The Miami Dade Community College has an actual basketball team The Miami Dade Sharks, led by Head Coach Matt Eisele 27.
Recent games include a win versus Palm Beach State College 77-71, but losing to Brevard Community College 69-60 on February the 3rd and the next home games being at the Gibson Center in Kendall Campus versus Broward Community College on February 10th at 7:30pm games are free admission.
Thanks to coach Eisele and staff The Sharks have made progress over the past two seasons in bringing a winning tradition at Miami Dade, despite posting a (10-12) record so far this season. Eisele, who was hired By Miami Dade College in 2007, first served as the Sharks Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator before taking the head coaching position.
Coach Eisele brought in an impressive resume, one that included previous stops at the University of Pittsburg, Belhaven College in addition as well working in several basketball camps for some of the nation’s top universities such as The University of North Carolina, University of Miami, and The 5-Star Elite Camp.
In his first season 2007-2008 Eisele, led the Sharks to an 18-9 record, and Southern Conference Runner-up. His tough no nonsense style has been key to the programs resurrection.
“I strive for perfection” Eisele said. “At this level most of the players we have here come as a result of poor Academic problems or because they either dropped the ball in the programs they were in before with discipline problems” added Eisele
. With a new staff in place and a lot of experience at the highest level they have this program on the right track. In the past many players consisting of players such as 6’8 forward Trevor Mbakwe (Minnesota),6’7’’ forward Darnell Dodson (Kentucky) and 6’2”point guard James Beatty (Rutgers) have gone to some of the top Division I schools in the nation.
Coach Eisele and staff also focus on their players academics, teaching and directing them to what life is outside of the basketball court.
“There’s a lot more to life after the ball stops bouncing” said Assistant Coach Trey Strickland, “We prepare them for society to let them understand how to be successful in every aspects of their lives.”
Many of the current players are already getting attention nationwide including 6”11 forward Eloy Vargas, who is ranked high in the NJCAA top three categories, points per game 18.00, rebounding totals 132 and 32 blocks totals.
“Eloy has the potential to play for a lot of money and we've sent a lot good players to top Division 1 schools after their stop here,"Eisele said.
The forward uses his strong faith before games to prepare himself mentally and physically.
“Working hard every day, I thank God for each game Iam able to play,” Vargas said, whose favorite NBA player is Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett.
The Sharks have several players on their rosters which potential talent, including pretty good point guards. One of them being 6’3” Freshman Guard Zach Lamb 19, whose father played at Virginia Commonwealth University, his passion is his family and basketball family has goals to finish this season strong along with getting better especially mentally.
“I could’ve played a little more aggressive in my decision making; I was at times mentally weak, “said Lamb referring to the recent lost against Brevard Community College. Zach, whose favorite NBA player is Cleveland’s forward Lebron James has high hopes in a bright future ahead of him for his life.
Second year 5’10”guard Rafael Portuondo, is also part of 2009 team a very young squad that has faced many challenges this season.
“They’re a good team with a lot of potential, Miami Dade is sort of like a stepping stone for these kids to go to other top schools, “said Ana Portuondo, Portuondo’s mother who attends games often.
So what has happened this year that hasn’t the previous past two years?
“We’ve had several crucial injuries in key positions on the team along with transcript issues” said Eisele. “Whenever you experience injuries or those types of difficulties especially throughout the season it’s difficult to stay on top.”
. Many of the players included the entire coaching staff want to see the student body fill up the empty seats to support their team.
Perhaps a little exposure can get their wishes to come true. “It’s always beneficial for our players when our students come out to support them" Strickland said.
Vargas agrees. "Show your support for us because whenever I play at home It feels empty" said Vargas.
Regardless of the seasons end results coach Eisele is optimistic about the future of the program.
"We will continue to work hard and I will continue to bring out the best in these players academically as well as off the courts." Eisele said. “With that being said we will try to finish strong; working hard towards next year to be back on the top ten."
Recent games include a win versus Palm Beach State College 77-71, but losing to Brevard Community College 69-60 on February the 3rd and the next home games being at the Gibson Center in Kendall Campus versus Broward Community College on February 10th at 7:30pm games are free admission.
Thanks to coach Eisele and staff The Sharks have made progress over the past two seasons in bringing a winning tradition at Miami Dade, despite posting a (10-12) record so far this season. Eisele, who was hired By Miami Dade College in 2007, first served as the Sharks Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator before taking the head coaching position.
Coach Eisele brought in an impressive resume, one that included previous stops at the University of Pittsburg, Belhaven College in addition as well working in several basketball camps for some of the nation’s top universities such as The University of North Carolina, University of Miami, and The 5-Star Elite Camp.
In his first season 2007-2008 Eisele, led the Sharks to an 18-9 record, and Southern Conference Runner-up. His tough no nonsense style has been key to the programs resurrection.
“I strive for perfection” Eisele said. “At this level most of the players we have here come as a result of poor Academic problems or because they either dropped the ball in the programs they were in before with discipline problems” added Eisele
. With a new staff in place and a lot of experience at the highest level they have this program on the right track. In the past many players consisting of players such as 6’8 forward Trevor Mbakwe (Minnesota),6’7’’ forward Darnell Dodson (Kentucky) and 6’2”point guard James Beatty (Rutgers) have gone to some of the top Division I schools in the nation.
Coach Eisele and staff also focus on their players academics, teaching and directing them to what life is outside of the basketball court.
“There’s a lot more to life after the ball stops bouncing” said Assistant Coach Trey Strickland, “We prepare them for society to let them understand how to be successful in every aspects of their lives.”
Many of the current players are already getting attention nationwide including 6”11 forward Eloy Vargas, who is ranked high in the NJCAA top three categories, points per game 18.00, rebounding totals 132 and 32 blocks totals.
“Eloy has the potential to play for a lot of money and we've sent a lot good players to top Division 1 schools after their stop here,"Eisele said.
The forward uses his strong faith before games to prepare himself mentally and physically.
“Working hard every day, I thank God for each game Iam able to play,” Vargas said, whose favorite NBA player is Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett.
The Sharks have several players on their rosters which potential talent, including pretty good point guards. One of them being 6’3” Freshman Guard Zach Lamb 19, whose father played at Virginia Commonwealth University, his passion is his family and basketball family has goals to finish this season strong along with getting better especially mentally.
“I could’ve played a little more aggressive in my decision making; I was at times mentally weak, “said Lamb referring to the recent lost against Brevard Community College. Zach, whose favorite NBA player is Cleveland’s forward Lebron James has high hopes in a bright future ahead of him for his life.
Second year 5’10”guard Rafael Portuondo, is also part of 2009 team a very young squad that has faced many challenges this season.
“They’re a good team with a lot of potential, Miami Dade is sort of like a stepping stone for these kids to go to other top schools, “said Ana Portuondo, Portuondo’s mother who attends games often.
So what has happened this year that hasn’t the previous past two years?
“We’ve had several crucial injuries in key positions on the team along with transcript issues” said Eisele. “Whenever you experience injuries or those types of difficulties especially throughout the season it’s difficult to stay on top.”
. Many of the players included the entire coaching staff want to see the student body fill up the empty seats to support their team.
Perhaps a little exposure can get their wishes to come true. “It’s always beneficial for our players when our students come out to support them" Strickland said.
Vargas agrees. "Show your support for us because whenever I play at home It feels empty" said Vargas.
Regardless of the seasons end results coach Eisele is optimistic about the future of the program.
"We will continue to work hard and I will continue to bring out the best in these players academically as well as off the courts." Eisele said. “With that being said we will try to finish strong; working hard towards next year to be back on the top ten."
Hector, great article and I must say I never knew Miami-Dade had a basketball team and it's interesting to see a bunch of guys not giving up on their dream. Keep up the good work.
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