Castro, Jones Honored with A-10 Postseason Accolades
3/11/2025 3:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
WASHINGTON - Redshirt junior Rafael Castro and redshirt freshman Christian Jones of the George Washington men's basketball program garnered postseason awards from the Atlantic 10, the league announced on Tuesday. Castro earned a spot on the All-Conference second team and All-Defensive team while Jones was named to the All-Rookie squad.
Rafael Castro
Rafael Castro
Second Team All-Conference and All-Defensive Team
In his first year in Foggy Bottom, Castro became one of the premier big men in the conference, leading the league in field goal percentage, total rebounds, rebounds per game, offensive rebounds per game and double-doubles, all within the top-25 nationally. He scored in double figures in the final 16 games with eight double-doubles and eight 20-point efforts, both top-three among league players.
Castro was one of just two players in the league to rank among the top-10 in scoring and rebounding against conference foes, joining fellow second teamer Robbie Avila (Saint Louis). His remarkable season was showcased by being just one of three players nationally with 400+ points, 250+ rebounds, 100+ offensive rebounds while shooting 60% or better from the field.
Defensively, Castro more than held his own, ranking seventh in the league in blocks and third amongst forwards and centers in steals. His 82 combined blocks and steals ranked second in the A-10 and his versatility to guard all five positions was noted by the league's coaches. He was one of two players in the A-10 to have 35+ steals and 40+ blocks and one of just 11 to do so nationally.
Christian Jones
Castro was one of just two players in the league to rank among the top-10 in scoring and rebounding against conference foes, joining fellow second teamer Robbie Avila (Saint Louis). His remarkable season was showcased by being just one of three players nationally with 400+ points, 250+ rebounds, 100+ offensive rebounds while shooting 60% or better from the field.
Defensively, Castro more than held his own, ranking seventh in the league in blocks and third amongst forwards and centers in steals. His 82 combined blocks and steals ranked second in the A-10 and his versatility to guard all five positions was noted by the league's coaches. He was one of two players in the A-10 to have 35+ steals and 40+ blocks and one of just 11 to do so nationally.
Christian Jones
All-Rookie Team
Jones proved it was worth the wait following his redshirt year last season, becoming one of the best rookies in the A-10. He led the league's freshmen in steals and 3-point percentage and ranked second in scoring, steals, field goal percentage and minutes played. He was the only underclassmen in the circuit with 80+ assists and 50+ steals and one of just five players overall.
Jones ascended during A-10 play, leading the league in swipes and ranking 10th among all players in assists. He also posted the A-10 single-game high with seven steals against Duquesne and had multiple assists and steals in eight A-10 games, which was tied for fourth among all players. He is one of just five freshmen nationally with 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game and the first to do so at GW since Carl Elliott in 2004.
On the offensive end, Jones reached double figures 13 times on the season with eight of those coming against Atlantic 10 opponents.
The duo will look to prove their mettle, and then some, in this week's Atlantic 10 Championship at Capital One Arena in D.C. As the No. 7 seed, the Buff & Blue will open their journey on Thursday evening at 5 p.m. against either No. 10 seed Rhode Island or No. 15 seed Fordham. Tickets are available through the GW Ticket Office here.
Jones ascended during A-10 play, leading the league in swipes and ranking 10th among all players in assists. He also posted the A-10 single-game high with seven steals against Duquesne and had multiple assists and steals in eight A-10 games, which was tied for fourth among all players. He is one of just five freshmen nationally with 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game and the first to do so at GW since Carl Elliott in 2004.
On the offensive end, Jones reached double figures 13 times on the season with eight of those coming against Atlantic 10 opponents.
The duo will look to prove their mettle, and then some, in this week's Atlantic 10 Championship at Capital One Arena in D.C. As the No. 7 seed, the Buff & Blue will open their journey on Thursday evening at 5 p.m. against either No. 10 seed Rhode Island or No. 15 seed Fordham. Tickets are available through the GW Ticket Office here.
Players Mentioned
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