 Hofstra University sophomore guard Shaquille Stokes was granted a hardship waiver and will be eligible to compete immediately.
A Harlem native and former Brooklyn Lincoln star, Stokes transferred to Hofstra after his freshman season at the University of Hawaii. “I am thrilled that I have been given an opportunity to continue my education at a great institution like Hofstra University,” Stokes said. “The ability to be closer to my family in the New York area and help care for them was of the utmost concern. I want to thank the NCAA and Hofstra for their assistance with my situation. I look forward to getting my Hofstra degree and having a successful basketball career.” “I’d like to thank everyone involved in this process for allowing Shaquille to tend to his family matters at home while pursuing his degree as a member of our Hofstra Basketball family,” said Hofstra Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mo Cassara. “I am looking forward to working with Shaquille in his development as a student-athlete here at Hofstra University.” Stokes will join a group of veteran transfers that includes former UConn forward Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and former Penn State guard Taran Buie. Coombs-McDaniel could miss several weeks as he recovers from knee surgery. The Pride will also add former Fresno State transfer Daquan Brown in December. During his freshman year at Hawaii, Stokes averaged 8.4 points, while finishing second on the team in assists (66) and three-pointers (35). He played in 30 games and made 12 starts, scoring a season-high 21 points on a pair of occasions. Stokes played three seasons at Lincoln, where he led his squad to three straight league titles. During his senior season he averaged 18.4 points, five rebounds and four assists. The team was ranked No. 21 by USA Today during his senior season and compiled a 29-3 record and a second place finish in the city championship. Stokes was named New York City’s Player of the Year and was a first team all-city pick by the New York Daily News. Hofstra begins the 2012-13 season on Friday when it travels to Monmouth for a 7 p.m. contest. During its two-game road trip to open the season the Pride will also head to Purdue on Sunday for a 2 p.m. tip in the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Wounded Warrior Project.
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