Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Da Silva Jr.
Hi Luis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Luis Fernando Da Silva Jr., widely known as “Trikz,” is an American freestyle basketball pioneer, actor, author, and producer born on August 3, 1982, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He rose to prominence in 2001 as the first streetball athlete to sign an endorsement deal with Nike, headlining their groundbreaking “Nike Freestyle” campaign. This exposure led to appearances on the cover of TIME magazine and the front page of The Wall Street Journal.   
Basketball Career:
Da Silva’s basketball journey began in his backyard in Elizabeth, where he honed his dribbling skills. In 2003, he became the youngest player to sign with the Harlem Wizards Show basketball team. He later joined the Maryland Nighthawks’ travel team, touring Asia in 2008. In 2009, he set a Guinness World Record with 24 consecutive neck catches of a basketball. That same year, he was inducted into the City of Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame.   
Acting Career:
Transitioning into acting, Da Silva appeared in films such as “The Brave One” and “Pride and Glory.” He gained further recognition with roles in “Fast Five” (2011) as Diogo, a role he reprised in “Fast X” (2023), and “21 Jump Street” (2012). His performance as Terry in “Dead Man Down” (2013) marked one of his most prominent roles. He has also appeared in “The Heat,” “Triple 9,” and several television series, including “Power” and “Person of Interest.”  
Authorship:
In 2014, Da Silva authored and illustrated a children’s book titled A Boy Named Boo, which tells the story of an overweight child who gains confidence and self-esteem through basketball. 
Recent Work:
Da Silva continues to act, with recent roles in films like “Little Dixie” (2023) and “Fast X” (2023). He remains active in the entertainment industry, leveraging his unique background in streetball and acting.  
For more information, you can visit his official website: www.luisdasilvajr.com or follow him on Instagram: @luistrikz.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Luis Da Silva Jr. – The Journey
At just 18 years old, I experienced the world as a child star—suddenly immersed in the spotlight, traveling globally in limousines, staying in Ritz-Carlton hotels, and being featured in major commercials. It was a surreal introduction to the entertainment world, and I had access to nearly everything.
But when I transitioned into film, it was a humbling experience. I went from being front and center in every campaign to standing in long audition lines, sitting in fold-out chairs, and starting from scratch. That shift was tough—mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
Still, I never let the setbacks define me. My work ethic, passion, and refusal to give up kept me moving forward. That resilience became my edge. I embraced the grind, evolved with the industry, and used every challenge as fuel. It wasn’t about going back—it was about rising up in a new way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Actor author digital creator and dribbling savant one of the greatest basketball dribblers in the world and freestyle pioneer. Literally the Tony hawk with tricks and
Michale Jordan if his profession
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Just a good kid from a great family inspired by Michael Jordan and wanted to play basketball for a living. The game of basketball took me to places on imaginable
I used to take my basketball everywhere now my basketball takes me everywhere
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Luistrikz
