(New Rochelle, NY) — Two more members of Monroe’s highly-coveted men’s basketball sophomore class have laid out their post-Monroe futures. Anthony Banks has committed to Longwood University (VA) and Marco Bourgault will continue his college career at St. John’s University (NY). These are the third and fourth members of the team that finished fifth in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament to advance into the NCAA, Division I. Drimir Ferguson will be at North Carolina Central and Davon Marshall will play at Liberty University (VA).
Bourgault, a 6’6″ guard from France who can also play forward because of his size and ability around the basket, averaged 10.8 ppg in his sophomore year for Monroe. He started 35 games and proved to be an extraordinary shooter as evidenced by his 42.1% three-point average, putting him in the nation’s top-thirty. In fact, 62% of all his field goals were from the arc. He also was a capable swing man with good instincts around the backboard. He averaged 4.31 rpg.
It’s rare for a Monroe graduate who normally has only two years of eligibility left, but Bourgault will be able to play at St. John’s for three years because he red-shirted in his freshman year at Monroe with an injury.
“This is a great opportunity for Marco and for St. John’s,” said Coach Jeff Brustad. “This means he’ll have the time to adjust to the higher level of ball and be a significant contributer for them. Monroe fans know what a great shooter he is and that means he could become a cornerstone for the Red Storm attack. He’s a great kid and will be sorely missed around here, but we wish him much luck.”
Banks was injured much of his freshman season, but returned in time for the 2011 national tournament where he had immediate impact on the team that finished third in the nation. But in his sophomore year, he really came of age, averaging 7.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg.
“Longwood is an excellent situation for Anthony because he’ll be able to step in and contribute right away,” said Coach Brustad. “He’s a high energy guy, who’s got that great combination of being big and athletic. He also has a winning attitude, which served us well as we finished third and fifth in the nation during the two years he was with us.”
Both players are excited to play for their new schools. Marco will be able to play at Madison Square Garden and Banks, who hails from Virginia, will be able to perform in front of his hometown family and friends.