April 13, 2005

Steve was my only two-time captain at UConn and he is clearly like a son to me. I can think of no coach in the country who will bring more enthusiasm, knowledge, heart and work ethic to the game of basketball than he will. Stony Brook will feel an immediate jolt to its program with Steve at the helm. He is undoubtedly one of the brightest young coaches in the nation."
Jim Calhoun, Head Coach, University of Connecticut

"It's a great loss for the George Washington basketball program and as great a gain as there is for Stony Brook. Steve is a tireless recruiter with an outstanding basketball mind, a great feel for the game and an understanding of student-athletes. He will do wonderful things as a head coach and bring a host of enthusiasm and excitement to Stony Brook."
Karl Hobbs, Head Coach, The George Washington University

"I am extremely proud of Steve. Nobody has worked harder than him to have the opportunity to run a basketball program. He has tremendous leadership qualities and a terrific basketball mind. He is one super person and will do an outstanding job like everywhere else that he has been. Everyone at Stony Brook will soon realize that they have a heck of coach and his players will be extremely proud to play for him."
Howie Dickenman, Head Coach, Central Connecticut State University

"This is long overdue for him to be a head coach. He is a tremendous recruiter with a lot of enthusiasm who will do a fabulous job at Stony Brook. Steve puts his heart and soul into everything he does and he will have an immediate impact on the Stony Brook program."
Glen Miller, Head Coach, Brown University

"Steve exemplified everything that an institution could ask for from a student-athlete - academically, athletically and as a person. He has carried his commitment to excellence over into his role as a basketball coach. Coach Pikiell will be a tremendous addition to the Stony Brook University community. His role as the head basketball coach will positively impact not only his basketball student-athletes, but the other student-athletes in the department and the university. As much as he is a great basketball coach, he is even a better person."
Jeff Hathaway, Director of Athletics, University of Connecticut