2025 -- S 0839

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

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

     Introduced By: Senators Tikoian, Ruggerio, Ciccone, LaMountain, Felag, Euer, Rogers,
Acosta, Zurier, and Lauria

     Date Introduced: March 18, 2025

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Thanks to a deep, determined and veteran roster, and the exemplary

coaching provided by head coach Phil Martelli, Jr., the Bryant Bulldogs Men's Basketball Team

put together a stellar season that included a sterling 23-11 regular season record, a first-place

finish and a 14-2 record in the America East to win its Regular Season Championship, and a

dominating sweep in the America East Conference Tournament to secure its title; and

     WHEREAS, The Bryant Bulldogs were led all season by star guard Earl Timberlake, an

elite all-around player who averaged 15.5 points per game, with an outstanding 50.3 shooting

percentage. Earl Timberlake also grabbed an impressive 8.2 rebounds per game from the

backcourt position and earned All­First Team Conference Defensive honors. In recognition of his

outstanding season, Earl Timberlake was named the America East Men's Basketball Player of the

Year, and earned All-Conference First Team honors. Timberlake was joined on the All-

Conference First team by his backcourt partner, Rafael Pinzon, who led the Bulldogs with an 18.5

points per game scoring average, led the team in three­point shooting and free throw shooting,

hitting his free throws at an incredible 88.5 percent rate. Also earning honors for the Bulldogs

was Phil Martelli, Jr., who earned Coach of the Year honors, and in his two seasons at the helm as

head coach, has compiled an outstanding 43-24 record. In addition, forward Barry Evans earned

the America East Newcomer of the Year Award and All-Second Team Conference honors; and

     WHEREAS, In the culmination of a great season of basketball, the Bryant Bulldogs won

its first America East Tournament Championship, and in the process secured its 23rd victory this

season, a new Division 1 record for the Bryant Bulldogs Men's Basketball Team. The Bryant

squad earned its first conference tournament title in dominating fashion, winning all three games

by double digits. In the first round, they easily handled the University of Maryland, Baltimore

County, winning by 11 points, 85-74, soundly defeated the University of Albany in the semi-

finals by the score of 91-78, and sealed the title in the championship game when they thrashed the

University of Maine in the finals by 20 points, 79-59. Those players earning honors were Earl

Timberlake who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament and was named to

the All-Championship team along with teammates Barry Evans and Keyshawn Mitchell; and

     WHEREAS, The Bryant University Men's Basketball Team had great success this season

in large part because every member of the team gave 100 percent all season and put team needs

ahead of individual goals. The Team success in 2024-2025 occurred thanks to the outstanding

efforts put forth all season by Earl Timberlake, Rafael Pinzon, Barry Evans, Connor Withers,

Keyshawn Mitchell, Kvonn Cramer, Devean Williams, Jakai Robinson, Aaron Davis, Kam

Farris, Josh Ozabor, Jayden Brown, and Frankie Vassalluzzo. The Bryant Bulldogs also benefited

all season from the outstanding leadership and innovative coaching provided by Head Coach Phil

Martelli, Jr.; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby heartily congratulates

the Bryant University 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. We furthermore wish the Bryant Bulldogs good luck and continued success against

Michigan State this Friday on March 21, 2025, in the NCAA Tournament First Round; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Phil Martelli, Jr., Head Basketball Coach,

Bryant University Men's Basketball Team.

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