University of Albany

The University at Albany Men’s Basketball Team had a 2021-22 season unlike any other. The year was full of new beginnings, fresh faces, and memorable moments. From a first-year head coach, to historic wins, to new community service initiatives – this past year was one to remember.

Dwayne Killings Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach 

On March 17, 2021, Dwayne Killings was officially announced as the 16th head men’s basketball coach in program history, and fourth during UAlbany’s Division I era. The hiring kicked off the MENTALITY era of UAlbany basketball. 

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Killings Finalizes Men’s Basketball Staff

Leadership Academy

Over the course of the summer, the team took place in Coach Killings’ “Leadership Academy” designed to help get student-athletes prepared for life beyond basketball. Different speakers, including American Athletic Conference Associate Commissioner for Basketball Karl Hicks and famous motivational speaker Kevin Carroll came by over the summer to share their thoughts on being an NCAA student-athlete in today’s time.  

Youth Basketball Camps

The team hosted its first basketball camp in early July, inviting kids from the surrounding community to come out, have fun, and learn some fundamentals of basketball. Coaches and student-athletes helped them learn basic principles and provided a fun day of activities

Back-To-School Night

The coaching staff and team hosted a “Back-to-School” night at SEFCU Arena before the beginning of the new school year. Over 200 children attended the event to collect supplies, get free haircuts, and enjoy some free food. Everything that was given away to local children was donated from those supporting the event. 

Shortly after back-to-school night, the team participated in a “clap in” to welcome kids back to school on their first day. Kids got high fives as they entered the building, with the team helping point out classroom locations, give out free snacks, and help pass out COVID tests.

Race for Equity 5k

UAlbany’s Race for Equity 5K celebrated social justice accomplishments in the United States, raised awareness about current injustices and educated participants as our nation forges ahead in the Race for Equity.  Thirty "social justice stations" along the race course had giveaways (Equity 5K Bags provided) and were dedicated to memorializing a social justice accomplishment, recognizing civil rights leaders or raising awareness about a current inequity.

Great Danes Picked Seventh in AE Men’s Hoops Coaches’ Poll

The Great Danes were picked to finish seventh in the conference in the annual coaches’ poll, as voted on by the league’s head coaches.

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Halloween Night at SEFCU Arena

The team welcomed kids from around the Capital Region to SEFCU Arena to provide a safe way to trick-or-treat for Halloween. The team dressed up in costumes, handing out candy to those who stopped by. Helping throw this fun event was SEFCU, New York Life, and others who donated candy and supplies to hand out. 

Great Danes Open 2021-22 Season at SEFCU Arena in Front of Sold-Out Crowd

Fans packed SEFCU Arena on Nov. 9 as the team opened its season against Towson. Although the game didn’t go in favor of UAlbany, it was a warm welcome for Killings and the 2021-22 squad to the Capital Region with over 4,000 fans showing their support. 

Game Recap

Great Danes Flex Against No. 10 Kentucky

The team got the chance to travel to historic Rupp Arena to take on Powerhouse Kentucky, ranked 10th in the nation at the time of the game. The game was one of three the Great Danes played in the state during a southern swing early in the year. UAlbany played hard against the Wildcats, and drew praise from Coach John Calipari for the team’s efforts. 

Game Recap

First Win of the Season, First Win for Killings

Great Danes Defeat Columbia to win Big Purple Growl

One of the biggest games every year, the annual Big Purple Growl and Ferocious Feast, took place on Dec. 11 at SEFCU Arena. Down one, De'Vondre Perry went to the free throw line with three seconds on the clock. He sank both to put the Great Danes in the lead in front of a roaring crowd, sealing the win. Game Recap. 

UAlbany Defeats Boston College for First Ever Win Over ACC Opponent 

The Great Danes picked up a signature win on Dec. 14, going to Boston College and defeating the Eagles 61-57 on their home court. It was the first ever win over an ACC opponent in program history. Jamel Horton hit a game-sealing three-pointer with 36 seconds remaining to put UAlbany up two scores. 

Game Recap

“It’s Back.” – UAlbany and Siena Announce the Return of the Albany Cup

A favorite among Capital Region basketball fans, it was announced in Jan. 11 that the Albany Cup was returning for the next three seasons. The three-year series commences with a neutral site matchup at MVP Arena during the upcoming 2022-23 season. UAlbany will host the Albany Cup at SEFCU Arena in 2023-24, with the rivalry returning to MVP Arena for a Siena home game in 2024-25. 

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Great Danes Notch First America East Win

UAlbany won its first America East game of the year back on Jan. 12, 57-47, in a home matchup against UMass Lowell. Paul Newman had himself a career day with 12 points and 16 rebounds. 

Game Recap

MLK Reading Day

ON Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the team partook in a virtual reading for kids around the Capital Region. The discussion focused on the importance of education, school, and the history of MLK. 

Gold Jersey Drop

Graduation

With life after a basketball being a focus for the coaching staff, graduation comes as a very special time for the team. This year, five Great Danes walked the stage to receive both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Season Wrap Up

The season concluded with the Great Danes entering the America East Tournament as the league's No. 5 seed. UAlbany was tasked with going on the road and playing defending champions Hartford in the opening round. Although the outcome wasn't what everybody hoped for, the team exceeded preseason expectations in its first year under Coach Killings, providing many memorable moments along the way.