Bentley University

Al Grenfell, one of the finest "big men" in New England Division II history, was a major reason for the success of the Bentley basketball program during the early seventies.
 
During his four years in uniform, he helped the Al Shields-coached Falcons win 91 of 105 games and reach the NCAA Division II (known as the college division the first two years) tourney annually from 1971-75.
 
The Philadelphia native had an immediate impact on a Bentley basketball program that was just eight years old when Al arrived from St. Thomas More High School. He started 27 games as a freshman, and led the Falcons in scoring (15.4 ppg) and field goal percentage (.537) and was second in rebounds (9.9 per game).
 
Winning quickly became a habit as Bentley followed an opening day loss to Long Island University with a then-New England Division II record 26-game winning streak. His freshman season culminated with the program's first-ever NCAA appearance, where the Falcons defeated Sacred Heart in the first round, 96-79, but dropped a 109-103 decision to Assumption College in the regional finals.
 
The success continued throughout the next three years, with Bentley becoming firmly established as one of the powers in Division II basketball. With the 6'7" power forward a virtual fixture in the starting lineup - he started 102 of 104 career games - the Falcons posted records of 24-3, 18-7 and 23-2, and hosted the NCAA regionals in 1974 and 1975.
 
As a senior, Al was named a second-team Division II All-America by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and was also recognized by the Associated Press (honorable mention Small College All-America). UPI (1st-team Division II All-New England) and the ECAC (1st-team Division II All-Star).
 
By the time his career ended, the Falcon standout had become one of only two players in Bentley history with over 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 points. His total of 1,668 points is still eighth best in the program’s history and his rebound total of 1,077 was just 17 shy of the school record.