Storm signs ex-Red Claw point guard
Mississippi native Andre Stringer was four-year starter with LSU
The Island Storm announced the signing of former Maine Red Claws starting point guard Andre Stringer on Friday.
The five-foot-10 Mississippi native was a four-year starter with the LSU Tigers in the NCAA, where his 242 career three-pointers ranks second in program history and his 315 career assists rank ninth.
After college he turned pro with the Red Claws, and he averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game over two seasons.
The opportunity to play with the Storm was too good for Stringer to pass up, and he plans to bring his love of the game to the team, he said.
“I bring a lot of energy and leadership,” he said. “I try to be a hard-nosed player and create a gritty environment. If you play hard the wins will come.”
Storm coach Tim Kendrick is happy to have Stringer join the team, and is excited about the pedigree he brings with his NCAA and NBA-G League [formerly NBA Development League] experience while playing under Morell native Scott Morrison with Maine.
“He can lead our team at the point guard position,” said Kendrick. “We like to move our guys around the floor in different positions; he’s a versatile player and we think he can play two positions.”
Stringer plans to help the Storm wherever he is needed, he said.
“I think my basketball I.Q. is my biggest asset. I can definitely shoot, I can help on defence, and I’ll help wherever I’m needed.”
Stringer is the all-time leading scorer at Forest Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and Kendrick is expecting big things from the two-time Gatorade Mississippi High School Player of the Year.
“He brings leadership to the team. He’s a great shooter, maybe even a little underrated. He can score in multiple ways and is a good decision maker that can help us anywhere on the floor.”
Despite his individual talent, Stringer is more concerned about the team winning, he said.
“For me it’s more important to win. Winning as a team brings individual success for everyone.”
Fans looking to see Stringer help the Storm win this year can purchase season tickets at the Eastlink Centre box office.