St. Joseph's transfer is strong rebounder

St. Joseph's took a step toward addressing the need to improve its rebounding by announcing that Halil Kanacevic, a 6-8, 245-pound forward, has transferred from Hofstra to Hawk Hill.

Kanacevic, who is from Staten Island, N.Y., was named to last season's Colonial Athletic Association all-Rookie Team. He led the Pride in rebounding with an average of 7.6 a game as a freshman. Under NCAA transfer guidelines, Kanacevic must sit out next season. He will have three years of eligibility beginning with the 2011-12 season.

Kanacevic, who averaged 8.6 points, decided to leave Hofstra after coach Tom Pecora accepted the head coaching job at Fordham.

"Halil had a terrific freshman year at Hofstra," St. Joe's coach Phil Martelli said. "From visiting with him on campus and watching his game tapes, it's my hope and belief he'll have an impact here at St. Joseph's."

Kanacevic played in all 34 games, making seven starts, and scored in double figures 12 times. He had 12 points and 12 rebounds vs. Kansas in his college debut and a season-high 18 points against Towson.

St. Joe's finished 11-20 last season, and ranked next-to-last in rebounding in the Atlantic Ten. The Hawks hope to turn around their fortunes next season with the addition of what is regarded as a strong incoming freshman class - a pair of guards from Louisiana (Langston Galloway and Patrick Swilling), as well as C.J. Aiken, a 6-9 forward from Plymouth-Whitemarsh, and 6-6 Daryus Quarles from Paulsboro.