The Friday Fives: Basketball Tip-Off Edition

Today is officially college basketball season. The America East men and women will tip off play tonight with 13 teams in action and even more games to come throughout the weekend. 2012-13 is set to be one of the most competitive years in league history, as both the men and the women should see wide open races for the league title. In honor of it all, we bring to you a basketball themed Friday Fives. Here we go!

Five TV Games Versus Ranked Schools

The non-conference season will bring some tough challenges for America East squads, both the men and women, this year. Here are five that will be televised regionally or nationally (rankings from USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll):

1) MBB: Albany at No. 4 Ohio St. -- Sunday, Nov. 11 (Big Ten Network)
2) WBB: Albany at No. 14 Michigan St. -- Wednesday, Nov. 21 (BTN.com)
3) MBB: Maine at T-No. 24 Florida St. -- Sunday, Dec. 9 (ESPNU)
4) MBB: Binghamton at No. 5 Michigan -- Tuesday, Dec. 11 (Big Ten Network)
5) WBB: No. 2 Connecticut at Hartford -- Saturday, Dec. 22 (SNY)

Teams with Five America East Championships

Both the Vermont men and the Hartford women have five America East Championships all-time. Big things are expected from the Catamounts and the Hawks this year as well. Vermont, guided by second-year coach John Becker, was picked to win the league by the coaches in the preseason poll, as the 'Cats will try to reach the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. Jen Rizzotti and Hartford come into the season picked to finish third in the conference by the coaches. The Hawks will be aiming at their second America East title in three years.

Albany's Ebone Henry

Fantastic No. 5's

Dave Coley, No. 5, Stony Brook

Coley is the top returning scorer on a title-hungry Seawolves squad. In 2011-12 as a sophomore, Coley averaged 10 points and 3.6 rebounds while playing 25.6 minutes a game. The Brooklyn native scored 21 points in a game twice last season, as his shooting percentage went up nearly 10 percent from his freshman campaign.

Ebone Henry, No. 5, Albany

Henry returns for her senior campaign looking to lead Albany to another America East title. The conference Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons, Henry also led the Great Danes in scoring with 14.3 points per game. Henry is one of two Albany players, joining Julie Forster, to be selected as a preseason all-conference member.

Linked Up: Basketball Style

The latest UMBC Coaches' Corner is a sit-down with new men's head coach Aki Thomas.

Hartford also talked with one of its coaches, as Jen Rizzotti previewed the upcoming season for her squad.

Stony Brook basketball will run a food drive this month to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Optimism is high for the New Hampshire basketball teams, writes Brett Ferrell.

The Burlington Free Press takes a look at the Vermont men's team and its bid to repeat.

#FollowFriday

Rather than give you a list of five accounts to follow, NBC's College Basketball Talk blog gave you a ridiculously comprehensive list. Your favorite blog (this one of course) makes an appearance as well. Check it out!

Also make sure to subscribe to our men's and women's basketball lists on Twitter.