"Quick Hands Deep Range and a Playmaker’s Touch"

Jacob Muniz

@jacobmuntiz

6ft, Class of 2028

Waunakee HS, WI

Jacob Muniz can rain in threes, but there is a lot more to his game than his shot. The savvy guard plays with confidence, handles the ball under pressure, and looks for ways to create for himself and his teammates. When the ball swings his way, he is ready to shoot, yet he's just as comfortable keeping it in his hands and finding a better look for someone else. He wants to make the right play for his team, whether that means scoring, setting up a teammate, or getting a stop.

Last season, Jacob helped Waunakee win the Badger Large Conference championship, finish 19–7, and reach the regional final. He averaged 13.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting better than 40 percent from deep. His 58 made threes set the school record, and he tied another school mark by making 7 in one game. Seeing his shooting work pay off meant a great deal to him, but he takes even more pride in what he and his teammates achieved together. Falling short in the regional final hurt because they had worked so hard to get there, and Jacob took that feeling with him into the offseason.

The biggest improvement in Jacob’s game was his growth as a playmaker. He worked on his handle and decision-making so he could stay comfortable with the ball, recognize what a defense was giving him, and get teammates involved. He did not want to be known only for scoring from deep. He wanted to help guide the offense and give his team someone who could make a good decision when a possession got difficult. That work gave him more ways to contribute and more confidence when the ball was in his hands.

Jacob’s defense deserves attention, too. An outside look at his game points to his quick hands and lateral movement, which help him stay in front of opposing guards and bother them with his effort. Jacob says he enjoys taking on the other team’s best player, and that challenge brings out his competitiveness. He can play either guard spot, but having the ball in his hands lets him use both his scoring touch and his ability to create for others. He wants his coach to know he will communicate, listen, and compete on both ends every time he steps on the court.

Getting there took an adjustment. Jacob moved from Arizona to Wisconsin before his sophomore season, joining a new team where he had to earn his minutes and show what he could bring. Nobody knew him when he got there, and he had to find his place quickly. There were tough stretches during the season, followed by the disappointment of the final playoff loss, but he chose to use those experiences as motivation. He had proven he could help Waunakee win, and he wanted to return even better prepared.

After the season ended, Jacob made the gym and weight room part of his daily routine. He worked on shooting, ball handling, and finishing while giving special attention to strength and conditioning. He jokes that the school janitor could confirm how often he was there. During club season with the Wisconsin Playmakers, Jacob welcomed having the ball in his hands because it gave him more chances to put that work into games. He believes he has gotten stronger, and he wants that growth to help him take on whatever his team needs in his junior season.

Jacob has plenty of people helping him stay grounded while he chases his goals. His oldest sister plays DI basketball at North Dakota State, his other sister plays DI soccer at Northern Arizona, and both of his parents played college basketball. His father also coached at the college level for six years. Their experiences have helped Jacob understand how much work goes into improving, while their support has helped him through the highs and lows. His faith helps him stay focused and grateful for the chance to keep playing the game he loves.

Jacob wants to become a better all-around player, help Waunakee compete for a championship, and keep playing basketball after high school. He still considers himself under the radar, and moving to a new state gave him an early taste of having to prove himself. What fuels him now is knowing he's not finished. He remembers how close his team came, wants to make his family and teammates proud, and keeps showing up to find out how far his work can take him.

Jacob’s quick hands and ability to move with opposing guards make his defense a real part of his game, especially when he accepts the challenge of guarding a top scorer. On offense, he's ready when a shot comes his way but can also handle the ball and create a chance for someone beside him. That mix lets him help Waunakee in different situations without losing sight of what the team needs.

Jacob’s growth with the ball has made him more than a scoring threat. His improved decision-making helps him choose when to attack, when to shoot, and when to get a teammate involved, while his work on strength can help him build on those skills. He also brings communication and competitiveness on defense, giving Waunakee a guard who wants to make an impact from one end of the court to the other.