Florida State University Athletics
Luis Gonzalez: From Florida State To The NBA
4/13/2024 11:29:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Luis Gonzalez, who was a graduate assistant for the Florida State Men's Basketball team as an under Head Coach Leonard Hamilton (2017-19), is now the Assistant General Manager of the Cleveland Charge and a Scout with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Charge is the NBA G-League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was named as an Assistant General Manager of the Charge in October.
Seminoles.com - How does it feel being a member of the administrative staff with the Cleveland Charge?
LG - Being part of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charge Front Office has been a huge blessing that I take with a great sense of gratitude. The people in this organization have been incredible to me. It has been a dream come true.
Seminoles.com -- We've seen you at Florida State games as a scout, what are your responsibilities with the Charge?
LG -- Currently I have a dual type of role where I do college scouting as we work towards the NBA Draft with the Cavs. In my role as assistant general manager with the Charge where I help in the day-to-day operations for the team and G-League scouting.
Seminoles.com -- What are your goals within the sport of basketball and how has this position with the Charge begun to lead you in the direction you want to go for your career?
LG -- Being from Puerto Rico, there haven't been many opportunities for me in this type of position. It's been a blessing to have this opportunity. I try to focus on giving my best today and let things grow within my role. That has been my mindset since my first day as Graduate Assistant at Florida State. I feel I have been lucky to have worked at Florida State and with the Cavs.
Seminoles.com - Would you say that the time you spent under Coach Hamilton has influenced your basketball philosophy? How?
LG - My time with FSU Basketball and Coach Hamilton, I would say, was a PhD in basketball for me. I learned so much from all the coaches at Florida State. I try to use a little bit from all of them in my own developing philosophy. From Coach Hamilton, the way he manages a program -- being a "CEO" -- building his roster, his overall knowledge of the game and ability to remain calm through the ups and downs of the season. He also taught me to find an opportunity with every new challenge.
Seminoles.com - What would you say are your most memorable moments during your career at Florida State?
LG -- The most memorable moment for me at Florida State was the Elite 8 run in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. We clicked as a team and played at a very high-level. I still remember vividly the PJ Savoy 3-point shot against Xavier to put us up by one with about a minute left in the game to move us on to the Sweet 16.
Seminoles.com -- You've been involved with the scoring side of the NBA and the G-League. What have you learned about the game in those positions?
LG -- I learned that the NBA game has evolved to the point where everyone on the floor is skilled and can shoot from the perimeter. The threat of perimeter shooting puts the defense in a disadvantaged position when five players on the floor have that ability to make shots.
Seminoles.com - What are the differences between working with a high-level college team and in a professional organization?
LG -- The differences I've seen from working on a high-level college team and professional organization is that in college are many. In college the players having a very regimented schedule due to study halls and all things of being a student. As a professional, the players have more time for themselves that they can use to work on a business, their brands or whatever passion they want to follow.
Seminoles.com -- What are some of the most important pieces of advice you've received, and who did the come from, that have helped you get where you are today?
LG - I think one key piece of advice that our GM, Mike Gansey always mentions is to be a star in your role. That can apply to everyone in the organization. To be yourself and give your best every day. To remain focused through the ups and downs.
Seminoles.com - How does it feel being a member of the administrative staff with the Cleveland Charge?
LG - Being part of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charge Front Office has been a huge blessing that I take with a great sense of gratitude. The people in this organization have been incredible to me. It has been a dream come true.
Seminoles.com -- We've seen you at Florida State games as a scout, what are your responsibilities with the Charge?
LG -- Currently I have a dual type of role where I do college scouting as we work towards the NBA Draft with the Cavs. In my role as assistant general manager with the Charge where I help in the day-to-day operations for the team and G-League scouting.
Seminoles.com -- What are your goals within the sport of basketball and how has this position with the Charge begun to lead you in the direction you want to go for your career?
LG -- Being from Puerto Rico, there haven't been many opportunities for me in this type of position. It's been a blessing to have this opportunity. I try to focus on giving my best today and let things grow within my role. That has been my mindset since my first day as Graduate Assistant at Florida State. I feel I have been lucky to have worked at Florida State and with the Cavs.
Seminoles.com - Would you say that the time you spent under Coach Hamilton has influenced your basketball philosophy? How?
LG - My time with FSU Basketball and Coach Hamilton, I would say, was a PhD in basketball for me. I learned so much from all the coaches at Florida State. I try to use a little bit from all of them in my own developing philosophy. From Coach Hamilton, the way he manages a program -- being a "CEO" -- building his roster, his overall knowledge of the game and ability to remain calm through the ups and downs of the season. He also taught me to find an opportunity with every new challenge.
Seminoles.com - What would you say are your most memorable moments during your career at Florida State?
LG -- The most memorable moment for me at Florida State was the Elite 8 run in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. We clicked as a team and played at a very high-level. I still remember vividly the PJ Savoy 3-point shot against Xavier to put us up by one with about a minute left in the game to move us on to the Sweet 16.
Seminoles.com -- You've been involved with the scoring side of the NBA and the G-League. What have you learned about the game in those positions?
LG -- I learned that the NBA game has evolved to the point where everyone on the floor is skilled and can shoot from the perimeter. The threat of perimeter shooting puts the defense in a disadvantaged position when five players on the floor have that ability to make shots.
Seminoles.com - What are the differences between working with a high-level college team and in a professional organization?
LG -- The differences I've seen from working on a high-level college team and professional organization is that in college are many. In college the players having a very regimented schedule due to study halls and all things of being a student. As a professional, the players have more time for themselves that they can use to work on a business, their brands or whatever passion they want to follow.
Seminoles.com -- What are some of the most important pieces of advice you've received, and who did the come from, that have helped you get where you are today?
LG - I think one key piece of advice that our GM, Mike Gansey always mentions is to be a star in your role. That can apply to everyone in the organization. To be yourself and give your best every day. To remain focused through the ups and downs.
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