Anderson Gets Waiver, Will Play Right Away At Wagner

Michigan State transfer Dwaun Anderson will be eligible for entire season at Wagner after he was granted waiver to play immediately for Seahawks.  (Photo courtesy of Staten Island Advance)

Going into the upcoming season, Wagner was still regarded as one of the three teams to watch in the Northeast Conference despite losing all-league guard Tyler Murray and do-everything floor general Chris Martin to graduation before head coach Dan Hurley accepted the vacant position at Rhode Island.  This morning, Richmond County's college team may be just a little closer to their second NCAA Tournament appearance with news that one of their prized recruits will be able to play immediately.

Dwaun Anderson, the transfer from Michigan State who had enrolled at Wagner last spring and was initially slated to become eligible in December, was officially granted a waiver today that will enable him to take the court in the Seahawks' season opener against Delaware State this November.  Anderson already carries the title of being Wagner's highest-ranked recruit, as the former Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan was a Top 100 prospect before signing with Tom Izzo and the Spartans.

"It's obviously great news for us," said Wagner coach Bashir Mason; who at just 28 years old is the youngest head coach in the nation, but inherits a team built by his predecessor Hurley for long-term success.  "With Dwaun available, it means we can begin establishing our identity as a team as soon as practice begins.  He's a high-level athlete."

Anderson, who averaged a double-double as a senior in high school with twenty points and ten rebounds per game, left Michigan State following the death of his mother, choosing Wagner over higher-profile suitors such as Big East programs in Villanova and Rutgers.  The 6-4 shooting guard, who can also play small forward, will most likely slide between junior guard Latif Rivers and senior forward Jonathon Williams on the wing for Mason, making him a de facto replacement for Tyler Murray.  Kenny Ortiz and Naofall Folahan should round out the starting five for Wagner this season, with Josh Thompson returning as well to headline one of the better benches in the NEC.