Nov 16 2041: 3-star prospect Lloyd Mason committed.
Nov 13 2041: 3-star prospect Samuel Black committed.
Oct 26 2041: Allen Ridley was inducted into the team Hall of Fame.
Oct 04 2040: Mike Ventura was inducted into the team Hall of Fame.
Oct 04 2040: Gordon Creech was inducted into the team Hall of Fame.
Aug 30 2040: Promoted to conference IV.2.
Mar 11 2040: Made the division 2 tournament field.
Mar 03 2040: Won the V.4 conference.
Feb 04 2040: 2-star prospect Mitch Rawlings committed.
Dec 31 2039: 3-star prospect James Slack committed.
Pts Ave: 80.4 - 82.3 Pts Diff: -1.9 Team Power Index: 135.5
Press Releases:
Nov 09 2041: Albany Delivers Shock to Methodist, “Kennesaw State type stuff”. - by Fireballer34 on October 31st, 2024
Albany’s basketball program has been mediocre for years, its finest moment coming when a core of Hall of Fame players led them to D1. “We coulda gone all the way that year” reflects Mike Ventura. They have since lost all those stars, and this year represents the first in what seems to be a rebuilding stint for Albany.
That is why it was so shocking that this afternoon, the Great Danes showed up at their home stadium with a crowd of 7100 fans watching, and trounced the Monarchs 99-68. Former JuCo Guard James Slack dominated, recording a double-double with 35 points, sinking an impressive 7-10 from deep. “It was a career game for me, and it really just came at the perfect time” Slack said after the game. Forward Lew Edgar also came up clutch with a double-double. After the game, coach C.C. Dykes was ecstatic, telling a reporter “I beat some solid teams in my career, but this has to be the best one. I don’t know what happened, but that was some Kennesaw State type stuff.” To add to the irony, Albany happens to play Kennesaw State tomorrow, although they don’t play Liberty this season. “Maybe we’ll turn it around this season” said Slack of the 3-5 Great Danes, “but until then I’m content with this victory.”
Oct 04 2040: Creech, Ventura Inducted, Finally back in D1 - by Fireballer34 on August 26th, 2024
After a tumultuous stretch where the Danes remained in D2 and 3, Albany has earned their first promotion to D1 since Fireballer34 took the reigns of this team. Yet this year, many new (and unproven) faces litter the Great Dane locker room. 3 of last years starters that took this team to the D2 tournament have graduated, and 2 have now been inducted to the Albany HOF. “Gordon gave everything he had on the court, his determination always amazed me.” C.C. Dykes said of newly minted hall of famer Gordon Creech. Also inducted was enforcer Mike Ventura, one of the most physical players of the era. The tandem of big men took this team from D3 to D1, destroying any opponents in their paths (except for those pesky NYU Violets). Yet arguably the two most important players from last year are returning. All Conference PG Allen Ridley had a historic season last year, setting the Albany record for Single Season points. Former 4* forward Marshall Lyons also returns, hoping to earn the elusive All Conference selection. But the other 3 starters are much less proven. At SG, former JUCO James Slack starts his first year in college, as a Junior. He has high expectations. At SF Jamie Bell will get his first starting minutes. He goes into his RS SO year and has stayed under the radar thus far, but will undoubtedly need to show a spark if the Danes hope to play a second season in IV. And at the Center position, Lew Edgar and Lloyd Biddle have BIG shoes to fill (no literally). They will split time at Center this year, with Edgar showing his scoring ability, and Biddle snatching rebounds like he does so well. Fans are wary about these new players but have hope that the two stars will dominate, and bring the Danes glory again.
Apr 02 2039: End of this year, start of next - by Fireballer34 on June 27th, 2024
The Albany Great Danes had a wildly successful year this year. Capped off by a final four tournament run, this was a very exciting year for fans. Senior Bert Moran had an outstanding year at point guard, and rumors have circulated that he may be inducted into the Albany hall of fame next year. “I am honored to have had the chance to play in the HOCB tournament with this awesome team around me.” Moran said. “I know Allen is ready to fill my shoes, he is already better than me!” Allen Ridley, who played mostly SG this year while Moran played the point, was also critical in the run as he shot very well and got a lot of assists. “He will be great at PG next year.” Said longtime coach C.C. Dykes. “The guy is a competitor.” Ridley has said that he is sad to see the Danes great go, but is excited to lead the team in D2 next year. Ridley enters his Junior year next season.
Here is the projected starting lineup in 2040.
PG: Allen Ridley JR
SG: Frankie Sullinger SR
Has played SF his entire career but Marshall Lyons became a star there, forcing Sullinger to move to SG.
SF: Marshall Lyons JR
Can play a variety of positions but is best suited at SF, where he can show off his multitude of talents.
PF: Gordon Creech SR
Some say he’s too short for the position, but he plays with the heart of a lion, snatching over 9 rebounds a game last year.
C: Mike Ventura SR
He’s got the height for the position. Big man till the end, he can score inside and play some nice defense.
Nov 06 2038: Rivalry Game This Afternoon! - by Fireballer34 on May 15th, 2024
Oct 30 2038: Great Danes Barking - by Fireballer34 on May 13th, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Albany Great Danes Ready to Roar: Unveiling the 2039 Starting Lineup and Hall of Fame Class
Albany, NY – [Date]
The Albany Great Danes basketball program is poised for a triumphant return to the spotlight as they unveil their 2039 starting lineup and welcome a prestigious Hall of Fame class, under the seasoned leadership of Coach C.C. Dykes.
Starting Lineup:
Point Guard: Allen Ridley
Height: 6'0"
Projected stats (per game average): 20 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds
Shooting Guard: Bert Moran
Height: 6'0"
Projected stats (per game average): 18 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds
Small Forward: Marshall Lyons
Height: 6'3"
Projected stats (per game average): 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
Power Forward: Gordan Creech
Height: 6'3"
Projected stats (per game average): 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks
Center: Mike Ventura
Height: 6'10"
Projected stats (per game average): 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks
The Great Danes are also keeping a close eye on standout high school sophomore Chris Fortune, whose exceptional talent and potential have caught the attention of college scouts nationwide.
"Chris Fortune is an exciting prospect, and we're hopeful that he'll choose to join our program," said Coach Dykes. "His addition would further strengthen our team and elevate our performance."
After a challenging season that saw the Great Danes demoted, the team is determined to bounce back stronger than ever, with their sights set on promotion and a chance to compete in March Madness.
"Our goal is clear: to return Albany basketball to its rightful place among the nation's elite," said Coach Dykes. "With hard work, dedication, and the support of our fans, we believe we can achieve great things this season."
In addition to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming season, the Great Danes are proud to honor the achievements of the 2039 Hall of Fame class, featuring distinguished alums who have left an indelible mark on the program.
Hall of Fame Class:
Center Darren Gay
Two-time all-conference player
Career stats: 16 points, 10 rebounds per game
Sharpshooter Andrian Odom
Career three-point percentage: 40%
Small Forward Jonathon Hook
Two-time all-conference player
Known for his versatility and leadership on and off the court
"As we celebrate the past, we also look forward to the future," said President Fireballer34. "With the talent and determination of our players, the Great Danes are poised to make their mark on college basketball once again."
For media inquiries, please contact President Fireballer34 at DaneBasketball.com.