Stony Brook University Men’s Basketball Adds Three Student-Athletes In Spring Signing Stony Brook University men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell has announced that three additional student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Seawolves, beginning in the fall of 2009. Swingman Preye Preboye (Springfield, Mass.), shooting guard Lenny Hayes (Voorhees, N.J.) and forward Eric McAlister (Cranbury, N.J.) join the Seawolves’ 2009-10 recruiting class which already includes guard Marcus Rouse (Upper Marlboro, Md.). "We are thrilled that Preye, Lenny and Eric have decided to join the Stony Brook family," Pikiell said. “We improved tremendously as a program last season and we believe that their size, athleticism and versatility will help us take that next step. In addition, we believe that these are three quality student-athletes that will be excellent representatives of Stony Brook University.” Preboye was a New England Prep All-Star at Winchendon Prep for head coach Mike Byrnes last season, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Preboye played for head coach Mike Labrie at Springfield Central High school prior to that, earning first team All-Western Mass honors as a senior. The 6-5 forward was also named Springfield’s team MVP in addition to earning Western Mass Defensive Player of the Year honors. “Preye will bring an identity to [Stony Brook basketball] that is difficult to recruit,” Byrnes said. “He will bring an energy and passion that is not usually seen. He will be committed to his teammates, coaches, and Stony Brook University. Preye will honor and respect the game, playing it harder than most.” “Preye is an extremely hard working, high character individual. He is a multi-dimensional player that can shoot well from the perimeter, runs the floor well, can finish inside, and is a relentless rebounder on the offensive and defensive end,” Springfield Central head coach Mike Labrie said. “’Preye is only going to get better because of his work ethic. I think he’s a great fit for Stony Brook.” A three-year starter for head coach Ron Kane at Lawrenceville Prep, Hayes was a 2009 All-MAPL, Trentonian All-Prep and Trenton Times All-Prep first team pick last season as he averaged 14.5 points per game. The 6-4 guard, who eclipsed the 1,000 point barrier as a senior, was also named to the 2009 Trenton Times and Trentonian All-Area second team. Hayes earned a combined 12 varsity letters in basketball, track and soccer at Lawrenceville, the school’s first athlete in 26 years to accomplish that feat. Ranked the 21st best player in New Jersey by NJ Hoops.com, he was a 2009 McDonald’s All-American nominee. “Lenny is a man of very high character, who is an outstanding student as well as a terrific athlete and basketball player. He served as a tremendous leader and role model in our basketball program at Lawrenceville,” Kane said. “He’s a big-time scorer; a versatile player that can pass, dribble and shoot well. As good as a player as he is now, he has an even brighter future and his best days are ahead of him. I think he’s really going to have an impact at Stony Brook.” McAlister arrives at Stony Brook from APEX Academy in New Jersey where he was a third team prep all-state selection as a senior. The 6-8 forward averaged 22.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.3 blocks and 4.1 assists per game. “Eric is a bright young man, who is not only a tremendous basketball player but also a terrific person,” APEX Academy assistant coach Phil Vigliano said. “He is an outstanding shot blocker and rebounder and his athleticism is off the charts. He is only going to improve and I believe he is a great match for Stony Brook.” Preboye, Hayes and McAlister join Rouse, who signed with the Seawolves in the fall signing period. A senior co-captain, Rouse led the 2008-09 DeMatha Stags to a 32-4 record and a No. 7 national ranking in the final ESPN RISE FAB 50 boys' basketball rankings. A second team All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference selection in addition to being named the Stags team MVP, Rouse helped DeMatha to the WCAC regular season and tournament titles as well as the City title. Rouse averaged 11.1 points per game for DeMatha last season, was an honorable mention All-Met pick and was chosen to play in the prestigious Capital Classic.
