Alex Gonzalez has a wingspan to rival that of many NBA players, and he will now be putting that reach to collegiately competitive use after signing with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Movin’ Mavs wheelchair basketball team.

TIRR Memorial Hotwheels Training Ground
Gonzalez, 18, began playing wheelchair basketball in 2005 with the TIRR Memorial Hermann Hotwheels junior team. UTA Head Coach Doug Garner tells Disaboom that he has known Gonzalez since the Cy-Woods High School graduate first started taking shots with the Hotwheels, and the Movin’ Mavs look forward to another successful season with the addition of Gonzalez on the court.

“I have known Alex since he began wheelchair basketball and I am very impressed with his development so far,” states Garner, who is also head of the Paralympic Sport Arlington organization. “We are looking forward to having him as a student athlete here at UTA and having him as part of the team.”

The author had the opportunity to interview Gonzalez about his basketball career.

1. Why basketball? Which position do you play?

I grew up with a basketball in my hands and I really
enjoy playing. Its fast-paced, hardly ever slows down
and I like being constantly involved. I play point
guard and enjoy being able to help my teammates grow
as players and individuals.

2. Are there any other teams you had your eye on?

Of course, but I really wanted to stay in Texas. I
know many people that have gone to UT Arlington and
been extremely successful in life. Many alumni even
own their own businesses. Willie Hernandez co-founder
of PER4MAX wheelchairs in Dallas, Chhay Mak owner of
M o )bi unlimited medical supplies business in
Houston and many others.

3. Hannah Walker at the Verne Cox Center told me you
used to play with Hotwheels. How old were you when
you started playing with that team? What was your
biggest accomplishment with Hot Wheels?

I was 15 when I joined the Hotwheels. I got to see
five great players set the bar for our team. Over the
last three years since they graduated, we have made
huge gains and finished 6th out of 32 teams in the
nation. I cant wait to see them grow in the next few
years; they have great potential.


4. What will be your major at UTA?

I'm currently undecided, but I enjoy fixing and
building computers. So possibly something to do with
computer engineering.

5. Do you play any other sports?

Only if you would count video games as a sport. For
me basketball has been the only sport I don't just
like to play, but love to play.

6. Who is your favorite basketball team? Favorite
player? Who do you like to win the championship this
year?

I really enjoyed watching the Cavaliers play this
year; they have everything in a team I like. Shaq: a
dominating center, and Lebron: all-around great player.
You can tell they enjoy playing and really put on a
show. Unfortunately Shaq didn't get to "win a ring
for the king" this year, can't wait to see what the
future holds. I'm really looking forward to seeing
Lakers vs Boston, should be a great finals.

7. What's the best part about wheelchair basketball?

Everything, coming from paying able-bodied basketball
the better part of my life. I was surprised to see
the level of play it was at, if not higher than I was
used to playing. I like that basketball requires many
different elements. Not everyone has the same exact
skills, but everyone has a unique trait. That not
only contributes, but makes the team.

8. What has helped you most improve your game?

Like you might have heard before, practice, practice,
practice. I have practiced and trained every year in
the past, but nothing like this year. Knowing how
much work it takes to play collegiate ball, there was
a fire in me to get ready. I really have to put some
of my recent success to my trainer John Teeters. In
under 6 months I gained 30 pounds and have felt
stronger than ever. It really comes to show hard work
pays off.

9. What are your thoughts on joining the Movin' Mavs?

I'm really excited, I get to further my education
while playing the sport I love. Every season I looked
forward to playing at the next level, its hard to
believe the collegiate level is already next.

Wheelchair Basketball Recruits for College
When covering Gonzalez’s story, mainstream media comments on “confinement” and “debilitating conditions,” but it is clear that Gonzalez and the Movin’ Mavs are just another part of the collegiate recruitment circle.

“The Movin’ Mavs recruit players from around the world who want to work hard, improve their skills and--most important--complete their college degree,” says Garner. “The Movin’ Mavs have had many players from the Houston community through the years, and we appreciate the social support and athletic development that the Houston disability sport network is able to provide young people in their community.”