Speedy Claxton, Hofstra Basketball Alum, Named New Head Coach

HEMPSTEAD, NY — Hofstra University announced that Craig "Speedy" Claxton would become the new head coach of the school's men's basketball team. Claxton is a former player for the Pride, and was an assistant coach for the team for many years.

Claxton is replacing coach Joe Mihalich, who the school said became special advisor to the director of athletics last month.

A Hempstead native, Claxton played for Hofstra from 1996 through 2000, and averaged more than 13 points per game. He was one of only six players in the school's history to score more than 2,000 points in their collegiate career. In 2010, Hofstra retired his No. 10 jersey when he was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame.

After graduating, Claxton had a successful career in the NBA. He played on multiple professional teams from 2000 through 2010, including the 76ers, the Spurs and the Golden State Warriors. He served as a scout for the Warriors from 2010-13, and joined the Hofstra coaching staff in 2013.

"Today is a dream come true for me," Claxton told the school. "With that dream comes responsibility. I know the incredible history of the Hofstra men's basketball program. I have lived it. I have experienced it. I have coached it. And today I am ready to lead it.