Stokes to play for Fairleigh Dickinson next year

IOWA CITY - Former Iowa player Darius Stokes will compete for Fairleigh Dickinson next year as a graduate student, the school announced today.

Stokes, a Linn-Mar graduate and son of Iowa's No. 3 all-time scorer Greg Stokes, was a four-year member of the Hawkeyes and earned a one-year scholarship for the 2013-14 season. He graduated in May and is immediately eligible to play for the Knights.

'I am extremely excited about the final two additions to our program,” Coach Greg Herenda said in a statement. 'Both Darius and Tyrone (O'Garro) are incredible young men that will be great representatives of Fairleigh Dickinson University and our basketball program.”

Stokes, who stands 6-foot-7, played sparingly over three seasons, appearing in 38 games, totaling 15 points and pulling down 28 rebounds. Stokes competed in 14 games this year, scoring three points and grabbing four rebounds. In multiple games he was used as a defensive specialist late in the first half.

He was known as one of the team's best teammates and earned Iowa's Appreciation Award. At Linn-Mar he averaged 5.6 points and 3.0 rebounds as a senior with Linn-Mar. He was invited as a walk-on and joined the Iowa program in 2010. He red-shirted his first year and earned a one-year scholarship for the 2013-14 season.

'Darius and Tyrone are extremely athletic forwards that can rebound, run the floor and score the ball around the basket,” Herenda said. 'The only difference is that Darius will be able to help us immediately, while Tyrone will have to wait a year to contribute on the floor.

'With these two signings, we add great maturity and depth to our roster. Today is a great day for the Knights.”

Iowa played against the Knights (10-21 last year) in Iowa City, winning 92-59. Fairleigh Dickinson is located in Hackensack, N.J., and competes in the Northeast Conference.

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