Paul Smith's College men's basketball set to play in NBA arena

Paul Smiths, NY (11/15/2018) — The Paul Smith's College men's basketball team will face off against SUNY Canton at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, this Dec. 14.

Bobcats head coach Dominique Boone explained that he's been a close friend of Ben Thompson, SUNY Canton head coach, who made the connection to Barclays and approached Paul Smith's to play.

"We jumped at the opportunity," Boone said.

Playing at an NBA arena will be a unique experience for the players, including Sterling Scott, a sophomore guard who's from Brooklyn.

"Having the opportunity to play at the Barclays Center is something that motivates me to work hard every day, especially because I still have dreams of actually playing at the NBA level someday," he said. "It's going to feel like a home game for me and I'm very excited to play."

Donovan Miller, a senior forward and the college's student government president, echoed the sentiment.

"Playing at the Barclays Center will be a phenomenal experience," Miller said. "I am really excited to play on an NBA court my senior year of basketball. We have a great group of guys this year and I expect them all to play hard and have fun. Paul Smith's College has been treating me very well this year."

The non-league game will be the second time the two teams will have faced off this season. On Nov. 13, Paul Smith's College led SUNY Canton on its home court until the final three minutes, falling 84-78. SUNY Canton is a NCAA DIII program and was picked for a top-three finish in the Northern Atlantic Conference.

"We look forward to having another great game at Barclays," Boone said.

The game will tip off at 2:30 p.m. For admission, one must purchase a ticket to the Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets game at 7:30 p.m. that same day. Seating will be open and those who plan to stay for the NBA matchup can then go to their purchased seat. Tickets currently start at $29 and are available at https://www1.ticketmaster.com/brooklyn-nets-v-washington-wizards/event/00005501A36349EE?brand=nets

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs - in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences - draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.

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