Serving His Community: Maryland Basketball’s Selton Miguel Uses Non-Profit to Empower Angolan Youth

Selton Miguel described himself as fortunate while reflecting on his upbringing in Angola's capital.   

According to Global Finance Magazine, Angola is the 52nd poorest country in the world, with a GDP per capita of 7,153 in 2024. The country is home to tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine river system and arid Sub-Saharan deserts. Although it is a growing nation, its beauty masks its struggles. 

Miguel’s parents earned enough to get by, supporting four children. But most importantly, Miguel had someone to look up to. That person carved a path he could follow toward success.

The individual he admired was Bruno Fernando. The 6-foot-9 big man is the only Angolan-born athlete in NBA history. His and Miguel’s relationship dates back to their home country, and they’ve maintained a bond despite being at different points in their respective lives.

Miguel, a fifth-year basketball star at Maryland, aims to join his best friend in the world's top professional basketball league. But as he works towards his goal, he’s helping others attempt to accomplish the same feat. 

His non-profit, the M3M Foundation, empowers disadvantaged youth in Angola through sports and education. It aims to provide opportunities for those without financial support to develop their skills and contribute positively to their communities.

“The main part is really just to give them what I didn't have,” Miguel said. “When I was a kid, I just followed somebody who was here already. I’m just trying to help those kids follow the same dream I had.”

Miguel created the M3M Foundation alongside his two brothers, Rifen and Henrique. Their journeys and unparalleled pride for their country inspired them to help others. 

As teenagers, Selton and Rifen moved to the United States, attending West Oaks Academy in Florida before starting their collegiate basketball careers. Rifen played for four programs in his five-year journey, including two seasons at community college and stints at Ohio, Troy and UT Martin from 2020-23.

Since graduating, Rifen has been volunteering as an assistant on West Oaks’ basketball staff and serving as the president of M3M. His return to West Oaks allows him to mentor kids from similar backgrounds while giving back to the program that helped shape who he is.  

“Back home, we are role models for a lot of kids,” Rifen said. “I was getting contacted by those kids on social media. ‘I want to come to the States. Can y'all help me?’ It's really tough for you to come to the States because there are not a lot of resources.”

Maryland is Selton’s third school. He spent 2020-22 at Kansas State and 2022-24 at South Florida. For the Miguel brothers, playing college basketball was a dream come true, as many in Angola never have the opportunity to play at the next level, let alone pursue higher education. 

Selton says Angola has a wealth of basketball talent. Still, many athletes there lack the funds and expertise to take advantage of it. He also explains that the U.S. provides more opportunities for those who seek to play basketball professionally. 

“There are a lot of things here that are not in other countries,” Selton said. “Especially in sports, they have the NBA. There’s also a lot of media. We don’t have that back home. Back home, we don't have people investing in AAU or things like that. They don’t have individual training. The kids there have to figure it out on their own.” 

He continued. 

“At some point, I was in their shoes when I had a dream to come here. Those kids don't have anything. They really struggle. Sometimes, it makes me cry because you see so much talent there. But if other people could help, it would be much easier.”

In addition to providing basketballs, shoes and other necessities for playing basketball, M3M funds materials beyond sports, such as school supplies and book bags. However, the non-profit’s most impactful service is connecting Angolan athletes with schools in America. 

The brothers said they had placed 18 players currently attending U.S. high schools, many of whom received full-ride scholarships. Most of these players are currently attending their alma mater, West Oaks. They’ve even helped place a girl who is receiving interest from several high-major college basketball programs. 

Others are currently playing collegiate basketball. One of those student-athletes is Bencao Vungo, a sophomore guard at ECU. Rifen says his foundation plans to bring 50 student-athletes to the U.S. next year. 

“Everybody has a different path, regardless of how you help a kid,” Selton said. “Everybody has a different path. The main thing is really just opening the doors for them.”

Selton’s non-profit is one of the many ways he gives back to his county. For the past two summers, he has run a youth basketball camp in Luanda and given motivational speeches to children. Both were things he had been doing before M3M was created. 

The Maryland basketball star wants to expand his non-profit. With the help of others, he wants to open a basketball academy in Angola. The school would feature classrooms, a basketball court, a gym and access to trainers and food, among other things.

“Selton is a role model for those kids,” Rifen said. “Selton’s history says it all. The things that he’s been through and where he is now. All these kids look at Selton, and that’s what they want.”

Alongside his brothers, Selton is making a difference. Kids swarm him for pictures and autographs whenever he visits Angola. Kids there idolize him as he proves their dreams are attainable.  

“If I have a voice, why not use it?” Selton said. “God put me in this position for a reason. This is one of the ways I can help my community.”