UAlbany Holds Annual Basketball Tip-Off Luncheon for Capital Region Media Members

Albany, N.Y. - Capital Region media members attended the University at Albany's annual basketball tip-off luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the SEFCU Arena Athletic Hall of Fame Room on campus.

The men's program begins its season on Nov. 9 against nationally-ranked Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. The opener will be televised nationally on ESPNU at 9:00 p.m. Tim Ambrose and Will Harris lead a group of seven returning letterwinners.

"I think this team has tremendous potential, but I also realize that potential is a scary word," UAlbany head coach Will Brown offered. "I think we're deep, versatile and we have some talented kids. I just think we've got to get everybody on the same page and stick to our principles and schemes both offensively and defensively. I think this team has the chance to be very good come America East Conference play."

Ambrose was one of six players selected to the America East preseason all-conference squad. He was among the league's leading scorers at 14.3 points per game last year. The 6-foot junior added 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists, plus shot 78.1 percent from the line. Will Harris, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound forward, contributed 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in his first season with the program after transferring from the University of Virginia. He received third-team All-America East recognition.

"I feel like this team has high potential," said Harris, whose squad was picked third in the conference preseason poll. "We have a lot of new guys who are willing to learn. Our potential is through the roof. I am hoping to be a consistent leader, a more consistent scorer and being at the forefront of helping us have a more successful year."

In 2008-09, the women's program won three of its final six games to close out the season after a slow start. UAlbany defeated Maine by a convincing margin in the first round of the America East Championship before suffering a tough 77-75 overtime loss to top-seeded Boston University in the quarterfinals. The team's schedule featured a program-record 11 contests against clubs which advanced to either NCAA or WNIT post-season play.

"Our players are showing me that they have good chemistry early, that there are different people who can score and that they are seeing success in small ways," UAlbany coach Trina Patterson said. "This recruiting class is ranked the number one class in America East. They are state champions and all-conference players who have come in with a hunger that is passing over to some of our returners."

Senior guard Charity Iromuanya and sophomore forward Tabitha Makopondo highlight the list of seven returnees. Patterson also has four active freshmen and two transfers on the roster who are expected to step in and contribute immediately. UAlbany begins its 2009-10 season at Fordham on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6:00 p.m.

"I think what makes this year so different is that we have a bunch of people who want to work together as a team," Iromuanya stated. "We are working a lot harder this year. I think it is the character of the people that (Coach Patterson) brought in. They are athletes, they are used to winning and they are willing to do whatever it takes. Whether it be sacrificing playing time or stepping in to play whatever position they're asked to play, they have all come in ready to work."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information