Zach Smart

Sunday, October 21, 2018

FNU Makes Strides in HoopMIA Juco Cookout

Florida National University's Niko Rojas broke out in transition, soared, climbed an aerial ladder (with hang time) and crunched home an extravagant one handed dunk over a helpless Miami-Dade defender. It was the most pulsating moment of FNU's 83-75 victory over Run MDC.

This particular possession, which instantly catapulted the gym at St. Thomas University into a frenzy, has since gone viral.

Rojas' lethal dunk continues to generate an astronomical number of still-growing online views.

 Altogether, it capped off the afternoon as an unforgettable punctuation mark on HoopMIA's JUCO cookout.

The two-man foundation of Rojas (18 points against Miami Dade) and 3-point assailant Kenneth Santos registered the Hialeah-based NAIA program's presence in a convincing way Saturday.

FNU head coach JJ Thatcher's short-handed team staved off a spirited late rally.

The high strung and eccentric Thatcher, recognized for his admittedly hilarious outbursts throughout the event, stole one in the 6-foot-6 Rojas.

A transfer via Utah State Eastern (JUCO), Rojas averaged 8.4 points and 5.1 boards last season.

While those numbers don't exactly fall off the page, the combo forward's 60 percent field goal percentage and newfound knack for rim protection are noteworthy factors.

During wins against ASA Miami and Miami Dade, Rojas was a persistent presence on the glass.

His ability to trigger the break fresh off a defensive rebound and outlet pass gives FNU a notable advantage in the speedball attack.

The Colombia native's timing in blocking, influencing, and altering the trajectory of shots anchored FNU defensively.

No single player left their stamp on the afternoon like Santos, who piled up an event-best 54 points in two games.

So lightly recruited out of Doral High School that JUCO programs in his own back yard passed up on him, Santos submitted a game-best 30 points in the win over Miami Dade.

"I don't know how and why he was passed up on, I really don't," Thatcher said of Santos, who averaged 11.3 PPG and hit 140+ 3-point field goals as a freshman.

"It is obvious the kid is probably one of the best shooters in Florida through all levels. He's eventually going to get paid to play with the way he shoots it."

The fearless Puerto Rican guard sparked FNU with a personal shooting onslaught in the first half.

He fired in five 3-pointers in the game's first ten minutes, accounting for 17 of FNU's first 21 points.

 The sophomore's limitless range, smooth release, and ability to catch and stick amid draping close outs were showman-like.

 Santos scored on transition jumpers and unveiled a nifty up and under move through traffic.

Engineering the high-scoring attack was Jose Benitez, the point guard who averaged four assists while coming off the bench last year.

Thatcher envisions Benitez doling out four assists just off Santos' 3-point shooting alone this season.

Benitez is flushed into a more prominent role this season, one which former DePaul guard and current professional Cliff Clinkscales adequately prepared him for.

Once the prodigal New York guard, Clinkscales brotherhood with Thatcher traces back to their time at Shores Christian Academy in Ocala, Fla.

"Cliffy really mentored Jose and Kenneth for three weeks, he just took their games to a whole different level," Thatcher said.

"He showed them how to handle pressure."

Thatcher handled the pressure of filling numerous spots by scouring the country for the right fits and moving at a frantic pace, recruiting-wise.

"I think hands down, the trio of Jose, Kenneth and Niko are the three best Latin Americans I've ever coached, no questions asked," Thatcher said.

"I don't know if there was a more versatile or better big man than Niko out there."

All three play with urgency and a swagger, which emanates from their crazed head coach.

Pacing the sideline with unbridled energy and entertaining theatrics, there really is no line Thatcher will not cross to deliver his message.

That much was certainly evident during the second half of FNU's win over ASA Miami.

Upset by his team's lackluster play and stagnancy, Thatcher threatened to pull his starters.

 That meant using his thin bench of three and, in an unprecedented move, going 3-on-5.

He toyed with the idea of actually letting it happen, receiving confirmation from the ref that no rules prohibited him from going 3-on-5.

After an expletive-laden discussion, Thatcher quickly re-inserted his starters.

On another occasion, Thatcher became frustrated with his team following a wasted possession. He then shifted his attention to a pair of nearby referees, who were preparing for a game on another court.

"You guys want to play? You want to suit up for me?"

Thatcher's comments were in jest, albeit completely indicative of the entertainment value his coaching style comes with.

He's animated after every bucket. He engages the crowd. He even flexes after a big play.

These are coaching maxims that motivate.

 His players buy into it because of the trust they've established with the emotional and perpetually charged up coach.

Thatcher's players are also cognizant that their head coach's tough, demanding, and hard-edged approach is no act.

Raised through daunting challenges and tough circumstances, the Philadelphia-born Thatcher was eventually adopted by the time he moved to Florida.

Substance abuse problems plagued both of his parents, who could no longer care for him. All of the pain and turmoil wound up causing Thatcher to use basketball as a tool for survival.

"My coaches took me in while I was at Shores Christian Academy," Thatcher said.

"I paid my tuition there working various jobs during the summer. Coach Allen Adams was my prep school coach at the time and Shores Christian Academy was one of the top prep schools in the country."

The mentorship of Thatcher's surrogate family of coaches is what ultimately led him to coaching.

 He kick-started his own AAU program on the women's side, Florida Hoopsters.

He lived with multiple families, slept on couches, slept in locker rooms, and learned new schemes and concepts while on a wild basketball odyssey.

He coached at programs such as Warner, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Trinity Baptist, and others.

The 34-year-old coach's career reached a crescendo last season, when he guided 25-7 FNU to a berth in the USCAA Final Four.

"I chose this life," Thatcher said. "Every day I am thankful for every coach who gave me an opportunity along the way."

This list of people who kept the dream alive for the coach can be whittled down to those he holds most dearly to his heart.

"I owe a great deal of gratitude to President Maria Regueiro of Florida National University and without her none of this is possible," Thatcher explained.

"Her husband's dream was to have athletics at the University. He's in heaven now so we are carrying on the legacy. I'm very thankful for everything she does in the Hialeah community. (Bryant assistant) Brock Erickson, (FGCU assistant) Justin Furr, Nicole Tunsil my mother who took me in and my brother and former high school teammate Cliff Clinkscales--these are the most important people in my life."