Men’s Basketball Duo Inks NLIs In Early Signing Period
BERKELEY – California men’s basketball has added two prep standouts in forward Monty Bowser and guard Jalen Celestine in the early signing period, head coach Mark Fox announced today. The duo inked their NLIs to join the Golden Bears in 2020-21.
“We wanted to add versatile wing players and young men with the quality of character to make our program stronger and better,” Fox said. “We are excited about Monty and Jalen’s ability to impact our team. Both come from terrific high school programs.”
Bowser is a product of nearby Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, where he most recently helped the Dragons to the 2019 CIF State Boys Basketball playoffs. He poured in 22 points in O’Dowd’s loss in the NCS Division II Championship, and earlier in the season dropped 21 points against Grant High School. The 6-6 Oakland native was named to both the SF Chronicle 2018-19 All-Metro and All-Bay Area News Group honorable mention squads.
“Monty is a skilled shooting guard who has the length and athleticism to complement his versatility,” Fox added. “He will make our team better and I am so excited to have him staying home.”
A 6-7 guard, Celestine averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for his Long Island Lutheran squad. He shot 44 percent from 3-point range as a junior. He was named to the New York State Sportswriters Association All-State Team.
On the 2019 Nike EYBL circuit, Celestine averaged nearly 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists over 13 games with his UPlay Canada squad.
“Jalen is a versatile player who one day could play several positions on both offense and defense. I am excited about all of the possibilities he will bring to Berkeley,” Fox said.
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