As Binghamton Goes, Boston University Is Practically a Big Dance Lock

Within two days, six players were released from the Binghamton basketball program.

Thursday, senior Emanuel Mayben, who averaged 11.5 points per game and led the Bearcats in assists and three-point shooting in 2008-09, was arrested for cocaine distribution and was immediately kicked off the team.

Seniors D.J. Rivera, Malik Alvin, and David Fine, and transfers Paul Crosby and Corey Chandler were released a day later because, as coach Kevin Broadus stated, when "young men in our program don't respect the decisions that have been made or the rules we have in place, then they need to move on with their lives."

Crosby and Chandler would have been required to sit out the 2009-10 season due to transfer regulations, but Rivera, who led the Bearcats with 20 points per game, Mayben, and Alvin were set to lead Binghamton back to the NCAA Tournament.

After losing four to graduation in May and four eligible contributors now, the Bearcats return an extremely meager 13.5 points per game and will be forced to rely on the likes of Chretien Lukusa, Moussa Camarra, four incoming freshmen, and at least two walk-ons.

To sum up, the Bearcats, who were slated to compete with Boston University for the America East crown, will be lucky if they don't finish in last place.

With Binghamton incapable of thwarting them, the Boston University Terriers should have a much easier path to the Big Dance.

The Terriers only lost 5.8 points per game from last season and have established America East stars John Holland and Corey Lowe and budding star Jake O'Brien to lead the team. Holland and Lowe should each appear on the preseason First Team All-Conference.

Marques Blakely and Vermont could threaten BU, but the Catamounts lost two key players to graduation last season.

Photo by BU Athletics