UAlbany Men's Basketball Adds Nine International Players
The Great Danes aim for a roster reset after finalizing their international additions for the 2026-27 season.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Basketball
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The UAlbany men's basketball team has bolstered its roster for the 2026-27 season by adding nine international players. This shift comes as the team works to move past the injury-plagued 2025-26 season.
Why it matters
The program is prioritizing squad depth to ensure health and performance consistency after finishing with an 11-21 record last year. The heavy recruitment of international talent reflects a new strategy to reshape the team under coach Dwayne Killings.
The roster now features nine international players, including 6-foot-9 freshman forward Erwann Bussing, who previously logged 11 appearances in the Betclic Elite league. This influx of talent follows the program's 11-21 record in 2025-26.
The players
Dwayne Killings
He is the head coach of the UAlbany men's basketball team currently operating under a one-year contract extension.
Erwann Bussing
He is a 6-foot-9 freshman forward from France who previously played for Limoges CSP in the professional Betclic Elite league.
Elijah King
He is a guard committed to the UAlbany class of 2027 who has reached the milestone of 1,000 career points.
Treddy Faison
He is a basketball player who committed to the UAlbany class of 2027 in August 2026.
The details
Coach Dwayne Killings is leading the transition, supported by his one-year contract extension, to solidify the lineup following a difficult prior year. The team recently demonstrated their progress during a full 5-on-5 practice session on October 15.
Timeline
August 2026: Treddy Faison officially committed to UAlbany.
October 15, 2026: The team held their first full-contact 5-on-5 practice with 11 players.
November 2, 2026: UAlbany hosts Rhode Island College for the regular-season opener.
2026-27 season: The duration of the current men's basketball campaign.
Season Trajectory
This roster overhaul follows the NCAA Division I basketball recruitment guidelines to expand the talent pool beyond domestic borders. The team's reliance on international scouting marks a departure from traditional recruitment to reverse their 2025-26 record.
The infusion of eight new international players creates immediate competition for starting spots in the rotation for the upcoming opener. With Elijah King already contributing 1,000 career points, the team's depth will be tested against Rhode Island College.
The takeaway
Building a healthy roster is essential for the Great Danes to improve upon their previous season performance. Fans should look for how the new international additions integrate during the season-opening contest.
What happens next
The UAlbany men's basketball team is scheduled to play its regular-season opener against Rhode Island College on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local collegiate sports, check out our Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times Union.
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