Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University sophomore men's basketball student-athlete Omar Silverio has been granted immediate eligibility after applying to have his required transfer year of residency waived by the NCAA. The waiver was submitted to the NCAA Division I Committee for Legislative Relief. 

Silverio, a native of Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, transferred to Hofstra from the University of Rhode Island. He played in 28 games for the Rams in 2018-19, scoring 52 points, grabbing 28 rebounds and contributing 18 assists and nine steals. 

"We appreciate the NCAA's understanding of Omar's case and are thankful to both the NCAA and Rhode Island for their support of this waiver," commented Hofstra Head Men's Basketball Coach Joe Mihalich. "Omar has a very important support system here at Hofstra and with his family nearby we look forward to him becoming an integral part of the Hofstra community." 

Silverio attended St. Raymond (NY) High School where he averaged 21 points, six rebounds and 3.5 assists as a senior. A three-time All-Catholic High School Athletic Association selection, Silverio scored more than 1,000 career points.