The 2011-12 Hostos Men's Basketball Season will always be known as a return to normalcy, which, for Hostos, equals academic success and athletic prowess.  The program bounced back under the guidance of first year Head Coach Jody King, Ph.D. and his coaching staff (Everett Kelley, Floyd Branch, Irving Abbott, and Ismael Arriaza).   Coach King, who coached previously at SUNY Maritime College and is that college's all time most winning NCAA basketball coach (based upon winning percentage), is known to have his student-athletes compete and fight for every ounce, was looked upon to bring the same mindset to Hostos.  Well, after a 19 win season (most wins since Hostos National Championship team in 2005-06) coupled with high academic success, this season can only be referred to as; mission accomplished!

Academically, the program had a team GPA (grade point average) of 2.60 and had an eligibility retention rate of 95% (17 of 18 student-athletes).    Led by Khalid Yousef and Wendell Appleton, the two student-athletes showed why it is ever important to be a student before an athlete.  Each was named Honorable Mention CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete for the months of December and November respectively.  Brian Morrison was able to advance in his highly competitive radiology program and all four sophomores (Gary Anderson, Brandon Stolz, Wendell Appleton, and Brian Morrison), all whom entered Hostos as freshmen, are on pace to graduate.

Athletically, the team posted a 19-9 overall record.  The 19 wins was the highest win total since the 2005-06 season.  Posting the 3^rd best record in NJCAA Region 15 and advancing to the Regional Tournament as well as competing in the CUNYAC Tournament Championship Game would not have been accomplished if not for the dedicated and resolute student-athletes determined to guide Hostos back to a highly successful level.  Charles Jackson helped lead the charge.  Jackson led the team in scoring and was second in Region 15 in that category.  Jackson was named CUNYAC Conference Player of the Year, First Team All Region, and is in consideration for All-American status.  Brandon Stolz was just as effective for Hostos.  The hard working combo guard was second on the team in scoring but first in rebounding.  For the week of February 27^th, Brandon was named  NJCAA National Player of the week.  Stolz was additionally honored with Second Team NJCAA Region 15 honors.  Sharp shooter, Jeremiah Brown, who played major minutes as a freshman and was a positive factor against tough competition, was third in the team in scoring and was named Honorable Mention All Region and to the Region's Sportsmanship Team. 

Yet, it wasn't just the success of the three student-athletes mentioned above but the complimentary hard work of Brian Morrison, Wendell Appleton, Bryan Silvera, Henderson Belle, and Sonny Kadisha in the front court along with Rahlek Smith and Khalid Yousef and the help of Gary Anderson with the emergence of Maverick Hodge in the back court to lead Hostos.  Even though Hostos will lose key components of the team due to graduation the future looks bright.  Kudos to a job well done!  Most importantly, a promise to a bright future has been established. 

Let's Go Caimans!!!