While everyone awaits the resolution of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the offseason work continues for the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Basketball team. As the Spartans build their roster for the 2020-2021 season, two additional recruits have decided to take their impressive talents to Sparkill, beginning this fall. 

Luis Risquez and Jamal Barnes are the Spartans' most recent signings. Luis Risquez is a 6-8 interior player from Upper Room Christian School in Dix Hills, New York. Jamal Barnes is a 6-5 wing hailing from St. Stephen's & St. Agnes High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

Now let's meet each of the new recruits that will be a part of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Basketball Team for their 2020-2021 season.

 Luis Risquez

Luis Risquez - a Venezuelan native, has spent his high school career in the United States. He currently resides in Long Island. "We are excited about Luis. He is a skilled big man who can score in the post, shoot & handle on the perimeter. We love the fact that he wants to be great," said Coach Anderson. In choosing STAC, Risquez said, "I wanted to be a part of a program filled with handworkers. Not just that, but they do not just talk about a family atmosphere, they cultivate one. STAC is a nationally ranked program- with both players and coaches alike who are competing for a national championship. After speaking with Coach Tobin Anderson and the rest of the staff my choice easy- it was somewhere I could come and compete right away, as well as rejoin my fellow Venezuelan, Osbel. I am excited to be a Spartan."

Jamal Barnes

Jamal Barnes - comes to STAC by way of Temple Hill, MD. He excelled on & off the floor at St. Stephens & St. Agnes High School. "I was looking for the best of both worlds, education and basketball" said Barnes. A highly touted student athlete, Barnes continued, "STAC was the place that gave me the opportunity to achieve both of my goals & I am grateful for the opportunity." Coach Anderson added, "Jamal comes from one of the best high school programs in the DMV and winning is a part of his DNA. He can really shoot and defend- he will fit in perfectly with what we do."

Luis and Jamal are high character young men who are going to do big things when they get to school. The program is thrilled about the addition of these two!

The 2020-2021 STAC Spartans will compete for a fourth ECC Regular Season Championship, a fifth ECC Tournament Championship & a sixth straight NCAA Tournament Appearance, beginning in November.