LDC IGNITE ANNOUNCE MAX CASTRO AS NEW HEAD COACH THROUGH 2027–28 SEASON

SANTIAGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — The LDC Ignite Basketball Club proudly welcomes Max Castro as its new head coach. The franchise has officially signed Castro to a two-year contract that will keep him on the sidelines through the 2027–28 season.

The hiring marks a new chapter for the Ignite as the organization looks to rebuild its winning culture, develop international talent, and continue creating professional basketball opportunities for American players in the Dominican Republic and overseas.

Castro brings a wealth of basketball experience, championship credentials, and an important advantage to the organization: his ability to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish.

That bilingual leadership will be especially valuable for an Ignite franchise built around developing American import players seeking professional contracts in the Dominican Republic's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB) and European basketball markets.

A PROVEN PATHWAY TO PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL

The Ignite operate as part of the LDC Prospect Program, founded by Jermaine Barnes, which has established itself as a developmental pathway for American basketball players seeking international opportunities.

Now entering its sixth season, the program has already produced 12 professional players and five NCAA signees, an impressive achievement in a relatively short period.

One of the program's most notable success stories is Sterling Manley, who went on to earn LatinBasket.com All-LNB Center of the Year honors while playing in La Vega. Manley also competed for the Metros before advancing to the NBA G League.

Other notable players who have advanced through the program include:

• Khalil Small — Luxembourg

• Mark Hall — Taiwan

• Demariontay "Tay" Hall — Portugal

• James Milton — Philippines

These success stories demonstrate the program's ability to help players gain international exposure, develop their professional careers, and compete in established basketball markets around the world.

With Castro taking over the Ignite, the organization hopes to strengthen that pathway by combining player development with championship-level coaching.

A NEW BEGINNING AFTER TWO DIFFICULT SEASONS

Despite its success in developing talent, the LDC Ignite have struggled to translate those individual accomplishments into victories on the court.

Over the past two LDC Superior League seasons, the club has compiled a disappointing 2–18 record, leaving the organization searching for a new direction.

The arrival of Castro represents an opportunity to change that narrative.

Rather than simply rebuilding the roster, the Ignite are looking to establish a new identity built around discipline, accountability, competitiveness, and winning basketball.

The organization believes Castro's leadership and championship experience can provide the foundation necessary to turn the franchise around.

CASTRO BRINGS CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE TO IGNITE

Castro is no stranger to success in the LDC Superior League.

In 2023, he guided his club to the LDC Superior League National Championship, establishing himself as one of the league's top coaches.

His championship-winning performance earned him recognition as the LatinBasket.com All-LDC Coach of the Year.

That winning pedigree is exactly what the Ignite organization is looking for as it prepares for the next stage of its development.

Castro understands the league, the level of competition, and the demands of building a championship-caliber roster. His familiarity with Dominican basketball, combined with his ability to communicate with American import players, makes him a strong fit for the franchise's long-term vision.

THE ROAD TO THE 2027 SEASON BEGINS NOW

With a new head coach secured, attention now turns toward building the roster that will represent the Ignite during the upcoming LDC Superior League season.

The organization will continue emphasizing American import development while also seeking players who can help establish a more competitive and successful basketball program in Santiago.

For the Ignite, the mission is clear: return to winning basketball while continuing to open doors for players pursuing professional careers internationally.

The LDC Ignite will officially announce their 2027 roster on February 1, 2027.

BIENVENIDO, COACH MAX CASTRO! 🔥🏀

LDC Ignite Basketball Club | Santiago, Dominican Republic