The 2012-13 Men's Basketball Season Is Underway

ALBANY, N.Y. - It is that time of the year that gets head men's basketball coaches all giddy inside. That time of the year is the beginning of the season with the first official day of organized team practice. UAlbany looks to build off its 19-15 record and CollegeInsider.com Tournament appearance from the 2011-12 season. "I am looking forward to practice today", said head coach Will Brown, the longest tenured America East Conference head coach. "This group has worked extremely hard this summer and fall. They really compete and it is a very unselfish group. We have a lot of work to do in a short period of time. Our expectations are high and we look forward to getting better each and every day." The Great Danes return eight of their 11 letterwinners and three of the five starters from last season. Senior guard Mike Black comes back as the returning leading scorer from last year. Black averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds a game last season. "Finally practice is here", said senior co-captain Mike Black on the official beginning of the season. "This is what every college basketball player anticipates. We are all excited about our upcoming season and our chance to compete for an America East Conference Title". The Chicago, Ill. native was named as one of the four 2012-13 men's basketball captains. He joins fifth-year senior guard Jacob Iati, senior center Blake Metcalf, and junior forward Luke Devlin, who were also named as captains. This is the first time in UAlbany history that the team will have designated four players as captains. The Great Danes open up the 2012-13 regular season at home against the Atlantic-10's Duquesne on Nov. 9. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. To reserve your seats for the home opener or any home game for the 2012-13 season, click here or go to the top of the webpage labeled "Tickets". You can also call 518-442-DANE. We have also provided a tab at the top of our website named "Promotions", which allows the fans to see what UAlbany Athletics will be giving out or designating for that specific game.