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RJ Marquez (middle) signed his letter of intent last week to continue playing basketball at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. The All-State point guard finished his career with over 2,000 points and was a pivotal part of his team’s return to the regional tournament. Pictured with his family, from left: Elijah Marquez, Heaven Marquez, RJ Marquez, Patty Marquez and Richard Marquez. CADE ANDREWS | PLEASANTON EXPRESS
As a four-year varsity letterman, Pleasanton’s RJ Marquez has amounted to a lot of success on the basketball court.
The All-State point guard, who led the program to arguably their best season in school history with a 31-7 record and a trip to the regional tournament, has no plans of slowing down anytime soon after signing to continue his career at Our Lady of the Lake University last week.
OLLU’s close proximity to Pleasanton played a role in Marquez’s decision as well as the experience the coaching staff brings to the program. Located just under an hour away, the senior knew it was the place for him.
“I know the coaches really well, they’re real nice guys and I know that they’ve competed at the highest level so they know a thing or two about basketball,” said Marquez. “The drive doesn’t hurt either.”
During his career with the Eagles, Marquez was recognized as the District MVP in back-to-back seasons and surpassed 2,000 career points along the way. He accomplished the feat behind some key performances in critical games. Perhaps, most notability when he scored 29 points against Calallen in the area championship game earlier this season.
The star studded point guard, known for his playmaking ability on the offensive end, made his presence felt defensively. He led the San Antonio area in steals three consecutive seasons.
Marquez was selected to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) All-Region Team in his junior and senior year. As one of the top players in the area, he was also selected to the San Antonio Area Sub 4A Team for three years.
The accolades go far beyond the court, however. He finished his career with four Academic All-District selections and will be graduating in the top ten percent of his class.
A high standard has been set for the Eagle basketball program, and Marquez, along with his senior teammates, were a huge part of that.
“I want to show [the younger guys] that anything is possible,” said Marquez. “If you just work hard and be dedicated and focused, you can achieve anything. That’s for sure.”
Marquez spent his high school career being coached by his father, Pleasanton head coach Richard Marquez. Signing to continue his athletic career and studies at OLLU is the start to a chapter that has been a long time in the making, according to Coach Marquez.
“This has been a dream of his since before I can imagine,” said Coach Marquez. “He’s always had basketball in his hand. He’s wanted to do this for a long time and it’s a true testament that hard work, dedication and commitment, putting in the long hours and just going out there and giving it his all is how dreams can be achieved and I thank God for that.”
When RJ steps on the floor at OLLU, he’ll be in familiar territory. It’ll be the same court where he recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, five steals and the victory in the San Antonio Area Association of Basketball Coaches (SAAABC) All-Star Game last month.
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