Hofstra University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Speedy Claxton today announced his first assistant coach hire, as Serge Clement has joined the Pride coaching staff. Clement joins the Hofstra staff after spending the past three seasons at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
“Serge is someone I’ve known and followed for a very long time. He’s a true grinder in this business,” commented Claxton. “His work ethic, relationships, and personal values align with our vision here at Hofstra. The goals will continue to be to recruit at a high level and develop players at a high level and I am confident Serge will be able to do that.”
“I am appreciative of the opportunity to work with Coach Claxton,” mentioned Clement. “I am excited to work with the student-athletes of the men’s basketball program and I look forward to building upon the tradition and success at Hofstra University.”
Clement is a strong addition to the program as he has received national attention for his coaching acumen and aptitude. In 2020, he was named as a Top Five Assistant Coach in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference by Jeff Goodman of WatchStadium.com, and Silver Waves Media named him a Top 50 Impactful Mid-Major Coach in 2020 as well. Clement also attended the Top Connect Virtual Seminar for the top assistant coaches in the nation this past year. In 2019, Clement joined fellow industry peers in Tampa, Florida, for the NCAA Basketball Coaches Academy.
In 2020-21, Marist had its first winning season in 13 years and its best conference finish in 14 seasons. The Red Foxes finished above .500 for the first time in 19 years, and their 6-1 start was their best in 22 years. Clement recruited guard Ricardo Wright, who was named MAAC Rookie of the Week four times. Wright, along with classmate Hakim Byrd, were named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team. It marked the first time in Marist’s 24 years in the MAAC that the Red Foxes had two All-Rookie Team selections.
While at Marist, Clement was the program’s lead recruiter and assisted in all aspects of managing the program. His focus was guard development and his work with Brian Parker resulted in all-conference honors during Clement’s first season with the program.
From 2013 to 2018, Clement worked as an assistant coach at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. The team had strong success during his tenure there as in addition to capturing the 2017 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament title the Peacocks made a pair of MAAC semifinal appearances as well. During the 2016-17 season, Saint Peter’s had a second place finish in the MAAC as well as 23 wins, tying the second most wins in program history.
Also, while at Saint Peter’s, Clement recruited Sam Idowu, who ended his career fourth all-time in blocked shots for the Peacocks. Clement recruited and developed all-conference guard Davauhnte Turner as well as assisted in the development of four additional all-conference selections — Nick Griffin, Antwon Portley, Desi Washington, and Trevis Wyche. In addition to working closely in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes, Clement helped with all other areas of the program.
No stranger to Long Island, Clement was previously an assistant coach at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, from 2011-13. He was part of a staff that helped the Panthers to a 2011 NCAA Division II East Region semifinal appearance. His first foray into college coaching came at SUNY Cortland from 2009 to 2011. In 2010, he also worked as the camp director for the athletic department at SUNY Cortland.
Clement has worked at a variety of camps throughout the country, including Hoop Group Elite, St. John’s University, Five-Star Basketball, Hoop Mountain, Reebok All-American, Duke University, Siena College, and the Nike Pre-Draft camp.
A 2009 graduate of SUNY Potsdam with a bachelor’s degree in business economics, Clement played two seasons for the Bears. In 2011, he earned his master’s degree in sports management from SUNY Cortland.
Clement joins Hofstra Basketball Staff as an Assistant Coach
