Dec. 21, 2005

The Stony Brook men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell has landed the largest signing class in school history, which has now been recently recognized on a national level.

According to Hoopscooponline. com, the Seawovles have the the 32nd best class in the nation, and the top class in the America East Conference. The Seawolves rank above national powerhouses such as Iowa State, Texas Tech, and Clemson.

The Class of 2006 currently has five members who have signed National Letters of Intent to play for Pikiell and his staff. Center Riiny Ngot, 7-2, (Calgary, Canada/Father Lacombe), guard Eddie Castellanos, 6-1, (Hoboken, N.J./Hoboken), wing Marcus Robinson, 6-3, (Pittsburgh, Pa./Allderdice), forward Rio Pitt, 6-7, (Amityville, N.Y./Our Savior New American) and guard Chris Martin, 6-1, (Springfield Gardens, N.Y./Christ the King/Maine Central Institute) will wear the Stony Brook red next season, representing the largest recruiting class to commit during the early signing period in program history.

"I'm extremely excited about this recruiting class, having filled many voids in our program," said Pikiell. "We have increased our size and athleticism tremendously and most importantly upgraded our talent level. I `m most excited that Stony Brook University has attracted such a high caliber student -athlete. This is a class that will be the foundation for an exciting future."

The Seawolves return to action when they host America East foe Albany on December 23 at 7:00 p.m.