Hofstra’s supporting cast is just as responsible for 3-0 start as its marquee star

While Aaron Estrada commands most of Hofstra’s headlines, his teammates like Tyler Thomas (23) are just as integral to Pride’s 3-0 start. (Photo by Bob Dea/Daly Dose Of Hoops)

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Following Friday’s thrilling win over Rick Pitino and Iona, Speedy Claxton heralded his Hofstra team and its talent despite a relatively short rotation, praising the Pride for having the ability to rise to the occasion when called upon.

It was the Pride’s role players who stepped up most notably Friday against the Gaels, with Aaron Estrada managing just 10 points against Pitino’s vaunted ball pressure defense. Three days later, Estrada was his usual self against George Washington en route to 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting, but the argument can be made that his supporting cast turned in the most valuable performance in Monday's 85-80 win over the Colonials.

“Great game,” Claxton declared, even after allowing 44 points to George Washington point guard James Bishop IV. “I was worried about having a little letdown after that emotional game the other night, but to these kids’ credit, they didn’t. (GW) is a good team, Bishop is a very, very, very good scorer. I’m happy about the way the game turned out, we made some big shots and plays down the stretch that led us to victory.”

Estrada set a blistering pace with 23 of his 33 markers in the first half, but between the rock-solid play of Dstone Dubar and efficient shooting of Tyler Thomas after the Sacred Heart transfer appeared to be headed for a rough go of it in the opening stanza, Hofstra was able to shake off a second-half rally where the grit and relentless nature of the Pride was the driving force in willing a third win in as many games on Long Island.

“It’s just the environment,” Thomas said when assessing the selling points of his new home. “Everyone works hard here, and I want to be part of a team, part of a group where everybody’s in the gym late, everybody comes to practice early. The way Aaron drives and kicks, I could just get easy shots instead of working so hard. That’s what really attracted me here.”

“He’s doing exactly what we envisioned,” Claxton added. “Coming here and playing alongside Aaron Estrada and being one of the key contributors, he’s fit in to a T, man. We love having him.”

In each of Hofstra’s games during this young season, the Pride has received game-winning contributions from different players. In last week’s opener at Princeton, it was Jaquan Carlos responsible for the heroics after Estrada set the table with 27 points. On Friday, it was Thomas and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Dubar. Monday night saw more Estrada and a return to form for the reigning Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year, but it was Dubar who gave Hofstra the lead for good and ignited a 9-0 run that swung the pendulum the way of the hosts for a third different clutch hero in as many efforts.

“It says a lot about this team,” Claxton said of the versatility. “There’s going to be somebody different every night. All these guys are capable, as you see, of making big shots, and that’s what it’s going to take. They’re going to key in on (Estrada), and these guys are going to have to step up and make shots.”

“We play winning basketball, and that’s what I preach to these guys. We have some really good players, so if we just play the game the right way, we’re going to be able to score. We just play unselfish basketball.”