The Central Maine Community College Athletic Department and Head Men's Basketball Coach Dave Gonyea are pleased to announce Matt Attard, a 6'2" 2017 graduating senior from Melbourne, Australia has signed on to play for the Mustangs next fall.   Matt follows in the footsteps of fellow Melbourne player Kenny Huynh who now plays for CM. 

Matt responded to the questions below:

CM:  Why did you choose CM?
Matt:  I chose CM because from the very start of the recruitment process my family and I had a great feeling about what CM had to offer. From the moment coach contacted us we knew it was different to the other schools. Coach was very honest and genuinely cared about our best interest. I was also very impressed by the way the team plays as I feel their style will really suit my game and will put me in the best position to be successful. 

CM:  What did you like most about the campus? 
Matt:  One thing that really stood out to me on my visit was how welcoming the whole CM community were. All students and teachers were extremely friendly and happy to spare some of their time to have a conversation, which I really enjoyed. I was also really happy that we had 24-hour access to the training facilities, which were also walking distance from our apartments. 

CM:  How do you think playing college basketball will differ from your previous experience?
Matt:  College basketball is a lot faster and more physical then Australian basketball so I think that will be the main difference that I'll have to adapt to. The schedule is also a lot fuller on in terms of having more games per week, as well as the trips to away games, which are a lot further then in Australia. 

CM:  What are you most looking forward to about attending and playing basketball at CM?
Matt:  I'm really looking forward to being a part of such an amazing group of guys, I've never seen a team so tight before. In the week I spent on visit every single guy took time to make me feel welcome. After a week it felt like I knew them for a lifetime, it's really like a brotherhood and I'm really excited to be living and working out with them every day. 

CM:  What do you think you can bring to the team next year?
Matt: To this team I can bring a strong work ethic and a lot of energy. After watching many of the games I really feel I can help this team as they play a very fast-paced game style with lots of ball movement opening up shooters. Everybody in the team can shoot so I know I'm going to fit right into that aspect of their game. I also love getting my teammates involved by sharing the ball, which is another key aspect of CM's game. 

CM: Describe your basketball experience.
Matt:  Growing up I always knew I wanted to play college basketball and I always saw basketball as an opportunity to take me around the world to see many great places and meet amazing people. So I have always put a huge emphasis on working hard every day from a young age to put me in the best position to be successful, this wouldn't of been possible without the support of my amazing family and close friends at home. 

CM:  What is your biggest strength in basketball?
Matt:  My biggest strength would be my ability to shoot the ball and attack the defense with my ball handling abilities allowing me to either score inside or create for my teammates. I also take pride in my defense and my ability to lock down my opponent. On the court, I provide great leadership and energy to get behind my teammates. 

According to Matt's mom Rita Attard, "We as parents are so proud of Matt for getting to this stage of his basketball dream and that is to continue his development & play at College level in the States. We have watched Matt grow & develop from a very young age (6 years old) always working hard, staying committed, focused and motivated to better himself. We cannot wait for Matt to become involved with CM and their wonderful academic and basketball program. With Matt's incredible work ethic, respect and appreciation, we think CM will give him a great opportunity to become the best he possibly can! We are extremely delighted that Matt has decided to become a part of the CM FAMILY!

Head Coach Dave Gonyea states, "Matt follows in a line of great Australian players who have come to CM the past four years.  He clicked with our team and me immediately.  On his visit, we met mom (who spent the week helping me in my office) and figured out pretty quick the apple does not fall far from the tree.  She was a fabulous lady who loves her son and wants the best for him.  He visited for a couple of weeks and by the end, it was like he was here all year.  He will be a nice addition to our squad."  

Basketball Achievements

2017 U20 stats - 17.7ppg, 4.7apg, 3.9rpg, 45%3P, 93%FT

High School Achievements

2016- Highest Grades in a subject

2015- Highest Grades in a subject

2015- House captain

2015- Friends of the School award (most involved)

2014- Principals award