Castleton Finally Suits Up for Titans

The waiting is over, and David Castleton is eager to start his Cal State Fullerton basketball career.

Castleton, a junior transfer from Orange Coast College, is expected to make his Titan debut tonight when Fullerton plays at Eastern Kentucky. Castleton was academically ineligible for the team’s first seven games.

“It’s been frustrating to miss the first part of the season, but I’ve tried to keep a good attitude about it,” Castleton said. “Not being eligible probably helped me get in real good shape physically. I’ve worked hard, and I feel like I know what I need to do to play on the Division I level.”

Castleton said he was two academic units short of the number needed to be eligible in the first semester following his transfer. “We thought we were all right on it, but it turned out we weren’t,” he said.

With Castleton sidelined and guard Brandon Campbell, a returning starter, recovering from a sprained left knee since the season opener, the Titans (1-6) have had only three guards in the rotation.

Castleton is regarded as a potential starter at point guard, but also can play off-guard. Titan Coach Donny Daniels moved junior Kevin Richardson to the point from off-guard after it was determined that Castleton would be ineligible the first semester. Richardson has been the starter at the position most of the time, with freshman Chris Smith also playing there.

Castleton has practiced with the team throughout the first semester.

“I didn’t get as much work with the first team, but that’s understandable because I wasn’t able to play in the games,” Castleton said. “But the coaches have been spending some extra time with me the last couple of days to help me get ready.”

Daniels said Castleton probably won’t start against Eastern Kentucky (4-3), but will play.

Castleton averaged 22.6 points for Orange Coast last season and led the Orange Empire Conference in scoring.