Episcopal Academy’s Matt Dade is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The senior 6-foot-6 guard/forward is off to a great start this season, scoring 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in a season-opening win against Abington Friends, then scoring 21 points vs. Westtown. A versatile performer; he averaged 19.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 2.4 apg last winter and received first team All-Inter-Ac and All-Main Line basketball honors. A fine all-around athlete, he placed fifth in the shot put at the Inter-Ac Track & Field Championships last spring. His father, Anthony Dade, played basketball for EA and Cabrini. EA boys’ basketball head coach Craig Conlin said, “He is a very difficult matchup for defenses, as he is too quick for bigs to cover and is too big for smaller guards to cover. He’s a tremendous athlete who has improved every year, and this season so far he has been not only an outstanding player but an excellent leader and captain.”

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

A: I think the strongest part of my game is driving to the basket and finishing, the part of my game I’m working on the most currently is my three-point shot.

Q: How do you see your leadership role on the team this winter?

A: I see myself has being someone who leads by example, by always trying to put my team in the best position to win, and being vocal on the court.

Q: Tell us a little about your start in basketball, and what sparked your inaugural interest in the sport. What position(s) did you originally play?

A: What sparked my interest in basketball was just playing outside and recreational leagues – I always loved playing basketball. As a kid I always played center or power forward.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: The night before I take an ice bath and make sure I get my sleep and stay hydrated. Also I make sure I’m eating the right foods.

Q: Who have been your biggest basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

A: My biggest basketball mentor has always been my Dad – he’s always taught me to work hard and to never be satisfied with how I play because there’s always something I can improve.

Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?

A: Lebron James because he can do everything on the court well, he can impact a game without scoring because he’s a great passer, rebounder, and defender. Also he’s more than just a basketball player and really helps people in need. 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 32 for EA. Why did you pick this number – does it have any special significance to you?

A: I have always worn No. 32. My grandma’s favorite player was Magic Johnson and she wanted me to wear that number for travel basketball in fourth grade.

Q: What do you think you’d like to major in at college?

A: I’m not to sure what I’d like to major in right now, but business and sports medicine interest me.

Fun facts – Matt Dade

Favorite book: Percy Jackson series.

Favorite author: Rick Riordan.

Favorite TV show: Rick and Morty.

Favorite movie: Django Unchained. 

Favorite athlete: Lebron James.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Activated by Tee Grizzley.

Favorite team: Pittsburgh Steelers.

Favorite place to visit: Florida.

Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken and rice.

Person I most admire: “My parents because of what they have done for me.”

Family members: parents Anthony and Trish, brother Marcus.

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)