The back-to-back Taunton Daily Gazette Boys Basketball Player of the Year is continuing his impressive performance at the collegiate level. University of Hartford freshman guard Troy Santos was named the Conference of New England Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential on the national stage.

Taunton's Basketball Phenom Continues to Dazzle

Impressive NCAA Division 3 Debut

Troy Santos, the Taunton resident, made a remarkable debut in the NCAA Division 3 basketball scene. In his first game, the young guard led the Hartford Hawks with an impressive 27-point performance, including three 3-pointers, while also recording five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Despite the team's narrow 82-79 non-conference loss to Mitchell College, Santos' standout performance has already caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts across the region.The 2024 Taunton High graduate's journey to the collegiate level has been nothing short of remarkable. He became the latest member of the Tigers' prestigious 1,000-point club in February, reaching the four-figure mark early in the regular season finale against King Philip. Santos finished his high school career with an impressive 1,054 points, leading the Hockomock League in points per game (24.2) during his senior season.

Taunton Coach Praises Santos' Passion for the Game

Taunton coach Colbey Santos (no relation) has been a witness to Troy's unwavering dedication and love for the sport. "He just loves the game of basketball," the coach said in February. "You've got to literally kick him out of the gym and tell him he needs some rest days, but he genuinely likes it." This relentless passion and commitment have undoubtedly contributed to Troy's success, both at the high school and now the collegiate level.

Continuing the Santos Legacy

Troy Santos is not the only member of the Santos family making waves in the basketball world. His older brother, Trent Santos, a fellow 1,000-point scorer and the 2021-22 Taunton Daily Gazette Boys Basketball Player of the Year, also made his debut for UMass Dartmouth on the same day. The sophomore guard, a transfer from Assumption University, had five points, including a 3-pointer, off the bench for the Corsairs in an 87-77 loss to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Taunton Boys Basketball Prepares for the Future

As the Santos brothers continue to shine at the collegiate level, their alma mater, Taunton High School, is gearing up for the 2024-25 season. The Taunton boys basketball team is set to kick off the new campaign on December 16th, hosting a home game against Foxboro. With the legacy of the Santos brothers and the continued development of the program, the Tigers are poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming season and beyond.The story of Troy Santos and the Santos family's basketball prowess is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. As the young prodigy continues to captivate audiences at the collegiate level, the Taunton community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this remarkable journey.