Warriors or Rams?
It’s down to two schools for Shaquille Stokes: Hawaii and Colorado State.
The coveted New York City point guard is expected to reveal his decision on Tuesday at a press conference at Lincoln High School, according to his coach.
The 5-foot-10 Stokes averaged around 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game as a senior at Lincoln this past season. He was one of four finalists for the New York Mr. Basketball award. He was also selected as the All-Brooklyn Player of the Year, and is ranked among the top 10 seniors in New York City by NYChoops.net.
There is no indication which way Stokes is leaning, as he made recent visits to both schools.
But since this is a Hawaii-based site, let’s list some of the evidence that points toward Stokes becoming a future Warrior point guard:
* Two weeks ago, there were four schools on his list: Hawaii, Colorado State, TCU and Western Kentucky.
* After making a visit to Colorado State two weekends ago, Stokes said he would then be visiting Hawaii, but TCU and Western Kentucky were still on his list.
* After visiting Hawaii last weekend, he suddenly narrowed his choices down to two and said he would have a decision within a few days.
* Hawaii head coach Gib Arnold has recruited players from New York City in his past, and has formed a friendship with Lincoln High head coach Dwayne “Tiny” Morton.
* Hawaii will have at least two other East Coast players on its roster for next season — Joston Thomas (Washington, D.C.) and DeShawn Mitchell (New Jersey) — perhaps making it an easier transition for Stokes. Colorado State will probably not have any East Coast players next season.
* Average temperatures in Honolulu during basketball seasons are in the high 70s; average temperatures in Fort Collins, Colo., during basketball seasons are in the high 20s.
Adding to Dayton’s list, Colorado st. already signed a pg in Cody Mann.
well here’s my take on the shaquille stokes matter posted on the warrior beat on sunday…
“al:
May 8th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
curt…by tuesday you should know if we need to go after another recruit or not. its a toss up.
some good points for us are;
a chance to play right away.
a chance to be a part of an exciting recruit class which includes three freshman.
a chance to be a part of the beginning of a new program headed in the right direction.
a chance to play away from home.
a chance to play for a head coach who is trusted by his mentor.
colorado state may not offer the same, however, it has a huge advantage of being 7 hours flightime closer and the related costs involved. this is a huge one unless we are fortunate enough that one stokes’ parents work for an airlines.
pray on it.”
i’m still praying.
what is also important is that his parents have to buy in to the program that shaq wants.
Is there any web streaming of the press conference? Is it the morning or afternoon
All I gotta say is good luck on your decision Shaq Stokes. We would all love for you to Bleed Green and become a Warrior Basketball player. The opportunities you’d have to be able to make a significant impact on the court right away and make a name for yourself should sway you towards playing for us. You could do something special in the islands with your teammates who are all eager and hungry to get our beloved Warrior Basketball team into the post season March Madness NCAA tournament consistently and turn some heads by putting UH on the map. A true point guard is what we need and you Shaquille Stokes could be that important piece that Coach Gib will ensure your success on the basketball court as well as in the classroom and your personal life. I hope you make the right decision and I hope it’s to become a Warrior and play for the home team. Mahalo for considering our team in your final two choices!
Agreed, gentlemen. We remember and cherish Rainbow Warriors here – regardless of wins or stats- especially if they carry themselves with class and dignity, respect this place and its people, and play their butts off. From all reports from the woodwork, Stokes is an upstanding young man who would fit perfectly here. E komo mai, Shaquille!
It;s Hawaii!
Shaquille Stokes has made his decision and he will be a Warrior.
More details to come later today.
Dayton, thanks for staying on top of this. Great news!
Super-exciting news! Welcome, Shaquille Stokes, and thank you very much for choosing to be a Warrior!
Mahalo for the scoop, Dayton. Now we can all stop manically refreshing your site and get some work done. 🙂