Matt Dade '24 begins professional basketball career in Argentina
10/3/2024 12:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BUENOS AIRES – Matt Dade '24 has embarked on the experience of a lifetime. The former Millersville men's basketball standout has signed a contract with Lanus Buenos Aires of La Liga Argentina. He is officially a professional basketball player.
Dade arrived in Argentina's capital on Sept. 14 and began training camp the next day. His team, which finished top four in the league playoffs in 2023-24, plays its first game on Oct. 14. Since his arrival, his team has practiced six days a week, and frequently practices twice a day.
"It's been crazy, but it's been great so far," said Dade of the whirlwind experience. "The club has done a great job making me feel like family."
Lanus Buenos Aires is one of 32 teams that competes in the second division of Argentina's professional basketball structure. The league is respected worldwide, and Argentina is among the top-performing countries in international competition, having won an Olympic gold medal in 2004. Dade's team plays 40 regular season games before playoffs start in April.
Dade earned All-PSAC East First Team honors in both of his seasons at Millersville, scoring 1,424 points in his career, and averaged 18.6 points per game while leading Millersville to a 24-7 record and NCAA Tournament berth in 2023-24. Dade's physicality in the post, ability to score off the dribble, and 3-point shooting (38.2% as a senior) make him fit in well with the Argentine style of basketball.
"The biggest difference is ball movement. It's much more of a team game," said Dade. "It is a lot more physical but just as skilled. I've already seen some of the most skilled players I've ever seen. It's good to play against better competition because it will make me a better player."
There has been a learning curve as he's leaped from Division II to the professional ranks, but Dade has adapted quickly.
"Practices have been going well," said Dade. "There is an adjustment period with a new style, philosophies, and concepts. After a couple of days, things started to get a lot more fluid. My college experiences prepared me for this."
After graduation, Dade signed with an agent, intent on continuing his basketball career. Dade had no shortage of suitors as he drew interest from teams in Ireland, Portugal, Germany and Luxemburg. But he was patient waiting for just the right opportunity. In his first season as a professional, Dade wanted to land in the most challenging league he could. A roster spot with Lanus Buenos Airies was win-win as it also presented him with the best financial offer. After two weeks in Argentina, the club has delivered in every way, especially in helping him adapt to a city of more than three million people.
"I thought it would be extremely difficult to go to a different country, especially with the language barrier, said Dade. "But the people at the club, the coaches and the teammates have been really supportive and treated me like family. I couldn't have asked for a better situation."
Dade is not the first Marauder basketball alum to reach the professional ranks. Among the players from recent years include Caden Najdawi '21, who played a season in Jordan. Makal Stibbins (2006-09), had success in Germany, Luxemburg, Costa Rica and England. Larry Grant (2011-13) spent time in Portugal. Elijah Obade (2010-13) played several seasons in New Zealand, Spain, Germany and Kosovo. Charlie Parker (2003-07) played in Iceland and Denmark and reached the NBA G-League in 2008-09.
Dade arrived in Argentina's capital on Sept. 14 and began training camp the next day. His team, which finished top four in the league playoffs in 2023-24, plays its first game on Oct. 14. Since his arrival, his team has practiced six days a week, and frequently practices twice a day.
"It's been crazy, but it's been great so far," said Dade of the whirlwind experience. "The club has done a great job making me feel like family."
Lanus Buenos Aires is one of 32 teams that competes in the second division of Argentina's professional basketball structure. The league is respected worldwide, and Argentina is among the top-performing countries in international competition, having won an Olympic gold medal in 2004. Dade's team plays 40 regular season games before playoffs start in April.
Dade earned All-PSAC East First Team honors in both of his seasons at Millersville, scoring 1,424 points in his career, and averaged 18.6 points per game while leading Millersville to a 24-7 record and NCAA Tournament berth in 2023-24. Dade's physicality in the post, ability to score off the dribble, and 3-point shooting (38.2% as a senior) make him fit in well with the Argentine style of basketball.
"The biggest difference is ball movement. It's much more of a team game," said Dade. "It is a lot more physical but just as skilled. I've already seen some of the most skilled players I've ever seen. It's good to play against better competition because it will make me a better player."
There has been a learning curve as he's leaped from Division II to the professional ranks, but Dade has adapted quickly.
"Practices have been going well," said Dade. "There is an adjustment period with a new style, philosophies, and concepts. After a couple of days, things started to get a lot more fluid. My college experiences prepared me for this."
After graduation, Dade signed with an agent, intent on continuing his basketball career. Dade had no shortage of suitors as he drew interest from teams in Ireland, Portugal, Germany and Luxemburg. But he was patient waiting for just the right opportunity. In his first season as a professional, Dade wanted to land in the most challenging league he could. A roster spot with Lanus Buenos Airies was win-win as it also presented him with the best financial offer. After two weeks in Argentina, the club has delivered in every way, especially in helping him adapt to a city of more than three million people.
"I thought it would be extremely difficult to go to a different country, especially with the language barrier, said Dade. "But the people at the club, the coaches and the teammates have been really supportive and treated me like family. I couldn't have asked for a better situation."
Dade is not the first Marauder basketball alum to reach the professional ranks. Among the players from recent years include Caden Najdawi '21, who played a season in Jordan. Makal Stibbins (2006-09), had success in Germany, Luxemburg, Costa Rica and England. Larry Grant (2011-13) spent time in Portugal. Elijah Obade (2010-13) played several seasons in New Zealand, Spain, Germany and Kosovo. Charlie Parker (2003-07) played in Iceland and Denmark and reached the NBA G-League in 2008-09.
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