TALLAHASSEE – Florida State’s newest guard’s full name is Maximo Garcia-Plata Nieto.

For the fans of the Gladiator movie series, the origin of his name comes from the main character in the epic film, Maximus Decimus Meridius.

His mom loved the movie franchise and decided to call her firstborn son Maximo.

For Garcia-Plata, the words of the speech by Russell Crowe’s character proclaiming his name in the movie roll off his tongue like he’s recited them a thousand times or more.

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, Loyal Servant to the True Emperor, Marcus Aurielu.”

For Garcia-Plata, whose game is as unique as his name, his role as a point guard on head coach Luke Loucks’ first Florida State team is appropriate. Not only will he continue to grow his skill set under one of the top point guards in school history, but he will be in a familiar position as an offensive leader on the court.

The Spaniard, who played soccer early in his athletic career, has always been an offensive-minded player – a mindset that will fit Loucks’ system very well.

“On every team I have been on I have always had a very important role on the offensive side,” said Garcia-Plata.  “I am confident that I can create for my teammates as well as score many points.”

Garcia-Plata remembers his introduction to the sport of basketball and the first player he emulated whenever he held a basketball in his hands.

“At first I started playing soccer, but my father introduced me to basketball and I ended up loving it,” said Garcia-Plata. “My favorite player has always been Luca Doncic. I remember watching his highlights and trying to recreate his moves every time I was on the court.”

Garcia-Plata grew up excelling at both soccer and basketball in an athletic system very different from what is known in the United States.

Garcia-Plata explained that the basketball system in Spain is much different than what his teammates at Florida State experienced. He says that basketball in his home country is played at a slower pace but with a lot more designed plays. He also points out that there is no high school basketball, but that there are club teams that you try out for in order to be added to the roster.

Garcia-Plata began playing organized basketball when he was seven years old on the team at his primary school. As his skill level progressed so too did his opportunities to compete at the highest levels in Spain. By the time he was 16, he was excelling within the Spanish system and earned the opportunity to play with the U16 National team for the first time.

“My first time in the national team was with the U16 team,” said Garcia-Plata. “We beat a very strong Italy team in the finals and we became European champions.”

Garcia-Plata averaged 9.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in seven games as a member of Spain’s U16 leading his country to the tournament championship.

Bolstered by his play on Spain’s U16 World Championship team, he earned a spot on Spain’s team in the U17 World Cup.

As a member of Spain’s U17 team, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.0 rebounds as he helped Spain to a 5-2 record in the 2024 U17 World Cup. He scored his tournament-best of 15 points in a 96-33 win over the Philippines which marked one of three times he scored in double figures during the event. He also added 14 points in a 77-55 win over Guinea and totaled 12 points in an 80-75 win over Lithuania.

Loucks, who played in Europe for three seasons during his professional career, sees many of the traits he learned overseas in Garcia-Plata.

“We are excited about the skills Maximo and international experience that Maximo brings to our team,” said Loucks. “He has played and been coached at a very high level of basketball during his time with Real Madrid (Spain) which should help his transition into college basketball.

While his basketball skills have brought him to Florida State University, Garcia-Plata and his family certainly realize the value of an education. As the oldest of two sons, he begins his academic career looking to become the first member of his family to earn a degree in the United States.

“Academics represent more than just schoolwork or grades,” said Garcia-Plata. “Being successful with my academics is seen as a foundation for future opportunities and personal growth within my family. My dad, who is an aerospace engineer, pushes me to always aim for good grades. He believes education opens doors that nothing else can. Academics in my family are tied not only to learning, but also to discipline, responsibility, and the hope of building a strong future.”

Garcia-Plata arrived at Florida State in August of 2025 and had to hit the ground running. Not only did he have to meet and get to know his new teammates and begin to learn the Seminoles’ offensive and defensive schemes on the fly, but he began classes just over a week after he arrived in Tallahassee.

“Coming from Spain, my biggest adjustments have been adapting to the culture and the independence in the United States,” said Garcia-Plata. “At Florida State, Basketball has helped me make friends and feel at home, even while being far from my family. I definitely miss my family and my best friend Nicolas; I miss them every day.”

Over the course of the original movie and its sequel, Maximus Decimus Meridius became a celebrated gladiator.

Over the course of his playing career, Garcia-Plata is looking to become a celebrated Seminole on the basketball court and in the classroom.