Below is video of the reaction of the UAlbany men's basketball team to hearing its name called. The Great Danes will play Duke, on Friday, in Philadelphia.



Below is guard Jacob Iati talking about the pairing.

ALBANY - From the first day of open gym for the University at Albany men's basketball team, Gary Johnson stood out to his teammates.

A 6-foot-6 junior college transfer, Johnson showed he was athletic and capable of playing big minutes for the Great Danes.

That didn't happen right away, however.

But over the past three weeks, Johnson has become an invaluable piece of the puzzle for UAlbany, which plays at Vermont, in the America East Conference championship game on Saturday, at 11:30 a.m.

“He’s a guy that doesn’t need the ball to be effective," said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

Johnson has started the past five games for the Great Danes, including both games in the America East tournament. In those games, he was matched up against the league's leading scorer, in Maine's Justin Edwards and the conference's MVP, in Stony Brook's Tommy Brenton.

“They gave me an assignment and I took it personal," Johnson said. "I have pride in my defense. It was fun playing against Justin Edwards and Tommy Brenton because they’re both aggressive and good players. I’m just happy we got the ‘W’.”

Over the past 11 games, Johnson is averaging 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.8 assists per game in 22.5 minutes.

Over the team's first 22 games, Johnson played a total of just 54 minutes and compiled stats of nine points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two assists.

“I think he was trying to pick up on everything that we were doing and adjust to this level of basketball," said guard Jacob Iati.

An injury to all-rookie selection Peter Hooley, allowed Johnson to step into the starting lineup. When Hooley returned, the duo has been used effectively by Coach Brown.

“Having him and Pete Hooley on the wing is an awesome advantage for us," said Iati.

Johnson's athleticism couldn't be questioned, but he was trying to get familiar with this level of basketball.

“At the beginning of the year, it was a big transition from junior college to Division I," he said. "The coaches told me that and at first, I didn’t understand. But now I understand and I’m just happy I can have an impact on the team.”

Johnson just kept working and it all culminated in the big victory over Stony Brook, where he had nine points and four rebounds, in the 61-59 victory, which resulted in the crowd storming the SEFCU Arena court.

“It was the funniest game I’ve ever played in," he said.

Now, the Great Danes are just one win from the NCAA tournament and Johnson is hoping he can do whatever it takes to help his team win the America East title.

"We want to win this game bad," he said. "It's not going to be easy. We know it's going to be a tough game, but we're prepared."

University at Albany guard Jacob Iati talks about the upcoming America East championship game, where the Great Danes meet Vermont, at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday.

AP

ALBANY - By the end of the season, Mike Black and Jacob Iati may be able to write a book about their numerous injuries.

Iati drove Black to the SEFCU Arena on Thursday -- the University at Albany guards didn't discuss Black's recently rolled ankle or Iati's arthritic Achilles'.

The two had a lot of time ahead of them to discuss injuries, as the team boarded an evening bus taking them to Maine, a day early due to the impending storm.

“I guess we’ll have a gimp competition, on the way to Maine, on the bus," said Iati, before the Great Danes practice.

Black sprained the ankle in Wednesday's 79-56 victory at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

UAlbany's senior guard only played nine minutes (scored nine points) and was really a non-factor. While he's said to be day-to-day, this quote may hint at Black's status for Saturday's game at Maine.

“If he can play, he’s got to be able to start and he’s got to be able to play heavy minutes," coach Will Brown said.

Brown said the team will prepare as if Black will not play, but they will "play it by ear."

Black hasn't missed any games this season, but he has been taken out of a game because of a hip injury and was slowed in one other game due to food poisoning.

“I thought both games we played well without him," Brown said. "We have played without him, obviously we’re better with him.”

Black will receive round-the-clock treatment from trainer Jay Geiger.

“I’m going to get him as ready as I can," Geiger said.

Geiger said there was a thought of him driving Black home from the game last night, since injuries like an ankle sprain tend to swell with the up-and-down of an airplane, but in the end that wasn't necessary.

Geiger will treat him with a number of different things, including electric treatment, ice, light therapy and he spent time in the whirlpool before the team departed.

Still, Geiger was not totally sure if Black would play, saying everything is a little different on gameday.

The adrenaline -- I wish I had a box of that in the training room," he said.

If Black doesn't play, he would get an additional week to recover, as the Great Danes don't play against until next Saturday (Feb. 16), when they host Hartford.

“Obviously, our best team is with Mike on the floor," Brown said. "But we want to make sure one, he’s healthy enough to play, two, he’s healthy enough where he can make an impact and three, he’s not going to hurt himself any further.”

That's the headline for today's story which previews tonight's game between UAlbany (5-1, 16-4) and Boston University (3-3, 9-10).

Here is a link.

Jacob Iati is averaging just 8.0 points per game, but as you'll read, that doesn't make a difference as long as the Great Danes keep winning.

AP

ALBANY - Peter Hooley knew that Hartford was in trouble as soon as he made his first few shots on Saturday evening.

Hooley posted career-highs in both points (18) and rebounds (12) on the way to his first career double-double, as the University at Albany downed Hartford 56-46.

“I would say everything, regarding me, is confidence," said Hooley on Monday.

Hooley's insertion into the starting lineup has been met with much success for the Great Danes (5-1, 16-4), who are now in first place in the America East, following Vermont's loss Tuesday evening at Maine.

“He creates a lot of stuff for us in our offense," said fellow guard Jacob Iati.

Hooley was going up against a familiar face on Saturday, in Hawks sophomore Corban Wroe, also a native of Australia.

When Hooley got off to such a good start, Wroe was surprised.

“You’re not supposed to be able to score the ball," he said.

“Funny how things change," Hooley told his "good mate" from back home.

UAlbany is 4-0 since Hooley and Sam Rowley moved into the starting lineup and those two have been very productive.

Hooley gets the rim effortlessly and as coach Will Brown said, he was playing north/south and attacking the basket on Saturday.

“If teams are going to shadow Jacob or shadow Mike (Black), there’s going to be a lot of openings for Peter to drive the ball," said Brown.

Hooley was set to make an impact last season before a stress fracture in his left foot kept him out after the first three games, forcing him to redshirt. Hooley was kept off the court for seven months and all he could do was lift.

“People don’t realize he’s still a freshman," said Brown.

Hooley was recruited for his all-around game, but he showed he can shoot the ball a little, making three treys in the Hartford win. 

“He’s a rhythm shooter," Brown said. "When he can get his feet set, he shoots it well.”

Hooley said he's at his best when he keeps everything simple.

“I always forget that I’m a freshman and I still have a lot to learn," he said.

Hooley has shown his passing prowess throughout the year. He's got 54 assists, second only to Black (58) on the team.

“When I was scoring a lot of points earlier in the year, I said a bunch of times it was because of Pete and Mike," Iati said. "I always threw him in the mix because he gets to the rim great.”

Hooley hasn't reached his potential and that could be a scary thought for opposing teams in the America East.

“Peter’s his own worst enemy," Brown said. "When he maintains his focus, he’s tough to handle.”

ALBANY - The University at Albany picked up its first America East Conference victory on Wednesday evening.

Jacob Iati and Mike Black combined for 32 points and the Great Danes (1-0, 12-3) won with relative ease, knocking of UMBC 65-48.

Next up, is a big test against Vermont, on Saturday afternoon, at Patrick Gym.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Jacob Iati’s health was a question mark heading into Friday evening’s game.

Iati scored a career-high 26 points, despite being nagged by a sore right calf and Achilles, as the University at Albany downed Navy, 71-61, at Alumni Hall.   

The Great Danes (10-3) have now won 10 non-conference games for the first time in the program’s 14-year Division I history.

“Any time you win on the road, you take it and move on to the next one,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

Iati was coming off of a season-low scoring peroframance, finishing with just five points in the team’s loss against Quinnipiac before Christmas. He bounced back strong, with a large contingent of his friends and family in the crowd, making the trip from nearby York, Pa.

“Anytime we’re in the state of Maryland, Iati’s going to play well,” said Brown.

Iati, one of the nation’s leaders in 3-pointers made, knocked down six treys and helped carry the UAlbany offense.

The Midshipmen (6-8) kept it close and when Brandon Venturini hit a 3-pointer, with eight minutes to play, the lead was trimmed to eight, 51-43.

Iati responded with a 3-pointer of his own and then junior Luke Devlin knocked down a triple to put the Great Danes back up by 10, 57-47.

“The one good thing is Navy plays extremely hard and physical and they play well in this building,” Brown said. “I’m proud of my guys.”

Iati’s two free throws in the final minute gave him a career-high. His previous high of 24 came against the University of Missouri-Kansas City, earlier this season.

UAlbany got a great contribution from Devlin, who finished with a season-high 13 points.

“It was nice,” Brown said. “We got the old Luke tonight. He played terrific and I couldn’t be happier for a better kid.”

The Great Danes also got six points off the bench from Chris Page.

“I thought Chris did a good job,” Brown said. “This was the perfect opportunity to get him some minutes.”

Tilman Dunbar led Navy with 17 points.

UAlbany closes out the non-conference portion of the schedule, besides the BracketBusters game, when they host Brown on New Year’s Eve at 4 p.m.

Below, University at Albany guards Mike Black and Jacob Iati talk about the team's 70-61 victory over South Carolina State. The Great Danes (9-2) have now won six straight games.

AP

ALBANY - University at Albany guard Jacob Iati is on some kind of tear right now.

Iati has been good all season for the Great Danes, who improved to 9-2 with Wednesday's 70-61 victory over South Carolina State, but he's been dynamite lately.

Iati has hit 17 3-pointers in the past three games, all victories, and now he leads the nation in 3-pointers, following a 7-trey night.

“He's got serious range," said South Carolina coach Tim Carter.

Iati came into Wednesday fifth in the country and the top four players did not play.

Here is what the top five currently looks like.

1. Jacob Iati (UAlbany), 41
2. Travis Bader (Oakland), 40
3. Rotnei Clark (Butler), 36
T4. Ian Clark (Belmont), 35
T4. Parker Smith (North Florida), 35

ALBANY - It's getting harder and hard to not believe in this University at Albany men's basketball team.

The Great Danes won their fourth straight game and are now 7-2 on the season, following a 77-73 victory over St. Francis Brooklyn.

Senior point guard Mike Black scored a matched game-high honors with 21 points, while Jacob Iati added 20 for UAlbany, which next plays at Colgate, on Saturday.

The Great Danes are getting solid contributions, on a nightly basis, from a lot of different players and that's what's making them so tough to beat.

On this night, Blake Metcalf grabbed 13 rebounds, while Peter Hooley scored nine points and dished out four assists off the bench and Jayson Guerrier had six points and four rebounds in only 12 minutes. D.J. Evans also chipped in with eight points and two assists in 10 minutes.

Below, Black talks about the game.

ALBANY - The University at Albany is currently the kings of the Capital District.

Just hours after the women's team defeated Siena handily, 65-48, the men's team came out and led for the entire second half on the way to a 69-56 win.

The Great Danes have now won two of the last three matchups, while the women's team has won three straight over Siena.

Mike Black scored 13 points, all of which came in the second half, while Jacob Iati added 13 of his own points for the Great Danes (6-2).

Rob Poole scored a game-high 19 points for the Saints (2-6).

Siena takes on St. Bonaventure on Tuesday, while UAlbany hosts St. Francis (NY) on Wednesday evening.

University at Albany guard Jacob Iati talks about the upcoming rivalry game against Siena College.

Here is a link to today's story about UAlbany's game against Wagner. It's the Great Danes' first home game since the season-opener, on Nov. 9, against Duquesne.

It talks about Jacob Iati and his great start to the year. Iati is averaging double-digits and has been deadly from beyond the arc, shooting 51 percent for the year.

AP

The University at Albany men's basketball team gave it their all on Sunday, but fell to No. 4 Ohio State.

Here is a link to the AP story. 

The Great Danes (1-1) had a lead in the first half, but then the Buckeyes turned it on, getting 20 points from Aaron Craft.  Three other players were in double figures for Ohio State.

Mike Black scored 20 points, Jacob Iati added 13 and UAlbany actually was even on the glass, 32-32.

Siena was also on the road on Sunday. The Saints (1-1) had to work overtime to pick up their first victory of the year, against Navy.

O.D. Anosike led the way with 17 points and 12 rebounds. That's his second double-double of the year. 

Here is a link to our writeup, in Monday's paper.

Jacob Iati talks about his decision to play next season and not accept the graduate assistant position at the University at Albany.

Jacob Iati had the best week of his college career last week.

The UAlbany junior had 20 points against Rider and then scored 22 points against Binghamton, in two Great Danes victories.

On Monday, he was honored as the America East Player of the Week.

From the conference....


The junior, who eclipsed his career high for the second straight game, connected on 7-of-10 field goal attempts, including 5-of-7 tries from downtown. Iati, who will forego his last year of eligibility to join the UAlbany coaching staff, also grabbed four rebounds and had two steals. 


Prior to his 20-point showing against Rider on Feb. 18, Iati had totaled just 53 points in the first 20 games of the season (2.7 ppg). Forced into the Great Dane lineup because of injuries, Iati has put in 21.0 ppg over his last two games.

It was also announced that freshman Megan Craig has been honored as the America East Rookie of the Week.

J.S. Carras/The Record

ALBANY - Okay, so the New York Knicks phenom Jeremy Lin wasn't actually at the SEFCU Arena today for UAlbany practice, but he was mentioned.

With the Great Danes playing shorthanded a few players, the questions was posed to junior captain Blake Metcalf, if Jacob Iati is his team's Jeremy Lin.

“Jeremy Lin and Jacob Iati — that’s a good comparison," Metcalf responded. "He’s a guy that got looked passed by a lot of people.”

Iati scored 20 points on Senior Night, this past Saturday against Rider.

Iati, who is listed as a junior, but is a senior academically, has helped provide some leadership for a team that doesn't have any seniors on the roster. 

“Iati has done a good job stepping in and helping with me leading on the court,” Metcalf said.

So, maybe Iati didn't go from nearly being cut, to the superstar and talk of the country, but what he's provided recently has been astonishing. 

“I guess that’s a good comparison," Metcalf said.

ALBANY - By the time Will Brown got into the locker room, Wednesday evening for the halftime break, no more shouting was needed.

The University at Albany trailed winless Binghamton 33-31, but the Great Danes had already been read the riot act...from one of their own.

While Brown was in the hallway talking to his assistants, reserve guard Jacob Iati went up and down his teammates, despite the fact that he only played briefly.

“It was music to my ears," said Brown, who surely would have let his team have it, for trailing a 0-19 team at intermission.

Iati was going bonkers according to Brown, letting his teammates know that they had to turn things around in the second half.

"I don't think anybody on our team, and these guys can disagree with me if they want," Brown said, motioning to Mike Black and Gerardo Suero, "wants to win more than that kid."

Brown said that Iati will be working for him one day because he cares so much about winning and putting the team first.

"He practices like its the national title every day," Brown said. "He wants to win. He tried to help his team win with his halftime message."

Iati's teammates were fine with him taking them to task.

“He's like our rah-rah guy,” said Black. 

Iati has only played 54 minutes this season and is averaging 1.2 points per game, but his effort and heart make him a joy to have on the team.

"You can't get enough guys like that, who just want to win," Brown said.

Here are the men's postseason awards for the America East Conference.

2011 America East Men’s Basketball All-Conference Teams

First Team – Tim Ambrose (Albany), Troy Barnies (Maine), Evan Fjeld (Vermont), John Holland (Boston U.), Darryl Partin (Boston U.).

Second Team – Tyrone Conley (New Hampshire), Chris De La Rosa (UMBC), Bryan Dougher (Stony Brook), Gerald McLemore (Maine), Joe Zeglinski (Hartford).

Third Team – Logan Aronhalt (Albany), Brendan Bald (Vermont), Mike Black (Albany), Mahamoud Jabbi (Binghamton), Morgan Sabia (Hartford).

All-Defense – Brendan Bald (Vermont), Milton Burton (Hartford), Patrick Hazel (Boston U.), Mahamoud Jabbi (Binghamton), Chandler Rhoads (New Hampshire).

All-Rookie – Jordon Bronner (New Hampshire), Luke Devlin (Albany), D.J. Irving (Boston U.), Dom Morris (Boston U.), Brian Voelkel (Vermont).

All-Academic – Billy Allen (Albany), Logan Aronhalt (Albany), Brian Benson (New Hampshire), Jacob Iati (Albany), Andrew Rogers (Maine).

Kevin Roberson Player of the Year: John Holland, Boston U.

Defensive Player of the Year: Brendan Bald, Vermont

Rookie of the Year: Brian Voelkel, Vermont

Coach of the Year: Mike Lonergan, Vermont