Riverdale, NY (November 25, 2003)- Two student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play basketball for Manhattan College beginning in the 2004-05 academic year, it was announced today by fifth-year head coach Bobby Gonzalez. Jeff Xavier (Pawtucket, RI/St. Raphael Academy) and C.J. Lee (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Sutherland) will join the Jaspers as part of the class of 2008.
"Jeff and C.J. are two terrific young guards for the future that fit in perfectly with our style of play," commented Gonzalez. "They are both quick, up tempo scorers, and I am very excited that they will be joining our team next season."
Xavier, a 6-1, 172 pound guard, averaged 28.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game last season. He also adds two Rhode Island state championships to his resume.
"We feel Jeff is an absolute steal," stated Gonzalez. "He is a tremendous shooter and scorer, and I believe that the only thing standing between him and becoming a high-major type player is his strength. I would compare him to (current Jasper and All-American candidate)
Luis Flores in terms of his ability to score."
Lee, a 6-0, 180 pound guard, averaged 22.3 points, five assist, and five steals per game as a junior. He is a two-time All-Greater Rochester selection.
Gonzalez commented that, "C.J. is another outstanding backcourt signing for our program. He is a jet-quick guard that can play both the one and two positions. He is a terrific scorer and an outstanding athlete. He was recruited my several big-time football programs as a defensive back as well."
Manhattan posted a 23-7 record in 2002-03, winning both the MAAC regular season and conference tournament championships. The team advanced to the NCAA Championships, where the Jaspers fell to eventual national champion Syracuse University. Manhattan returns four starters and eight letter-winners from last season, highlighted by Wooden Award candidate and Preseason MAAC Player of the Year senior co-captain
Luis Flores. The Jaspers won their season opener, 72-57, on November 24 over Columbia.
