Emmanuel Maldonado

Biography:

Emmanuel "Manny" Maldonado, born on July 18, 2002, in Orlando, Florida, is an American-Puerto Rican professional basketball player. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he plays as a guard. Maldonado holds dual citizenship in the United States and Puerto Rico. 

Maldonado attended Downey Christian School in Florida, graduating in 2021. He began his basketball career with Team Dynasty Academy in Orlando. In June 2021, he became the sixth player to sign with the Overtime Elite (OTE) league, an alternative pathway for players aiming to turn professional. 

During the 2021-2022 season with OTE, Maldonado averaged 11.8 points per 36 minutes, shooting 45.1% from two-point range, 36.9% from three-point range, and 77.8% from the free-throw line. He also contributed 3.8 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.9 steals per 36 minutes. Following his tenure with OTE, he was drafted 11th by the Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico. 

In addition to basketball, Maldonado has interests in fashion and baseball. 

In December 2021, during an OTE game, Maldonado dislocated his finger while playing defense. The injury was reminiscent of a similar incident involving the late Kobe Bryant. After receiving immediate medical attention, Maldonado returned to the game shortly thereafter.