PEABODY — Peabody native Alex Gonzalez isn’t done on the court yet. A four-year player and senior captain for the Bishop Fenwick boys basketball team, Gonzalez has committed to continue his career at Bridgewater State University.
For Gonzalez, who plans to study Health Sciences with a focus in Pre-Physical Therapy, joining the Division III Bears next year gave him the best of both worlds on and off the court.
“Just going down there it was a mix of things,” Gonzalez said. “It’s not too far away, it’s in the state. It’s really a great combination in terms of athletics and education and setting me up for what I want to do going forward.”
Bridgewater coach John Farroba, who has been at the helm for the Bears for 29 years, also helped make the decision clear.
“It just looks like a really successful program,” Gonzalez said. “Coach Farroba is going for his 400th win this year. That really speaks to what he has built there. He really sold me on the team and how he thinks they can get back to the top of the (Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference).
“It’s nice going in to know that you’re going to a successful program and you get a chance to try to compete in the NCAA tournament every year,” Gonzalez said.
Competing every season was something Gonzalez didn’t shy away from at Fenwick. A Catholic Central League all-star at guard, Gonzalez averaged 9 points and seven rebounds a game in a 17-game season this past winter.
“I’ve been talking to him and going back and forth even after the season ended,” Fenwick coach Kevin Moran said. “He’s been a wonderful addition for me. He’s a leader. If you need to know anything about his character, I don’t think he missed one practice in four years. Alex is a wonderful kid and player.”
Getting recruited this year meant fewer face-to-face meetings and visits and more phone calls while sending game tape to college coaches. Gonzalez thanks Moran for making a lot of that process run smoother.
“I really have to thank coach Moran,” Gonzalez said. “He did a great job helping me find a place to play.”
That help wasn’t anything new. Gonzalez gives a lot of credit to the entire Crusaders coaching staff for helping him grow his game over the years.
“Freshman year the only thing I could really do is take it to the hoop and drive,” Gonzalez said. “Coach Moran, really all the coaches, helped me shape my game. They helped me grow my game so that I can do plenty more and shoot off the dribble.”
“This is what it’s all about,” Moran said. “I know Alex is excited and he deserves it. It’s been a tough time this year trying to find a place to play. It was a pleasure coaching him and I hope he moves forward and does great. I think it’s a great opportunity for him.”
Gonzalez is currently gearing up for a season on the baseball field where he plays infield and pitcher for Fenwick, but he’s still eyeing his future with Bridgewater on the horizon.
“I just want to get myself ready for the college game,” Gonzalez said. “Things start to speed up and it’s really good basketball. I want to make sure I’m prepared mentally and physically in terms of speed and strength. I’m going to focus on honing my offensive and defensive skills.”
