Speedy Claxton is the Hofstra ‘Guardfather’ made for March Madness

TAMPA — Forty-seven years ago, he was born in Hempstead on Long Island, a few full-court fast breaks away from the Hofstra University campus.

Thirty years ago, he enrolled at Hofstra as a point guard out of Christ the King High in Queens who, in his four years there, would become the greatest player in school history.

Twenty-six years ago, he was the 20th player selected in the first round of the NBA draft out of Hofstra.

Thirteen years ago, he took a position as assistant coach at Hofstra for then-coach Joe Mihalich.