Salem State Duo Named All-Conference

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass.- Senior Jaden Castillo (Lawrence, Mass.) and junior Michael Makiej (Andover, Mass.) were named to the 2023-24 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men's Basketball All-Conference Second Team as voted on by the leagues' seven head coaches in an announcement on Wednesday February 28.

Castillo and Makiej were the leading scorers for the Salem State men's basketball program, with both players eclipsing the 1,000 point plateau this season. Castillo led the Vikings with a 19.6 ppg average, tying for second in the league in scoring. The senior guard led the MASCAC in made three-pointers, with a career-high 64, and posted a league-best, 48.1% (64-133) from behind the arc. His 1,241 career points rank 14th all-time at Salem State.  

Makiej, a transfer from Gordon in his first season with the Vikings, now has 1,134 career points after tallying 449 points for Salem State this year. The junior forward was fourth in the MASCAC with an 18.0 ppg average. His 7.8 rpg average were second on Salem State and ranked fourth overall in the MASCAC. Makiej posted 41 steals, which were second on the Vikings, and eighth best in the conference this year.

Castillo spoke about what it means to him to be named second team all-conference. "First, I would like to say that I am honored to receive second team recognition, but the main goal was to be on first team. I appreciate the award and I am honored for being recognized still, and I also would like to thank my teammates because without them I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this."

A game that resonated with Castillo was against MCLA, on the road when Castillo earned his 1,000th-career point in an 84-76 victory on January 13, 2024. "A game I feel like that'll resonate with me would be the game where I scored my 1000th point because it was a special moment to me, and I didn't accomplish this goal in high school, so it felt good to do it in college. Especially with my teammates, because like I said earlier, without them it would have been very hard to accomplish such a goal."

The senior reflected on his final season. "I appreciate the award, and I am honored to have worn a Vikings' uniform. It will always be a part of me, and I am proud to say that I will be a Viking for life. I also appreciate the university's support and want to thank them and the coaches for allowing me to be a part of the program."

He gives a lot of credit to his teammates. "I give a ton of credit to my teammates for trusting me and allowing me to lead them. This was a completely new group, so to have a season like this wasn't what we all wanted, but it wasn't the worst either. This group fought through adversity and hard times and I'm just very thankful to be a part of this group, who is more like a family."

The Lawrence native, spoke about what he will miss most about playing in Twohig Gymnasium. "I'm going to miss a lot of things. I'm going to miss coach Harvey yelling at me and my teammates cheering each other on. I'm going to miss hearing my name called. And most importantly, I'm going to miss seeing my family and friends support me and making them proud."

Lastly, he added. "I just again want to say, I appreciate everyone that was a part of my journey, including my professors and advisors. I also want to thank coach Harvey for allowing me to be a part of a great program and the rest of the coaching staff. I also want to thank my teammates as well for staying so strong throughout the season after everything we faced."

Makiej discussed what the achievement meant to him. "I'm happy to get all-conference this year. It's nice to get that recognition after working hard.  There was great competition in the MASCAC this year, and to be recognized for this award reflects my hard work and dedication.  I wouldn't have been able to get this award without the great teammates and coaches we have on the team."

He expressed how much credit he gives to his teammates. "My teammates were very supportive and uplifting all season. We had a great group of guys, and great team chemistry.  I think the camaraderie not only helped my performance, but the performance of other guys on the team as well."

Makiej discussed a certain goal that he had for this past season and that was winning the MASCAC championship. "My goal, which in the best scenario, was to win a championship.  We didn't reach that goal, but I'm going to learn from this year to reach that goal next year."

He brought up what kind of improvements he wants to work on during the offseason to have a productive senior year. "In the off-season, I want to improve on all areas of my game.  I'm going to continue to work hard." Finally, he also added, "I'd like to acknowledge Salem State University, and the opportunities this school gives to many people."