Basketball triumphs from Jersey City to Miami

By Giselle Cancio/Staff Writer

Playing an average of 30.6 minutes a game and having a field goal percentage of .464 his freshman year is just the start of a successful basketball journey from a kid out of Jersey.

Jerome Frink, playing forward for the FIU men’s basketball team, currently a sophomore studying liberal arts, came to Miami because of a few different reasons.

“Miami appealed to me because of the hot weather and culture,” Frink said. “I also wanted a clean, fresh start. My neighborhood had some bad things and I wanted to get away from that.”

He escaped with his younger brother and older sister who now all live together.

Practices come long and often, every day he is on the court improving on something different. His goal is to develop skills as an individual while still having fun with his teammates.

So far this season, his three-point percentage has risen from .214 to .300 and his steals have risen from .4 to 1.1 a game.

“I try to work on stepping, ball handling, jump shots and of course, easy plays for my teammates,” Frink said.

Although he’s been in Miami for less than two years, he has been able to build a bond with his teammates he never thought imaginable. On the court, it’s game time. Off the court, he and his teammates hang out at the movies, in the dorms and of course, playing basketball.

Frink has no preference over offense or defense and just aims to be sharper with each possession. His best experience at a game was actually his first game with FIU, against Boston College, in Boston.  Although FIU came short of a win, he went 9-9 on the free throw line, and had a double-double with 22 points scored and 10 rebounds. His favorite part of it all? His family came to watch him play.

“I look  up to my father and wish he was able to come to more games with my family,” Frink said. “He is my inspiration and I want to follow in his footsteps while still making my own.”

Frink’s father watches his games online and they talk as often as time permits.

Something different between his rookie year and now is his coach.

Anthony Evans, who was hired in April of 2013 became the eighth head coach in the history of FIU. He came from being the head coach of the Norfolk State University Spartans where he had back-to-back 20 win seasons. The community and players were very pleased with the decision and have adjusted quickly.

“At first, it was a matter of getting used to how he coaches and his plays,” Frink said. “It’s gotten better as the season has progressed. He just has a different edge, new drills and practically a new system I had to readjust too.”

Both of his coaches while being at FIU had a high intensity level and he has been able to learn different techniques from each.

Something Frink never thought he would be doing? Playing on a “Lime” sponsored beach court.

“At the beginning, it was distracting, but since we practice on it so many times, I’ve accustomed to it,” Frink said. “Honestly, I love it. It’s something so unique and everyone who comes to play on our court has something good to say about it.”

Frink hopes to make it to the NBA, and will continue to work hard everyday to improve himself.

“I always want to make things easier for myself and my teammates and the only way to do that is with practice,” Frink said.