Note: I think it's timely that EFH is highlighting Larry (Laro) Morinia, who plays for the Volcanes of Toluca in Mexico's LNBP, in this first of many EFH Player Spotlights. I'm an NBA fan, we all are, and it kills all of us to see the 'show' locked out. Yet, despite the NBA season hanging in the balance there are stories of players grinding all over the world while living the dream of playing pro hoops. More often than not, these stories go untold and players are left to toil in relative obscurity. But, the game goes on and we're 'witnessing' that now with international leagues and competitions filling the basketball void left by the NBA stoppage. EFH began as a tribute to players who chase the dream while in fact they are living it. For Larry Morinia, who is playing on a winless squad in Mexico's first division, his season might seem more like a nightmare and admits: "This season has been my toughest yet as a professional basketball player..." but it hasn't slowed him down. He's among the league leaders in scoring and assists and is drooling to help lead Toluca it's first win of the year.-J.Brink, http://www.enfuegohoops.com, play like it's your last day on earth...
Larry took some time to reflect on his experience so far this year in Mexico, enjoy and please share this story and your comments.
EFH: Talk about your experience in Toluca this season. How'd you end up there? It's been a tough season so far, how are you coping day in and day out?
LM: I'll start of by saying thank you guys at enfuego for recognizing my efforts on the court through the constant losing during the early part of the season, I truly appreciate the love. The reason I
came back to the Toluca Volcanes was I felt I owed these fans a chance to experience winning. They were so patient last year and stood behind me 100%. For that they had my heart and I will always be indebted to the people of this great city. This season has been my toughest yet as a professional basketball player. What I'm trying to take from this experience is gain valuable on the court experience as well as continued growth in my game. I'm learning to separate off the court issues from my on court performance. Thats pretty much how I was handling the everyday situations that present themselves. My college coach used to say tough times don't last tough people do and I consider myself as tough as they come.
LM: I'll start of by saying thank you guys at enfuego for recognizing my efforts on the court through the constant losing during the early part of the season, I truly appreciate the love. The reason I
came back to the Toluca Volcanes was I felt I owed these fans a chance to experience winning. They were so patient last year and stood behind me 100%. For that they had my heart and I will always be indebted to the people of this great city. This season has been my toughest yet as a professional basketball player. What I'm trying to take from this experience is gain valuable on the court experience as well as continued growth in my game. I'm learning to separate off the court issues from my on court performance. Thats pretty much how I was handling the everyday situations that present themselves. My college coach used to say tough times don't last tough people do and I consider myself as tough as they come.
EFH: What's the mood of the team like?
LM: Well the mood of the team is good...we went through a major overhaul of the roster and a coaching change, that was difficult for me because I grew close to that group of guys...sometimes change is good and we got so guys who are eager and ready to turn this around. Now we need some practices under our belt and we'll be fine.
EFH: What's your take on the lock out?
LM: I don't like it but I understand it. that's the way you have to be, united and fight for the good of all! I kind of see it the same as when a team is late paying players and as a player you want to play, but you must stay united no matter what. I learned that the hard way last year.
EFH: There's a lot of talented players in leagues all around the world that we never hear about. Let's take Mexico, for example, how do you rate the level of play in Mexico compared to other places you've played?
LM: I'll say this Mexico is tough because of the number of exported players that are allowed. Some teams have 7 or 8 players who played big time college basketball in the USA so they are not your typical Mexican or Latin player, they're basically American...but in my experience playing in Lithuania and Germany, the European players are so physical and often get away with playing that way because as an American player your coming in with a slight advantage...that puts a target on your back and you really have to play through teams physicality.
EFH: What's the next move for you hoop wise after Mexico?
LM: Good question! I really like this league...I believe my true talents won't truly be on display until I get on a team that contends for playoffs. I would love that to happen right here in Toluca, but in reality I see myself having solid numbers across the board if I'm on a team where the entire focus is on the 12 guys...I think until that happens I will keep searching for opportunities in Mexico I've set a couple of team goals that I would love to accomplish before I can be satisfied and leave to another country.
LM: Good question! I really like this league...I believe my true talents won't truly be on display until I get on a team that contends for playoffs. I would love that to happen right here in Toluca, but in reality I see myself having solid numbers across the board if I'm on a team where the entire focus is on the 12 guys...I think until that happens I will keep searching for opportunities in Mexico I've set a couple of team goals that I would love to accomplish before I can be satisfied and leave to another country.
play like it's your last day on earth..
laro is the epitome of resilience/ character.dude,keep his composure through the worst possible situation as a player.he is on the worst team on earth,they renovating/overhauling as if it will impact the organization, blaming all but theirselves in management.And my fam{Laro} keep his head up & chest out,he will not undermine authority nor criticise his team/management.thats how you define professionalism.
i was out there for the preseason {toluca,mexico - volcanes}, although i got cut after producing [7/8 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, 3 assists] against one of the best teams in the LNBP {xalapa}, where we lost by over 50 points… Larry saw my focus/desire to gain a turn around & humbled me saying,“you cant go about it the way you are.we both know how bad you want this win,but you are an employee.do your job,let the coach manage.“this is at halftime.he is a role model.be the best at your role!
this rookie thanks dude {Laro} for the insight.
nmbasket.com
I’m sure Larry is the guy to lead this team to their first win, and many more. Larry is a great energy guy/great teammate. That’s hard to find. He is always positive and can turn around a season real fast.
Larry has thousands of supporters that follow him from new Mexico and the entire southwest.
I wish you guys could travel here to new Mexico for a game. Many people would love to see laro with his pro team play against new Mexico spotlight. Good Larry
Bueno suerte para todos
Brandon mason
Morinia was one of the better guards at the EnFuego 09 in San Diego. He’s gone on to be one of the better guards in Mexico, top 5 in scoring in the LNBP. A real pleasure to coach because he’s such a hard worker and has such a great attitude… couldn’t happen to be a better person. Congrats Laro!
Firstable excuse me for my english not be so good. I had the pleasure to coach Larry back in Toluca´s first season. It was a learning experience for everybody as far how to deal with all the bad conditions that the team administration put us and still be mentally toft and perform the best we could. I just had a little time working with Larry because I left team after 6 games but in this short period of time I had to know personally Larry and I found out that he is really something special. Not everyday you will meet a kid with the pation, profesionalism and desire this player has… Hes one of those players with PhD attitude Poor Hungry and Driven and a big prove of that is that he has been in the top 5 among the all league in several stats but the one they are missing is the HEART factor where I will give Larry a perfect 10. If any coach out there looking for a player with the necesary skills to win you a game then definetly Larry is your guy since hes a really all around player who will give the 100% on games and practices plus the fact hes a very nice guy to get along and also believe me that me as coach is very hard to put a word for somebody because my reputation its on game but I feel very secure with Larry.
jB- Great Article and great interview with my boy Larry Morinia. I’m glad he is getting shown some love down there in Toluca. As you touched on in the interview his stats speak for themselves, he is an impressive player. I had the pleasure of sharing the court with Larry this season and he is not only one of the best point guards, he is also one of the best players that I have ever played with. I know by the countless hours that we put in putting up shots and working out, that he will succeed on any level with any team. There are only a few people who really know how poorly the conditions are down in Toluca and with that organization and he has handled all of them as professional as you can. I know I will be seeing him again on the court as a teammate or on the opposing team and I wish him the best of luck on trying to lead the franchise upwards. And to Larry, “Hand down, Man Down!” Keep torchin down there!
WELL what more can i say, L u doing it again… spearding your greatness not only as a basketball player , but as a person.. larry is a great team guy in fact he is one of the best i know. great understand of not only basketball but life.. awesome floor general.. L.. keep up the hard work and im happy u have gotten some love for u works.. to the team and fans. u have no better person that u could stand behind… Larry blessing to u my dude.. keep up the great work on and off the court.. much luv .. yeah good people scrap d.
Great interview L! For those who don’t know or haven’t played with Larry before he is a true professional, leader and winner on and off the court. Having played with you for many years there is no one else I would rather have on my side to go to battle with when it’s gametime. Although you definitely fill up the stat sheet on a nightly basis, the stats don’t nearly begin to measure your value to any team you are a part of. Hopefully you will get selected to L.N.B.P All-star gm this year. I’m Looking forward to when we can team up again. Tell all the fans in Toluca I said wassup.
LNBP All Star Game…let’s get the voting going! jb
Hey L,
This is Coach and you know that I will always be there for you, you are my guy and considered fam…Larry Morinia is a very cerebral individual, who is always putting “the good of the team” first and individualism on the back burner. Strong individual inside and out, and one who will never confront management publicly about lack of support. The consummate professional what you see is what you get at all times.
I had the awesome pleasure of coaching Larry in the CBA. in Gallup, NM, and it was a joy to watch him evolve as a player and a person.
What doesn’t kill you, will only make you stronger!! Valuable assets are hard to find…To Luca has one in Larry Morinia!!! Keep doin’ your thing son, I’m always in your corner.
Phil’Tiny’Smith
Coach thanks for your comments! -jb