Hope native Justin Stuart, currently a junior at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia has been selected to play for the USA Athletes International in Spain. Stuart is a 2006 graduate of Hope High School and a member of Greater Hope Baptist Church, where Russell Neal is pastor. Stuart has been a three year starter for the SAU Mulerider basketball team and is the son of Evelyn and Harvey Thomas and Ambrey Ja'nyha Stuart of El Dorado .
Head coach, Eric Bozeman said, “Justin Stuart, a 6'4'' redshirt junior for the Southern Arkansas University men's basketball team, has been selected to be a part of USA Athletes International. He will be representing the United States in the 2010 Giro de Espana Tour, crossing Spain from May 25-June 3, 2010. This event is an excellent opportunity for athletes to foster international friendship and goodwill among nations while promoting the game. Established in 1992, USA Athletes International is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving amateur athletes such an opportunity.”
“Justin is a three year starter for the Muleriders. This season, he was a pre-season First Team All-Gulf South Conference member, joining four other players to receive that honor. During this past season, Justin averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game. As a sophomore, he averaged 14 points and five rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent from the field. Justin is a Recreation major with an emphasis on community service. He will graduate in the spring of 2010. SAU Men's basketball program is extremely proud of Justin and his efforts on and off the basketball court. This opportunity only enhances his already stellar resume,” said Bozeman.
