Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Head Men's Basketball Coach Joe Mihalich continued to revamp the Pride men's basketball roster as he announced today that Brian Bernardi has transferred to Hofstra.

“Brian is a great addition to our team,” commented Mihalich. “He is the kind of player who reminds us why we love to coach! Brian has the reputation of being a knock-down shooter and he is…but he is so much more. Brian is a all-around complete player who will fill up the stat sheet and make his team win!”

Bernardi, a 6-2 guard from Staten Island, NY, attended Southern Methodist (SMU) as a freshman. A local product, Bernardi graduated from Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, NY in 2012 and played for Coach Jack Alesi. He will have to sit out the 2013-14 campaign due to NCAA transfer rules and will be eligible to play beginning with the 2014-15 campaign. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Bernardi appeared in 31 games for the Mustangs in 2012-13, averaging 11.2 minutes and 3.5 points per game. He shot nearly 42% from three-point range as he sank 23 three-pointers during the season. He also contributed 31 rebounds, eight assists and five steals. Bernardi was also a solid free-throw shooter, making 19 of his 26 attempts (73.1%).

Bernardi scored a season-best 20 points against Furman on December 30 and played a season-high 30 minutes at Houston on January 9. He also scored eight points against Hofstra on December 1.

Bernardi was named first team All-Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) selection as a senior at Xaverian after averaging 19 points per game. He also garnered second team All-New York City and All-New York State honors. Bernardi chipped in with 16 points and five assists per outing as a junior and earned first team All-CHSAA honors once again.

The 13 student-athletes on the 2013-14 Hofstra Men's Basketball roster includes eight newcomers brought onboard by Mihalich since he took over as head coach on April 10. Included in that group are three transfers who will have to sit out this season (Bernardi, Juan'ya Green and Ameen Tanksley). The other newcomers on the roster who will suit up in 2013-14 are: Eliel Gonzalez, Chris Jenkins, Dion Nesmith, Jamall Robinson and Zeke Upshaw.

Hofstra will return five student-athletes from last season to provide some much-needed experience for the Pride. Returning for Hofstra will be Jordan Allen, Moussa Kone, Stephen Nwaukoni, Darren Payen and Adam Savion.