MIT Basketball's Summer Recap 2013: Bender, Strobos, Levene

This past summer the members of the MIT Basketball team were busy both on and off the court, honing their skills in gyms across the US and taking advantage of the many research and work opportunities available. In this series we highlight each student-athletes' summer experience, beginning with three Juniors:

David Bender, Junior, 6'6", TX (Chemical Engineering/Materials Science Engineering)

(Photo: Tom Gearty)

Bender, the younger brother of former stand-out Billy Bender '12, was a research intern at Baker Hughes in Texas. Bender analyzed the physical properties of NiCr (nickel-chromium) superalloy under varying tests of time and temperature to determine the allows longevity in deepwater high pressure/high temperature wells.

Reinier Strobos, Junior, 6'7", TX (Computer Science/Materials Science Engineering) 

(Photo: Tom Gearty)

Strobos spent his summer working for Yahoo as a Software Engineer Intern. Strobos worked on the platforms team at the Internet giant's headquarters, building a web service which filtered social content so that it could be served more effectively to appropriate teams. 

Dennis Levene, Junior, 6'7", CT (Management Science/Mechanical Engineering)

(Photo: Tom Gearty)

Levene, a co-captain for the upcoming season, spent his summer working as an analyst for Marketfield Asset Management in New York City. Levene conducted equity research as well as performance and risk analysis for the fund, working closely with the head of research and senior management. Levene stayed on the campus of Columbia University, and was able to train with some of Columbia's basketball team. In addition to playing with teammates Russell Johnson and Ryan Frankel in the NY Urban League, Levene also played in NIKE Pro City for Big Apple Basketball. Competition in this heralded league included international, D-league, and NBA talent.  

MIT Career Fair This Friday

MIT students and companies from around the world will have the chance to meet each other this Friday

The annual MIT Career Fair begins this Friday at 10am at the Johnson Athletic Center and Rockwell Cage. Nearly 400 companies will be on campus connecting with students offering full-time, part-time, and internship positions.

Members of the MIT Basketball team took advantage of the many job and internship opportunities over the summer; their experiences will be highlighted in upcoming posts.

A list of all companies attending the Fair can be found here: http://career-fair.mit.edu/company_all.php

More information about the Career Fair can be found here: http://career-fair.mit.edu/

MIT Endowment Grows to $10.9 Billion

Killian Court (photo: hsa.mit.edu)

MIT recently released its annual Report of the Treasurer for fiscal year 2013 (ending June 30, 2013), highlighting a growth of 7% in its endowment over last year to $10.9 billion. The endowment generated returns of 11.1% during the year, funds which are used to "support current and future generations of MIT scholars with the resources they need."

The average financial aid award for students in 2012-2013 was $40,952.

MIT's endowment has steadily grown since 2009 (photo: MIT's Report of the Treasurer)

Read more about MIT's endowment and fiscal performance here: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2013/institute-endowment-figures-0913.html

MIT Ranked #1 University in the World

MIT began the Fall Semester with exciting news from the QS World University Rankings as MIT is ranked the #1 university in the world for 2013-2014. This is the second straight year MIT has earned this honor.

(photo: QS World Rankings)

The complete list of rankings can be found here: http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2013

MITHoops.NET

After a year on the sidelines the blog is back in action for the 2013-2014 season, equipped with brand new content and a new name:

www.MITHoops.NET

Be sure to stop by often for the inside scoop on everything MIT Basketball.

Kates in the News

Mitchell Kates having a great summer in the Jersey Shore Summer League.

MIT Announces Incoming Freshman Class

The MIT Men's Basketball Team has announced their incoming freshman class.  More information here:

http://www.mitathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/2011-12/releases/20120702mjtmsb

Associate Head Coach Kevin Byrne Tabbed to Lead Ohio Northern University

MIT's Associate Head Coach Kevin Byrne has been named as the Head Coach of the Ohio Northern University Polar Bears of the Ohio Athletic Conference.  Byrne, an Akron, Ohio native, becomes just the 7th coach in the school's history.  More from the ONU website.

Team, Alumni, and Fans Celebrate MIT Season

On April 21, the MIT Basketball team, alumni, family, friends, and fans joined together to celebrate another historic season at the annual MIT Basketball Banquet. Held at the MIT Faculty Club overlooking the Charles River, the keynote speaker this year was Mark Attanasio, owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. Coaches and players reflected on the past year, and awards were given to the team, including their NCAA Semifinalist trophies.

Head Coach Larry Anderson

Senior Dan Mccue

Milwaukee Brewers Owner Mark Attanasio

The 2011-2012 MIT Basketball Award winners:

MVP - Mitchell Kates
Jack Barry Award  - Will Tashman (given to the student-athlete who demonstrates most what MIT Basketball stands for)
Best Defensive Player - Billy Bender
Rookie of the Year - Paul Dawson
Most Improved - Andrew Acker

Captains for the 2012-2013 Season
Noel Hollingsworth
Mitchell Kates
Will Tashman
Jamie Karraker

The NCAA Semifinalist Individual Trophies

The NCAA Semifinalist Team Trophy, as well as championship memorabilia from MIT's Final Four appearance

The view from the MIT Faculty Club

MIT Ranked 4th Best Athletics Program in Nation

The MIT Athletics program is currently in 4th place in the Learfield Sports Director's Cup, which measures overall athletic programs in Division III. MIT witnessed one of the greatest winter seasons in the Institute's history, including the men's basketball team's historic Final Four performance.

Read more here: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nacda/sports/directorscup/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/mar29d3.pdf