Watkins and James Named to #AEHoops 25 in 25 List

10/15/2025 4:08:00 PM | By: David O’Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)

Imani Watkins (left) and Alyssa James

Pair of 2018 Bearcat alums honored for stellar careers

VESTAL, N.Y. - The America East Conference has unveiled its list of the Greatest 25 Women's Basketball Players in its conference over the last 25 years as part of its #AEHoops 25 in 25 initiative. Among the honorees are a pair of Binghamton alums - Imani Watkins and Alyssa James. Both of them graduated in 2018 after historic careers which in the process, elevated the Bearcat program.

To be eligible for the #AEHoops 25 in 25 List, players had to have competed in at least two seasons in the America East from 2000-01 to 2024-25 and earn all-conference honors at least twice. Current players were not eligible. The list was compiled by the conference office.

Watkins was named the 2018 America East Player of the Year. She is Binghamton's all-time leading scorer with 2,125 career points, which also ranks ninth all time in conference history.

"Being named one of the top 25 players in the America East over the past 25 years is an incredible honor," Watkins said. "This honor means so much because it represents more than just individual recognition — it reflects the incredible teammates, coaches, and staff who pushed me, supported me, and believed in me. To be recognized among so many talented women who have contributed to the legacy of this conference means the world to me."

A three-time all-conference selection, Watkins earned second-team honors in 2016 as well as first-team accolades in both 2017 and 2018. She was also chosen as an ECAC All-Star twice during her career.

In her senior year (2017-18), Watkins led the America East with 20.5 points per game and was named the conference's Player of the Week five times. She reached the 30-point mark three times during that stretch.

Currently, Watkins is an assistant coach at Lafayette College.

James, meanwhile, was named the America East Defensive Player of the Year three straight seasons (2016-18). She is one of only two players in conference history to have achieved that distinction.

"I'm deeply honored to be recognized by the America East," James said. "My time at Binghamton was such a privilege. Playing the game I love alongside incredible teammates, coaches, and supporters shaped me both on and off the court. I'll always be grateful to be part of the Bearcat family."

James is the all-time block leader in both Binghamton and America East history with 270 career rejections. After transferring from Caldwell University following her freshman season, she scored 1,097 points and grabbed 757 rebounds the following three seasons. In addition, James also holds the conference record for blocks in a game with 11 against Stony Brook on Feb. 18, 2017.

Like Watkins, James is also a three-time all-conference honoree, having been named third-team in 2016 as well as second team in both 2017 and 2018.

With Watkins and James leading the way, Binghamton concluded the 2017-18 campaign with a 20-12 record and its first-ever appearance in the Women's Basketball Invitational (WBI). The Bearcats advanced to the WBI quarterfinals.

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Pair of 2018 Bearcat alums honored for stellar careers

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