NORFOLK, Va. – Interim Head Coach Robert Jones of the Norfolk State men's basketball program announced today the addition of a pair of Division I transfers, Anell Alexis and Jeffrey Short. Alexis will join the program as a graduate student for his final year of eligibility and be able to play immediately. Short will sit out the upcoming season due to NCAA transfer rules and have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2014-15.

"We are excited to have Anell and Jeffery join our Norfolk State basketball family," said Jones. "Both players will bring a high level of skill and a strong work ethic to our team. Their experience at the Division I level will greatly enhance our program."

Alexis is a 6-foot-6, 185-pound versatile wing who can play both the guard and forward positions.  During his three-year career at Marist, he shot 42 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line while averaging 4.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 72 contests. The Hillsborough, N.J., native has been a member of the Panama National Team. Alexis is the son of former Syracuse basketball standout Wendell Alexis.

"Alexis has tremendous versatility and will bring depth to the backcourt and front court," said Jones. "He has the ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor, similar to [departed senior] Rob Johnson. His talent and experience will help the team out immediately next season."

Alexis had his best season as a redshirt freshman in 2010-11, averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 32 games played. He saw limited action at Marist last season, appearing in 11 total games. He averaged 11.0 points and 4.0 rebounds on 63 percent shooting from the field in three games in which he played at least 10 minutes.

Short, a 6-4, 185-pound combo guard, joins the program after transferring from Fordham. After receiving a medical redshirt for the 2011-12 season, the Bronx, N.Y., native averaged 5.6 points in 27 games in 2012-13. As a transfer from the Atlantic 10 Conference, Jones believes Short can bring a higher level of talent to the MEAC and thus allow the Spartans to continue their success in the conference over the next few years.

"Jeffrey is a tremendous scorer who is capable of putting up big numbers," said Jones. "He has a great understanding of the game and his ability to score will be much needed for the 2014-15 season and beyond."

Prior to his time at Fordham, Short was named 2009-10 Bronx Player of the Year by the New York Post after averaging 28.7 points per game as a high school senior at John F. Kennedy High School.

NSU returns 11 letterwinners from last year's team that finished 21-12 overall and won the MEAC regular season title at 16-0. The Spartans advanced to the postseason for the second year in a row after competing in the National Invitation Tournament.