WALTHAM, Mass. – The 2012-13 season marked the 50th year of men's basketball at Bentley University. That's 50 teams, with an all-time roster of 247 players and 32 coaches, that have produced the sixth highest all-time winning percentage in Division II history.

On Saturday, June 8, the program will celebrate this unique milestone by hosting the First Fifty Years of Bentley Basketball Reunion.  The event will be held on campus at the Dana Athletic Center, starting with an alumni game at 4:00 pm followed by a reception and program.      

The men's basketball program began in 1963 as Bentley's first varsity team sport while the college was still located in downtown Boston.  Since that time, Bentley basketball has experienced substantial success and grown into one of the nation's elite programs with 41 winning seasons, more than 900 victories and 17 NCAA tournament berths.  Over the years, Bentley has spent 72 weeks ranked in the top ten, 49 in the top five and 16 at number one in the country.   

Since 2005, Bentley teams have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen six times, the Elite Eight three times and Final Four twice.  During this time, the program also established the two longest winning streaks in New England basketball history (all divisions) and set the all-time NCAA Division II record of 55 straight regular season wins.

"We should all be very proud of the consistency of our basketball program over the past 50 years, said Jay Lawson, the Falcons' head coach since 1991 and a veteran of 28 years on the Bentley coaching staff. "We have a wonderful tradition that has clearly stood the test of time during the many changes of college basketball and our university.

"This reunion will give us the opportunity to do two important things on June 8th.  To celebrate a unique milestone and more importantly, to thank the former players, coaches, trainers and managers.  They are the ones responsible for our success and this event will hopefully show our appreciation for their significant contributions.  The response has been excellent so we anticipate a great day that brings together basketball alums from all eras."

If you are not on the alumni email list but would like information on the event , contact Coach Lawson at jlawson@bentley.edu.