By RAUL GARCIA JR | Progreso Gazette
Q: Tell us when you knew you wanted to be a varsity basketball player, and why?
A: I never really saw myself being part of a varsity basketball team until I joined my freshman year. I thought to myself I would only play one year, and I would be done, but on the contrary, I fell in love with the game. I always try to get better in any way possible even if just means me shooting the ball during practice. When I have the ball in my hand it just leads me towards the basket.
Q: What is your fondest memory of your experience on the team this season?
A: When we won a trophy in a tournament.
Q: How excited are you about being a member of the basketball team?
A: Really excited I get to improve on my game and show my coach that his knowledge of the game won’t go to waste.
Q: What did you do this summer to improve your game to get ready for this season? A: I mostly worked on my shooting and post moves.
Q: Who has influenced your play style the most?
A: My older brother, Cristian, he motivates me every day, and I take pride in being called his brother.
Q: Who’s your favorite professional basketball player?
A: Dennis Rodman
Q: Who’s the greatest basketball player of all time?
A: Dennis Rodman
Q: What drew you to play basketball over other sports?
A: The negative comments my own teammates made about me my freshman year and that set my mind on proving everyone who doubts me wrong and to never let them bring me down again.
Q: What aspect of your game comes easy to you?
A: Being able to block a shot and reading their next move.
Q: What advice has the coach given you that you’ll always remember?
A: My brother would coach me all the time growing up and he told me a quote from a basketball player that I will always remember “hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Q: If you could play any basketball player 1v1 who would it be?
A: Michael Jordan
Q: Is there a particular significance to your jersey number?
A: Number 21 was my brothers jersey number when he played basketball and I’m proud to be able to wear it.
Q: What is the worst practice you have ever endured?
A: This is kind of personal it was the day I lost someone I loved I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to continue playing but I know they are watching over me.
Q: What tips would you give to someone going out for basketball?
A: Never forget who you play for always dedicate every layup, shot, block, rebound, pass and steal to someone special.
Q: What team is considered your biggest rival, and why?
A: Lyford they have always been a rival for me.
Q: What is your most memorable shot?
A: I don’t have a memorable shot but i do have a memorable game where i scored 28 points against PSJA Memorial in a summer league game.
Q: What is your favorite game day hype song?
A: Jungle by Drake
Q: Who would you pick as your all time greatest starting five? A: A: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dennis Rodman, Larry Bird
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Cheeseburgers
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: Math
Q: Who is your favorite college basketball team?
A: Alabama
