VESTAL, N.Y. - Head coach Tommy Dempsey will welcome back a familiar face when his 2020-21 men's basketball squad hits the floor this fall. Returning after two years away is 6-foot-9 senior center Thomas Bruce, who will give the Bearcats an instant boost at both ends of the floor. Before Bruce was forced to sit out for an extended period of time, he was one of the most dominant big men in the America East, earning back-to-back All-Defensive Team accolades in 2016-17 and 2017-18. 

"It's really exciting to get Thomas back out there," Dempsey said. "He's always been one of our favorite players, as a person more so than anything. I'm happy he's healthy coming back from the injury. We certainly missed him and can't wait to get him back on the court. Thomas is an elite defender and a ridiculous athlete who can go get rebounds and protect the basket. He also can score around the basket, catch alley-oops and he's a terrific passer and unselfish player. While he's been away, he's been able to work on his own game and that will benefit us this year. He's been in the gym for many months playing basketball ... so he's ready to go."

In his junior season in 2017-18, Bruce led the conference in blocks (61) and ranked second in both rebounds (8.8/game) and field goal percentage (60%). He averaged 11.1 points and produced nine double-doubles, second-most in the league. 

Bruce suffered a concussion prior to the 2018-19 season and the lingering effects kept him out of that season and last season as well. The last time he suited up for the Bearcats was at Albany on Feb. 27, 2018. In that game, he contributed nine points, five boards and two blocks. 

He will begin his final collegiate season with 708 career points and 535 rebounds.