ORONO, Maine – The University Maine men's basketball program announced that it has received National Letters of Intent from two players that will join the squad for the 2014-15 season. Aaron Calixte (Stoughton, Mass./Lee Academy) and Kevin Little (Wyandanch, N.Y./Coastal Academy) have committed to the Black Bears men's basketball program and are the first two recruits head coach Bob Walsh has brought in since taking over the program.
Calixte, a 5-foot-11 guard, joins the Black Bears after competing two years at Lee Academy. Prior to his time at Lee he was a high school student at Stoughton High School in Stoughton, Mass.
"Aaron is a classic lead guard who is tough and smart and will thrive in a high accountability environment," Head coach Bob Walsh said. "He has a natural ability to make his teammates better and it's great to have him as a Black Bear."
Calixte excelled during his time at Lee posting an average of 15 points per game, and six assists per contest, with an assist/turnover ratio of 3-to-1. The incoming freshman also displayed tremendous leadership, serving as team captain this past season, and helping Lee to an overall record of 24-11.
Lee's biggest tournament win was one where Calixte earned tremendous accolades. Lee competed in the Sun Youth Holy Day tournament in Montreal Canada, this past winter, as the squad played its way to a tournament championship. In that competition, Calixte was named First-Team All-Tournament.
Meanwhile, Little comes to Orono, Maine, after most recently completing a postgraduate year at Coastal Academy in central N.J., where he played guard. The Long Island native split his high school years between St. John the Baptist in West Islip, N.Y. and Our Savior New American in Centerreach, N.Y.
"Kevin is a talented versatile guard who is a natural scorer and can effect the game in a lot of ways," Walsh said. "We're excited that he bought in to our vision for this program and the championship culture we are going to build."
During his time at Coastal Academy he averaged 23 points and six assists while he served as team captain at both his high school and Coastal Academy from 2011-13.
Little, a 6-foot guard, also excelled during high school showcases, most notably The Fall High School Showcase held at the Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune, N.J. He scored a combined 54 points in two victories over top competition and ended up as the showcase's leading scorer after day one of the two-day tournament.
Jake Brahney, the author of the Hoop Group tournament recap at the Hoop Group website, tabbed him as one of the showcase's "Top Performers," as he was listed with nine other players. Jason Bernstein of the Star Ledger also selected Little as an All-Prep second-team player.
The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.