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PUTNAM — Charles “Chuck” Pride has been the biggest surprise for the Putnam Science Academy Mustangs this season. The 6-foot, 4-inch guard out of Syracuse, N.Y., has earned his playing time coming off the bench for Head Coach Tom Espinosa as the Mustangs are ranked #1 in the country at 19-0 and have won 43 straight games.
“Charles is the best rebounding guard in our program’s history” Espinosa said after Pride grabbed 12 rebounds, 10 offensive in a win a few weeks back for PSA. “He has a knack for the basketball and somehow, someway the ball just finds him.”
Pride, on a team with 7-0 Russel Tchewa, 7-1 Mohamed Sylla, 6-9 Abou Ousmane and 6-8 Kareem Reid leads the Mustangs with 8.0 rebounds per game. The Charles Pride hype train started back in November in an early season tilt with Montverde Academy, a Prep team ranked in the top 10 at the time of the National Prep Showcase. PSA went on to win that game 78-68 with a large part due to the play of Pride, who finished with 12 points a game-high 13 rebounds, nine coming on the offensive end leading to big second chance opportunities.
Since November, Pride continued to demonstrate his effort and work ethic that sets him apart from others leading the Mustangs in rebounding and making all the hustle plays that caught the eye of Bryant University. Bryant, who were in attendance during Putnam Science Academy’s open gym, had seen Charles play earlier in the season but once they got a second and third look at the Basketbull Hoopfest, they knew Pride was the guy.
Charles Pride announced his commitment to Bryant Jan. 4 on Twitter and will play for the Bulldogs next season.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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