Mustangs Lock Down Florida Pair

Posted: Jun 11, 2020

Auburn, ME – The Central Maine Community College athletic department is pleased to announce Luis Ramos-Perez of Orlando, Florida and Angel Diaz Figueroa from Orlando, Florida have both signed on to play for the Mustangs this fall 2020.

Both players were recruited simultaneously as they are very good friends.

Luis graduated from Central Pointe Christian Academy in 2020. He is a 6'3" forward and is interested in studying in the Business Transfer program.

Head men's coach Dave Gonyea offers: "We have had good luck in the Orlando area and have some nice connections down there. Our captain, Corey David is from down that way and is also well connected. Meeting Luis and Angel was like a breath of fresh air. They are two nice kids who both want to be part of something special that they can call home. Watching their videos convinced me they were the gritty type of players we need—kids that go to the floor, hit the boards hard rebounding, and try to get to the rim. Beyond that, they are very respectful, sincere, and I think-- will be very coachable. Coach Morales, (their high school coach) was very helpful in the process as well. I can't wait to get them on campus!"

Luis answered the questions below:

Why did you choose CM?
One of the main reasons is that they made me feel like home. I saw the help that they could give me and the opportunity to develop as a player and student. All that they offered me called my attention and all I was looking for.

What did you like most about the campus?
Even though I have not been in campus yet, it seems like it has a great environment and good vibes. I am truly looking forward to being on campus and see what all the amazing things I've heard about. What I liked the most, is the easy access that it gives us for our daily schedules and daily life.

How do you think playing college basketball will differ from your previous experience?
College basketball is played a different way than in High School basketball, but I believe I will make a good adjustment. College basketball is a quicker and more aggressive, but it is nothing I am not use to. I can play both, slow and fast paced styles of game. All this adding up, will help me to make a quick adjustment.

What are you most looking forward to about attending and playing basketball at CM?
I am truly looking forward to being working hard on the floor and be representing the school. I want to see all the students and alumni's supporting our games. Being a college student and have access to all I need to get better. Also, to be sweating the Mustangs' jersey.

What do you think you can bring to the team next year?
I am a hustler player and like to play hard. All of that including that I know how to read the game, I would be a good fit for the team. I am a hard worker and a dedicated athlete, adding all the basketball experience that I have. I am a player that likes to involve everybody on the situation.

Describe your basketball experience.
My basketball experience is deep, because I have play in different places and styles. I've play different types of basketball and know the game well. In every league that I've played, I have been on the big stages. I have been a winner my whole life, I won't let that not happen in college.

What is your biggest strength in basketball?
My biggest strength besides my high-IQ, is that I am a hard worker. When I find a weakness, I always work hard so I can turn it into a strength. I know how to read the game plus I know which things I dominate the most in it. I am a very coachable guy and a quick adjuster to a coach's system.

Luis' favorite quote:
"I play to win, whether during practice or a real game"- Michael Jordan

basketball Achievements

2017 PRHSAA Basketball Junior Varsity Champion
2017 PRHSAA MVP Junior Boys Basketball
2017 Robinson School Invitational Tournament Champion & MVP
2017 Saint John's School Invitational Tournament Champion & MVP
2017 Puerto Rico Elite 50: Elite 8 (18ppg, 5ast, 7rbs)
2017 Puerto Rico Elite 50: All-Star Selection
2017 AAU Super Showcase: Final 4 Silver Division
2018 AAU Super Regional Champions
2018 AAU Super Showcase: Elite 8 Gold Division
X2 (2018-2019, 2019-2020) SIAA State Tournament Champion Regional Division (12.5ppg, 5ast, 5rbs)

High School Achievements

2018-2019 SIAA All-Academic Team (3.25 or above GPA)

Angel Diaz Figueroa

Angel also graduated from Central Pointe Christian Academy in 2020. At 6'6", Angel gets up and can get to the basket. He is interested in studying in Physical Fitness Specialist program.

Why did you choose CM?
I choose CM because to me it feels like a place I can call home and be comfortable living, playing and studying there. I feel that here I can develop more as a student, player, and more most importantly a person of good.

What did you like most about the campus?
Although I haven't seen the campus yet in person, to me it seems like a place with a very good environment and secured community. I'm very excited to get there to see what other good things the campus has.

How do you think playing college basketball will differ from your previous experience?
Honestly, I don't think it will be that different from my previous experiences because in the last 3 years of me playing basketball my school had a very tough and competitive program where we played against top teams and had some readiness for college. But even though with this experience I know there are going to be some adjustments I'll have to make to catch the pace and rhythm of college ball.

What are you most looking forward to about attending and playing basketball at CM?
What i'm most looking forward is to represent the mustang community and go out there and give it my all on the court. I'm also looking to creating new friendships and bond with the team and students of the school and live in a place that is totally foreign to me. Non the less face the challenges and experiences in this new chapter of my life.

What do you think you can bring to the team next year?
One thing I can assure I can bring to the team is energy and aggressiveness and whatever else the team needs in order to win. I can also contribute to offense by including my teammates and making sure I always move around and cut.

Describe your basketball experience
My basketball experience has been one of many highs and lows. Even though I've sometimes found myself on my weak side I never allowed myself to stay down and always got back up with a positive attitude and ready to work. I've played for different types coaches that have different ways of teaching and approaching the game and this has allowed to adapt to any system pretty well. Basketball has also given me the opportunity to visit different places.

What is your biggest strength in basketball?
My biggest strength in basketball is my defense and my hustle but in offense I can create plays and pass the ball pretty well. I also am a very coachable player that no matter what the situation of the game is I'm always ready to give my 100%..

Angel's quote:
"It doesn't matter how hard you fall; what matters is how fast you get up"

basketball Achievement