After leading Hofstra to the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Colonial Athletic Association Tournament, Speedy Claxton has agreed to a multi-year extension at his alma mater.
Claxton has Hofstra at 23-8 ahead of the conference tournament and won 21 games in his first season as head coach a year ago.
“Speedy Claxton embodies Hofstra Pride,” said President Susan Poser. “He is an outstanding coach who has established a special bond with his players, and with the entire Hofstra community. I am thrilled that he wants to remain at Hofstra for the long term.”
Claxton was named head coach in April 2021, after eight years as a member of the men’s basketball staff. A two-time Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, Claxton graduated from Hofstra in 2000 as one of only six players in school history to score 2,000 career points (2,015).
He graduated as the program’s all-time leader in assists (660) and steals (288), and was a two-time Player of the Year selection in the America East Conference (1998, 2000). In 2000, he was the recipient of the Haggerty Award, given to the top player in the Metropolitan New York area, after leading Hofstra to an America East Conference championship and its first NCAA Division I tournament berth in 23 years. Claxton was a four-time All-America East selection, a four-time All-Metropolitan New York pick, and a three-time NABC All-District selection during his playing career.
Claxton spent a decade in the NBA and won an NBA championship in 2003 as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. He also spent three years as a scout for the Golden State Warriors.
“Speedy’s first two years as our head coach have been tremendous, and we are looking at a bright future with him at the helm,” said AD Rick Cole Jr. “His love of Hofstra and the men’s basketball program is only exceeded by his work ethic and commitment to his players.”
This year, he is one of only two second-year coaches, the other being Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, to win at least 20 games. He is also only the second Hofstra head coach to win at least 20 games in his first two years at the helm, joining Lynner (1962-63 and 1963-64).
“Hofstra is home and Hofstra is special to me,” said Claxton. “I have experienced this incredible University as a student-athlete, assistant coach, and now as a head coach. I am elated to continue to build something special here at Hofstra and proud of what we have accomplished already. We will keep moving forward with unwavering passion in everything we do.”
Among his accomplishments, Claxton led the Pride to a pair of wins the last two seasons over ranked opponents, beating #24 Arkansas in 2021-22 and taking down #18 Charleston back on January 28.
This season, the defense has been a huge focus of the team’s success as Hofstra is 15-2 when holding its opponent under 70 points.
(Release via Hofstra)
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