NEWS: Albany Patroons Host Season Opening Press Conference
We know what you’re thinking: sports on an arts website?!? Yeah. We’re doing this. Setting aside the fact that there is an argument to be made for sports having artistic elements about them anyways, this is a community-based story rife with local history and hometown pride. In other words, something we’re proud to get behind!
Our very own Albany Patroons are a celebrated franchise in minor league basketball – even us artsy fartsy folk know that. They are three-time national champions, most recently in 2019, and they are gearing up for their season opener this Friday, February 28th. Today, inside the historic Washington Avenue Armory downtown, the team’s leadership revealed their 2025 roster for the community, as well as hosted a meet and greet with the team. Present at the conference were Patroons President Michael Corts, Vice President Rocco R. Ricchiuti, Head Coach Derrick Rowland, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
The excitement around the roster announcement echoed throughout the storied venue, which has hosted basketball since 1919, beginning with Albany’s first championship basketball team, The Senators. Today’s press conference demonstrated the city’s readiness to rally behind a hometown team with a 40+ year history, which includes the start of NBA coach Phil Jackson’s coaching career from 1982-1987.
Returning players for the season include Power Forward Amir Yusuf, Point Guards Ja’Quaye James and Derrick Rowland Jr., Shooting Guards Philip Flory and Jamarr Joseph, and Center Mike Parks. Players donning green and gold for the first time are Center Josh Morris, Small Forwards Trahson Burrell, Austin Mofunanya and Elijah Ford, and Shooting Guards Justice Brantley and Marcus Friend.
“This season is all about making a statement,” said Coach Rowland. “We’ve built a roster that’s hungry, talented, and ready to compete at the highest level. The energy in the locker room is electric and we can’t wait to hit the court in front of the best fans in basketball. Albany has a championship legacy, and we’re coming into this season with one goal—to add to it.”
(L to R): County Executive Dan McCoy and Coach Derrick Rowland
The Patroons season tips off with a home game against the Halifax Hoopers of Canada this Friday at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at https://albanypatroonsbasketball.com/, with promotional specials outlined below:
The fan favorite ‘Kids In Free’ ticket promotion, made possible through the recently formed Innovation Partnership with Albany County and MVP Health Care, returns, allowing parents to bring their children (12 and under) into the Armory for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Additionally, the popular Market 32/Price Chopper discounted ticket promotion returns for the sixth consecutive season. Through this partnership, discounted single game adult general admission tickets are available for purchase at all Market 32/Price Chopper locations. With an AdvantEdge card, Patroons tickets can be purchased for just $12.