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Bulldogs announce five incoming players for 2022-23
Posted: Apr 14, 2022

Bulldogs announce five incoming players for 2022-23

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Bryant University men's basketball head coach Jared Grasso announced the addition of five players for the 2022-23 season on Thursday. 

The Black and Gold officially announced the signing of incoming freshman Todd Rochelle and transfers Chauncey Hawkins, Antwan Walker, Kvonn Cramer and Doug Edert. 

"We are very excited about the group of players we have been able to add to our roster and look forward to finishing our recruiting class in the upcoming weeks," Grasso said. "After graduating a tremendous senior class, we really keyed in on putting together a group of student-athletes who value a Bryant education, have tremendous character and a strong work ethic on the floor. This group has been well-coached and has played in winning programs. All four transfers in this class were ranked nationally in offensive rating by Ken Pomeroy, and all bring tremendous defensive versatility. As a program that hangs its hat on competitiveness and toughness, we believe these young men have all the core values to have great success in the Bryant community. We look forward to adding them to the Bulldog Family."

Rochelle signed with the Black and Gold in November and will come to Smithfield after an outstanding high school career at St. Francis Preparatory School. Rochelle is a 6-1 guard out of Queens that can play multiple positions in the backcourt and will provide the Bulldogs with a toughness that it has come to be known by. 

"Todd is tough and is a prototypical New York City guard," Grasso said. "He plays with great confidence and has a tremendous feel for the game. With his positional size he can play multiple backcourt positions. His character and work ethic will be a great fit in our program."

Hawkins comes to Smithfield as a transfer from St. Francis Brooklyn. An All-NEC Third Team selection in 2019-20, Hawkins averaged 11.7 points per game, 2.5 apg and 2.5 rpg in 108 games with the Terriers. He was at his best in 20-21, averaging 16.0 ppg while shooting 46 percent from the field, 37 percent from three and 74 percent from the line. Hawkins scored in double-figures in all but two games that season and was also named to the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) Scholar-Athlete Team in 2019-20. 

"Chauncey is an absolute gym rat," Grasso said. "He has a true love and passion for the game of basketball. Having coached against him as an all-league player at St. Francis Brooklyn you could see his toughness and tenacity. Chauncey will be a great fit in our up-tempo style of play."

Walker comes to Smithfield from the University of Rhode Island. He appeared in 30 games this past season for the Rams, averaging 7.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg. Walker made 56 percent of his field goals and also knocked down 18 from beyond the arc. He started his career at Georgetown, appearing in 25 games for the Hoyas in 2017-18. 

"Antwan is a relentless competitor who can score, rebound and pass the ball. He was one of the most efficient players in the nation his past two years at URI. Antwan will bring a maturity, toughness and will to win that will be evident every time you watch him play."

Cramer comes to Smithfield from Hofstra. A 2020-21 CAA All-Rookie selection, Cramer averaged 7.1 ppg and 4.9 rpg in 45 career games with the Pride. He shot 71 percent from the field this past year, finishing with 5.1 ppg. During his All-Rookie season, Cramer averaged 8.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg. 

"Kvonn is one of the best athletes I have had the opportunity to recruit," Grasso said. "He was an all-rookie team member as a freshman at Hofstra. Kvonn's 75% effective field goal percentage this season was one of the nation's best. His versatility on both ends of the floor will make him a great fit for our system."

Edert joins the Black and Gold after helping St. Peter's put together one the most magical runs in NCAA Tournament history. He helped the Peacocks become the first 15 seed to ever reach the Elite 8, averaging 11.3 ppg in the tournament. Edert scored 20 points in a first-round victory over Kentucky and finished the year averaging 9.5 ppg. He was 46-of-112 from three (41.1 percent) and made 86-of-97 from the line. 

"Doug is a quintessential gym rat who has won at everywhere he has been," Grasso said. "He has the ability to stretch the floor and make plays off the bounce. Doug has made big shots in big games his whole career. We feel his winning pedigree and daily work habits will help us take the next step as we move to a very challenging America East Conference."