Pirates Receive Two Commitments During Early Period
November 20, 2003 | Men's Basketball
Mike Castro, a 6-8, 235-pound forward at Allegany College of Maryland and Charles Bronson, a 6-10, 220-pound center from Philadelphia have committed to play for the Pirates next season.
"We're very pleased that we're able to sign both young men," said Herrion. "We're losing three frontcourt players at the end of the season, so Mike and Charles each help us fill that need."
As a freshman at Allegany last season, Castro averaged 8.1 points and 6.9 rebounds and helped the Trojans to a 27-3 record and a conference championship. He finished second in the Maryland Junior College Conference in field goal percentage, shooting 65.9 percent from the floor. Castro is averaging 10.3 rebounds early this season for legendary coach Bob Kirk, who coached NBA All-Star Steve Francis and 1989 NBA Draft first round pick Eric Mobley at Allegany. Castro recently recorded a double-double in the Trojans win over Southwestern Illinois, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 boards.
"Mike is an extremely strong and powerful frontcourt player," Herrion said. "He's an older, more mature kid that comes from a very successful junior college program."
Bronson, listed as High Honorable Mention All-America by Street & Smith's, averaged 17.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game at Philadelphia Lutheran High School last season. Bronson is rated as the 75th best prep player according to HoopScoop.
"Charles is very skilled at the center position and a kid who gets better every time he steps on the floor. I think Charles is a late bloomer whose best years are ahead of him."
The Pirates open the 2003-04 season on Saturday, Nov. 22 against Campbell. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
