SEAN MCGRATH
Sports Editor
“Loyal.”
“Humble.”
“Outgoing.”
“Charismatic.”
“Bucketz.”
Look at any of these words in the dictionary, Amir Billups is sure to be listed as a synonym. Yes, even ‘Bucketz’ would be in the dictionary if the men’s basketball team had their way.
This past Saturday, Billups lost his life in a multi-car pile-up in Morrow County, Ohio, due to wintry conditions. The 24-year-old Fredonia graduate was a part of the men’s basketball team from 2008-2012, joining after he graduated from Starpoint High School in Buffalo, NY.
When you talk to anyone who knew Amir Billups, grins, now interspersed with looks of sadness, appear on their faces. Known to his friends, teammates and anyone who knew him as “Bucketz,” the legacy will forever live on.
It was here in Fredonia that he earned his nickname “Bucketz.” Known for his impressive shooting ability, Billups’ teammate and close friend, Damien Goodwin II, gave him the name to remember where Billups succeeded on the court.
But it wasn’t just the court that Billups was known for.
“Amir Billups was probably one of my first friends when I came to campus,” said former teammate and current assistant men’s basketball coach Adam LaQuier. “I remember moving into the dorms with roommate Joseph Monahan; Amir was one of the first guys to come, and he actually helped my mother and father unload the truck for us.”
“My best memory of Amir would have to be when we roomed together on an away trip my freshman year. I don’t think I laughed that hard throughout one night in my whole life.” said junior John Kovach. “But when it was time to play it was time to play, the last game of his career he went out by leading us with a 25+ scoring output and we beat Brockport at their place. He got us all so pumped up that game, his passion was something that he passed along to his teammates to makes us better. Those two are my favorite memories of Amir.”
And that is how everyone knew him. He was the comedic relief that everyone knew and loved, but the first person to jump up and get everyone to join. If your day was going bad, he was the one guy who wouldn’t leave you until you cracked a smile. He was a comedian, he was the definition of a leader and he was a down to earth guy — Amir Billups was as real as you could get.
“I had many good experiences with him including even when I had got recruited here. I can remember him introducing me to so many gorgeous girls and telling me how he would help me if I wanted to talk to any of them. That’s the kind of guy he was he would help you with whatever needed.” said junior Robert Lyles. “My freshman year he was the one that cut my hair due to me not knowing anyone else who could. I would always thank him for making me look ‘handsome’ and he would always just laugh and be grateful. He never charged he would just do it out of the niceness in his heart.”
In his time here, Billups also enjoyed working along women’s head volleyball coach Geoff Braun in the intramural department.
“I can’t quite speak to a specific memory other than when his senior class of intramural employees all gathered to celebrate their graduation and thank them for their dedication to their jobs.,” Coach Braun said. “It was one of my favorite moments because that whole group of kids was a joy to work with. Amir was a huge part of that.”
LaQuier’s biggest memory with him came from the last game they played together, a 103-98 victory over Brockport in which Billups recorded 25 points in the highest scoring game since the Blue Devils notched 120 back in the 2002-2003 season.
“He had probably one of his best games he had here,” LaQuier said. “Fredonia hadn’t beaten Brockport in Brockport in around 15 years, and to go out like that with the two of us is just nice.”
The two capped the victory off with an embrace along with fellow teammate Dalton Kashmir. They didn’t make it to the playoffs that year, but in LaQuier’s words, going out like that, “it’s special.”
Following his time here in Fredonia, Billups graduated with his degree in business administration, moved back up to Buffalo and continued his career.
By the time he was back home, his next door opened.
Billups joined the Buffalo 716ers of the Premier Basketball League after tryouts with an NBA Summer League. The owner and head coach of the 716ers saw his potential and was instantly interested. After joining in the 2012-2013 season, he was named captain of the 716ers in the 2013-2014 season. Regardless of the jersey change, Amir was still Amir.
He was still the funny guy that everyone knew, which was a cause for reflection.
“I remember when we were on the bus when freshmen and newcomers had to perform a song in front of the whole team,” said Rasean Parris, thinking back to his favorite memory. “He just recorded our videos and sent them out to everyone, it was hilarious.”
But that’s not the only impact that he had on Rasean.
“He was a leader when I first got here, he was a senior,” said Parris. “Me and him, we shared comedy, we used to send each other funny skits on Instagram, he used to send me funny videos and we used to laugh. He was a good friend, he was a good outlet.”
So, imagine how hurt everyone was, learning that a teammate and friend who was your rock suddenly isn’t there anymore. When I had everyone try and describe Amir in one word, they had the responses that you see starting this piece, but junior Eric Zwierlein had a different thought.
“Describing Amir in one word is almost impossible, but if I had to choose one I guess it would be confident,” he said. “There was just this aura of confidence that Amir gave off, on the court or even just talking to people that I always admired.”
The last time that everyone was able to enjoy his company was last weekend, when Fredonia held their annual Fredonia Alumni Basketball game. He was there, and it was like the good old days.
“I enjoyed seeing Amir play. He was a very competitive young man,” said Athletic Director Greg Prechtl, who coached one of the teams in the alumni event. “He really cared about his teammates, he worked hard and he was a very unselfish player.”
No one cared more about his teammates than Billups. A man of his caliber surely leaves a lasting legacy with the people he associated with.
“He brought happiness to each and every person’s life,” said LaQuier. “He leaves a legacy that should be sought after for anyone who comes through the doors of the basketball program and just as a person. He went through life, and you’ll see that he brings a smile to everyone’s face.”
In my personal experience, Amir had a huge effect on me. Starting out writing for this section just under four years ago, I had the honor to interview him, even though that story didn’t make it to print. From the start, he was amazing; he was joking, laughing and just making sure that my nerves didn’t slow down the interview. So for that, I thank you. You are a great man and you will never be forgotten — my hat is tipped to you.
Rest In Peace, Amir “Bucketz” Billups.
Other Quotes:
“I don’t have just one favorite moment with him. All the times spend with Amir were joy some. He was a clown that just wanted to make people laugh. I went through not a great season with him but he always stayed positive and gave everyone encouragement. He was one of the best captains a person could ask for.” -Rob Lyles
“Amir was a great teammate, captain, friend, and just an overall great person. Not to mention the best shooter I’ve ever played with. He was always there to pick you up with a slick remark or joke when you were feeling down. I recall when I was a scared Freshman going to the first captains meeting and he was a Senior/captain.Most Seniors would of been distant to us immature freshman, but he brought us all under his wing and made us feel apart of the Blue Devil basketball family right away.” -Eric S Zwierlein
“My experience with him only got better overtime. After he graduated he would come back to Fred all the time to see us play, for alumni weekends, or just to see us for a weekend. And we would welcome him anytime because he was such an upbeat person who lit up every room he walked into.” -Eric S Zwierlein