Nov. 1, 2024
Mykel Bingham ready to restart college basketball career, take leadership role for Ferris State
Mykel Bingham did not suit up in games for the Bulldogs last season, but he was never too far removed from his Ferris State men's basketball teammates.
The talented 6-foot-8 forward from Grand Rapids became a student of basketball and life, took notes, and continued putting the pieces of his student-athlete puzzle together to ensure he was ready to make an impact this season.
"Coming off last year, I'm excited to be back and looking forward to stepping into more of a leadership for our team," said Bingham, who played at Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids. "I know it's going to be important for me to stay vocal and work with the younger guys on our team to help them as much as I can. I want my teammates and coaches to know I am there for them like they've been there for me."
Bingham comes from a basketball family as the younger brother of former Michigan State University 7-foot standout Marcus Bingham.
Bingham led his Catholic Central team to a 19-3 record as a senior and averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.
He played in six games for Ferris State during the 2020-21 season, and increased to 20 during his second year, the 2021-22 campaign, as he averaged seven minutes and 2.3 points pergame. In his third year, Bingham's contributions increased to 6.8 points per contest in 20-plus minutes a game.
Last season, however, veteran head coach Andy Bronkema knew Mykel needed time and space to lock in on growing as a complete Ferris State student-athlete.
"The biggest thing for all of our young men is to grow and mature as people. That process is different, it doesn't look the same for everybody," said Bronkema, who led the Bulldogs to the 2018 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. "Now, where we're at today, we've seen a lot of improvement in Mykel. We've seen his growth."
That growth is academic and athletic.
"Mykel is impacting other people's lives, being a leader for us," Bronkema said. "He's very empathetic; he feels other people's feelings on our team. He's the first to pat you on the back or encourage you to believe in yourself. I'm very excited about Mykel getting back on the floor with us this year, but I'm more excited about his overall growth as a young man. You want to see him become the best version of Mykel Bingham he can become.”
Bingham scored a game-high 16 points in the 85-67 setback against the Spartans In the Oct. 29 exhibition game in East Lansing against Michigan State University. Legendary MSU head coach Tom Izzo has known Bingham for nearly all of the player’s life.
"Honestly, I was really happy for Mykel Bingham. I've known him since he was probably five years old. He played really well, and he went through a tough time last year," Izzo said to the media after the game. "I give that coach (Andy Bronkema) a lot of credit. He didn't let him play and it reminds me of Morris Peterson. The kid looked like a real player tonight. So, I guess holding people accountable works once in a while. I'm really happy for him."
Bingham is working to help Ferris State, coming off an NCAA Division II Midwest Region championship during the 2023-24 season, reach its full potential this winter. The Bulldogs are ranked 25th nationally in the National Association of Basketball Coaches D2 Top 25 Preseason Rankings. Bingham is confident he can bring a diverse skillset to the table for the Bulldogs this season.
"I'm versatile. I want to focus on rebounding and defense this season," he said. "I also have focused on expanding my game to continue developing as a player. I think I bring skills that can be helpful to our team."
Bingham developed a fresh perspective after sitting out last season.
"For me, it's the opportunity to come back and get back into it," he said. "I have definitely had some highs and lows, but my teammates were there to help me whenever I was down, and I always want to be there for my teammates. I think it's going to be a good season."
Ferris State opens against West Texas A&M University on Friday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. In the D2CCA Tipoff Classic in Canyon, Texas, before the team returns to the court on Saturday, Nov. 2, to face UNC Pembroke at 7:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs open at home in the regular season when they host the GLIAC-GMAC Crossover, facing Northwood University on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. and Lake Erie College on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.