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Arturo Dean Steps into Batman role for South Miami as a Junior

By HoopMIA, 09/04/19, 3:00PM EDT

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    The South Miami Cobras are a power program in Dade County public school basketball. They have been to the state tournament three of the last four seasons. Toru Dean, who is continuing his career at Barry University, was the featured player for South Miami the last two seasons and now that role belongs to his younger brother and this week’s player spotlight Arturo Dean. The ultra quick 5’9 point guard has emerged as one of the top players in the county and is set for a breakout junior season.  

 

    “I feel good about this upcoming season,” said Dean. “We lost a couple big pieces to graduation but we still look good. I have been working all summer for this and I can not wait for this season. This is going to be my year.”

 

    Dean played his grassroots basketball this summer with the Miami City Ballers under new Miami Brito head coach Alex Garcia. They participated in the Hoop Group Jam Fest during the July Live period and Dean was instrumental into leading them to a championship run in the Spooky Nook leg of the tournament. 

    

“My travel basketball season was great. I could not have asked for a better season. I played for one of my favorite coaches and he put us in the best situation. He just wanted what was best for us.”

 

    The Class of 2021 prospect is primed for a huge season and South Miami, which moves into the loaded 6a region in South Florida, will lean on Dean heavily if they are to navigate a pool of teams that features Mater Academy, Ely, Dillard, North Miami, and Doral to get back to Lakeland. Dean talked about his personal goals heading into the season.

 

    “My personal goal is to help my senior teammates get offers. I want to help make them look as good as possible by being the best point guard I can be. I also want to win a state title.”

 

    The Cobras’ lead guard is worth the price of admission each time you go to see him play. He seems to get into the paint at will and is an elite ball handler. He has started to gain interest from college programs heading into his junior year and with his skill set that is sure to continue. Dean talked about what he brings to the table as a prospect and how his recruitment is shaping up. 

 

“I excel in beating people off the dribble. I am good at mid range pull ups and creating for others is one of the strengths of my game. I currently have interest from Mercer, FGCU, and FAU. I am looking for a school that fits my best interests.”

 

Dean steps into the role of lead guard and team leader this season at South Miami following the graduation of his older brother and Augusta University freshmen Lee Flenor. Coach Robert Doctor has placed that responsibility on him and Dean is set on rewarding his coach's faith in him. 




 

“I totally feel the responsibility of being the leader of the team this year. To be honest, I have no other choice because Coach Doc has put that weight on me. Now I know what my brother and Lee had to go through.”

 

The expectations are always high at South Miami and this year will be no different. Dean along with 6-foot-11 Brandon Saunders forms one of the best inside out combos in the state and they will be a focal point of a team that has to contend with the aforementioned powers in 6a. Look for Dean to take his place this season as one of the county’s top players.

 

Check out highlights below in a match up against the eventual state champions and Geico National Championship participants University School.