Rily Contreras is a sophomore in high school who has faced plenty of challenges, especially being doubted because of his height. Growing up in the Bronx, basketball became his way to escape the tough environment around him. He used the doubts from others as motivation to prove them wrong, especially after a big game in his freshman year where he scored 29 points. Even when he faced injuries, like breaking his nose, basketball taught him to keep pushing and not give up.
In this interview, I gained insight into Rily's experiences growing up and facing challenges.
1. How did being doubted because of your height or background affect you?
Being doubted because of my height affected me in many ways. At first, people would tell me I couldn’t be good because I wasn’t as tall as everybody else. That discouraged me, but I later learned to use it as motivation. I realized I could do anything I set my mind to.
2. How did basketball help you escape challenges?
Basketball was always my escape. I remember when I was old enough to go to the park by myself, all I wanted to do was play basketball. Growing up in the Bronx, being outside at a young age wasn’t always the safest thing to do, but basketball definitely helped keep my mind off the dangers of the city.
3. Did basketball give you moments to prove people wrong? Explain some moments.
My freshman year was when I proved everybody wrong. In our first scrimmage against Hopewell, leading up to the game, a lot of people told me that nothing I accomplished in middle school leagues would translate into high school. But I proved them wrong. I had a game-high 29 points, and we got the win. After that game, I knew I surprised a lot of people, and it showed me that I was right. I could do anything I put my mind to.
4. What did basketball teach you about resilience?
Basketball taught me a lot about toughness and how to keep pushing. Last year during AAU season, I broke my nose, which forced me to sit out for a few weeks. At first, I was nervous about coming back because I was scared of hurting it again, but I had to be tough. I pushed my fear aside because I knew I had to show up for my team, even though I was still scared.
5. What advice do you have for those underestimated?
My advice is to keep your head up and block out the outside noise.
Rily Contreras' journey shows that with hard work and determination, you can overcome any obstacle, no matter what others think. From proving himself on the court to pushing through personal challenges, he’s learned that belief in yourself is key. His story is a reminder that no matter where you come from or how others doubt you, you can always prove them wrong and achieve your goals.
