Orlando
Mendez-Valdez
Inhale Confidence. Exhale Doubt.
Meet Orlando
Orlando Mendez-Valdez is a Mexican-American businessman and former professional athlete who was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas where the inner city courts were his first introduction to basketball. An underdog from the start, he was part of the legendary 2001 State Runner-Up team for the West Side’s Lanier High School, going on to earn a Division One scholarship to Western Kentucky University. After retiring from a 14-year career as a professional basketball player, he now has two roles: as a real estate agent on the Gilley International team with Keller Williams Portfolio, and as an Assistant GM with his former team, the NBA G League’s Mexico City Capitanes.
Throughout his career he has invested in real estate and multiple business ventures, alongside his wife and college sweetheart Aquila. Together they have two daughters and two dogs, and are happy to still call San Antonio home after all their travels and athletic endeavors. Orlando’s passions include mentoring young athletes to become the best versions of themselves, and staying true to his roots on the West Side of San Antonio.
Real Estate
Orlando has been in the real estate business for over a decade and has purchased, renovated, rented, and sold his own properties throughout Texas and Mexico.
Basketball
As Assistant GM for the NBA G League’s first team outside the United States, Orlando seamlessly integrates positive player relationships with front office goals.
Community
Orlando donates his time and resources to non-profit organizations, athletic programs, and more across San Antonio and Mexico and is always open to opportunities to serve.
Why Basketball?
Like many athletes, basketball taught Orlando the vital life skills of discipline, focus, and work ethic, while allowing him to channel his naturally competitive nature into a winning mentality. His college career accolades include a Sweet 16 NCAA run and an All-American Honorable Mention, after which he was recruited to play in Mexico’s top professional league, the LNBP, where he would play for multiple championship teams all over the country.
He finished his career with gold medal appearances competing against the best players in the world as part of the Mexican National team in two World Cups, Pan-American Games, FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournaments, and more. This drive to succeed now provides his clients with the best possible outcomes whether they’re buying their first home, selling to move into a new phase of life, or building their investment portfolio before, during, and long after the sale.
