November is here, which means the Brockport men’s basketball team is back in action. The Golden Eagles will look to build on their success from last year, where they finished with a record of 20-7 and made a run to the SUNYAC finals.
This year however, Brockport will be playing under new leadership after coach Greg Dunne retired following 24 years with the program. Former assistant Joe Clarke was named interim head coach after Dunne’s announcement back in September. The Brockport alumnus has been part of the coaching staff since 2009.
Clarke is more than excited to be at the helm of his alma mater.
“There is a reason why I first fell in love with Brockport back in 2004 and a reason why I have never left,” Clarke said. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and look forward to leading our program to more success while making an impact on every student-athlete, both on and off the court.”
Being with the team for so long has made the transition easier for his players. Junior guard Colby Jordan has full confidence in Clarke.
“The team is smoothly adapting to coach Clarke’s leadership,” Jordan said. “Many of us are already familiar with his coaching style, so there’s not a significant adjustment needed. We believe he will make us better and will make the right decisions for the team.”
Clarke will lead a team that last year graduated two key contributors, Jahidi Wallace and David Grady III. Last year, Wallace was crucial in the Brockport offense, averaging 13.6 points, placing him second on the team. Grady proved to be the defensive backbone, leading the team in both rebounds and blocks. His play earned him the SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Despite the talent Brockport has lost, the Golden Eagles are returning a large core of players from last year’s squad. Tyler Cowie is back for his final year of eligibility as a graduate student, Brockport’s leading scorer Mekhi Beckett is returning, as well as their team leader in assists and steals, Tony Arnold.
Last year the Golden Eagles finished second in the conference, but ultimately lost in the SUNYAC finals to Oswego.
“Losing in the finals last year was extremely disappointing considering the immense effort we invested to reach that point,” Jordan said. “It served as a powerful motivator for the team and I to increase our offseason training.”
Clarke explained what that finals loss meant for the team.
“Sometimes losses like that do more than a win would,” Clarke said. “In this case, it has helped motivate and push us with one thing in mind: our goal of cutting down the nets.”
Brockport opens its season with five straight road games, the first against Hobart College on Nov. 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m
