UAlbany’s head coach Dwayne Killings has outlined the critical need for the Great Danes as they prepare for the 2024-25 basketball season. After a disappointing finish to the 2023-24 campaign, which saw the team lose 12 of their final 15 games, including a 75-72 defeat to Vermont in the America East Tournament, Killings emphasized the importance of timing in their performance.
During a recent press conference on October 21 for America East media days, Killings expressed his main goal: “We’ve just got to stay in the process, stay patient and become the best team that we can. But can we grow and can we peak late? We don’t want to peak early.” This focus is crucial for a program that must secure an automatic bid to reach the postseason.
The Need for Improvement
Since Will Brown’s departure in 2021, UAlbany basketball has struggled, compiling a record of 34-60. Brown, who led the program for 19 years and guided the Great Danes to five NCAA Tournament appearances, left a significant legacy. Under Killings, however, the team has been searching for its footing while attempting to rebuild its recruiting efforts in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions. His previous experience at UConn, Temple, and Boston University has been beneficial, yet the efforts to tap into the NYC area did not yield the desired results in the Capital Region.
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The Great Danes last enjoyed a moment of glory during the 2015 NCAA Tournament when Peter Hooley’s miraculous last-second three-pointer secured the America East Championship against Stony Brook. This victory allowed them to face Buddy Hield’s Oklahoma Sooners, marking their most recent appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Since then, UAlbany has not had a winning season, with their last successful campaign occurring in 2017-18.
A Shift in Focus
In recent years, UAlbany has been more recognized as a football school, especially following the success of head coach Greg Gattuso’s team, which reached the FCS football semifinals. While their loss to South Dakota State (59-0) was a setback, it highlighted the significance of their football program compared to basketball.
With improvements to their home court and Siena’s decline in performance, UAlbany has an opportunity to capture the attention of the Capital Region’s sports fans. However, the Great Danes have yet to take advantage of this chance and have faced setbacks under Killings’ leadership.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, it will be essential for the Great Danes to embrace Killings’ vision, stay focused on their development, and aim for a late-season peak. The hopes of returning to March Madness rely on their ability to perform when it matters most.
