SUNY-Maritime Privateers Basketball is a Division III basketball program representing State University of New York – Maritime College in Throggs Neck, New York. While the school is known for its maritime programs and preparation for careers in the maritime industry, its basketball team has established itself as a competitive force within the Division III ranks.
One aspect that separates SUNY-Maritime Basketball from other college basketball programs is its location. Situated near the Bronx, the school lies next to New York City, which provides easy access to some of the top basketball talent in the country. The advantage of locating itself close to the city has enabled the program to attract players from all over the country seeking to compete at a high level while enjoying the cultural attractions of New York City.
Another unique aspect of SUNY-Maritime Basketball comes from the approach the coaching staff takes when recruiting new players. Rather than focusing solely on talent and skill level, the coaches take into account various factors such as work ethic and character when deciding whether to offer an athlete a spot on the roster. This emphasis on the player's character helps to create a team culture that values integrity, hard work, and teamwork above all else.
Despite playing in Division III, the SUNY-Maritime Privateers Basketball team regularly competes against some of the top programs in the country. They have played against top programs like Williams, Amherst, and Tufts University, and have held their own. By regularly scheduling these powerhouse programs, they are able to gauge where they stand in terms of competition and better prepare themselves for future games.
In recent years, SUNY-Maritime Basketball has enjoyed significant success. During the 2019-2020 season, the Privateers went 20-7 and set a program record with nine conference wins. Several key players led the way during the season, including juniors Brendan McGovern and Patrick MacDonald, who both earned all-conference honors. Additionally, the team’s top scorer and captain, senior Michael Ortiz, was honored by the United States Merchant Marine Academy as the winner of the 2020 Secret Service Award, which is given to a student-athlete who best exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship, dedication, and integrity.
Ultimately, the SUNY-Maritime Privateers Basketball team serves as an excellent example of why college basketball remains such a beloved sport. Despite playing at the Division III level, the team embraces the challenge of competing against some of the top programs in the country and represents the values that basketball stands for – hard work, teamwork, and character. With each passing year, the SUNY-Maritime program continues to assert itself as a force within the college basketball world, and its players continue to inspire fans with their determination and dedication to the game.