quarterfinals), with semifinals set for March 7 and the championship set for March 11.

Drive the Lane

UAlbany is excited to continue its partnership with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team and City Line Bar & Grill for another year of ‘Drive the Lane with UAlbany Hoops’. The weekly radio spot features head coaches Dwayne Killings and Colleen Mullen, along with select student-athletes, on air with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team’s Charlie Voelker and Dan Bahl. The show will be held live every Monday from City Line Bar & Grill on Western Ave across the street from UAlbany’s campus.

The show is set to run every Monday throughout the basketball season from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Coaches and student-athletes join Charlie and Dan to break down games, give an inside look at the program, and connect with the Capital Region community. In addition, having the show at City Line Bar & Grill gives fans the unique opportunity to talk to the Great Danes in person.

Postgame Radio

Earlier this week, UAlbany announced a new postgame segment with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team, Northwestern Mutual – Capital Region, and the UAlbany men’s basketball team. The UAlbany Basketball Postgame Show Presented by Northwestern Mutual – Capital Region will begin immediately following all games, home and away, for fans to listen to as they commute home or tune in from a distance.

The show is set to run for 30 minutes following the final buzzer on 104.5 The Team. Fans will hear initial reactions and a game recap to start the segment followed by interviews with the team. Coach Dwayne Killings and select student-athletes will join ESPN Radio’s Rodger Wyland and Michael Johnson Jr. to break down the contest, give insights, opinions, responses, and to discuss the team’s next matchup.

Fans can tune in to ESPN Radio 104.5 the Team by turning the dial on their radio or by streaming on their computers or smart phones.

Season Tickets

Season tickets for the 2022-23 season are now on sale. To purchase your season tickets, just log in to your online Ticket Return account and select 2022-23 men’s basketball. Renewals can be processed online, and game tickets will be delivered to your mobile device or, if you choose, emailed. To start your season ticket renewal, click here. If you are a first-time season ticket buyer, click here.

Stay up to date with UAlbany men’s basketball by following the team on Twitter (@UAlbanyMBB) and Instagram (@ualbany_mbb) for all of the latest news and highlights throughout the year.

MEET THE TEAM

#0 Ny’Mire Little

Guard

6-4, 205, So.

Chester, Pa./Westtown

Second Year at UAlbany

“I am excited to get to play with the new guys we have! I think we could do something special this year”

#2 Da’Kquan Davis

Guard

6-1, 175, Gr.

Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic/Arcadia

First Year at UAlbany

“I'm excited for the first game, where we as a team get to show everyone what our identity is! We want to go all out in every game and replicate that day in and day out.....CONSISTENCY!”

#3 Trey Hutcheson

Forward

6-5, 200, Sr.

Marion, Iowa/Linn-Mar

Fourth Year at UAlbany

“I’m excited for our opportunity this season. We have a very versatile team who is looking forward to trying to prove people wrong and win an America East championship.”

#4 Malik Edmead

Guard

5-10, 170, Jr.

Deer Park, N.Y./Deer Park/Merrimack

First Year at UAlbany

“I’m excited for the season at UAlbany. I can’t wait to be part of building and doing special things here!”

#10 Aaron Reddish

Forward

6-7, 195, So.

Norristown, Pa./Pebblebrook

Second Year at UAlbany

“I am looking forward to proving people wrong, we have a really good group of guys. I think we can come together and do something special this year!”

#11 Tairi Ketner

Forward

6-7, 260, So.

South Philadelphia, Pa./Woodstock Academy

Second Year at UAlbany

“I’m excited to help this team win, go to battle with them, and bond with my teammates on and off the court.”

#12 Justin Neely

Forward

6-6, 210. So.

Miami, Fla./ West Oaks Academy

Second Year at UAlbany

“I am very excited for the upcoming season. We have a great group of guys who all have something to prove. We have been working extremely hard on and off the court and are looking forward to making a statement this season.”

#13 Sarju Patel

Guard

6-3, 173, Gr.

Daleville, Va./Hargrave Military Academy/Cornell

First Year at UAlbany

“I’m excited to grow throughout the season with this group, and hopefully build to something special by the end of the season.”

#14 Japannah Kellogg

Forward

6-8, 200, Jr.

Ames, Iowa/Ames/Green Bay

First Year at UAlbany

“I am excited to go to war with my brothers every day. We have grown a lot as a team this fall and we want to keep getting better throughout the season!”