WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 6105

HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE BRYANT UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE AMERICA EAST REGULAR SEASON AND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIPS AND EARNING A BERTH IN THE NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island honors Bryant University for winning the America East titles and earning an NCAA Tournament berth, recognizing players, coaches, and staff.

03/18/2025 House read and passed
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 6105

Summary: House Resolution HR 6105 (Rhode Island)

Overview

HR 6105 is a non-binding, ceremonial House Resolution in the Rhode Island General Assembly congratulating Bryant University’s men's basketball team, the Bryant Bulldogs, for winning the America East Regular Season Championship, the America East Conference Tournament Championship, and earning a berth in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The resolution commends the team’s season, highlights individual and coaching achievements, and directs official acknowledgment by the state.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and applaud Bryant University for:
    • Dominating the America East in the 2024-2025 season (Regular Season champions with a 14-2 conference record, 23-11 overall).
    • Capturing the America East Conference Tournament Championship (three straight tournament wins, all by double digits).
    • Securing a berth in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and advancing to the NCAA First Round against Michigan State (as referenced in the resolution).
  • Publicly honor the contributions of players, coaches, and staff, and wish continued success.

Key Provisions and Honors Highlighted

  • Asserts Bryant’s 2024-2025 season achievements, including:
    • Regular Season: 23-11 overall record; 14-2 in America East.
    • Conference Tournament: Won the America East Tournament by sweeping three games (UMBC in the first round; Albany in the semifinals; Maine in the finals) with decisive margins.
  • Individual honors named:
    • Earl Timberlake: America East Player of the Year; All-First Team Conference Defensive honors; All-Championship Team member.
    • Rafael Pinzon: All-Conference First Team; led the team in scoring (18.5 PPG) and three-point and free-throw shooting (notably 88.5% FT).
    • Barry Evans: America East Newcomer of the Year; All-Second Team.
    • Other team contributors listed (Connor Withers, Keyshawn Mitchell, Kvonn Cramer, Devean Williams, Jakai Robinson, Aaron Davis, Kam Farris, Josh Ozabor, Jayden Brown, Frankie Vassalluzzo).
  • Coaching recognition:
    • Phil Martelli, Jr.: America East Coach of the Year; summarized by the resolution as having a strong 43-24 record over two seasons at Bryant.
  • Tournament specifics:
    • Earl Timberlake named Most Outstanding Player of the America East Tournament.
    • All-Championship team selections include Timberlake, Barry Evans, and Keyshawn Mitchell.
  • Official action:
    • The Secretary of State is directed to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Bryant’s Head Coach Phil Martelli, Jr., and the Bryant University Men’s Basketball Team.

Who Is Affected

  • Bryant University and its athletic program, players, and coaching staff.
  • Bryant University fans and the campus community.
  • The State of Rhode Island's public recognition audience.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred to committee (House action history lists introduction and committee referral).
  • House read and passed the resolution on March 18, 2025.
  • The provided legislative actions section also includes dates that appear inconsistent with the initial introduction date (e.g., references to November 18, 2025), indicating a possible clerical or record-keeping discrepancy. The core text confirms the March 18, 2025 adoption.
  • As a resolution, it is ceremonial and does not change law or create new duties beyond formal recognition.

Notable Observations

  • The bill serves as a public tribute rather than policy, with a focus on celebrating Bryant’s athletic success and acknowledging the team’s national tournament berth.
  • The resolution explicitly mentions an upcoming NCAA First Round game against Michigan State, underscoring the team’s national competitiveness.

This summary captures the essential purpose, provisions, beneficiaries, and procedural context of HR 6105.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.