Categories: College Sports, Sports

As a four-year starter in the University at Albany backcourt from 2009-13, Mike Black earned a reputation for being a smooth scorer.

He is now putting that reputation to the test in a whole new arena.

Black, of Chicago, is one of the contestants on the upcoming season of the ABC reality show “The Bachelorette,” debuting Monday (9 p.m., ABC).

“Tune in this Monday May 22nd for the @bacheloretteabc and follow me on my journey for love! #bachelornation #teammikeblack,” Black wrote on his Instagram account.

He is listed as “Michael, 26, a former professional basketball player from Chicago” — Black played in Bulgaria — one of 31 suitors vying for the affection of Rachel Lindsay.

The others bachelors range from a real estate agent, male model and drummer to a doctor.

On the show’s website, Black described himself as laid back.

“Definitely not the center of attention because there is always a reason why people need attention,” he said. “I’m confident in who I am as a person.”

Black was the center of attention when he played for the Great Danes, named first team all-America East as a senior and starting 94 consecutive games in a career that saw him average 12 point a game.

The show has already been filmed; reality show contestants are not allowed to discuss what transpired until after an episode airs.

But Black has already raised the audience for “The Bachelorette” by at least one viewer.

“I normally wouldn’t watch the show,” said Will Brown, his UAlbany coach, “but I will have to now that Mike was on it. It will be interesting to see his strategy as he tries to survive and advance. I am sure he will handle himself well.”

To view Black’s webpage, click http://abc.go.com/shows/ the-bachelorette/cast/michael- 2017.

For “The Bachelorette’s” webpage, click http://abc.go.com/shows/ the-bachelorette.

Reach Executive Sports Editor Mark McGuire at 395-3105, [email protected] or @MJMcGuire on Twitter.