FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former Nova Southeastern University men's basketball player and current assistant coach Marquise Kiffin is February's Geico Alumni Athlete of the Month.
 
Kiffin has been a part of the men's basketball staff since 2002, immediately after completing his four-year career with the Sharks. He has already received both his undergraduate bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in business administration, and is currently back in the school getting a second MBA in marketing. That's right, the elder statesman of the program (even longer than current head coach Gary Tuell) is technically a graduate assistant.
 
"Going back to school is a new challenge," said Kiffin. "You forget what it's like to write papers and read textbooks. Your perspective is a lot different the second time through; you're actually enjoying the learning process as opposed to just trying to get through it."
 
Kiffin played for the Sharks from 1999-2002. He is now in his 14th season, having assisted Tuell for 12-plus years now.
 
"Transitioning from a player to coach was extremely difficult for me," said Kiffin. "I was always the life of the party, a social butterfly. So changing into an authoritative figure with players, who were my teammates the year previously, was hard. I was caught in limbo … I wanted to coach but still wanted to party with my friends. Luckily as they started to graduate and I became more focused, it became less of an issue."
 
The former St. Thomas Aquinas star and MVP was versatile on the floor at NSU.
 
"As in everything, we always think we were better than we really were," he said. "I was a good player due to my mind and heart, not my athleticism or skill level. I was a tough kid who enjoyed the little things like taking charges, guarding, just playing hard. I was a jack of all trades, which allowed me to play every position on the floor.
 
"My freshman year I was a power forward. As a sophomore, I started at point guard. My junior year I was a small forward, and senior year, I bounced between guard and forward. I have a place in my heart for (current player) Troy Spears because he reminds me of myself. Although I expect him to be better than I ever was."
 
Of course, over the course of 14 seasons at the school, Kiffin has learned a lot of lessons. Even some off the court.
 
"Over the years, I have learned a lot," he said. "Some lessons were positive, while others not so much. My most positive experiences have been learning from Coach Tuell. We argue like cats and dogs but we love each other. Through our debates, and his vast experience I have become a better coach and man.
 
"Being a coach put me in place to meet my wife. While on a recruiting visit, I met my wife while we were at dinner. I quickly knew she was the one, so I made sure we had the shortest recruiting visit in history. Luckily I ended up with both a future wife and a new player."
 
Kiffin feels that the future is bright for the men's basketball team.
 
"Being a part of the program for all these years has shaped the person I am," said Kiffin. "At age 34, I have been a part of NSU for half of my life. I'm looking forward to helping put some banners on the wall. I know that under Coach Tuell's direction, the championships are right around the corner."