Binghamton Bearcats Men’s Basketball Looks For Major Improvement

The Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team is looking for major improvements following last season when they won just 3 games.  Coach Tommy Dempsey returns for his second season and he and his assistant coaches are optimistic about the turnaround beginning this season.

4 freshmen are expected to get substantial playing time.  Returning is the America East leader in rebounds Jordan Reed.  The standout sophomore averaged 9.5 rebounds per game last season.  He finished second in points per game average at 16.6.  Reed earned numerous honors for his outstanding season including Mid-Major Freshmen All-America recognition, 3rd team All-America East and America East All-Rookie Team selections as well.

Returning following a medical red-shirt is Rob Mansell who led the team in scoring two seasons ago before suffering a severe knee injury that sidelined him all of last season.  Mansell will give the Bearcats solid outside shooting as well as the ability to penetrate and attack the basket.

6'9" freshman forward Nick Madray is one of the talented freshmen expected to see plenty of duty.  Madray is a sharp-shooter who can hit from the perimeter and can score inside as well.  Marlon Beck and Yosef Yacob are getting time at both the shooting guard and point guard positions and both appear to be able to perform well in either role.  Forward Magnus Richards at 6'7" is expected to help inside both offensively and defensively.

The Bearcats host Bloomsburg Saturday November 2nd at 2 PM in exhibition game action.  BU's first Division I game will be against Loyola (Md.) on Friday, November 8 at 8 PM.  All games for both the men and women will again be broadcast on News Radio 1290 WNBF and on occasion ESPN 1360 AM WYOS.