Prince of South Beach: The Rylan Muniz Interview (Bethlehem, PA)
- "I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember. So I would say probably around two or three. My family is a huge basketball family, so seeing my brothers play is honestly what got me into it. Just learning from them, playing with them and wanting to beat them everyday after school is what helped developed my love for the game."
How would you describe your game from the skill standpoint?
- "I would say that I am a solid point who can facilitate, make my teammates better as well as being able to score the ball. While also shooting at a high percentage. I am very quick and I use my speed to my advantage. I play with a chip on my shoulder and play with a dog mentality. I can impact the game in many ways other than just scoring. I have a very high IQ and can play really well. Not only on the ball, but off the ball as well."
How was life in the Valley?
- "Growing up in the Valley was great to be honest. I met a ton of great people who have shaped me to who I am. I’ve always had tons of friends being an athlete in the Valley. There are a ton of great players to come out of the Valley, who I’ve have known for a long time. So I’ve always had positive role models growing up to steer me in a path to success. There are a ton of gyms out here in the valley, so I’ve always had a place to workout which is something I’m very grateful for. I enjoyed my time at Executive. Not only for basketball, but the school itself. It’s not a typical school with it being a charter school, but once you adjust to it and get cool with the staff, it’s really an awesome place."
How was your senior season?
- "My senior season was really good. I helped bring me team to the third round of states where I made a shot to go into double overtime, but would fall short in double OT to Devon Prep. They ended up winning the state championship. We won our sixth straight district title. Which made me 4 for 4 on district championships."
- "Individually," He continued. "I averaged 20 PPG, 4 APG, 4 RPG. I made 130 made threes on 42% shooting, while averaging 4.6 threes a game. Which would also set the state record for most threes made in a single season. The previous record was 120 and it was set in the 2008-2009 season. I made Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Live's first teams. As well as making first team All-State for 3A. My original accomplishments for myself were to average 20 points, make more than 100 threes, make first team All-State and I did all of those successfully.
You recently decided to take the post grad route signing with Miami Prep. What factors led to your decision to enter the prep world?
"Miami prep was actually one of the prep schools my brother (Jevin Muniz) was considering a few years before he graduated. They have a strong track record of success and have put hundreds of kids into college. They focus on player development along with physical development, which is what I need in order to take my game to the next level. I think this extra year of development will not only better prepare me for the next chapter, but open more doors for me as well."
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
"Working out everyday and working on the things I’m not the best at. As well as working on what I am good at because there’s always room for improvement. I do a ton of shooting on the gun. I do all types of shooting workouts. I shoot a ton of threes, I work on my pull and floaters, and all different types of finishes around the rim. I lift usually four times a week. It’s essential for me because I’m not the biggest, so being strong is a must. I watch a ton of film. Not only of myself. but of pros and college players who I feel play similar to me. I workout a lot with Coach (Ray) Barbosa and Gabe Hornberger. We would get in the gym before school at like 6:45 to get shots up, or get some skill work in. Even after the season, me and Gabe would be in the gym shooting thousands of shots a day trying to improve to be the best we can be."
Growing up with big bro, Jevin, you've been around the game your entire life. Whether it's workouts, time together or even playing with him as a freshman-senior duo, you have had the chance to grow up early and it's shown in your character as well. How's the relationship between you two and how has it shaped you into the person you are today?
"It’s been great growing up with him. He’s helped me a ton, not only getting me better, but showing me you can do anything if you believe in yourself. He believed in himself more than anyone and it paid off drastically. Me and Jevin have a great relationship and have always been close. It’s shaped me into a better person because he is always pushing me and if I’m doing something wrong, he’ll be the first to tell me that I’m wrong."
Who would you say is a current pro that you look up to?
"Mike James, he plays in the Euroleague for AS Monaco. Darius McGhee, he played at Liberty university and is in the G League now, but also Steph Curry. Those are probably the three people I watch the most film on because I love their play styles. They are all 'undersized' guards, but they all make huge impacts on the court."
Who would you say you consider role models?
- "Definitely my parents and my older brothers. My parents have sacrificed a ton for me to be the person I am. They believe in me the most and support me in everything I do. My brother is another role model because he has already been in the same situation as me, and has gone down the same path. So seeing him do it, makes me believe that I am also capable."
What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?
- "I think the biggest challenge right now is definitely the transfer portal. It makes it that much harder to be recruited. Lack of exposure and just getting in front of the right eyes is also a challenge to many."
What is one important lesson you've learned from your time as an athlete?
"To smile through it all. No matter what happens, or how things go, if you stay positive you can get through anything."
Taking the prep route, you'll learn a lot about yourself within the next year. What is the outlook heading into your last chance at the prep level?
"As you said, most people see prep as this, 'last chance' but I witnessed it first hand and expect it to be the 'next chapter.'"
"My ultimate goal is to become the best version of myself, physically and mentally. Going to Miami Prep, yes, it’s out of my comfort zone but I know some very successful people that will tell you: Success begins right when you step outside of your comfort zone. I’ve had a lot of coaches 'like me', this past year, but they are going to love my transformation physically from this next chapter. As for the school, I’m looking for the one that believes in my ability to add value to their program!"
Thank you Rylan for taking the time to talk to me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
"Thank you for allowing me to do this. Surround yourself with people who want the best for you. Confidence is so important. If you don’t believe that you can do something, you won’t. Always believe in yourself and your abilities!"
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