Men’s basketball ready for unique season

A strong sophomore class is expected to lead Binghamton basketball into the 2020-21 season — a season whose length and make-up will no doubt be affected by the pandemic.

Ninth-year head coach Tommy Dempsey returns two starters and seven letterwinners from last winter’s squad that led the America East in 3-pointers (9.6/game, 20th in nation) and ranked third in scoring. However, with the departure of point guard Sam Sessoms (19.4 ppg.) and graduated senior starters Pierre Sarre and Richard Caldwell, Binghamton University will have to replace 55% of its offensive production and 48% of its rebounding.

Tinsley returns after making a big splash as freshman

Sophomore forward George Tinsley is back after an outstanding freshman campaign that ended with America East Rookie of the Year honors — the second straight year Binghamton has produced the top rookie in the league. Tinsley logged more than 38 minutes a game (second in nation), led all America East freshmen in scoring (11.6 ppg.) and ranked second overall in rebounding (7.4 rpg.). His return to the starting lineup will help solidify a group that needs to replace three regular contributors.

“George had an outstanding freshman season,” Dempsey said. “He is one of the more complete players in the conference and we will be counting heavily on him to take a step forward for us as a leader this year.”

The frontcourt receives a huge boost with the return of senior 6-foot-9 center Thomas Bruce, whose final year of eligibility has been delayed for two years with injury. In his junior season, Bruce was one of the most dominant big men in the America East, averaging 11.1 points and 8.8 rebounds (second in AE) and leading the league in blocks (61). He is a two-time member of the America East All-Defensive Team and he brings career totals of 708 points, 535 rebounds (4th in school history) and 117 blocks (second). Dempsey knows his value to the program.

“Thomas is an elite defender and a ridiculous athlete who can go get rebounds and protect the basket,” Dempsey said. “He also can score around the basket, catch alley-oops and he’s a terrific passer and unselfish player. While he’s been away, he’s been able to work on his own game and that will benefit us this year.”

The Bearcats’ frontcourt will also be bolstered by the addition of 6-foot-9 sophomore Ogheneyole Akuwovo, who sat out last season after transferring from Howard. Akuwovo is a rugged post player and the team’s most aggressive rebounder. The boost by the basket should help Binghamton become an improved defensive team and add much needed help on the boards.

Another newcomer with a high motor like Tinsley is sophomore Bryce Beamer, who played his first collegiate season at College of Central Florida. Beamer led his Sickles High School team (Tampa, Fla.) to a state title as a senior and is a stretch 4 guy with great desire and toughness.

Seven-foot junior Yarden Willis and 6-foot-11 sophomore Ador Athuai return and should provide inside depth. Willis tallied 14 points against Army and played an average of 12 minutes in 2019-20. Athuai is gaining familiarity with the system and has untapped potential with a 7-foot-5 wingspan.

Mills, Petcash anchor backcourt

Sophomore Brenton Mills is back in a starting role after a strong rookie season. He averaged 9.7 points and joined Tinsley on the America East All-Rookie Team after logging nearly 32 minutes a game. Three times Mills went over the 20-point mark and his continued contributions will be important.

“B-Mills played a lot of minutes and gained valuable experience during his freshman year,” Dempsey said. “He has another gear and his development will be a key to our success.”

Another second-year guard, Dan Petcash, has made great strides since last season and has the inside track on a starting role in 2020-21. Petcash played less than 12 minutes a game last year in a crowded backcourt but shot a team-high 48% from the floor. At 6-foot-4, he has good size, a pure shooting stroke and plays both ends of the court.

Sophomore Hakon Hjalmarsson averaged 18 minutes a game last season and made 10 starts. In conference play, he shot a team-best 46% from 3-point range. Hjalmarsson can play the point or off-guard spots.

Newcomers Bertram, Hinckson and Crist arrive as transfers

Three newcomers expected to log significant minutes are sophomore transfer Tyler Bertram, junior transfer Christian Hinckson and graduate transfer Hunter Crist.

Bertram comes to Binghamton from UNC-Charlotte but Southern Tier fans likely recall the staggering offensive numbers he put up for Cooperstown High School. In three seasons he compiled 1,897 points, leading Cooperstown to back-to-back sectional titles. A projected starter, he can play either guard spot and will give Dempsey another sharpshooter on the floor.

Hinckson is a talented 6-foot-7 wing player who comes from Manhattan College, where he started 42 games in two years. Hinckson led the Jaspers in minutes, 3-point percentage, steals and offensive rebounds last year and will be a key addition to the Binghamton program for the next three years, though he could be relegated to redshirt status this season after his transfer.

Crist is an NCAA Division I veteran with 89 collegiate games under his belt — all played for UW-Green Bay. He is a 6-foot-3 point guard who gives the Bearcats an experienced leader. He becomes Binghamton’s first-ever recruit from the basketball haven of Indiana.

Six-foot-six freshman guard Kellen Amos begins a promising collegiate career and has the size and versatility to contribute in many ways. Amos averaged 23.5 points for Houston-area St. John XXIII last winter. Local product, junior Leo Gallagher provides depth at the point guard position.

Schedule will be fluid, pointed toward full 18-game conference slate

With COVID health protocols in place and fluctuating, the normal 30-game schedule will assuredly be reduced. In the works now are a handful of non-conference games against regional opponents in December followed by the 18-game America East schedule. That league slate will consist of double round-robin games at same sites to reduce travel.

The Bearcats open up their conference schedule at home against Stony Brook on Dec 19 and 20 at the Events Center. All 10 teams — including newcomer NJIT — will play nine weekend series’ consisting of back-to-back games at the same site, for a total of 18 conference games. All the games will be broadcast live on ESPN platforms (ESPN+ or ESPN3).

The Bearcats will play five series’ at home and four on the road. After the opening weekend, Binghamton will travel to Baltimore to face UMBC on Dec. 27 and 28.

Other home series are against Vermont (Jan. 9-10), UMass Lowell (Jan. 16-17), New Hampshire (Jan. 30-31) and NJIT (Feb. 27-28). On the road, the Bearcats will also head to Hartford (Jan. 2-3), Maine (Jan. 23-24) and Albany (Feb. 18-19).

The league champion will continue to receive an automatic berth into the NCAA tournament, though the specific format for the 2021 conference tournament won’t be decided until a later date.

Bearcats have tools in place to rise in standings

Despite the obvious impact of losing Sessoms, Binghamton has added ample firepower and with the return of all-conference candidate Bruce, the team is expecting to rise in the America East ranks.

The explosive offense showed itself down the stretch last February, when Binghamton beat UMBC and UMass Lowell and averaged 77 points on offense over its last four games. The Bearcats will look to continue to show offensive firepower while hoping the additions to the frontcourt will help bolster an improved defense.

If Bruce returns to his 2018 form and the Bearcats cash in on a deeper, more balanced roster, the wins should come.

“We feel good about this roster,” Dempsey said. “We will play with great pace and space on offense. We should be an excellent shooting team and that always makes the game easier. Bruce will lead a defensive unit that will be much improved. We cannot wait to get back out there.”