New Paltz star point guard Cayden Dones first contemplated transferring to a prep school to gain more college exposure last fall.
Almost a year later, Dones has decided to enroll at Kiski Prep in Saltsburg, Pa. Dones averaged 25 points and seven assists last year as a junior, leading New Paltz to the Section 9 Class A championship. Dones was arguably the best returning boys’ basketball player in Section 9.
“I definitely thought about this decision a lot and about leaving New Paltz,” said Dones, who scored 1,335 points at New Paltz. “But this is an exciting opportunity for me athletically and academically, and I know I can always come back to visit New Paltz.”
Dones, who is 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, said he has been contacted by Division II and Division III colleges, as well as a handful of Division I schools. He plans to reclassify at Kiski, located about 30 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, and repeat his junior year. Dones hopes that two years at Kiski will help him grow and work on his game, resulting in more Division I options.
“I want to get stronger and become a better defender,” Dones said. “I think I can help Kiski out and should have a big role there. Working hard, I think I can accomplish my goals, and I am looking forward to playing there.”