VESTAL, N.Y. – Binghamton men's basketball has been picked to finish fourth in the America East Coaches' Preseason Poll, the conference announced on Thursday. In addition, senior guard Jacob Falko was named to the Preseason All-Conference Team.

Coming off a season that yielded eight conference wins (most in 12 years) and a semifinal appearance, the Bearcats (42 pts.) were slotted behind only Vermont (63), Bryant (58) and UMass Lowell (47) in the nine-team rankings. It equals the highest the team has ever been picked in 22 years of America East membership. Previously, the program was picked fourth in 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2016-17. Behind Binghamton was UMBC (40), Albany (25), New Hampshire (23), NJIT (14) and Maine (12).

Falko was an obvious choice to head the all-conference team as the only returning all-conference selection from last season. He averaged 15.4 points on 49 percent shooting in conference play. Joining Falko on the team were Dylan Penn and Finn Sullivan from reigning champion Vermont, Charles Pride and Earl Timberlake from potent newcomer Bryant and Max Brooks from UMass Lowell.

Falko is the eighth Bearcat to earn preseason accolades. Previous honorees were Nick Billings (2003-04 and 2004-05), Andre Heard (2005-06), Mike Gordon (2007-08), Greer Wright (2010-11), Jordan Reed (2013-14 and 2014-15), Willie Rodriguez (2016-17) and Sam Sessoms (2019-20).

Second-year head coach Levell Sanders returns four starters and welcomes five newcomers to the roster this season. The Bearcats open with a home game against Cazenovia on Nov. 7. Individual game tickets are on sale now at the Events Center Ticket Office (607.777.BTIX) , or online anytime with no additional fees at bubearcats.com/tickets