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SR 839

SENATE 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 Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Senate congratulates Bryant University Bulldogs for sweeping the America East titles, earning an NCAA berth, and honoring players and coach.

03/18/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 839

Summary: Senate Resolution SR 839

Overview

Senate Resolution SR 839 is a ceremonial measure in the Rhode Island General Assembly congratulating the Bryant University Bulldogs men’s basketball team for winning the America East Regular Season Championship and the America East Conference Tournament Championship, and for earning a berth in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The resolution recognizes the team’s performance during the 2024-2025 season and extends best wishes for the NCAA Tournament.

Purpose and Key Provisions

  • Congratulates Bryant University Bulldogs for:
    • Finishing first in the America East with a 14-2 conference record and a 23-11 overall regular-season record.
    • Sweeping the America East Conference Tournament and earning the program’s first conference tournament title.
    • Securing a berth in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
  • Acknowledges individual achievements and honors:
    • Earl Timberlake: America East Player of the Year; All-First Team Defense; 15.5 PPG, 50.3% FG, 8.2 RPG; named Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.
    • Rafael Pinzon: All-Conference First Team; 18.5 PPG; lead in three-point and free-throw shooting (FT 88.5%).
    • Barry Evans: All-Conference First Team; America East Newcomer of the Year.
    • Key coaching honors: Phil Martelli, Jr. named Coach of the Year; team improved to a 43-24 record over two seasons under his leadership.
    • Other contributors: players including Connor Withers, Keyshawn Mitchell, Kvonn Cramer, and others cited for their role.
  • Notes on tournament results:
    • America East Tournament postseason wins: UMBC 85-74 (First Round), Albany 91-78 (Semifinals), Maine 79-59 (Finals).
    • Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament: Earl Timberlake; All-Championship selections: Timberlake, Barry Evans, Keyshawn Mitchell.
  • Authorization for transmission:
    • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Bryant University Head Coach Phil Martelli, Jr., and the Bryant Bulldogs men’s basketball team.

Who is Affected

  • Bryant University Men’s Basketball Team and coaching staff (notably Head Coach Phil Martelli, Jr.).
  • Honorees and players named in the resolution (Timberlake, Pinzon, Evans, Mitchell, and others listed).
  • Bryant University community and supporters, as well as prospective recognition stemming from state acknowledgement.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025.
  • Status: Recommended for Immediate Consideration; Senate read and passed on March 18, 2025.
  • Type: Senate Resolution (ceremonial, non-funding, non-binding policy).
  • Context note: Mentions an NCAA Tournament First Round game against Michigan State on March 21, 2025.

Impact

  • Primarily a ceremonial honor intended to recognize athletic achievement and raise the profile of Bryant University within the state.
  • May positively influence school pride, alumni engagement, and broader visibility for Bryant’s athletic programs. No legislative changes or funding provisions are included.

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

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