Santa Monica, CA
August 5, 2020
Santa Monica College Men's Basketball 6-3 Sophomore LeAndrew Knight has officially signed his letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career with NCAA Division II University California State University, San Bernardino.
"LeAndrew has been an amazing addition to our program these past two years. He was a great student at SMC. We are so excited for him. He is very committed to his craft. We know he will be successful at Cal State San Bernardino," said Head Coach Joshua Thomas. "We have to commend him for his team-first mentality. LeAndrew was a starter for us his freshman year and was very accepting of his role as sixth man this year. He was a strong foundation and that comes from his loving family. We know LeAndrew will be a huge success in life and reach his all of his goals. He was a dream to coach, and we are thankful to be a part of his journey."
"LeAndrew is one of the hardest working players I've ever coached. He is the prototypical gym rat. He has a drive not seen in most players. His ability to attack the basket and put pressure on the defense has won SMC many games. He made major improvements to his outside shooting. He is a leader that leads by example and his tenacity is infectious," said Assistant Coach Devon Richardson.
In an 88-77 victory over San Diego City College on November 15, 2019, Knight notched his career-high of 25 points in only 25 minutes. Subsequently after that performance, he was offered a full-ride scholarship from California State University, San Bernardino. Here are Knight's thoughts on his signing to California State University, San Bernardino:
"First, I just want to say thank God for allowing me to be in the position I am today. Without Him, none of these opportunities are possible for me. I truly want to thank my mother and my grandma for truly sticking by my side and making sure I was always good when it came to basketball regardless of the circumstances. They made me who I am today, and I can't thank them enough for that -you guys made sure I stayed strong through every obstacle I have faced in life. Also, thank you to the SMC coaching staff - Coach Thomas, Coach Rich, Coach Maidenberg, and Coach Ben - for believing in me and giving me a chance to continue playing the game I love. Also, thank you to all my teachers for helping me reach my goal of getting my AA degree in a Communications. Thank you to Coach Hank and Coach Nick for helping me with my strength and conditioning over these past two years. They believed in me when others didn't. I felt at home at SMC. Lastly, I am excited to sign with to Cal State San Bernardino to continue my academic and athletic career. Thank you Coach Newman and Coach Patterson for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. In addition, I can't wait to get to work with my new teammates and play at a higher level. Thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far - you know who you are. And now it's time to get to work!"
In his freshman year at SMC Knight averaged nine points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, two assists per game, and 1.3 steals per game. In his sophomore year this season, he averaged 10.7 points per game, grabbed 5.9 rebounds per game, averaged 2.5 assists per game, averaged 1.3 steals per game, shot 54.1% from the field, and shot 38.8% from three-point range.
During the conference play this season, Knight averaged 11.3 points per game, grabbed 6.7 rebounds a game, shot 55% from the field, and shot 42% on three point attempts in 26 minutes per game. Knight was named Western State South All-Conference Honorable Mention in both seasons.
"LeAndrew is an extremely high-character young man with an infectious energy and a willingness to take on any challenge," said Assistant Coach Justin Maidenberg. "He has a high IQ with a unique skill set and physical ability that will carry over well to the next level. He can score in a variety of ways that will pose him as a mismatch nightmare for the opposition. In addition, he rebounds the ball like a forward and guards every position on the floor. We are excited to see his immediate contribution and impact because he has so many tools in his toolbox."