2018-2019 Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Men's Basketball Recap

BUFFALO, NY -- In his first season as head coach, Damone Brown, along with a talented cohort of assistants -- Al Parker, Phil Jones, and now newly hired women's basketball head coach, Brittnee Perry -- shocked naysayers and took down rivals, leading the Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Bobcats to a 17-12 record. 

It was clear from the beginning of the 2018-2019 season, that the Bobcats were a young, but fun team to watch. Even as they experienced growing pains, as many young teams do, there were moments that flashed pure potential. Whether it was a deep three from the team's only senior, Nicc Johnson, or a thunderous dunk from high-flying Tyrell Mitchell, everyone seemed to see that there was something special about this group of student athletes.

By mid-season, through poise and patience, the Bobcats used each game as a learning experience, and through the direction of their mentors and coaches, found something latent within -- the will to win. After an up and down first three months, the Bobcats started 2019 on a six-game win streak, knocking off some formible opponents along the way.

Johnson and Mitchell continued to score and post big numbers, but some of their counterparts became more comfortable in their roles.

A lot of those changes started with guard play. Guards like Kevin Ford and Mike Davis were unselfish, productive facilitators, while guards, Damone Brown Jr. and Taijay Williams shot the ball well from the beyond the 3 point line. As the season progressed, the Bobcats also witnessed maturation among their centers and forwards. Down low, Jordan Street continued to rebound and be a presence inside, but he got help from Warren Richardson, Bryant Fulton, and newcomer Jeriah Williams when he couldn't do it all on his own. 

By the end of February, the Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo Bobcats had done what many thought was impossible; they posted a winning record in Division I USCAA Men's Basketball. And by March, the accolades began to accumulate: 2 USCAA Athletic All-Americans, 3 USCAA Academic All Americans, and 6 players make the Buffalo Campus Dean’s List. As a team they also led the USCAA in the regular season in offensive rebounding and had 2 players ranked nationally in the top five scorers in the nation.

During the season, the team was ranked as high as 4th nationally in the USCAA Regular Season Coaches Poll, and after a tough loss to rival Villa Maria in the conference championship, the Bobcats were selected as a 3rd seed in the USCAA National Tournament. In the tournament, they advanced to the USCAA Final Four, and as remarkable as these accomplishments are on their own, more impressive perhaps is that the Bobcats made it all happen as a first-year program.

To get a more comprehensive view of the Bobcat's 2018-2019 Season, click below to watch a 9-minute documentary-style video complete with player interviews about the 2018-2019 season or check out Celebrate the Season: 2018-2019 Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Men's Basketball Banquet Program. 

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