UAlbany’s Jonathan Beagle knows what it takes to be successful.

“Whatever you want out of it, you got to put into it,” Beagle said.

It’s what the sophomore forward has learned over the last two seasons with the Great Danes.

“I have a bigger role my sophomore year so it’s a bit different, and I need to get used to it, and I think I have over the last couple of games,” he said. 


That confidence has allowed Beagle to make his presence felt in the front court night after night dominating on the boards in the America East. The 2022-2023 conference rookie of the year is taking full advantage of this long time dream.

“Growing up I always went to Albany games with my dad and mom. My mom is a Siena alum but we used to always go to Albany basketball games growing up,” said Beagle, who’s from Hudson Falls.

The living out the dream has been tough, winning just eight games all of last season. But those challenging times has taught Beagle to be more patient.

“It was a really hard year,” he said. “But I think that these next couple of years we’re really going to shock some people and make some noise.”

Now Beagle is looking to be a cornerstone and a leader for this turnaround. After going 8-23 and missing the America East tournament last year, the Great Danes are currently 11-10 and right in the middle of the race for the conference title.

“He just comes in and works, and he believes and I think that has kind of carried over into how he’s playing,” said Dwayne Killings, head coach of UAlbany men’s basketball.

Beagle hopes that reward comes in the form of an America East championship.

“I just try to keep everyone up and positive and having a good time. I just want people to enjoy playing basketball,” Beagle said. “That’s the only way we’re going to be good.”