Marcos “Shakey” Rodriguez has long held a national reputation as a program builder.
The legendary South Florida coach is best known for helping pilot Florida International University to a layer of national visibility during the heyday of former NBA guards Carlos Arroyo and Raja Bell.
Still, his longevity in the high school ranks speaks volumes.
Since inheriting the keys to the kingdom at Mater Academy in Hialeah, Rodriguez has emphasized a 12-month program.
That means long and laborious open gym runs during the fall.
That means a disciplined weight room regimen and consistent labor with Tony Falce, one of the world’s elite skills trainers who has worked with scores of NBA players.
Sadly, many of today’s prep programs are flawed operations.
Under the guise of a first rate education, heavy exposure events, and an additional year to develop under top-shelf training (in effort to become a finished product and therefore be more appealed to Division-I programs), many young men are misled into scam-like post-graduate and high school programs.
Many of these “prep schools” and “post-graduate programs” are gradually popping up throughout the country.
Many are not actual physical schools, as academics are strictly via online classes.
Mater Academy is emblematic of the old school “Academy” team culture.
At a program of this caliber, things are done the right way. Players are held to a lofty standard.
Full throttle effort is preached with an iron fist.
Rodriguez and company operate akin to a small college program. There’s emphasis on team components.
Lackluster defense, a costly turnover, or a forced shot will surely earn you bench splinters.
While this Mater team doesn’t possess the position to position talent as a program such as University School or Westminster Academy, the sheer grittiness of their culture creates an entertainment factor of its own.
Mater’s hustle heavy style starts and ends with Seven Ferguson.
A long and adept defender, the 6-foot-4 Ferguson is known for his motor.
He’s stoked with confidence and has a knack for outworking bigger, stronger, and more talented players.
Here’s a look at other under the radar guys, from both Mater and beyond, who possess similar workhorse traits:
George Becerri-Mater Academy, Class of 2019
The rugged 5-foot-10 guard leads by example in not only setting the tone defensively but quarterbacking the offense.
A tough as nails guard, Becerri looks to create first and initiate the action.
He’s cognizant, however, that he has to call his own number at times and knock down big shots.
Becerri always wins the plus/minus department of the stat sheet. It’s fair to say Mater goes as he goes.
Dominic Rivera, Mater Lakes Academy, Class of 2020
Don’t let those skinny legs fool you. Rivera is a tough, hard-nosed defender who plays a lot bigger than he is.
His motor and ability to leak out in transition and finish has enabled him to open eyes as an unknown sophomore.
Cyrus Largie, Mater Lakes Academy, Class of 2019
On court awareness and a consistent, smooth jumper make Largie one of Miami’s most underrated scorers.
He plays with a passion and a toughness that his teammates eat off of.
Alongside 6-foot-6 senior center Alejandro Cuevas, Largie is a pivotal go-to source offensively.
Elie Cadet, Northeast High, Class of 2018
Tough, physical 6-foot-4 guard brings hustle throughout 94 feet.
Athletic wing is also an adept scorer with a feathery touch.
Cadet’s competitive juices and his knack for performing under heightened pressure is notable.