We are pleased to announce Raikwon Rodrigues has committed to attend and play basketball for Central Maine next year. Raikwon comes to us from Rhode Island and is another of Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Brennen Morton's, flock of talent from Providence. Rodrigues graduated from Central High School in Providence in 2012. He was named to the 1st team All-Division for two years and one year as an All-State player. He led Central High School to a 19-5 record his senior year and the state championship. He was also a member of the All-Academic Team his senior year.
According to Raikwon:
"There are three primary reasons I want to attend CM. One of the reasons is the college life. I like meeting new people and experiencing new things. I know going to Maine will give me that opportunity. Secondly is the family atmosphere. I noticed on my visit that everyone cares about each other and has each other's back. That's the type of people I want to be around. Third will be the basketball. What I can bring to CM is getting the crowd involved. I can promise my coaches, my teammates and the school that I will give my all every time I am on the court. I know I'll fit in well with this team and am looking forward to being part of the Mustang family."
According to Head Men's Basketball Coach, Dave Gonyea:
"Raikwon is a 6'3" strong young man who has surprising quickness and mobility. He is in pretty good shape, has already found the weight room and has good stamina. All reports on him have been positive from his time in Rhode Island. He knows most of our past Rhode Island guys and they give him the thumbs up! He will fit nicely into our system. We are pleased that Raikown has committed to CM!"
In the photo with Coach Gonyea and Raikwon is Kelvin Duran. Kelvin is another Rhode Islander who will be trying out for the basketball team this ycoming ear. Kelvin is a 2013 graduate of Cranston East High School where he was an All-State track runner.
Kelvin provided the following commentary: "Growing up as a kid was very hard or me because of the violence. The first thing I always had in my mind growing up was family and school. Also, being a student-athlete for my high school, I wanted to strive for success, not only in sports but in the classroom. I wasn't the best athlete but I had the most heart. One thing I will always remember that my mother told me was never to let your dreams down, always strive for success and stay focused. I took my mother's words and this is why I am here today. I want to come to CM for three reasons: Those reasons are for my family, my degree and basketball. I chose CM because the moment I arrived on campus I noticed a change and I felt at home. I was very nervous at first because it was a new place and far from home. But the coaching staff, the students, and other faculty and staff made me feel very welcome. This feeling like home helped me my decide to make CM my home until I graduate and have my degree."
