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Tim Cluess' Iona Gaels got a little shot in the arm this week when the NCAA granted a release waiver for Rutgers transfer Mike Poole to play immediately.
Poole is a 6'5 guard who transferred to the New Rochelle school after fallout from the Mike Rice scandal. Last year he averaged nearly 19 minutes per game for the Scarlet Knights and started 12 games. He finished the year averaging 4 points and 3 rebounds per game. In a twist of fate, he had his career high, 18, against Iona last year.
In a statement from the school Tim Cluess said:
I'm really excited to have a student-athlete of Mike's caliber join us this season. His leadership and toughness during summer workouts have been tremendous and he will be an integral part of our program.
The news may propel Iona to the top of the MAAC. Lamont Jones is gone, but Poole will join a talented roster that includes Sean Armand, David Laury, and Tre Bowman.