Three Miami Dade College men’s basketball players have signed scholarship offers to continue their collegiate basketball careers.
Guard Marvin Jean-Pierre, the second leading scorer on the team, who averaged 16.5 points per game, chose to sign with the University of Louisiana Monroe.
Jean-Pierre also lead the Sharks in field goal percentage (44.3 percent), rebounds ( 6.9 per game) and steals (2.5 per game).
“I chose [University of Louisiana Monroe] because it was a perfect situation for me,” Jean-Pierre said. “I can come in and play right away.”
Sharks Head Basketball Coach Stephen Cowherd said the University of Louisiana Monroe is not only getting an offensive juggernaut but a stout defender.
“Marvin usually guarded the other team’s best player,” Cowherd said. “With [University of Louisiana Monroe] losing an all conference guard, Marvin is expected to fill in that void.”
Joe Mvuezolo Jr., who played shooting guard and small forward, signed with Montana State University.
Mvuezolo Jr. averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the Sharks this year.
“Joe had some big games and made a lot of big shots,” Cowherd said. “[He] will be one of the best athletes at Montana State [University] and has a chance to start and play big minutes right away.”
Sophomore center Dalen Traore, who averaged 5.5 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Sharks this year, is transferring to the University of Evansville.
“Dalen was a two year starter for us,” Cowherd said. “He’s a great passer and has a great basketball IQ. He is expected to battle for minutes on the front line as soon as he gets to campus.”
Traore said he developed thanks to the coaching he received at MDC.
“Playing for Coach Cowherd, [Coach] Griffith, and [Coach] Ledoux helped me become the player I am today,” Traore said. “It was a blessing playing for them, and I can only be thankful for the opportunity they gave me to play for such a great program.”
Two other sophomores—guard Victor Sanchez and forward Paulius Zabilevicius— are still in the process of selecting a school.
The Sharks finished the season with 16 wins and 15 losses. They did not make the playoffs.
