Freshmen always play a key role in how a team does throughout the season. They can bring life and rejuvenation to a struggling team or they can carry on the winning tradition. Hofstra Pride freshman Desure Buie will step into a very large role in the upcoming seasons and be a deciding factor in whether the men’s basketball team will sink or swim.
A local kid from the Bronx, New York, Buie has big-city aspirations, hoping to make it to the National Basketball League one day.
Buie finished his high school career as one of the top guards from New York City, garnering multiple awards. He was a New York State Class AA First Team pick and a Daily News and MSG Varsity First Team All-New York City selection. He led his high school, Wings Academy, to a New York City Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) and State Federation championship in his final year. Averaging 17.1 points and eight assists as a senior, Buie led New York City in assists.
Entering college, Buie was receiving interest from not only Hofstra, but schools such as Georgetown, Manhattan, Creighton and the Pride’s former foe, George Mason. At the end of the day, Buie decided to come to Hofstra in what might be the best decision of his career.
In his freshman year in Hempstead, Buie played in every single game, but in a limited role. He averaged 12.6 minutes per contest with three points and 1.4 assists. In seven contests, Buie scored five or more points, with a career-high 10 against La Salle in which he only missed one shot. He had a career-high five assists against William & Mary.
However, even if the numbers don’t speak it, Buie played a large role in the latter part of the season. Once Malik Nichols fell to injury, Buie was the first player to come off the bench for Joe Mihalich. He also played big defensively, bringing that electricity on the defensive side of the court that Nichols brought before his injury.
Buie has some big shoes to fill, as CAA Player of the Year Juan’ya Green is graduating. Green was the facilitator on offense and was one of the top point guards in the country. Buie was taken under Green’s wing, learning from him in preparation for the future.
In the next three years, Buie has one of the brightest futures on the men’s basketball team. He has the ability to shoot from anywhere on the field, but also the capability to drive to the hoop. He could possibly be just like Green and be one of the best passers in the nation.
Come senior year, don’t be surprised if it’s Buie getting those scouts in the stands and being the big man on campus.