If you followed the College of Staten Island men’s basketball squad this year, you know it was a season to remember in Division II hoops. Two electrifying guards, Aaron Goldstein and JJ Chestnut, didn’t just light up the scoreboard—they landed some big accolades, courtesy of the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association, after a year that put the Dolphins front and center in the East Coast Conference race.
Their stellar play made serious waves, earning CSI plenty of buzz across NYC and throughout New York’s fiercely competitive college basketball community.
Much of the Dolphins’ success came from the dynamic duo running the backcourt. Goldstein, in his junior campaign, was relentless on offense, stacking up points like few others nationwide. Chestnut, reveling in his senior sendoff, was all about balance—scoring, distributing, and leading when it counted most.
Goldstein: Setting the Pace for CSI
What a year for Goldstein. He took command of the East Coast Conference’s scoring race, delivering 21.2 points per outing—a stat that stands out even on the national stage. But beyond the numbers, his presence was undeniable, earning him a trio of ECC Player of the Week nods and repeat appearances as MBWA Player of the Week. Goldstein’s consistency was the engine behind CSI’s journey through a tough conference schedule.
One particular highlight: In January, Goldstein helped CSI finally top St. Thomas Aquinas, snapping a decades-long losing streak and joining the 1,000-point club in the process. His 615-point campaign set a new Division II single-season scoring record for the program.
He wrapped up the season with several distinctions: ECC First Team, D2CCA East Region First Team, NABC All-District Second Team, and a spot on the Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List. Landing on the All-Met First Team was the cherry on top, bringing plenty of pride to the Staten Island faithful.
Chestnut: A Senior Year to Remember
Meanwhile, Chestnut quietly put together a do-it-all senior season. Starting every game, he averaged 13.2 points, dished 5.0 assists, and reeled in 4.3 rebounds per game, proving to be the glue guy for the Dolphins all year long.
He punched his ticket to the 1,000-point club early on, and his 144 assists this year tied his previous program record. But the real magic happened on Senior Day, when Chestnut delivered CSI’s first Division II triple-double—dropping 30 points, snaring 10 boards, and handing out 10 assists against Molloy.
That performance, along with All-Met Honorable Mention and ECC Second Team recognition, sealed his legacy as one of CSI’s all-time greats.
Dynamic Duo Drives CSI Forward
With both Goldstein and Chestnut firing on all cylinders, the Dolphins featured arguably the most impactful backcourt in the local circuit. Their individual honors speak volumes about their skills—and signal that CSI is a serious force to be reckoned with in Division II basketball.
For fans of NYC hoops, their emergence is just another sign that The College of Staten Island is raising the bar, joining the ranks of respected basketball programs throughout the city and beyond.
What’s Next?
Now, as Chestnut hangs up his jersey, attention turns to Goldstein and the next wave of Dolphins. His return means CSI still has a go-to scorer as they look to build on this history-making run and stay competitive in the ECC.
With momentum and a new standard in place, the legacy of this backcourt duo will no doubt shape the storylines for CSI basketball as the program charges into its next chapter.
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