One of two newcomers to the Florida Atlantic men’s basketball roster is 6’3″ guard Dennis Mavin, who hails from Gainesville’s The Rock School, where he averaged 15.1 ppg as a senior and was named FACA’s North Florida 1A/2A Player of the Year. He was also recognized as the #16 prospect in the 2010 class statewide according to floridahoops.com . Mavin’s early assignment at FAU will be to compete for playing time and also add an intensity in practices. It may not be long before he is there, offering a skill that the Owls have sorely lacked at times in recent years. “He has an incredible first step and can really take the ball to the basket. He’s going to give us another – and may be our best – person at attacking the basket, getting into the lane, and creating opportunities for other people as well as himself”, said Coach Mike Jarvis. “Dennis is going to make our players better. He’s going to help to give us the kind of depth that we need to have at each position so that every day becomes game day, and every day you’ve got a chance at getting better.” Having hit the travel circuit with former AAU Team Nike Team Florida, Mavin takes pride in once being afforded an overnight stay in Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Recently, he sat down with us for “Up Close”. Fast Break What is your Favorite Book? ” Harry Potter ” What is your Favorite Movie? ” Love and Basketball ” Who is your current off the court role model? “My AAU Coach, Ed Hall with Nike Team Florida.” How long have you been playing basketball? “Since I was five, every since I could get the strength up to shoot a basketball (13 years).” What are you most proud of? “Just where I have come from and how I have grown as a player and a person both on and on the court. ” What is your major? “I am undeclared right now, still searching around.” What is your Faith? “Christian.” Set Plays Other than FAU, what schools did you consider? “Marshall, UCF, Northeastern, and Kansas State.” What aspect of your game do you feel is your strength? “Penetrating to the hole and finishing with contact…a slasher with up-tempo style” What aspect of your game do you feel is your weakness? “Probably my shot, I have to get more consistent shooting.” Open Run Besides basketball, what brought you to FAU? “The school is kind of close to home, so my family can come see me play – not like 13 hours away. Boca also has nice weather. ” What do you want FAU fans to know about you personally? “I like to watch movies in my down time, and hang out and play video games – NBA Live .” What are your goals for the upcoming season? “Come in as a freshman and make my team better…and to get better grades, A’s and B’s. Do whatever it takes to get the conference title.” Coming Up Our next player is “really scared of spiders”.
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