SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant men's basketball team opens the 2024-25 season on Monday night as it hosts Dean College at the Chace Athletic Center. Tip is set for 8:02 p.m.
Bryant's opener is part of a women's and men's season opening doubleheader at the Chace.
The Particulars
Opponent: Dean
Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.)
Date and Time: Monday, Nov. 4 - 8:00 PM EST
Live Stats: Sidearm
Watch: ESPN+
Game Notes: Bryant | Dean
Social Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | #AEMBB
THE SERIES
Bryant and Dean are meeting for the first time in program history.
2023-24 RECAP
- Bryant posted a 20-13 overall record in 2023-24, advancing to the semi finals of the America East Playoffs.
- The Bulldogs enjoyed their best offensive and defensive season in DI program history. Bryant set single-season records for total points, rebounds, blocks, steals and assists.
- Bryant finished the year ranked second nationally with 6.5 blocks per game.
- Sherif Gross-Bullock and Earl Timberlake each earned First Team All-America East honors.
- Head coach Phil Martelli Jr. was named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award and Hugh Durham Award.
WHO'S BACK
- Bryant welcomes back seven players to this year's roster led by two-time All-America East selection Earl Timberlake.
- Timberlake is joined by Kvonn Cramer, Connor Withers, Aaron Davis, Keyshawn Mitchell, Rafael Pinzon and Josh Ozabor.
- Timberlake was named to the Preseason All-America East team after posting 14.6 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.3 spg and 1.3 bpg.
- Pinzon ended last year on a tear, averaging 25.3 ppg over his final four games. That included 35 points in Bryant's AE QF win over Maine.
- Withers enjoyed an all-around year for the Bulldogs that included 6.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 bpg and 1.5 spg.
- Davis and Mitchell were both key reserves for the Bulldogs last season. Mitchell saw extended minutes down the stretch, posting 2 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in the semifinal.
- Cramer returns to the Bryant lineup after missing all of 23-24 following ACL surgery. He averaged 6.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.3 blocks.
WHO'S NEW
- Bryant brought in a wealth of talent in the offeseason with Devean Williams (Canisius), Barry Evans (St. Bonaventure), Kam Farris (Marist), Favour Aire (Penn State) and Jakai Robinson (Miami) all coming to Smithfield.
- Williams scored in double figures in seven-straight games to close 23-24, while Evans averaged 3.3 ppg and 5.0 rgp for the Bonnies.
- Farris has appeared in 98 games between Robert Morris and Marist and is shooting 38 percent from three in his career.
- Robinson saw time during Miami's run to the Final Four in 22-23, seeing time against UConn.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO KNOW
- Bryant's 20 victories in 2023-24 marked its second 20-win season in three seasons. They are the only two 20-win seasons in Bryant's DI history.
- Earl Timberlake is averaging 14.2 ppg and 8.7 rpg in 58 games as a Bulldog. His 8.7 rpg are the highest in DI program history entering the year.
- Pinzon posted 22 double-figure scoring games and seven 20-point efforts in 23-24. His 35 pts in the AE Quarterfinal are the most in Bryant DI postseason history.
- Withers enters his sixth season with 863 points, 545 rebounds, 210 assists, 120 blocks and 133 assists in 114 career games.
- Bryant is back at home on Friday, November 8 when it welcomes first-year head coach Gerry McNamara and Siena to the Chace Athletic Center.
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