‘Hialeah Hammer’ Adrian Diaz blocking shots at a record pace for men’s basketball

Forward Adrian Diaz has taken advantage of a fresh start at FIU, emerging as a key player on offense and defense.

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17 

Adrian Diaz didn’t know how close he was to becoming the FIU men’s basketball program’s record holder for blocks in a single season.

It wasn’t until teammate Dennis Mavin pointed out to him that he needed just two blocks before the Panthers’ home game against UTSA on Feb. 7 – and seeing an announcement up on the FIU Arena video board – that he realized it.

He recorded four blocks that night to break the record, previously held by Russell Hicks and his 60 blocks during the 2007-2008 season.

After the Panthers’ home win against Rice on Feb. 19, Diaz now has 71 blocks this season and is seventh on the program’s career blocks list. At this pace, it’s possible that Diaz could break the program’s career blocks record (126) held by Dwight Stewart since 1993.

Diaz has also been critical for the Panthers on offense, averaging 13.1 points per game and leading the team with 6.9 rebounds per game.

His breakout season has earned Diaz a new nickname: The Hialeah Hammer.

“I’ve had a lot of nicknames, but I’m glad this one stuck,” Diaz laughs.

‘A CLEAN SLATE’

The Miami native and former Hialeah-Miami Lakes high school standout began his college career at Kansas State, but after his sophomore year decided he wanted to transfer and play closer to home.

“I just wanted a clean slate,” Diaz says of the decision to transfer. “This was a new year and a new chance to show everybody that I still have what it takes to play the game.”

When FIU Head Coach Anthony Evans heard about Diaz’s intentions shortly after being hired, he jumped at the opportunity to bring the 6-foot-11 and 230-pound forward on board as he looked for a player to build the team for the future.

“As an offensive player, he’s one of the most complete big men I’ve seen. He’s very tough to cover,” Evans said.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Forced to sit out last season due to transfer rules and undergoing knee surgery in 2014, Diaz spent extra time in the weight room while the team traveled for games in order to get ready for the following season.

Diaz has also been dealing with diabetes since he was 17, having to monitor and manage the condition while seeking to build strength as a center at the collegiate level.

Despite these obstacles, Diaz has proved that he still has what it takes to take on the “big man” role at the collegiate level.

“It makes him hungrier to come back and it shows a measure of resilience in him,” Evans said. “He wants to be a good player despite of what he has had to overcome, and that says a lot about him.”

SETTING THE TONE

Diaz’s shot blocking has helped spark the Panthers on both ends of the floor, helping set the tone for himself and his teammates. “It’s a great rush,” Diaz said. “And not just for me, but for everyone in the stands and my teammates, especially. It get’s everyone involved on defense. It’s like a domino effect.”

His knack for blocking shots also gives opposing offenses pause before looking for points inside the paint.

“There’s no category for intimidation. But when someone is driving the lane and thinking about him possibly coming over and blocking a shot, it changes things,” Evans said.

With another year of eligibility remaining, Evans also believes that Diaz could become one of the top players in the conference next year and perhaps leave as one of the program’s best players in recent memory.

“We want him to work this summer to be the best player in Conference USA next year,” Evans said. “It could happen for him. It’s just a matter of putting in the work. It’s all a possibility for him.”