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HOOP STRONG WARRIORS

About Mike Mathews

Biography of Michael J. Mathews
Michael J. Mathews, known to his teammates as “Big Mike,” has been honing his basketball skills on and off the court since 1994. Since he graduated from Florida State University in 2003, he's traveled to more than 60 countries playing basketball. Mike’s path has taken him from playing ball for Florida State University, to being a professional basketball player abroad (FIBA) to being a Power Forward and Center (PF/C) for the Harlem Globetrotters and Harlem Wizards. He is currently one of the most respected and sought after coaches for kids in the Tri-State area.
Early Life

As a school-aged kid Mike pursued his two passions, music and sports. Early on in life Mike learned how both passions could help him gain focus, and discipline in all other areas of his life. Although Mike played football in elementary and middle school by the time he reached 9th grade he was 6’ 7’’ and beginning to recognize his full potential as a future member of his high school basketball team even though he didn't play basketball his Freshman year.

By Sophomore year of high school Mike was playing for the Blountstown Tigers Varsity basketball team as one of the leading shot blockers not only in his area, but in the state. By Senior year Mike had transferred high schools and was helping to lead Florida State University High School to their very first State Championship appearance in 37 years.

After High School, Mike attended a postgraduate year of prep school at Fork Union Military Academy and was ranked as one of the top 15 “Big Men” in the country, receiving a Div 1 Athletic Scholarship to play basketball the next year for Florida State University (FSU).

Collegiate Career

Mike began his college basketball career at Florida State University in 1999 averaging 8 points per game his Freshman year. His best game as a Seminole was at Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium; scoring a total of 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Mike played against numerous players who went on to play in the NBA including Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy Jr, Chris Bosh, Jarrett Jack, Shane Battier, Steve Blake, Luol Deng and many more. Mike graduated with honors from FSU with a degree in Sports Management (and a minor in journalism) in 2003 holding a position as one of the top 5 shot blockers in Florida State University history when he graduated.

Professional Career

Between playing pro basketball overseas, and touring with the Globetrotters and Wizards, Mike has visited and played in over 60 countries worldwide. Mike has played professional basketball in Europe as well as two countries in South America. Mike helped his teams win championships in both Europe and South America. He is a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters, and a current member of the Harlem Wizards.

For the Kids

Mike is a member of the awe-inspiring Harlem Wizards and continues to entertain fans and families with their trademark brand of basketball. He also works with boys and girls, helping them to attain their goals both on and off the court. Mike can be found at charity events, speaking at school assemblies to kids about following their dreams, and coaching his own teams in seasonal leagues throughout Westchester Co and NYC.

After helping to build the Hooperstown Huskies AAU program into respectable contenders and becoming the Director of Basketball for Hooperstown in 2010, Mike joined the Greenwich Stars, of Greenwich CT., as the Director of Training and Instruction in the Fall of 2013. Over the past 5 years Mike's teams have qualified for Div 1 and Div 2 AAU Nationals and his teams has won championships during Winter, Summer and AAU season.

Mike has done individual and group training for the past seven years and is currently looking forward to a lifetime career of teaching kids not only in basketball, but also in life skills that will help propel them towards the kind of success that Mike has learned is possible through hard work and dedication.