It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Muhammad El-Amin was not supposed to be on a Division I basketball team, let alone one in first place in its conference. Nor was the 6-foot-5-inch 210-pound guard expected to be a reliable scorer. Yet he became his team’s leading and go-to scorer. The player who, according to Mike Ingram, his former community college coach, “… came out of high school with the reputation of not working hard in the classroom,” should have never even left his home state of Michigan. El-Amin started his post-high-school career at Ferris State, a Division II school…

There’s no place like home for the Binghamton University men’s basketball team. After a dismal four-game road trip that resulted in four losses, the Bearcats returned home this past Sunday afternoon to host the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Retrievers. Being back at home and facing the worst team in the conference provided the perfect scenario for the Bearcats to get back in the win column, and the team did just that as it downed UMBC 81-61. The Bearcats (12-17, 7-7 America East) started off hot and never looked back, jumping out to an 8-0 lead over the visiting Retrievers…

The Bearcats have finally hit a wall they have not been able to break through. The Binghamton University men’s basketball team recently returned home from a four-game road trip against America East Conference opponents bruised and banged up both physically and emotionally. On Feb. 6, the Bearcats lost to the Maine Black Bears (17-9, 9-4 AE) by a 61-49 score. The next week, the Bearcats traveled to New Hampshire to take on the UNH Wildcats (10-15, 5-9 AE). For the first time in three seasons, the Bearcats were not able to handle the Wildcats and lost the game 67-60. The…

Shame on you, Binghamton University students, if you were not in the Events Center last Saturday supporting the men’s basketball team with the other 4,800 fans in attendance. For on that frigid night, the Bearcats (10-13 overall, 5-3 America East) defeated America East Conference foe New Hampshire (8-11 overall, 3-5 AE) 76-73 in front of a packed Events Center crowd that was reminiscent of last season’s AE championship game crowd. With ice in his veins, Binghamton’s star forward Greer Wright sank two free throws with nine seconds remaining in overtime to put the Bearcats up by three and essentially seal…

Although the University of New Hampshire Wildcats (8-10, 3-4 America East) currently sit near the bottom of the America East standings in seventh place, this team should not be taken lightly. Of the Wildcats’ four losses in conference play, three of those were by six points or fewer. Their one double-digit loss was to the University of Maine Black Bears, who currently sit atop the AE standings. The Binghamton Bearcats (9-13, 4-3 AE) will host the Wildcats tomorrow at the Events Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. This will also be the first meeting between the Bearcats and the…

In a way, Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team’s winter break was much like many of yours. It had its ups, like that kick-ass road trip you took (shout out to Syracuse, Nassau County, and Blinded by the Light by Manfred Mann). It had its downs, like when you realized that now that you are home you need to obey your mother’s curfew, which she set for around the time you would normally be going out if you were at Bing (moms of Binghamton students, we still love you all). When you get back to school and ask how everyone’s break…

It’s been a while, but after a year of negative press overshadowing a first-ever NCAA tournament appearance, the Binghamton University men’s basketball program is once again giving us something to cheer for. Dare I say, it is even giving us something to be proud of. The team is young. The team is unproven. The team is not as talented as it used to be. And everything that can be said about the team can be said about the coaching staff. Yet, the players are playing to their potential and, especially after a recent two-game home stand in which they defeated…

The monkey is officially off the Bearcats’ back. Despite allowing a substantial halftime lead whittle down to a two-point advantage with nine seconds left in the game, Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team (3-5) was able to hold on just long enough and defeat the Bucknell University Bison (4-5) last Monday. The non-conference game marked the Bearcats’ first victory over a Division I opponent of the 2009-10 season. The Bison play in the Patriot League, a fairly competitive Division I basketball conference. Binghamton’s interim head coach Mark Macon put his bomb squad on the floor to start the game, as four…

Coming off a 58-50 loss in a close game to the talented Rider University Broncs, Binghamton University men’s basketball team (2-5) will look to redeem itself in its next two games. In a three-day span, the Bearcats will be hosting the Bucknell University Bison of the Patriot League and Marshall University Thundering Herd of Conference USA in front of an always-supportive Events Center crowd. First, the Bucknell Bison (4-4) will make its way up Route 81 from Lewisburg, Penn. to take on the Bearcats. The game, which will be played tonight at 7 p.m. in the Events Center, will be…

Last Tuesday’s matchup between the Binghamton University Bearcats (1-1) and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0) was originally scheduled with the goal of challenging both teams involved. However, the game, which was played at the University of Pittsburgh’s Petersen Events Center, ended up being a lopsided win for the host team as the Panthers downed the Bearcats 71-46. The Bearcats never led in the contest, which was a part of the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic and aired live on ESPN2. “We played well in spurts,” said interim head coach Mark Macon, according to a Binghamton University press release. “This…

Moussa Camara — Jr. — SG/SF: The good — Moussa, along with Chretien Lukusa and Kyrie Sutton, is entering the 2009-10 season as one of only three returnees from last year’s NCAA tournament-qualifying team. After playing a complementary role on last season’s team, which was oozing with talent, Camara will be thrust into the spotlight as one of the leaders and playmakers this season. He will be relied on heavily for leadership and his ability to spread the floor with his outside shooting. There have been a lot of questions surrounding the character of the players on Binghamton’s squad, but…

In the past I’ve used language that is pretty esoteric when writing about basketball — language that is best understood by the junkies. But here is something every college student can understand: as a high school senior, you applied to your safety schools and your reach schools. The safeties were the schools that you were supposed to get into. The reaches were the schools that you would look at their stats online and see that you are the outlier. If history is any indication, you won’t be getting in. These are also the schools you really want to get into…

According to some, Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team is the 28th-best team in the country. Not in the northeast. Not among mid-major schools. The country. Clark Francis of Hoop Scoop, a 26-year-old basketball recruiting publication, compiled a list projecting the top 30 Division I basketball teams in America for the upcoming season. Binghamton’s squad holds the 28th spot. According to Francis, the Bearcats are better than major conference teams such as Georgetown (29) of the Big East Conference and Georgia Tech (30) of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Pittsburgh Panthers of the Big East, whom Binghamton will square off against…

There was a decent amount to be encouraged about in the first half of Binghamton’s contest again the Duke Blue Devils in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The trademark skills of the Bearcats — Tiki’ Maybens unshakable handle, D.J. Rivera’s leaping ability, Malik Alvin’s quickness and Reggie Fuller’s ability to defend the interior were advantages even against a Duke team of near world-class athletes. However, the one glaring difference was none other than height and girth. As the old basketball saying goes, you can’t teach size. The Bearcats’ senior center Jaan Montgomery, who is widely regarded on Binghamton’s…

What’s a nine-hour drive on a school night? There is still basketball to be played! As an individual walked into the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday night, one thing became clear: Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team, despite being almost 600 miles from campus, was not going to feel too far away from home. About one quarter of the arena was filled with Tar Heel blue, another eighth or so in a sea of Binghamton green. On this night and this night only, the two were one and the same. “Here in North Carolina, you’re either for Duke or against Duke,” said…

If you haven’t heard by now, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to journey outside the rock you reside under: Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team is going to the NCAA Tournament. That’s right, you can choose Binghamton on your bracket this year! As I’m sure you have also heard (or as common sense should tell you), this is the first time in school history that the basketball team has won the America East Conference tournament, and therefore the first time it has qualified for the “Big Dance.” The only non-conference championship teams that get to tango are generally…

Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team will be playing for the America East crown this Saturday. The game will be a landmark in the school’s history, and, no matter the outcome of the game, a tribute to the program’s growth over the years. It will mark the first time the team has played in the AE conference finals as well as the first time that a Binghamton University sporting event will be televised nationally. The contest will also offer the Bearcats an opportunity to “dance” in the NCAA Tournament, since NCAA conference champions receive automatic bids to the highly coveted post-season…

A crowded SEFCU Arena on the campus of SUNY Albany, mostly covered in a field of green, waiting for what was possibly going to be a gut-wrenching play by a determined New Hampshire squad. Eleven seconds to go. The score stood at 68-67 Bearcats. Down one point, the Wildcats set the stage for the presumed final play of the game. Tensions are high, the time on the clock is ticking down. The Bearcats are 11 seconds away from bringing the America East Championship title to Vestal, but they are also 11 seconds from watching it slip away from their sweat-drenched…

Years ago, a torn ACL was a near-surefire sports career-ending injury. Today, it is not quite the devastating injury it once was, though an ACL tear will still keep its sufferers out for multiple sports seasons at a time. It is one of the most painful and slowest-healing injuries in sports. Jaret von Rosenberg was a two-sport star and great all-around athlete growing up in Mission, Texas. In addition to basketball, he would join the varsity football team as a sophomore, which was a huge achievement in his town. “Without a doubt, he was the star player of the area,”…

Maybe they were just trying to save their coach some money … In a game where Binghamton University head coach Kevin Broadus was said to be donating $2 to the American Cancer Society for every basket scored by his team, the Bearcats would not stop launching from long range. Not that this is the first time we’ve seen this trigger-happy style of play from the team. In fact, we have come to expect it. The difference in Sunday’s game against the New Hampshire Wildcats is that the Bearcats converted on a disgusting 6-29, or 20.7 percent, of their 3-pointers. However,…

Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team (18-8, 11-3 AE) will attempt to defeat conference opponent New Hampshire (10-14, 6-7 AE) for the fifth time in as many games on Sunday. A victory would also be the seventh-straight win for the streaking Bearcats squad. Sunday’s game will be the second meeting between the Bearcats and the Wildcats of the 2008-09 season. In the first battle, the Bearcats were 13 points better than their opponents, winning 60-47. However, Binghamton head coach Kevin Broadus thought that New Hampshire was a tough matchup and that the Bearcats can ill afford to underestimate their opponent for…

Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team (17-8, 10-3 AE) currently sits in second place in the America East Conference. The Bearcats are only half a game behind conference leader Vermont (20-7, 11-3 AE), who has played one more conference game than Binghamton. The Bearcats defeated Vermont both times the teams faced off this year and thus hold the tiebreaker should the two teams finish with the same record. Should the Bearcats win their next three games, they will be the first seed in the America East tournament. The team’s first roadblock to the conference title will come against the Hartford Hawks…

It’s go time. Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team will play its biggest game of the season tomorrow against America East Conference foe Boston University. “It’s all about pushing hard each and every game,” said Bearcat head coach Kevin Broadus. “We have to put it all out there.” The Terriers, who were voted the top team by America East coaches in the preseason poll, currently sit tied for second with the Bearcats. The first meeting between the two teams was an up and down affair, although it ultimately had a disappointing outcome for the Bearcats. After falling behind 12-0 just three…

Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team can be summed up by a series of well-worn basketball cliches. “Live by the three, die by the three,” “Defense wins games,” “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” and the like. Take the loss to UMBC, for example. After building a seemingly insurmountable lead against the Retrievers thanks to a 3-point barrage by guards junior Emanuel “Tiki” Mayben and sophomore Brandon Herbert, the Bearcats failed to stay hot in the second half and eventually lost what should have been an easy win. The Retrievers were 2-5 in the conference at the time. In the next…

After watching the Binghamton University men’s basketball team’s dismal first half at the Events Center on Saturday against the Maine Black Bears, one thing became very clear (other than the fact that we were about to have one of the strangest halftime shows in school history seconded by a 15-foot blow-up flamingo hiding out in the right corner opposite the student section). It became apparent that the men’s basketball team is just not very good in a slow, controlled game. To take it one step further, the Bearcats find it very difficult to score in the halfcourt and have a…

Even though Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team (12-8, 5-3 AE) was leading conference opponent University of Maryland Baltimore County (9-11, 3-5 AE) by nine points at halftime, there was something unsettling about the way in which the Bearcats had built their lead. This is thanks in large part to guards Emanuel “Tiki” Mayben and Brandon Herbert, who converted on all four and 4-5 3-point shooting respectively, while the Bearcats shot an astounding nine of 13 from 3-point range before intermission. However, the team fell back down to earth in the second half, in which they shot six of 14 from…

While most students were relaxing at home this past winter break, the Binghamton University men’s basketball team (12-7 overall) was busy climbing its way to the top of the America East conference standings. The team, which is currently 5-2 in conference play, went on a school-record six-game winning streak along the way. The Bearcats currently share first place in the conference with Boston University and Vermont. “We won some solid games during the road,” said Binghamton head coach Kevin Broadus. “Playing the big games and winning them is a good thing, and it was just solid play all around.” The…

Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team (4-3) took a step backward from its recent success last Tuesday, as the team lost to Bucknell University, 63-60. The loss marked the end of the Bearcats’ recent three-game win streak. The Bison (2-6) got off to an early lead that was matched only twice, though never surmounted, by the Bearcats. Binghamton was able to come within one point with 54 seconds remaining in the game thanks to a jumper by senior swingman Dwayne Jackson. Clutch free-throw shooting by Bucknell’s freshman swingman Bryan Cohen and senior guard Justin Castleberry kept the game out of reach,…

Add another history-making section to the record books for Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team. This past weekend the Bearcats (4-2) traveled to Rutgers University of the Big East Conference — college basketball’s most competitive conference, which is poised to send as many as 10 teams to the NCAA tournament this year — and left as the victor, 66-56. This marked the first time in school history that the men’s basketball team defeated a Big East opponent. “Those are the games, as they say, that you aren’t supposed to win,” said Binghamton head coach Kevin Broadus. “On most days, they would…

When Kevin Broadus, head coach of Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team, made a preseason promise that those who came to watch his team play would see a new kind of athleticism out of his new recruits for the 2008-09 season, perhaps it was as much a warning to opposing teams as it was an expectation for Binghamton fans. The Bearcats downed the Mansfield Mountaineers, a Division II school from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, 80-62, last night in their season opener at the Events Center. Junior transfer D.J. Rivera set the tone for the Bearcats early with his tenacious style…

It can all be traced back to Akron, Ohio. This is where senior swingman Dwayne Jackson, who has lettered all four of his years at Binghamton University for the men’s basketball team, calls home. Jackson was raised by his mother, Althea, and his father, Dwayne Sr., in Akron. He is one of three children; his younger brother is currently a pre-med major at the University of Toledo and his sister is back in Akron working as a nurse. Jackson credits his father for first exposing him to the game which now consumes so much of his time. “I started playing…

Despite the fact that Binghamton University’s men’s basketball team is returning only seven players, it finds itself in nearly the same position it was in exactly a year ago — as far as the preseason coaching poll is concerned, anyway. The Bearcats, who were ranked fourth in the America East Coaches’ Preseason Poll before last season, were recently voted to be the fifth-best team in the nine-team conference. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams. Does this mean that all of Binghamton head coach Kevin Broadus’ claims that his team was striving to reach the “upper echelon…

Noises were heard coming from the Events Center this past weekend. Don’t worry, you did not miss the first basketball game. Instead it was Late Nite Madness that took place last Friday at Binghamton University’s multi-purpose arena, home to Binghamton’s basketball teams. The event, which was geared toward current students, alumni and locals, included various fun-filled activities — some basketball related, some not. Basketball-related activities included an introduction of both the men’s and women’s teams, a dunk contest, a “shooting stars” competition and various foul-shooting contests for a select few people chosen from the crowd. Big man Kyrie Sutton, 6-foot-4…

Those in attendance for Binghamton University’s Basketball Media Day, held in the Events Center this past Tuesday, got the unexpected privilege of helping second-year men’s head coach Kevin Broadus assemble his starting lineup for the upcoming season. “You tell me who should start, because I don’t know yet,” said Broadus when asked who he thinks will be in the starting five. “I’m going to let [the players] figure it out in practice.” With nine fresh faces joining a group of only seven returning players from last year’s team, there are a lot of questions surrounding the Bearcats that have yet…

Binghamton University’s men’s tennis team followed up a strong showing at their last tournament, Brown Invitational, with a decent effort at the Columbia Classic. The event, which took place at the Dick Savitt Tennis Center in Manhattan, featured schools familiar to the Bearcats’ fall schedule, such as Princeton, Cornell, St. John’s, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and host Columbia. The University of Texas at Arlington, Monmouth, Marist, Sacred Heart and Fairleigh Dickinson University rounded out the group. Binghamton head coach Adam Cohen took only three players with him to the event — Moshe Levy, Evan Algier and Andreas Danielsson. Star…

After performing extremely well in its first two tournaments, the third tournament of the fall season was a humbling experience for Binghamton University’s men’s tennis team. This past weekend at the Princeton Farnsworth Invitational, the team won a total of four games and lost nine, going 3-7 in singles play and 1-2 in doubles. The tournament boasted loads of tough competition — a recurring theme for the Bearcats’ fall schedule. “We’re competing against the best teams in the region almost every weekend,” said head coach Adam Cohen. “Columbia is going to be one of the top teams in the Ivy…

In what could be described as a great success, Binghamton University’s men’s tennis team went 15-6 overall at this past weekend’s National Tennis Center Invitational, the team’s second tournament of the fall season. Binghamton sent sophomores Arnav Jain and Sven Vloedgraven, junior Moshe Levy and freshman Gilbert Wong to the event in Flushing, N.Y. Vloedgraven/Wong and Jain/Levy were the two doubles pairs that competed in the events. Three Binghamton players went 3-1, and one 2-1, in singles matches. While all of the Bearcats played well, Jain was especially impressive, claiming runner-up honors in the fourth singles flight. Vloedgraven rebounded from…

Binghamton University’s men’s tennis team will look to bolster its already impressive resume this season as it attempts to defend the America East Conference Championship title. Reigning conference head coach of the year Adam Cohen returns for his third season at the helm for the Bearcats. The Bearcats will start their season today at the University of Virginia Invitational, though their home opener will not be until Jan. 31 against Niagara. The team’s home matches are played on campus at the West Gym. “It’s kind of early to assess anything right now,” Cohen said. “I guess this invite will give…

Cazal Arnett was not always this good. Before his days of breaking record after record during his freshman track and field campaign at Binghamton University, he was just another sprinter on a high school varsity team. “I wish I could say I was some sort of a genius for finding him,” says Binghamton track and field head coach Mike Thompson. “But he contacted us.” In his first season at Binghamton, Arnett already holds school records in both the 200-meter (21.74 seconds) and 400-meter (47.80) indoor races. His time of 47.04 in the outdoor 400-meter race set an America East Conference…

Pipe Dream’s Drew Wolin (MVP2008KB24) and Justin Salkin (CP3mvp2008) have been debating the merits of NBA MVP candidates all season. They’ve finally narrowed it down to two choices, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets. This is a transcript of their AIM debate. cp3mvp2008: Chris Paul earned the MVP this year. He completely changed the complexion of that team, that city. New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina, and was a complete mess. The Hornets just moved there and had no hope. Paul injected life into that entire organization. MVP2008KB4: It’s great…

Drew’s weekly fantasy basketball recap Players of Note: Thaddeus Young (guard, Philadelphia) — The rookie has been on fire lately, shooting a scorching 80 percent from the field after four games in March. His point, rebound and steal numbers have been impressive in the month as well: 16, five and just under two, respectively. However, owners beware! Young Thaddeus will NOT convert on 80 percent of his shots for the rest of the season. As his offensive efficiency declines, so too will his playing time, points, rebounds … you name it. Lebron James (Man-child/King, Cleveland) — You’ve probably never heard…

In this edition, Drew highlights a few hoops players and fantasy trends based on this past week’s games. Erick Dampier — If there is one thing that Jason Kidd does well (not to say that there is just one thing he does well), it’s get wide open looks for his teammates. Kidd’s passes especially benefit 7-footers, who find themselves with the ball in the paint and having only to jump with their arms up to flush it through for two. Kobe Bryant — C’mon Kobe, only 52? How about 82? As Mark Jackson would say, “You’re better than that.” Raptors…

A special NBA trade deadline edition of the Fantasy Fix. • Hakim Warrick — Apparently Hakim wanted to wait a few games before showing everyone how happy he is to step in and take Pau Gasol’s place. Gasol was traded from Memphis to the Lakers on Feb. 1, but Hakim didn’t embark on his recent rampage until five games later, on Feb. 12. Since then he has been a great source of points, rebounds and field goal percentage. He’s worth owning in all leagues. • Jason Kidd (from New Jersey to Dallas) — Kidd’s value should not fluctuate much with…

Manu Ginobili — How dare you leave him off the All-Star team! Manu was unofficially the best player in the Association in this past shortened pre-All-Star Game week. After coming just two points shy of his career high in points, and setting his career high in 3-pointers made (46 pts, eight 3’s at Cleveland Feb. 13) and rebounds (15 at Toronto Feb. 11), the Argentinean’s fantasy owners are livin’ large. Other than the ASG omission, there was no particular reason why Manu should have played so well. Expect Manu to come back down to earth and give you what he…

Shaq for Shawn? Pau for Kwame? On the heels of two of the more interesting NBA trades in recent memory, I will do my best to explain the fantasy fallout of the two deals as well as other trends in the wonderful world of fantasy basketball! Joe “Inconsistency” Smith — Your guess is as good as mine as to what makes this former No. 1 overall pick put up the monster numbers he has been posting. Inconsistency is his middle name, though recently he has been worth starting. His last week was highlighted by a 25-point, 10-rebound, 9-for-18 shooting night…

Jose Calderon — A not-so-sturdy Ford broke down in Toronto, which made way for this import to crack the starting lineup and become the driving force behind the Raptors. Calderon has led Toronto to a 4-2 record in his six games as a starter, the last two of which T.J. Ford has been active for. Calderon has dished out 10-plus assists in all but one of six of his starts. With Ford back, the two will likely start splitting minutes again. I would imagine that Ford will eventually reclaim his starting spot, though there is a slight chance that it…

Fantasy Fake or For Real? Jamario Moon — Tell me what college Jamario went to without looking it up and I will give you a prize. The mystery man with the strange name has simultaneously earned the respect of the Raptors’ coaching staff and the hatred of Andrea Bargnani owners. Moon, a small forward, stole Bargnani’s starting spot last week and ran with it. He has posted relatively solid numbers across the board, highlighted by 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and two 3-points on Nov. 14. As well as Moon played, he will likely not see consistent minutes, competing…

*Editor’s Note: Drew Wolin’s Fantasy Fix will usually appear on Tuesdays in Pipe Dream. Due to excessive content, this Tuesday’s installment was moved to Friday.* Just two weeks into the fantasy season, there are already some incredible things happening in the NBA (see Freaky Friday). Find out who’s hot in the wonderful world of fantasy basketball. Freaky Friday: I have never seen anything quite like what happened on the night of Friday, Nov. 9. There were 25 players with double-figure rebound games. Shawn Marion, Emeka Okafor and Dwight Howard grabbed 20+ boards; KG had 19. Three Lakers — Lamar Odom,…

The first week of the 2007-2008 fantasy season has officially come to an end. Do not freak out if the number of field goal attempts by your first and second round picks equals their field goal percentage (yes, you, Gilbert and Vince owners), and most important, take advantage of those who do! Buy low and sell high. Perhaps you should think about shipping some of the following players out to a fantasy manager who has already given up on his underachieving stars such as Arenas and Carter. Fantasy Fake or For Real?: Hedo Turkoglu — Hedo might be a tad…

Welcome to Pipe Dream’s premier fantasy NBA column! Articles will be written weekly and all readers are encouraged to e-mail me any questions regarding the fantasy NBA season at dwolin1@binghamton.edu. Without further ado, I bring to you the Fantasy Fix’s 2007-2008 fantasy NBA preview, designed to guide you through your draft. Early Rounds: Ron Artest — The Tru Warier is in a contract year. His second career as a rapper has not worked out too well thus far, and the man will need to feed his family somehow. Though he may miss the first seven games of the season (he…