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Fiba Interviews Esteban Batista

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  • Fiba Interviews Esteban Batista



    “One on one” with Esteban Batista
    Team Uruguay just finished their first test, and it was a successful one. After a weak first quarter, in which they were losing by 11 against Panama, they were able to turn de game around, winning it in over time; their central figure: Estaba Batista, who finished the game with 26 points and 19 rebounds.

    Definitely, a good way of starting a tournament.

    Yes, this is the best way to start a tournament; with a win like that one. At first, we came with the idea of getting to the first round, and a victory like this one, gives us great confidence to face what’s still to come.

    You didn’t play well in the first half.
    No. I think that we started the game a bit out of our center, playing the game the way they play it, and we paid that costly. Luckily, we were able to turn things around, winning the game at the end.

    You seemed to be under pressure from the start, as if you were trying to show too much at the same time.
    Yes, sometimes one gets anxious and it causes you to make some mistakes, as it happened to me today. But, with the help of my teammates, I began to relax as the minutes passed by, and everything got better.

    Did you, or your teammates, speak about what this particular game meant for you?
    We know that we are not the favorites, that is why it was so important to beat Panama. We acomplished what we wanted to, leaving with more confidence, even though it will not mean anything, if we loose the rest of the games.

    Is there any strategy for this tournament? Do you play each game with the same intensity or do you choose which team you’re going to play harder?
    Once you step into the court, you stop taking care of yourself. Tomorrow, we play Argentina and that is a special game for us, which we would never play without our best effort. This motivates us a lot. It is a classic and there is always the rivarly. I don’t like losing to anyone, but I hate to lose agaisnt them.

    Did you get to Las Vegas thinking about one of the two spots available for Beijing? Or thinking on one of the first five spots instead?
    I would be lying to you if I said that we came for one of the two spots. We are a humble team, and everything we accomplish is with great sacrifice, work, and effort. If we finished the tournament within the top five, it would be great for Uruguay’s basketball. We know it will be hard, but there is always a chance.

    Don’t you ever dream about going to the Games in Beijing?
    Yes, in dreams. If I say that outloud, people will think I’m crazy, but you always try to aspire for greater things, and been present in the Games would be amazing. On this moment, the only thing in our minds is to finish within the top five. That is the main goal.

    Are you conscious of your role as one of the main figures to acomplish that goal, alonside Mazzarino?
    Yes, it is a responsability, but I feel confident because of my teammates’ committment to our team. That is a good thing because if one of us is having a bad night, there are other players who can lead the team.

    If you defeat Argentina tomorrow, would your goals change?
    Could we book the flight to Beijing? (laughs). No, seriously, we have to take it game by game. We will try to do a good game against Argentina, but in a humble, silent way, as usual.
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  • #2
    He follows up his 26 point, 19 rebound game with 34 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Puerto Rico. This guy should definately get another shot in the NBA.

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