The Manhattan Jaspers roster received a boost on Wednesday when Steve Masiello tweeted that Cincinnati transfer Jermaine Lawrence received a waiver to play immediately.
Jermaine Lawrence is eligible for the 2014 -2015 season!!! Jasper Nation let’s go!!!!!
— Stephen Masiello (@steve_masiello) August 13, 2014
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“It’s exciting. It’s a new place, a new home,” Lawrence said in a statement. “It’s a big relief to receive the hardship waiver and be able to play a full season, which I haven’t been able to do in two years.”
Masiello confirmed in June that they would be seeking a waiver for Lawrence, who averaged 2.8 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game for Cincinnati last season. During the time Masiello was on unpaid leave, the fourth year head coach credited assistant coach Rasheen Davis on recruiting Lawrence to the Jaspers.
Lawrence ranked as a five-star prospect by Scout.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com while he averaged 13.3 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game during an injury shortened senior season at Pope John XXIII High School in New Jersey. He ranked as the second overall prospect according to ESPN.com in New York.
Manhattan will defend their MAAC Tournament championship this season after earning their first NCAA tournament berth since 2004.
Ryan Restivo covers the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the America East conference and Hofstra for Big Apple Buckets. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanarestivo or contact Ryan at rrestivo[at]nycbuckets.com.
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