The Coaches vs. Cancer Basket “Ball”

Join us as cross-town teams leave their rivalry on the court for the 2026 Coaches vs. Cancer Basket “Ball”!

The Coaches vs. Cancer Basket “Ball” is an annual celebration hosted by the Head Coaches and wives of the Siena and UAlbany men’s basketball teams. This “upscale pep rally” brings together hundreds of sports enthusiasts, as well as business and philanthropic leaders each year to celebrate the impact our Capital Region sports and business community makes in the fight against cancer!

We hope you will join our team on Tuesday, September 15th for an evening complete with a cocktail hour, dinner, open bar, silent auction & an awards ceremony featuring incredible honorees and maybe even a few “celebrity guests”!

Since its inception, the Capital Region Coaches vs. Cancer Basket “Ball” has raised over $3 million to take on our opponent and work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Event Hosts:

Nevada & Lindsay Smith | Siena University Men’s Basketball

Dwayne & Ana Killings | University at Albany Men’s Basketball

Evening Timeline:

• 6:00 PM – VIP reception begins
• 6:30 PM – Doors officially open, party begins 2nd floor
• 8:00 PM– Buffet dinner closes, Program with honoree recognition begins
• 10:00 PM – Event close

Celebrating our 2026 Honorees

• Legacy of Hope – Chris Madden
  The Legacy of Hope Award will be presented in memory of Chris Madden, whose generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Siena Basketball and Golf teams and the Capital Region left a lasting impact on countless lives.

  A Siena Basketball alumnus and co-captain of the program’s first NCAA Division I team, Chris went on to become a respected business leader, devoted husband and father, and trusted friend to so many. Whether in the workplace, on the sidelines, or in the community, he was known for bringing people together and leading with integrity, humility, and heart.

  Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Chris’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the example he set. It is our honor to present the 2026 Legacy of Hope Award to the Madden family in celebration of a life that continues to inspire hope, generosity, and service to others.

• Inspiration Award – Frank Martin
  We are proud to honor a member of the national Coaches vs. Cancer Council, UMass Head Men’s Basketball Coach Frank Martin for his longstanding commitment to the fight against cancer and the Coaches vs. Cancer program. For more than a decade, Frank and his wife, Anya, have been dedicated supporters of the American Cancer Society, raising critical funds, advocating for cancer-related policies on Capitol Hill, and using their platform in college basketball to advance the mission.Each year, Frank continues to raise awareness through Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers® Week and has consistently been willing to lend his voice, his time and his support whenever called upon. His commitment is personal, inspired in part by his mother-in-law’s experience as a breast cancer survivor, and we are honored to recognize the meaningful impact he continues to make both on and off the court.
• Mary Ann Raymond Donnelly Fighting Spirit Award – Mason Queary
  The Mary Ann Raymond Donnelly Fighting Spirit Award recognizes an individual whose courage, resilience, and determination embody the heart of the Coaches vs. Cancer mission.

  At just 10 years old, Mason Queary was diagnosed with a rare brain germ cell tumor. During his treatment, his family was told he might never walk or talk again. But Mason had other plans. Through extraordinary determination and an unwavering fighting spirit, Mason has defied the odds. Today, not only is he walking and talking he is thriving! A remarkable testament to his strength.

  We are honored to present Mason Queary with the 2026 Fighting Spirit Award in recognition of his incredible resilience and the inspiration he provides to everyone who hears his story.

Other Important Event Information:

• Emcee: Freddie Coleman
• Attire: Sporty cocktail
• Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the garage below the Albany Capital Center. The garage is located at 7 Wendell Street, Albany, NY 12207.