Craig “Speedy” Claxton Inducted in 2014

Craig "Speedy" Claxton, a Hempstead, NY native never left home to achieve his goals. Claxton first attended powerhouse Christ the King HS to help lead his team in 1996 in one of the city's most memorable CHSAA final games. He would later attend Hofstra from 1996-2000. At Hofstra he led his team to the American East Championship, then advanced on to the 2000 NCAA tournament, where they were defeated in the first round by Oklahoma State. Claxton would finish college earning the Haggerty Award in 2000 and being named twice as America East Conference Player of the Year (1998, 2000).

After college Claxton would be drafted in the first round as the 20th pick by the Philadelphia 76ers (2000-2002). The point guard would later play for San Antonio Spurs (2002-2003) who won the NBA Championship in 2003. Later, he played for the Golden State Warriors (2003-2005), New Orleans Hornets (2005-2006), and the Atlanta Hawks (2006-2009) and then returned to the Golden State Warriors (2009-2010). He has moved from the player side of the game to the coaching side. Claxton was named special assistant to the head coach for Hofstra University. He served as a scout for his former NBA team the Golden State Warriors before taking the position in 2013.