Angel’s position as the first Mexican American basketball player from New York City seems heavy, but he can hold it.
Being the first one to venture out into anything can be daunting especially when life’s challenges are all around you. For some it’s poverty and for others, it’s ignorance of the countless things you don’t know that all lead to success. Angel Reyes-Muniz, the first Mexican basketball player to come out of New York City, has experienced both climbing his way out of the streets of the Bronx.
A soccer player turned basketball player, Angel has worked hard to make a name for himself, playing for Mexico’s collegiate basketball team and various colleges around the country with the hopes of one day going pro. Twenty-two with a few years of eligibility in front of him, his goal of becoming successful and taking care of his mother and sisters is within reach.
Raised in the Soundview section of the Bronx, Angel’s mother and father split when he was a child, forcing his mother to have to take on the task of raising Angel and his two sisters. Being surrounded by turmoil and violence made his early life hard.
“Life was tough. You could make a wrong turn and run right into violence. You had to be aware at all times, even when I would go to the park”, says Angel.
As a child, Angel and his family moved around the city, going from borough to borough to find housing and occasionally living in shelters to survive.
“My childhood was moving from house to house and shelters around Brooklyn. Queen, and Manhattan to meet new people.”
The only constant in his life was his desire to go outside and play basketball with his peers. Naturally talented as a soccer player, the concrete jungle around him eventually influenced his decision to switch from playing soccer to basketball. Growing up with basketball courts all around him made him begin playing as a child, but it wasn’t until he heard the negative stereotypes from his peers that he decided to commit to the sport.
“I started off horrible at basketball and I wanted to excel. As a kid, I played it in school and after school in the park. But people telling me I was wack and that I needed to stick with soccer made me want to be the best I could”, says Angel.
Inspired to be successful, Angel committed to the sport as an eighth grader. From there, he attended Norman Thomas High School in Manhattan, New York in 2014. His high school career presented more challenges for Angel who played on the Norman Thomas Tigers junior varsity team as a freshman before he was sidelined with an injury as a sophomore in his 2015-2016 season.
“My freshmen year, I was a chubby, immature kid who annoyed everyone. I didn’t take things seriously, just joking around. Once I broke my leg as a sophomore I learned to take everything seriously school-wise and basketball-wise. If it wasn’t for my injury I wouldn’t be here”, says Angel.
As a junior, Angel came back lighter and more focused, increasing his scoring average and assists to a 3.2 average per game. While in high school, he got the chance to learn from NBA Coach Norm Richardson of the Charlotte Bobcats, who at the time was the Program Director for the city’s Team First organization. Working with veteran coaches and being invited to different camps and showcases made him take his fitness more seriously and helped elevate his last two years of school.
“I was in the best shape of my career, I led the league in assists that year, and I was more confident in my game as a point guard. I was at my best”, says Angel.
In 2019, he was named to the All-PSAL team for the city which led to college opportunities on the junior college level. His skills in addition to his distinction as the first Mexican American basketball player from NYC created a sizable amount of fervor for Angel who went on to play at the junior college level.
After high school, he played briefly for Schenectady County Community College, playing ball and enjoying college while he could.
His 2020 basketball season came to an end when the 2020 Covid 19 pandemic shut down everything.
Unwilling to give up, he transferred to Rockland Community College in Ramapo, New York in 2021. 2021 helped revive Angel’s energy as he also got the chance to play for the Mexican National Basketball team.
“I got invited to play for the Mexican national team. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an honor to play for my country”, says Angel.
As the only American player invited, Angel felt special and inspired. From there, he got the chance to accomplish more, acting in various commercials with brands like Nike, ESPN, Under Armour, and Addidas.
In 2022, Angel graduated from Rockland College where he received his Associate degree.
With three more years of college eligibility left, Angel is hell-bent on playing professional basketball.
“I plan to go to the G League after college or declare for the draft. Scouts have been telling me to stay in shape and be ready. I can bring value and I have charisma. I just need to get ready for the moment.”
Wright World 