Robert Morris Lands Transfer Forward Markeese Hastings

PITTSBURGH – Robert Morris has landed its first transfer of the 2023-24 recruiting season. Former Western Michigan forward Markeese Hastings committed to the Colonials Thursday, phrasing the move as his “last go round.”

A 6-foot-7 redshirt junior, Hastings averaged 8.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 31 games (29 starts) last season. In two years at Western Michigan the Grand Rapids, Michigan native scored 537 total points and grabbed 561 rebounds, 183 on the offensive end. An improved but inconsistent three-point shooter – upping his shooting from 4-of-29 (14%) to 16-of-77 (21%) – Hastings played in over 28 minutes per contest and shot 47% from the field.

One inconsistent issue that plagued Robert Morris throughout the 2022-23 campaign was free throw shooting. Hastings shot 69% at the line in 58 total attempts. His greatest strengths are offensive rebounding, shot-blocking (36 in two years), and forcing steals (51).

During his sophomore (3.0) and junior (2.9) seasons, Hastings punished MAC opponents on the offensive boards and registered eight double-doubles. He frequently recorded more rebounds than points and grabbed as many as 20 and 19 offensive rebounds on Jan. 6 and Jan. 31. 

The newest RMU commit spent two years at Butler and averaged 9.5 minutes in 2020-21. He appeared in 15 games as a Bulldog before becoming a Bronco.

Andy Toole is looking to replace veteran graduate Kahiel Spear and transfers Enoch Cheeks, Michael Green III, Matt Mayers, and Tristian Jeffries. The Colonials finished 16-17 overall and 10-10 in Horizon League play.