Art Alvarez
President and CEO
In life there are 3 types of people, takers, givers and takers that give. Arturo “Pilin” Alvarez is a taker that gives and throughout his life has given many young men a chance to succeed. As a young Miami resident the Cuba born Alvarez grew in the tough Little Havana neighborhood. He spent most of his time hanging out with friends and shooting hoops while passing time and trying to stay away from the same streets that killed and incarcerated many like him. Growing up in a single parent home Art’s mother was forced to be strict to assure that her son would not end up another statistic. Ambitious and fearless he used basketball as his shield, growing more passionate about the game he took what was given and let it take him as far as it could. Becoming the first Cuban born player to be selected for the Florida All-State team in high school he used that accomplishment to feed his hunger to get better. Accepting a full athletic scholarship to Miami Dade College he looked at that opportunity to grow a brawny foundation that would eventually cement him in the world of basketball forever. After arriving to MDC he broke his ankle in just 10 days and closed the optimistic thoughts of continuing his playing career. Overcoming this adversity Alvarez continued to take classes as then had to figure out what it was he wanted to do with his life.
Shortly after leaving Miami Dade College he started a construction equipment company which was a feasible company but not what he envisioned for himself as a wide eyed big dreaming adolescent. Never loosing the burn and desire for the sport he decided to turn his focus towards his son and try to make him the best player possible. Following through on a promise that was made Art told his son that he would coach him in high school and applied for the JV coaching position at Miami Christian School. After a few successful seasons Art moved up to become the varsity head coach and immediately changed the vision of the program. Bringing in better players and devoting every ounce of energy to coaching the Victors to a national ranking. Art discovered a need for players who were in need of help and extended his hand to help. “Pilin was a second dad to me. He brought me over to the states as a 16 yr old from Puerto Rico to give me a chance to better life for myself and my family. Its because of his heart of gold I was selected in the second round of the NBA draft. I love him dearly.” – Guillermo Diaz Former standout guard for the Miami Hurricanes and current professional player. He began working closely with kids at times clothing and feeding them. On numerous occasions he gave his last to kids that otherwise might have gone without life’s bare necessities. “Pilin was a father figure to me and without him I would have never achieved my dreams. In my auto biography a chapter was dedicated to him the chapter read Pilin My Guardian Angel.” – Jose Barea of the NBA Dallas Mavericks. After winning multiple Florida high school basketball state championships and setting a 38 win season record (which is ridiculous at any level to have a winning percentage of that stature) Pillin felt there was nothing left to conquer and shortly decided to ride off in the sunset as one of the greatest coach in Florida high school basketball history.
He didn’t have enough time sit on a chaise lounge and enjoy a cocktail before Nike came knocking on his door of opportunity looking for him to represent their brand on the AAU circuit. At this time AAU was still a bit raw and not a household name. Pillin looked at this as an opportunity to make his Miami Tropics AAU program the front runner in South Florida and also to continue his efforts in making a better life for those is less fortunate situations. “Pilin took me out of the worst neighborhoods in Puerto Rico and gave me an opportunity of a lifetime and literally became my mentor, coach and father in the U.S. Because of him giving me an opportunity to showcase my skills across the nation I’m playing professionally overseas.”- Denis Clemente former University of Miami and Kansas State guard and current professional player. At one point the Tropics were regarded as one of the top 24 teams in the nation! The AAU game has grown so much as it is the premier tool used to recruit the best kids in the country” says Alvarez. Alvarez then goes onto say “Our program has sent over 60 players to Division 1 programs and has several players in the pros, Dennis Clemente, Guillermo Diaz, Jose Barrera of the Dallas Mavericks and OJ Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies to name a few.” They also molded players into nationally ranked players and potential lottery pick caliber players such as 7 foot center Freddy Asprilla. “Pilin is god to me he has helped me and my family like no other. Everything I am is because of him. I wake up every day to put the effort in the classroom and in the basketball court in appreciation what he has done for me. I love this man!” - Freddy Asprilla current Kansas State University player.
Art is that he’s a risk taker. He formed a professional Miami Tropics team in which the PlayTyme Magazine owner Don Alcime tried out for during his playing days. The professional Miami Tropics played in the ABA and also in the FIBA world championships representing the tropics brand well gaining respect among the international basketball community. Players selected on this team came from all over. Carlos Escelera was the top player in a tough Puerto Rico’s professional league. Alvarez also gave an opportunity to local products such as Marcus Barnes, Terence Shelman and Jemel Davila to put on a professional uniform as Art believed that those players deserved a chance to showcase their talents on an international level. The Miami Tropics ABA and FIBA teams provided an experience that many will never forget. Alvarez had the opportunity to bring in Ed Auricchio, Will Villa and a few other pieces that help make this venture successful. Though the professional team’s longevity was cut short Alvarez looks at the experience as an opportunity to learn as he is not sure if he may attempt to form another professional team in the future.
After a fairytale high school basketball coaching a career and a respected AAU basketball coaching career Art sits back and thinks about his next move. “I would like to become a sports agent and help some of my old guys with their professional careers” Arts says while fiddling with a pen sitting at his desk inside his home office. Looking around Art’s office there are tons of memorabilia given to him by his former players like game worn jerseys, pictures, cards and autographed game balls. By the pool area of his beautiful South Miami home there are a bunch of trophies from his days of coaching the Miami Christian and Miami Tropics teams. “Man I had a great run and allot of fun. I’ve helped allot of kids by getting them into better situations to help their parents financially and raise their own families. If all else failed they got great educations which you can’t ever take away.” Art says.
Art Alvarez and Don Alcime are sitting and planning a partnership for next the AAU season as PlayTyme Magazine’s AAU team the Miami Ballhogs will be looking to make a huge splash in their second season as an established travel team. “In order to have a successful AAU program you will need roughly 70 – 80 thousand dollars to cover travel, tournament fees, uniforms, room and board and food for the players.” Sponsorships opportunities are up in the air from the Under Armour brand which is looking to become an aggressive force on the AAU Spring/Summer circuit. One thing we can say is that whatever Art decides to do he will be success at it and help many people along the way!
Go to top