San Antonio's Orlando Mendez-Valdez escaped a rough upbringing to play pro hoops in Mexico

Basketball has carried Mendez-Valdez, 36, far from his humble origins.

"It's exciting being part of the first Mexican team affiliated with the NBA," said Mendez-Valdez, a 15-year veteran of pro basketball."Secondly, my father hasn't seen me play in person since I was in college. Closing out my career, playing down the road from my hometown, getting my friends and family to see me play means the most."

The Capitanes were originally positioned to join the NBA's G League that same year, but the pandemic delayed the team's absorption into the league. Mendez-Valdez continued to play abroad, including a stint in Uruguay. Although Mendez-Valdez spent hours on end shooting hoops at a nearby park as a sanctuary, it wasn't until he entered Valdez's guardianship that he was exposed to organized basketball. Participation in the sport helped him understand there was a world outside of his neighborhood.

"Overall, I just hope my story gives hope," Mendez-Valdez said."My whole career is based on faith in myself and in God. I hope for those who come from similar circumstances as I did to see me and surpass me — to go further than me."

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