If Binghamton is Cinderella, then Kevin Broadus seems to be the glass slipper.

At yesterday’s press conference, the new head coach of the Binghamton Bearcats was announced, and he said all the right things.

A few words stood out that Broadus reiterated throughout the afternoon: discipline, hard work and respect.

There were many times last season when we saw the Bearcats fall apart offensively and defensively, blowing big leads and resorting to one-on-one disorganized basketball. The team lacked patience, organization and discipline. Well, now Broadus brings a structured program and ideas, which is exactly what this team needs.

Broadus said that the offense will not be Princeton-style, it will be Binghamton-style: uptempo, yet disciplined. But Broadus’ focus was more about the defense. He mentioned that he looked at the stats and it was clear this team did not rebound nor play defense. And he is right.

The focus seemed to be on defense last year, but there was no sign of it. The Bearcats were known for their hard-nosed aggressive man-to-man defense, but sometimes you have to explore other options ‘ like a zone or a press ‘ which Al Walker seemed hesitant to do. Broadus said that they are going to play ‘whatever it takes to stop the opponent.’

This change and a fresh start to the players and program is going to be a tough transition from Walker, but it is one that is greatly needed and one that I think will prove to be worthy. Broadus is not only a great recruiter, but also has a great personality and will be able to get the most out of his players.

But it’s not going to come easy, and Broadus admitted that. It takes a lot of hard work not only from the players, but also from the fans and the people surrounding the program. The people will be there, but results are expected and I think you will see those. Broadus is trying to build a program the right way. He wants to bring in high school players who will be here for four years and play the game of basketball the way it is meant to be played. He even joked that some of the older people in the audience will recognize their new offensive style.

Broadus is a stickler for education outside the classroom and demands respect. During a television interview yesterday, senior guard Richard Forbes was talking to the news with a hat on. As Broadus walked by, he stepped in and took off Forbes’ hat ‘ that action speaks volumes about Broadus’ character and what he is expecting from his team on and off the court.

And for the players who are reading this, you should buy into this system. Don’t give up or fight against it because you may not be used to it. Broadus clearly has experience with coaching and has had some great mentors. He has the same goal as you do ‘ postseason play. He has been there; you haven’t. So I would suggest listening and doing what it takes because you both want the same thing and he knows what it takes to get there.

Broadus is the perfect hire and match for this team. Granted, a game has yet to be played and there are always a couple of concerns and questions, such as what is going to be Mike Gordon’s role in the new system and will it still be ‘his team’ as it was last year? And who else will Broadus recruit and bring on as assistant coaches?

But while we are unsure of what is to come, this is a positive step for Binghamton’s basketball program. And while Broadus is enjoying the Final Four, we are excitedly waiting for his return and to see where our biggest sport on campus is headed. And from my point of view, it’s in the right direction.