After his college basketball playing days at the University of Richmond came to an end four years ago, Union City native Carlos Cueto had a tough decision to make.
"I had a chance to go to play professionally in South America or overseas, but that wasn’t for me," Cueto said. "I had the competitive fire and I still do, but I wanted the chance to teach kids."
Upon graduation from Richmond, Cueto, the former St. Anthony standout guard, had a job working at Pershing Securities in Jersey City, but the business world also wasn’t for him.
"I took the teacher’s exam and became a teacher instead," said Cueto, who teaches social studies at P.S. 5 in Jersey City. "Being a teacher allowed me the time to become a coach. That’s what I really wanted to do."
Cueto began his coaching career at his high school alma mater, assisting legendary coach Bob Hurley and heading the school’s junior varsity program. After coaching the Friars’ JV for three years, Cueto realized that there really wasn’t any chance for advancement with the St. Anthony program, as long as Hurley remained.
"I didn’t think I had much more to prove at St. Anthony," the 26-year-old Cueto said. "I figured I could go out on my own and run my own program."
When the head coaching position for the boys’ basketball program opened at High Tech High School in North Bergen, Rich Myrlak, the assistant superintendent of the Hudson County Schools of Technology, suggested that Cueto apply for the slot.
"I figured this was a chance for me to really coach," Cueto said. "I never thought I would get a chance this early, especially not at High Tech."
When Cueto first arrived at High Tech, he had to remind himself that he wasn’t at St. Anthony anymore.
"I had to prepare my mindset," Cueto said. "I knew I couldn’t be too hard. I’m tough, but I’m fair. I had to have the kids buy into my system, especially the seniors. I had to be a lot calmer, because the expectations aren’t as high as St. Anthony."
His former high school coach and mentor knew that Cueto was ready to become a head coach.
"I know he’s going to be an outstanding coach," Hurley said. "I think it was in his blood. He’s been around some good coaches during his day. He played point guard in high school and college, so that position always gives you the feeling that you can be a coach. I think his work ethic is going to carry him there. That’s the one thing that kids will see. Everything Carlos has ever received in the world, he’s worked for it. No question, it’s a loss for us, but he’ll do fine."
Cueto said that he has already seen signs that the Lasercats are buying into what Cueto has to offer.
"They were diving for loose balls and taking charges," Cueto said. "That’s what I was looking for. We don’t have the most talented kids, so to even out the playing field a little, we have to play hard. Getting them to basically play hard and work hard is the first key."
To give them an idea of how it’s done, Cueto brought the Lasercats to watch a St. Anthony practice. Coach Hurley also spoke to the team after the Friars were through.
Cueto said that he has some talented players, like senior guards Oscar Cedeno and Humberto Legon, who will help to lead the Lasercats to respectability this season.
Cueto said that he doesn’t think the team understands what he’s accomplished and where he’s come from.
"I think it might take some time," Cueto said. "I want them to know that I’ve done everything that a kid could dream of. I won a state championship in high school and played in the NCAA Tournament in college. I hope some of that rubs off."
Cueto said that a lot of the coaching he’s received in the past, from people like Hurley, his Richmond coach John Beilein and his former AAU coach, current Hudson Catholic coach Steve Ricciardi has guided him toward a career in coaching.
"If I never was in contact with people like Steve and Coach Hurley, I’d never be in position where I am today," Cueto said. "Being a young coach, I think I can have a special bond with my players. It has been a little different and I can only teach them so much. But they’re learning and progressing and I’m just hoping to be competitive." – Jim Hague