By Joe Budzelek
In college basketball, the player you least expect sometimes seizes an opportunity to rise to the occasion — and St. Bonaventure senior guard Cayden Charles is arguably the biggest surprise star in the Atlantic 10.
“We got incredibly lucky with Cayden,” says St. Bonaventure general manager Adrian Wojnarowski. “We hoped he could be a contributor, but we’d be lying if we said we thought he would become a starter and one of our most important players and culture drivers.”
After a standout career at North Georgia (D2), Charles finished his final season there averaging an impressive 15 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting 37% from three. He had a strong showing at the school’s NBA/G League Pro Day last month in New York City, where he showcased his high-energy, physical style of play and demonstrated instinctive, opportunistic defense thanks to his excellent court awareness and timing.
“Being able to do the little things is what wins in college basketball,” Charles said after his 18-point performance against Youngstown State on Saturday. “It’s great to score and make highlight plays, but that’s not what ultimately wins games. Getting loose balls, rebounding, and guarding the best player — that’s what translates from November all the way into March. These are things I take pride in and that are the staples of my game.”
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| Photo credit- Hunter O. Lyle |
At the time of the NBA/G League Pro Day, four of the Bonnies’ starting spots were essentially set in stone: Buddy Simmons II and Dasonte Bowen in the backcourt, Frank Mitchell at center, and Joe Grahovac at power forward.
The final starting spot, however, was up for grabs.
Big guard Amar'e Marshall entered after two prolific seasons at Albany. Tennessee Tech transfer Daniel Egbuniwue arrived with two-way, multipositional versatility and had posted the team’s highest defensive metrics last season, per EvanMiya.com. International additions Ilia Ermakov and Achille Lonati came in with NBA scout attention.
Despite the talent and depth on the roster, Charles’ multifaceted, hard-nosed guard play helped him defy the early-season odds and solidify his place in the starting lineup.
“He has the ability to be an All–Atlantic 10 defensive player,” Wojnarowski says. “No one prepares better, works harder, or studies the game plan more. His conditioning and strength are unmatched in our program.”
Named MVP of the 2024 D2 NCAA Southeast Regional after leading North Georgia to the Elite Eight, Charles’ glue-guy strengths first attracted the St. Bonaventure staff. But once he arrived on campus, he hit the ground running, rounding out his game to become equally effective on the offensive end.
“I’ve really been putting in a lot of work every day on my shooting and finishing,” Charles says. “Working with my position coach Nick Schmidt and graduate assistant Tommy Kelly has been key — getting thousands of reps has led to my success so far. And having not only talented but smart teammates around me has made my job easier.”
The hard work has paid off.
In four games this season, Charles has scored at least 12 points in every one. According to KenPom.com, his 91.2 FTRate ranks 37th nationally, and his 10.1% offensive rebounding rate ranks 338th. He has converted half of his two-point and three-point attempts, and on the defensive end he has already collected nine steals.
“He gets his offense within the construct of Coach Schmidt’s system,” Wojnarowski says. “Cayden is an elite cutter, offensive rebounder, and a very good catch-and-shoot three-point shooter with a quick release. What he did in Division II translates here at St. Bonaventure — getting to the free-throw line, defending, and rebounding on both ends. He’s an absolute physical force and another example of how impactful Division II players can be at our level. He’s an outstanding student, too, and has interest in someday attending law school. The coaches at North Georgia did an incredible job preparing him to make an impact, and we wish we could have him for more than just one year.”
Originally picked eighth in the Atlantic 10’s preseason poll, the Bonnies’ stock is rising as they stand as one of the conference’s five remaining undefeated teams.
Charles isn’t concerned with whether or how his offensive production sustains throughout the season — as long as the team keeps winning. “Points will come naturally and the ball will find everyone, but getting loose balls and rebounds, as well as defending the best player, is what’s most important to me when it comes to winning basketball.”
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