Hackensack, N.J. -- Fairleigh Dickinson head men's basketball coach Greg Herenda formally announced Daniel Rodriguez has signed his National Letter Intent to join the Knights next season.

More photos courtesy of Reena Rose Sibayan (Jersey Journal)

Rodriguez, who hails from Newark, N.J., comes to Fairleigh Dickinson via Hudson Catholic where he has been a key cog for the perennial New Jersey powerhouse. Surrounded by friends, family and coaches, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound forward signed his NLI last Wednesday. 

"Signing Danny is special for me personally because of where he comes from," said Herenda. "To sign another young man that went to high school in Jersey City is special because when I came to FDU I wanted to build the program from within this area and state. Danny is a hard-nosed tough young man, who can play and defend multiple positions. I love his grit but I also love the leadership skills that he possesses at a very young age."

Last season saw Rodriguez average 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as the Hawks posted a 21-5 record and captured a seventh-straight Hudson County championship.

"Coming from Hudson Catholic you just know how well that he has been coached and he also has competed at the very highest level of high school and AAU basketball. Danny joins Kaleb, Oscar, Nadi, Marc, Tyrone O'Garro and Marques Townes, who all went to prestigious New Jersey catholic high schools and bring great values and character to our program. Today is a great way to end the early signing period."

Rodriguez is the third signee in this year's class as he joins previously announced additions Brandon Rush and Devon Dunn.

The Knights return to the floor this Saturday, December 1 when they take on Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.