On Thursday, the Burlington Free Press announced that the University of Vermont men’s basketball freshman phenomenon Joe Trapani is transferring out of the school. Trapani cited ‘personal reasons’ in his decision, but whatever his reason, the outcome is clear: The America East will be wide open next year.

Vermont was near dominant in 2006-07, due largely to its front line, where 6-11 Chris Holm and 6-8 Martin Klimes allowed the 6-7 Trapani to play small forward. Trapani contributed immediately, scoring 20 points in his first game and averaging 15.8 points through his first 16.

For all the praise we give to Lazar Trifunovic, Trapani was better.

A broken foot was the only thing that could keep Trapani from an all but certain Rookie of the Year honor. And now, along with fellow Catamounts Jason Green and Rob Sisca, Trapani will be transferring.

Holm and Klimes, the two reasons why Vermont led the country in rebounding margin, are graduating.

And somewhere in his new office in the Events Center, Binghamton’s new head coach Kevin Broadus is dancing.

Vermont, the favorite for 2007-08, retains star point guard Mike Trimboli and key role players in Kyle Cieplicki and Colin McIntosh. But the Catamounts won’t be anywhere as good as they were this past season.

Albany, the America East champs in 2006 and 2007, lose Jamar Wilson and Jason Siggers, two first-team all-conference players. The Danes will try to replace them with some highly-rated recruits, but without Wilson, Albany will not be the same team.

Boston University, the third place team in 2006 and 2007, emerges as the new frontrunner. The Terriers have the best guards in the conference in Corey Lowe, Carlos Strong and 2007 Rookie of the Year Tyler Morris. However, Boston’s success will be determined by how well they can fill the gaping hole in their frontcourt left by graduating senior Omari Peterkin; no one on Boston’s current roster is capable of filling that void.

Another team that can contend for a title is UMBC. The Retrievers quietly finished in fifth place last year and will return Jay Greene, Brian Hodges and Tom Young.

Just don’t count sixth place Binghamton out. In a league dominated by guard play, the winner is often the team that has the best (or only) big men. Last year that team was Vermont, with Holm. Next season, that team will be Binghamton. With forward Trifunovic providing the flash and commanding the double team, the gigantic centers Minja Kovacevic and Jaan Montgomery have the opportunity to step up and complete the most intimidating frontcourt in the America East.

Seniors Mike Gordon and Rich Forbes will give the Bearcats one of the better backcourts in the conference. Binghamton’s success will depend on how effectively Broadus can teach Forbes (and the rest of the team) how to play disciplined. It also wouldn’t hurt to find another 3-point shooter. Sure, the Bearcats will have some weaknesses, but the conference hasn’t been this wide open in years.

And if I’m right, Broadus won’t just be dancing in his office. He’ll be doing it at the NCAA tournament.