Providence – Rafael Castro is smiling these days, and for good reason.
The last time Castro went to the courts for a real game was before COVID. The high school season has been canceled due to ongoing concerns about the virus. Then, with several seniors ahead of him on the depth chart, Castro spent the 2021-22 campaign, his true new season at Providence College, in a display/learn capacity that helped lay the groundwork for a larger role. important when leaving Nate. Watson and Noah Horschler.
For Castro, this week’s trip to Spain with the US East Coast basketball team is a big deal. Finally, the opportunity to play against opposing players, hear the referee’s whistle, look at the clock, and the scoring functions on the scoreboard light up.
“It’s been two and a half years,” Castro said before the coaches’ roundtable last Thursday in the alumni hall. “I’m definitely excited and really looking forward to it.”
Castro and PC shooting guard Allen Pride are two of 14 college players to represent the United States in a series of events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1992 US men’s basketball team that dominated the Summer Olympics of that year. Fittingly, the 2022 setting to remember the exploits of Michael Jordan and his fellow Dream Team members is Barcelona.
The actual basketball game element includes three games against Spanish professionals. The first was scheduled for Friday. Tourism and history lessons aside, it was the spirit of competition that got Castro most excited about this outdoor adventure. He will also be reunited with former AAU teammate Jaylen Blakes, the sophomore rookie guard from Duke.
“I’m ready to get rid of the rust and throat,” Castro said.
Castro’s original Summer Play project involved partnering with a national team based in the Dominican Republic. Once the tournament Castro was scheduled to compete in fell through, Providence assistant coach Brian Blaney stepped in and helped the 6-foot-10 forward secure a spot on the East Coast Basketball roster.
“I said yes right away,” Castro said. Coach Blaney actually asked me at the time he was supposed to go to the Dominicans if he wanted to do both. [tournaments]And I said yes.”
A product of Dover High in New Jersey, Castro became engaged to the brothers before their November 2020 signing period. His scouting report included a couple of traits that jump off the page: a 7-foot wingspan coupled with legitimate abilities. defense.
“In terms of his goalkeeping game, there’s been more than one occasion where he gets defensive rebounds and gets us into the break,” Dover coach Billy Connors said in an interview with the Call/Times after Castro’s verbal commitment. with the brothers. . “He was more than capable of dribbling the ball to the ground and distributing it to the open player to shoot the ball. He has very good adjusted vision ».
For Castro, the path to earning significant minutes in last season’s historic PC lineup was clouded the moment Watson and Horchler announced their intention to practice the additional year of eligibility granted to all players by the NCAA in response to COVID-19. Just because he didn’t have expectations around him doesn’t mean Castro didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that came his way, especially in practice when he faced Watson and Ed Croswell.
“Going against Nate, as much as he helped me, I like to think I helped him get better at blocking shots and other areas,” Castro said. “I hope I can transfer what I learned from last year to this year.”
Away from training camp, Castro learned the importance of being a student of the game.
“From understanding the language of basketball to watching movies, there were a lot of things in high school that I didn’t do that I needed to do in college,” he said. “Those little things I picked up will help me in the long run.”
Gains were also made in the strength department. When Castro first came to PC, he weighed 205 pounds but dropped to 198. With the help of strength coach Ken White, Castro’s current playing weight is 220.
“I appreciate Coach White,” Castro said.
Castro’s history with the brothers is still in its infancy. However, he says he has armed himself with a motivational tool that he can’t wait to pitch in Barcelona and next season.
“I didn’t play last year, I just put a chip on my shoulder. I’ll keep it there,” she said.
Follow Brendan McGair on Twitter @BWMcGair03
