After winning their conference in 2010, the Bay Area Matrix faced a serious problem:
The champions were homeless. Without a castle by which to defend their crown, the Matrix began scrambling to find a home court.
It wasn’t long before DVC stepped up and came off the bench for the Matrix in their time of need. DVC’s infinitely resourceful men’s basketball coach, Steve Coccimiglio, reached out to the Matrix and offered them a new home in Pleasant Hill.
“This really materialized through Coach Coccimiglio,” said DVC Athletic director Christine Worsley. “He was instrumental in working with the Matrix and taking account of their needs and our resources. To be frank, I didn’t know if we could accommodate their needs. But, Coach Coccimiglio was dedicated and diligent in making it work for both parties.”
On Saturday, November 12th, the Matrix played their first home game at Viking Gym and seemed to be comfortable in their new accommodations. They handedly defeated the NorCal Bears 121-95.
The Matrix have created an intricate offense that relies heavily on traffic in the paint. It’s because they have such skilled, sizable players that the Matrix are bound to their methods. Quite seldom do they engage in perimeter shooting, instead opting to create physical mismatches by shuffling their big guys around in the paint and driving lanes with their guards.
One of the more skilled post men for the Matrix is DVC alumnus, Marian Thurman, a culinary arts student from ‘98-00 and a third team all-conference forward for the Matrix during the 2010 season.
The Matrix dazzle their supporters with fast breaks, enthusiasm and the occasional flair. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility to see a few alley-oops and dunks in a Matrix match, which helps explain why the entertainment factor is such an important element of having the Matrix at DVC.
The coach’s emphasis on the team momentum is a revealing clue about his teams personality.
“Our new guys are meshing well, we won the championship last year. I know we’ll be a tough team this season.” said Coach Gordon Beresford.
Beresford is in command of a talented group, so it’s no wonder he smiled and clapped as much as the spectators.
The Matrix will be an attraction worthy of investigation during their lease of Viking Gym, and if you ask Coach Beresford, an attraction worthy of another championship.