Sports

Movie, overseas options putting Castro front and center

For years Courtney Castro has been considered one of New York City’s best kept secrets. That is slowly starting to change.

The super athletic and explosive 5-foot-11 guard is beginning to get recognized on a lot of levels. Castro was lucky enough to land himself a role in the movie “Just Wright,” staring Queen Latifah and rapper Common, which was released in February. Castro was one of 10 players selected out of 300 to be used in the basketball scenes as a member of the New Jersey Nets, for whom Common’s character, NBA All-Star Scott McKnight, played.

“I was walking in the street and everyone was like, ‘Hey you were in the movie ‘Just Wright,’” Castro said. “I was in the movie theater and everyone starts turning around and looking and saying, ‘Hey that’s you.’”

He said he saw the movie two to three times and got to attend the opening and post party in Manhattan. Common called him over my name onto the red carpet. Castro, who said he got some pretty good screen time, also go to meet tennis star Serena Williams, and singer/songwriter Robin Thicke as well as other celebrities.

“Everybody knew my name, so that was a good thing,” the Brooklyn native said.

Hollywood isn’t the only place Castro is becoming known.

The movie, which was filmed at the IZOD Center, helped earn him a tryout with the New Jersey Nets, the building’s home team, for then-coach Lawrence Frank in September. Castro made it to the final day and was told that he wasn’t cut so much for lack of skill, but that the Nets already had 15 players who are under contract or that they wanted to sign.

Since then more opportunities have opened up and he said he has offers to play in Japan, South Korea, Australia and Puerto Rico. Castro isn’t sure when he will decide to go. He said his decision will not be based on money, but where he will get a chance to play the most and showcase his talents.

“I guess my name is starting to float now,” he said. “People are starting to recognize [me]. When I was younger people knew me as dunking on people. Now they see me playing defense and shooting well. Everyone is recognizing me and respecting my game.”

Being in the spotlight isn’t something Castro has been used to throughout his career, outside of making a name for himself on the streetball circuit. on which is he still very active. He played his high school ball at the alternative school Pacific, which he led to PSAL championship game as a senior.

Castro, who is 28, spent his college career at Navarro Junior College in Texas and then went to Division II Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina before middling around playing professionally in Quebec, Taiwan and with the Harlem Globetrotter-esque Harlem Wizards.

Castro’s game has matured over that time. He has gone from a player known for his ability to get into the lane to one with more well-rounded game and an improved jump shot. He scored 22 points and knocked down three 3-pointers in the BSC All-Stars 110-99 win over Warriors 4 Christ at Hoops in the Sun at Orchard Beach Sunday afternoon. Castro traditionally played with the WillieHowie All-Stars, which does not have a team this season, but was invited to play with BSC after having strong performances against them in the past.

“My game is a whole lot different,” Castro said. “With Will I knew what he expected of me. Me being on a new team, I don’t want to come here and take a lot of shots that I normally take. I’m trying to work myself in.”

Blending in isn’t something he has been able to do of late, but Castro knows there is still plenty of work ahead of him. His movie face time and rubbing elbows with the stars hasn’t gotten him on E! or TMZ just yet.

“Nah,” Castro jokes. “I ain’t that famous yet.”