Recent fan favorite Juan Munoz has returned to the University of Hawai’i men’s basketball program as Director of Player Development. The former sharp-shooting guard spent three seasons (2021-24) with the Warriors and excited the crowd with his long-range accuracy and deft dribbling and passing skills.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Juan back to our program as he begins his coaching career,” UH coach Eran Ganot said. “He has a clear love for the islands, this university, and this great game and is looking forward to working with our student-athletes.”
Munoz twice overcame major injuries to finally become a major contributor in his senior season.
“We always felt like we had a ‘coach on the floor’ due to his exceptional basketball knowledge,” Ganot said. “He was a pleasure to be around and to follow his resilience in the face of incredible adversity was something to marvel at. His future is very bright!”
As the Warriors’ Director of Player Development, Munoz will work closely with the men’s basketball student-athletes in achieving their best both on and off the court. His new role will have him involved in such areas as alumni relations, marketing, team nutrition, strength and conditioning, scouting and recruiting.
Munoz first arrived in Manoa as a transfer in 2021 with significant buzz. His long-range shooting and playmaking ability had garnered him All-Conference honors while playing at Longwood University in Virginia.
Munoz ultimately became one of the most inspirational players in UH’s recent history. The North Carolina native served as a leader on the sidelines after suffering season-ending injuries in back-to-back years upon joining the Warriors. He eventually worked his way back to the court in 2023-24 and in his final collegiate season he appeared in all 34 games with 16 starts. Munoz led the team in 3-pointers made (67) and 3-point percentage (.409) and also ranked second in assists and steals for a team that finished with its second straight 20-victory season.