Mvuezolo Brings International Experience To Sharks
Drive To The Basket: Forward Joe Junior Mvuezolo drives past two defenders during the first half of a basketball game vs. Rise Academy on Oct. 31. Mvuezolo scored nine points in the game.
Joe Mvuezolo misses the highly-developed transportation system in his hometown of London, England.
“I have to wait like thirty minutes here for a bus,” Mvuezolo said. “At least the weather is so much better. I haven’t even worn a jacket.”
Mvuezolo, an 18-year-old freshman on the Miami Dade College basketball team, is adjusting much better to the United States on the basketball court.
The 6-foot-5 forward is averaging 9.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the 5-1 Sharks. He has scored at least nine points in four of the six games he has played in including a 16 point and eight rebound performance against Elev8 Academy on Nov. 4.
“Joe has a very high ceiling with lots of potential,” said Sharks Men’s Head Basketball Coach Stephen Cowherd. “As our best shooter he is expected to knock down uncontested shots, be a defensive stopper, and lead from the wing position.”
Mvuezolo, who played high school basketball at the Barking Abbey School in the United Kingdom, has only been playing basketball for four years, but he has played for various international teams.
He played in the International Basketball Federation—more commonly known as FIBA— in England’s Under-16 division men’s basketball team in 2012-13 where he averaged 8.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Mvuezolo then played for the Under-20 England national team until 2014. He also spent time playing for the Medway Park Crusaders Club Team during 2013-2014 season.
That experience against international competition is paying dividends for MDC and Mvuezolo. His teammates have grown confident in his game.
“I expect him to hit shots and to help us win,” said fellow freshman guard, Marvin Jean-Pierre. “We both have our mindset on one goal and that is to win.”
The Sharks next home game is versus Chipola College on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Theodore R. Gibson Health Center, 11011 S.W.104 St. during the Shark Classic. Admission to all games is free.
