Jean-Pierre Flashing Complete Game For Sharks

Miami Dade College basketball player Marvin Jean-Pierre rocks the number zero on his jersey, but you won’t see that number on any category on his stat sheet.

The sophomore guard is averaging 20.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game for MDC this year. He is shooting a sterling 46.9 field from the court in the nine games he has played this year for the Sharks, who have gotten off to a fast, 7-3 start.  

Jean-Pierre is coming off his two biggest games this year. On Nov. 27, against Tallahassee Community College, he scored 30 points, snagged eight rebounds, made four steals and dished out five assists. He followed that performance with a 31 point, eight rebound and four steal effort against Pensacola State College the next night. The Sharks won both games.          

“Marvin is a big piece to the puzzle for us,” said men’s head basketball coach, Stephen Cowherd. “We ask him to do a lot of things.”

Jean-Pierre has improved his overall game from last year when he was second on the team in scoring, when he averaged 6.8 rebounds and 13.8 points per game and he shot 42.3 percent from the field in 31 games for the Sharks.

This year, he has also remained active on the defensive end of the court. He leads the team in steals with an average of 2.4 per game.

“I love defense,” Jean-Pierre said. “Offense comes, but defense I love.”

To add to his proficient game, Jean-Pierre averages 2.2 assists per game, which is good for third best on the team, behind two of the squad’s best floor generals, Bradley Ficken and Victor Sanchez.

Whether he’s asked to contribute on offense or wreak havoc on defense, his team is confident he will perform at a high level on the hardwood when called upon.

“I expect him to be confident and feel that he’s the best player on the floor every time he steps out there,” Cowherd said.

Despite all the gaudy statistics, Jean-Pierre said what is most important to him is his improved maturity on the court. And his team and coach have taken notice.

“Marvin has come a long way since his first day at Miami Dade last year,” Cowherd said. “He’s more vocal, works harder, and has really put in the effort.”

The Sharks next game is on the road versus the College of Central Florida on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.