The lights are off in SUNY Sullivan’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, and the starting lineup of the men’s basketball team is announced one by one. It’s a tradition done again and again, but this time, the emcee has a special caveat.

“Introducing the starting lineup of the number-one team in the nation, the Generals,” echoes over the loudspeaker to a packed house of fans.

After just four seasons as a scholarship-level team, SUNY Sullivan is already a power on the national level. On December 5, the Generals were voted the top team in the nation at the NJCAA Division II level, with their neighbors to the east, SUNY Orange, six spots back. They're currently at No. 2 after a home loss to Orange last week, but Sullivan is 9-1 after rebounding with a win Thursday at Rockland Community College.

“We’re changing lives here, and we’re really excited about the kids that come through here,” said SUNY Sullivan Athletic Director Chris Depew.

Getting a two-year degree and playing basketball at a junior college is a primary approach to gain exposure and develop skills as a basketball player. Depew has built a career at this level as a member of the NJCAA Hall of Fame, the team’s former coach and leader of the 2007 D-III national championship-winning team.

That banner hangs at the top of the fieldhouse and acts as a reminder of the high-caliber product that is benefiting everyone.

“Each year, we do our best to provide the best opportunity possible and provide the best atmosphere possible for our kids,” said Depew.

That’s the exact mentality that stuck out to sophomore Jay Alvarez. The same week his team was voted top in the nation, he was awarded NJCAA D-II Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.

“I’m hoping to become a better person all around, hoping to become a better player all around, a better leader … you know, leading my guys to hopefully a championship, but the main goal is to become better in every aspect of life,” said Alvarez.

After his final season with the Generals, Alvarez expects to move on to a four-year program, proving that JUCO basketball is truly a springboard to more opportunity. Head Coach Brent Wilson says he is the one to help them get there.

“They want our assistance. They want our coaching to eventually help them move on to the four-year level, and provide opportunities to get them recruited,” Wilson said, “and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about.”

According to a recent study done by the NCSA, 14% of JUCO men’s basketball student-athletes move on to the NCAA Division I level, compared to the top 1% of high school players.

By operating at a high level, SUNY Sullivan is providing new opportunities both in the future of the program and the future of these players.

“We understand we’re the biggest game on everybody’s schedule, and we thrive on that. I love being the bullseye because that just means we’re doing it the right way. We’re growing the program, and I like being the best,” said Depew.