Shaq Stokes left the University of Hawaii to be closer to his ill grandmother and on Friday he chose his new school.
The former Lincoln High point guard will suit up at Hofstra and hopes to secure a hardship waiver to play in the 2012-13 season. He will have three years once he becomes eligible.
“It felt like the best situation for me,” the 5-foot-11, 172-pound Stokes told SNY.tv. “My family loved the visit. The coaches are an unbelievable coaching staff with great fire and passion to change the program around. It felt like Lincoln all over again walking through the doors.”
“We’re excited to add Shaquille and all the positive attributes he will bring to our team,” Hofstra head coach Mo Cassara said. “He improved as the season progressed at Hawaii and we think he’ll be a strong addition to our backcourt.”
Stokes, who also considered Fordham, Penn State, Niagara, Rhode Island and St. Peter’s, added that he plans to apply for a hardship waiver “ASAP.”
“I’m going to be a more complete player and show people that I can bring more to the table besides scoring like running a team and just doing anything to win games,” he said.
Hofstra on Friday also made official the signing of Kentrell Washington , a 6-3 guard from Las Vegas Clark.
“We are excited to add Kentrell to our roster and university community,” Cassara said. “Kentrell has demonstrated a real desire to be successful on and off the court and we are thrilled to have him join our Pride family.”
Stokes and Washington join a recruiting class that includes 6-foot-8 forward Darren Payen (Hamden Hall), 6-foot-8 forward Jimmy Hall (St. Anthony), 6-foot-2 guard Dallas Anglin (Seton Hall Prep) and 6-foot-6 forward Jordan Allen, who red-shirted in 2011-12 for the Pride.
