Two years ago point guard Victor Sanchez tried out for the Miami Dade College basketball team but he was ineligible because he was taking classes to learn English.
Last year, the lanky Spaniard walked on to the squad but logged zero minutes.
For the past two years, the 6-foot-2 inch Sanchez has patiently waited. Practicing with the team but seeing no game action. During game days, Sanchez hit the weight room to gain muscle and watched his skinny frame transform from a slight 170-pounds to a solid 187-pounds.
The added strength has helped. This year, Sanchez is expected to log minutes off the bench, providing steady defense and passing ability.
“Vic’s a different point guard than we’ve had in the past,” said Sharks head basketball coach, Stephen Cowherd. “Vic’s not a scoring point guard, he’s more of a heady point guard. He’s a guy who’s going to run your stuff, set up the offense and set up the defense.”
Sanchez has used his time practicing with the team wisely. From the start, Sanchez has competed against the best on the team in practice. He was beaten repeatedly by former guards Darius Perkins and Shane Rector, two of the best players on the team.
“He’s played against two of the best guards in the state,” Cowherd said. “That’s made him a better player.”
The adversity made Sanchez work harder. His toughness and relentless nature doesn’t go unnoticed by teammates.
“He plays hard every practice,” said guard Marvin Jean-Pierre, one of the team’s top scoring options this year. “It makes me want to go harder.”
Sanchez is thankful for the opportunity to compete. He is praised for his ability to run down the court, get the quick assist and defend. He attributes his hard work the past two years for making him a better player.
“The last two summers I put a lot of work on my skills, and on my dribbling,” Sanchez said. “All those drills are important, but for me, the most important [thing] is competing with others.”
The Sharks next game is against Harcum College on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in Baltimore, Maryland.
