According to ESPN‘s Jeff Goodman, Stony Brook is banned from participating in conference tournaments. Unfortunately, this petty decision by the America East conference means that none of their student-athletes will get to experience the NCAA tournament this season. In addition, this petty decision bans all sports: including basketball, baseball, softball, and many other spring sports. This piece focuses on the men’s and women’s basketball players caught in the middle.
America East set to announce Stony Brook is not eligible for the conference tourney this season, source told @Stadium.
Stony Brook heading to CAA next season.
The Seawolves are in second place in the league at 5-2.
C’MON, AMERICA EAST!
ALL THIS DOES IS HURT THE PLAYERS!!
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) February 2, 2022
The America East Conference’s Petty Decision
Stony Brook Seawolves Women’s Basketball
The Seawolves are 18-2. However, their last loss was to NJIT in December a team who is just 10-10 on the year. Unfortunately, their only big win is over a Washington State team currently on the bubble. Additionally, the Seawolves beat Rutgers and St. John’s; however, each team is underperforming. Therefore, the Seawolves will not make the NCAA tournament due to this petty decision. Typically, the Seawolves are afforded a chance in the conference tournament. However, thanks to adults from their university and conference, the players miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Furthermore, Stony Brook has five players who average double-figure scoring. Unfortunately, no one will know about them because they cannot play in their conference tournament. The only way players from small schools get recognized for the next level is in the NCAA tournament. The Seawolves have immense talent and deserve the opportunity to win a tournament game. This result affords a school with excellent publicity and better recruits.
Stony Brook Men’s Basketball
The same day as this petty decision, the Seawolves lost to Binghamton by 16 points a team they beat in January. This result proves how devastated the men’s team feels about the situation. The Seawolves are second in the league and beat Yale, a top team in the IVY league. These players deserve the opportunity to participate in the conference tournament. Stephen Curry made an incredible run with Davidson many years ago. As a result, the Warriors drafted him highly and has had a remarkable NBA career. Players on Stony Brook have no chance to impress NBA scouts.
Conclusion
Players did not decide to switch conferences; this was a management decision from the athletic department. Unfortunately, The America East and NCAA do not value their players and need to rethink this petty decision now. Furthermore, the NCAA needs to step in and save their seasons. Players deserve to have the opportunity to make the tournament, and there is still time for them to change their minds.
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