Gerardo Suero, Logan Aronhalt Leaving UAlbany Hoops

It looked like the bad news came on Friday, when word leaked out about Gerardo Suero deciding to leave the University at Albany basketball program.

On Monday, the Great Danes were hit with a double dose of negativity, when Logan Aronhalt announced he will be leaving the program, to continue playing, but to continue his academic career in a program which UAlbany doesn't offer.

In just four days, nearly half (49 percent) of the Great Danes' scoring offense has disappeared.

Suero has decided to forego his final season and begin a professional career, while Aronhalt still wants to play, but he wants to continue his education.

Suero was the America East Conference's leading scorer, averaging 21.5 points per game this season.

While Suero is unlikely to be chosen in the upcoming NBA Draft, he feels that with an opportunity, he could make it in the league.

“If I play the best I can play and they give me the chance to do it and prove that I’m a good basketball player and have gotten better,” he said.

Aronhalt is looking to get his master's in an exercise science, which is not offered at UAlbany.

“It’s what he wants to do and I think if that’s what he wants to do, I need to support him," said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

Aronhalt will play next season, but he's not quite sure where, as long as his surgically repaired knee

holds up.

Without Suero and Aronhalt, are the Great Danes good enough to win next season.

“I think they can," Aronhalt said. "Without a doubt, it’s going to be a different team, a different dynamic, but they still have a lot of guys coming back.”

Brown was much more succinct in his feeling for the team next season, despite losing the top two scorers.

“We’re going to be good," he said.

The Great Danes finished 19-15 next season and actually have everyone else back from last season, besides Suero and Aronhalt.

It might not end up being a disaster, if other players step up accordingly. But for right now, this is a big blow to UAlbany's chances at an America East crown in 2012-13.