Marcus Filien, a former Albany Academy basketball player, holds cherished memories from his childhood spent inside SEFCU Arena, witnessing some of the greatest moments in the history of University at Albany men’s basketball. Now, as a Great Danes player, he aims to create more unforgettable moments on the court.
Recently, UAlbany announced the signing of Filien, a Rensselaer native who played for four years at Cornell. He will join the UAlbany team as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.
Filien’s late father, Patrick Filien, was a Saint Rose graduate who served as an assistant coach at UAlbany from 2005 to 2011. He then became the athletic director and head men’s basketball coach at Bryant & Stratton. Unfortunately, Patrick Filien passed away due to complications from COVID-19 in February 2021, at the age of 51. During his time as an assistant coach, UAlbany won America East titles in 2006 and 2007, with Pat Filien on the bench assisting head coach Will Brown.
Reflecting on his childhood memories, Marcus Filien expressed his excitement about joining UAlbany and the familiarity he feels with the program. He fondly recalls the championships and spending quality time with his father in the UAlbany facility. Moving to Albany in 2005, Filien considers himself growing up with the program and becoming part of the Capital Region.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Marcus Filien served as the team captain for Cornell last season. He averaged 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. When searching for a new team, Filien sought a coaching staff that would believe in his abilities and help him contribute to the program’s growth. He found that connection with UAlbany coach Dwayne Killings and his assistants. Being a local player with a family history at UAlbany, Filien believes they can achieve something special in his final year of college basketball.
Filien intends to provide leadership and support to his younger UAlbany teammates, including forward Jonathan Beagle, last season’s America East Rookie of the Year, and guard Marcus Jackson, Filien’s former teammate from Albany Academy. He aims to bring experience, confidence, and a sense of community both on and off the court.
In addition to his basketball aspirations, Filien will pursue an MBA at UAlbany after earning his bachelor’s degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell. He will begin his classes in the fall.
Dwayne Killings, the head coach of UAlbany, expressed his admiration for Pat Filien during their time in the America East. Killings, who previously worked as a Boston University assistant, made it a priority to establish a connection with the Filien family upon his arrival in Albany. Coaching Marcus Filien in his final year of eligibility holds special meaning for Killings.
In other news, UAlbany also announced the addition of Gianmarco Arletti, a 6-foot-7 guard from Bologna, Italy. Arletti previously played for the University of Delaware, averaging 5.2 points and 3.0 rebounds last season.
Please note: UAlbany’s basketball program continues to strengthen as they bring in talented new players like Marcus Filien and Gianmarco Arletti, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
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