STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Who says you can't go home?

Elijah Olaniyi is returning to the Stony Brook men's basketball team after spending a season at the University of Miami.

Olaniyi, a 6-foot-5 guard, earned first-team All-America East and NABC All-District honors in 2019-20 with the Seawolves while averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He scored his 1,000th career point on Jan. 18, 2020, against UAlbany.

Olaniyi, 22, then spent last season in the ACC with the Hurricanes, making 21 appearances (18 starts) and averaging 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 32.7 minutes per game.

A Newark, N.J., native, Olaniyi had suitors from throughout the Power Five when he recently reentered the transfer portal. However, he decided to come home to Stony Brook, where he previously spent three seasons.

Olaniyi joins newly signed St. Bonaventure transfer Anthony Roberts, who was announced as a signee on Tuesday.

Olaniyi arguably becomes America East's top player.

"It's huge for us in a lot of areas," Stony Brook coach Geno Ford said. "First, clearly he was an excellent player for us. Secondly, I think he can really help us with leadership. He is a tough guy. He's a competitor. And I think playing a year in the ACC can only have helped him. He can use that experience to help our entire program and give us a chance to compete for a championship."

His return demonstrates the great experience he had during his first tour with the Seawolves.

"If Elijah didn't have a great experience at Stony Brook, not just with the coaching staff, but with the support staff, athletic department, the training staff, the strength and conditioning program — there are a wide range of people who interact with our players on a daily basis — this doesn't happen," Ford said. "I think it's a statement that he's coming back. It shows that he had a great experience here.

"Hopefully we can use his year away to help the program, and he'll be better than ever."