Binghamton University Athletics

A native of Kodiak, Alaska, Nick Billings played basketball at Binghamton from 2001-05. He earned a bachelor's degree in human development in 2005 and went on to receive his master's degree in secondary education from Grand Canyon University in 2019. 

A prized 7-foot recruit whose athleticism separated him from other centers, Billings ranked among the nation's top-6 shot blockers in three different seasons and he was a catalyst in the university's debut as an NCAA Division I program.

He obliterated the school's game, season and career blocks records and graduated as a two-time all-conference selection and the 2002-03 America East Defensive Player of the Year.

Billings blocked four shots in 15 minutes during his collegiate debut against Dartmouth. Before his freshman season was cut short due to injury, Billings recorded 12 more games with 4+ blocks. His  season total of 80 shattered the school record and his 3.8 average ranked No. 2 in the America East and No. 6 in the nation. Billings was an All-Rookie selection and his prorated 40-minute averages approached triple-double status: 12.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.7 blocks.

As a sophomore starter, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 blocks and led the Bearcats to nine conference wins. He was named America East Defensive Player of the Year and ranked No. 2 in the nation in blocks, behind only Emeka Okafor of UConn. His 117 blocks were the third-highest total in America East history. Against Boston University on Feb. 9, Billings compiled 19 points, a record 10 blocks and eight rebounds. Two weeks later he matched that school record with 10 blocks against Northeastern.

His junior season featured repeat all-conference laurels and No. 5 NCAA status in blocks (3.5/game). Billings scored in double digits 19 times, collected 20+ points seven times and tallied 7+ blocks five times.

He concluded his career with 868 points, 598 rebounds and a school-record 336 blocks before embarking on an eight-year professional career.