FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A week after the Nova Southeastern University baseball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship, the Sharks saw three of their top players fulfill their longtime dreams of being drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft, as Danny Zardon, Alex Mateo and Alexander Kline all heard their names called on day three of the draft.
"Having three players drafted this year is a testament to the development process that takes place at NSU with our players and coaches," said head coach Greg Brown. "By focusing on the development of our student-athletes, we have been able to achieve both team and individual goals simultaneously. We are very grateful to all of the team that continue to scout our players annually."
Daniel Zardon – Philadelphia Phillies | Round 17 | Pick 497
"I would like to thank Nova Southeastern University for welcoming me with open arms after going to LSU my first two years," said Zardon. "I would like to thank all the coaches, players, and the support staff for everything they have done. I will continue to excel in my career as I move on to playing in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. It means so much knowing the whole NSU community is behind me in chasing my dreams."
After transferring from LSU, Zardon was one of the top third base prospects in Division II in 2016, flashing the leather day in and day out, while blasting 15 home runs. Zardon was named to the All-South Region tournament team and NCAA Division II Baseball Championship tournament team after having himself a stellar postseason to help lift the Sharks to their first ever national championship. "Danny played great defense all year long and created a presence for us in the middle of the order," said Brown. "He had it all on display in the South Regional and World Series and he will carry that into his pro career."
Alex Mateo – Miami Marlins | Round 22 | Pick 653
"It's an honor to represent Nova Southeastern University and I'm thankful for the opportunity that the Marlins have given me," said Mateo. "I'm looking forward to competing at the next level and continuing to trust and execute the process."
The 2016 Sunshine State Conference Pitcher of the Year earned himself the right to be drafted after a dominant 2016 season. Mateo tossed 112.1 innings while striking out 96 hitters to earn himself a 2.96 ERA. Mateo struck out 189 hitters in his career and finished his career with two wins in the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship. "Few pitchers careers at NSU can rival what Alex achieved as a Shark in just two years," said Brown. "He anchored our rotation and will be successful with his ability to pitch. The Marlins are getting a winner in Alex."
Alexander Kline – Philadelphia Phillies | Round 29 | Pick 857
""I would like to thank the Phillies for giving me the opportunity to play professional baseball. I would also like to thank coach Brown and the rest of the coaching staff at Nova Southeastern University for investing several years in me. I am so blessed to be able to spend this time with my family and i couldn't be more appreciative of the support that i have received from my family and friends. Go Phillies!"
A southpaw from Coral Springs, Fla., Kline was a late bloomer that developed into a dominant force on the mound late in 2016. It was only a matter of time before Kline put it all together and developed into a prospect that many teams were not going to be able to pass up. The redshirt junior went 4-1 this past year, striking out 36 hitters in 38.1 innings of work. "To watch Kline put it all together this year was a long time coming as his ability to pitch, his athleticism and stuff came together at the right time for our program and his career," said Brown. "This is truly a success story about the development process and how a player has the ability to achieve goals at NSU."
