Mattison Decides FAU Will Be Home
Ron Bailey, Publisher
November 13, 2008 – Calvin Coolidge High School’s (DC) Andre Mattison is headed to Florida Atlantic University next year on a full scholarship to play basketball. For those close to the 6’6”, 211 pound senior forward, it’s really no surprise.
“I’m really excited for Andre” exclaimed Vaughan Jones, Coolidge’s head coach. “This is his third year with me and he’s my first Division I recruit. He’s really earned it”.
“He has great educational values, he and his mom really stress education” continued Jones, a D.C. native who was a high school All-American at DeMatha High School. “I never had to worry about him. Andre was one of the kids I never had to talk to...He’s been a low, low maintenance kid”.
Andre Mattison with his Coolidge High School coach, Vaughan Jones, during a letter of intent signing ceremony today.
Adding icing to the proverbial cake is the presence of Mike Jarvis on FAU’s campus - Jarvis is well known to Jones, having coached him at George Washington University.
“I’m just very excited he’s going to have a chance to play for Mike Jarvis” shared Jones, while Mattison noted his present coaches’ familiarity with his coach-to-be was definitely a plus for FAU, as was seeing Jarvis in person during his recent official visit.
FAU, a Boca Raton, Florida-based school bested Harvard, Lafayette, Dartmouth and Cornell for Andre’s commitment; given his 3.84 GPA, it is no surprise he focused upon institutions with high academic footprints. Mattison shared he’ll possibly major in Psychology and Business during his time as a FAU Owl.
Always a good rebounder and physical presence, Mattison has worked tirelessly on his offensive repertoire, which should bode well for Coolidge, a school in search of a title.
“Last year, he averaged about 11.5 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks last year” shared Vaughan, who believes Mattison will be crucial in securing the DCIAA ‘chip’ for his team. “This year we are expecting basically a double-double every game from him…He should be a 20 and 10 guy every game. I think Andre is going to anchor this frontline to carry us to the championship this year”.
It is likely Andre could, in time, do the same for Jarvis and FAU. Whatever happens on the court, expect Mattison to handle business in the classroom, thereby securing a degree, the first in his family. Of that prospect, he noted in understated fashion “It feels pretty good”.
Mattison will once again be an interior force for Coolidge (DC).
Andre Mattison’s success feels pretty good to all that know him. Heck, the entire DCIAA should rejoice, as he’s the first boy’s basketball student athlete to go directly from that league to Division I college ball, in at least four years.
What you see now is on the beginning; Andre Mattison is going places. Make sure you follow him.
Miscellaneous Notes:
What position will be play at FAU? “When I get there I’ll probably be a combo (forward), but I’m a small forward”.
His advice on picking a school: “Try to go with what best fits you…That best suits you”.
Physical growth necessary before college? “I must gain 10 or 15 more pounds”.
Andre was a SportsGroove Baller of the Week last year. If his prognostication of “I think we should win the City Title” is proven true, rest assured Mattison will be one again.