ALBANY Sebastian Thomas had 10 assists in Wednesdays win against Boston University, a feat that tied a UAlbany mens basketball program record.
The scary part for UAlbany opponents?
Great Danes center Jonathan Beagle thinks Thomas, who transferred to UAlbany from Rhode Island, is just getting going. The talented big man, last seasons America East Rookie of the Year, actually thinks he somewhat got in the way of Thomas having an even better night in UAlbanys 86-72 win that opened Broadview Center.
"I think we're in a good flow, but, like we always talk about, we can do way better, Beagle said. I think I'm at the top of the floor too much, at the 3-point line, taking up his space. . . . I just need to get used to playing with these guys, and as we continue to do that, his 10 assists will probably go to 13.
It was probably too harsh a self-assessment, especially after a win that saw the Hudson Falls native contribute 14 points on 4 of 5 shooting from the floor, plus eight rebounds. But Beagles comments also showed how the sophomore is trying to learn the game of the programs new lead guard, who is doing the same with the Great Danes 6-foot-10 big man.
"He's the first center I've played with that's able to push the ball off a rebound, has play-making ability, can shoot it, finish, Thomas said of Beagle. He does it all. He's probably the first big man that I could say that I played with who kind of does it all.
While wing player Amare Marshall stole the show in the Great Danes Albany Cup win against Siena this past Sunday with a 33-point showing, Beagle and Thomas join Marshall in what UAlbany needs to be a high-scoring trio. Thats worked out so far this season, with Marshall averaging 17.4 points per game, Thomas scoring 16.6 and Beagle at 11.4 ahead of 4-3 UAlbanys 8 p.m. game Saturday against 1-4 Dartmouth at Broadview Center.
Each of those three players for UAlbany is capable of attacking in transition and in a 1-on-1 setting, but the Great Danes offense will be at its best when the 6-foot-1 Thomas and Beagle are able to add a potent pick-and-roll option to the menu for head coach Dwayne Killings team.
Once we figure out the pick-and-roll game, I think it will be something that a lot of teams will struggle with, said Thomas, who scored 16 points against Boston University.
But developing that on-court connection takes time.
"I think they really have a great respect for each other. They have a really good relationship; they spend a lot of time with each other, Killings said. I think what they can become is a really dynamic ball-screen tandem, if you will, a dribble-hand-off tandem. Some of that just takes time. Game reps, getting a feel for it.
Some of it, too, takes some re-programming.
For Thomas, that means being comfortable with heading up the floor without the ball in his hands on some possessions, so that Beagle can lead a fast break off his own rebound.
For Beagle, it means changing how he reacts after setting a screen.
In the past, Beagle set a pick, then usually popped to the perimeter to make himself an option for a pass on the perimeter. If Beagle got the pass, he was able to create his own shot or one for a teammate.
Now, its Thomas who can look for others, and UAlbany needs a rolling Beagle to create space for others and to be a threat to take a pass for a dunk.
So instead of constantly trying to be a facilitator, we want him to put pressure on the paint as much as he can, Killings said. And I think he's embracing it, it's just ... we all have habits that we do, [so] it's just [about] changing some of his habits.
I'm working on it, Beagle said. I've been watching film and I've been thinking about it more, but, give me a game or two, and I'll open the floor up more and I won't be in that habit.
UAlbany, though, already feels pretty good about its early season results. At 4-3, UAlbany is over .500 for the first time since February 2020 and is on its first three-game winning streak since February 2022.
When Beagle and Thomas fully get going as a duo?
Thats something that could make sure the Great Danes keep collecting wins.
I think they're coming along, Killings said. There's some possessions [already] that you're like, Wow, yeah, that's pretty impressive what those two guys can do not only for each other, but for other guys."
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